Introduction and News
A Brief Introduction
Camp Encourage offers a quality overnight camp opportunity involving relationship development, recreation, and relaxation and is specifically designed to meet the needs of children and youth with autism, Asperger syndrome, and related pervasive developmental disorders. Sensory supports, visual strategies, direct social instruction, and positive behavioral supports are a few of the many important elements that make Camp Encourage unique.  Traditional camp activities including horseback riding, fishing, swimming, participating in art activities, and singing by the campfire will be a few of the numerous activities available.   Camp Encourage provides an accepting, loving atmosphere and will be well staffed with high quality, well trained counselors, activity facilitators, medical personnel, and behavior specialists.

In 2008, Camp Encourage will target youth ages eight through eighteen.  Younger campers (those that are eight and nine years old) will attend for three days and two nights.  The older campers' experience will be a four day, three evening experience.  Our future hope, however, is to expand camp services to meet the needs of young children through adults.  We are eager to see what the future will bring.

We strongly believe in the power of peers, especially when hoping to enhance the social lives of children on the spectrum. Because of this, another important aspect of
Camp Encourage will be the inclusion of peer models.

Our Mission is to encourage social growth, independence, and self-esteem in youth with autism spectrum disorders through a quality, overnight camp experience located in the greater Kansas City area.

Camp Encourage News

Campers and Peer Models
We are looking forward to meeting the selected campers and peer models in July!  At this point, you should have received all details regarding your time at Camp Encourage.  If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know...


Seeking Peer Models
We still need a few Peer Models, ages thirteen to eighteen.  If interested, please complete a Peer Model Application upon your earliest convenience. 

Volunteer Opportunities
Numerous volunteer roles exist prior to and during camp.  See the appropriate link for further information.  If interested in volunteering during the week of Camp Encourage, we may still have a few available slots.  Simply complete a Volunteer Application and let us know if you have any questions.

Our Logo

As shown above, we proudly (and gratefully) have a logo! Tobias Becker of BirdBox Graphic Design kindly donated his time, heart, and talents to provide Camp Encourage with what we feel is a perfectly fitted masterpiece. His idea behind the design was that encouragement springs forth hope and growth. Aspire-Therapy Solutions, a local company which provides speech-language therapy, academic programming, and behavioral services, also generously assisted in funding our logo. We sincerely appreciate their support of our mission!