Leonardtown, MD- St. Mary’s County is now accepting registrations for two therapeutic summer camps for children with special needs. Camp Inspire is a four-week day camp geared toward children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. New Horizons Camp is a five-week day camp for children with a variety of disabilities.
Camp Inspire is intended to develop your child’s strengths and hidden abilities. The camp offers a wide variety of activities and field trips twice a week. Christina Bishop, Therapeutic/Leisure coordinator for St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks explained, “Last year we went to the Great Mills swimming pool, the gymnastics center and Gilbert Run Park to name a few.” Staff members provide a unique program of recreational activities and academic and social development. Some of those activities will include occupational therapy, art therapy and social stories.
“Most of the staff members are autism specialists, they’re highly skilled with a lot of experience.” Bishop said. “As soon as registrations are received, the directors start reading about the campers so they’re prepared for the children they’ll be working with. The staff will also prep for camp the week before and learn about the children in their class.” Parents will be able to grant permission for the camp to have access to their child’s IEP or 504 plans from St. Mary’s County Public Schools to help provide more information about their child.