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 spectrum disorders. Key components that make Camp Encourage unique include but are not limited to:
  • direct social instruction
  • sensory supports
  • visual strategies
  • positive behavioral supports
  • the involvement of graduate and doctoral students
  • peer models
  • ropes course and/or zipline
  • traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, archery, fishing, swimming, hayride, participating in art activities, and singing by the campfire
  • activities tailored around the individual campers' interests (past offerings have included lego construction, theater / drama, knitting, yoga, Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments, Star Wars trivia, and more)
Camp Encourage provides an accepting, loving atmosphere and is well staffed with high quality, well trained counselors, activity facilitators, medical personnel, and behavior specialists.

In the summer of 2008, Camp Encourage launched its initial session, targeting youth ages eight through eighteen.  Our second and third year will focus on the same ages and 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.


To Reach Us
Camp Encourage
Post Office Box 10433
Kansas City, Missouri  64171
816.830.7171
camp.encourage@sbcglobal.net



Camp Encourage News

Camper Interest Forms, Peer Model Applications, and Volunteer Applications Now Available
January 2010
If interested in attending Camp Encourage as a camper, peer model, or volunteer, please complete the appropriate form/s below:
Further information on each role can be accessed by clicking the appropriate link.  For assistance viewing the documents, you may need to download Adobe Reader.  Camp is scheduled to take place JULY 28th through 31st. 

Top Service Provider Team
November 2009
Supporters, volunteers, and campers participated in the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Kansas City and proudly earned the award for Top Service Provider Team.  A huge thanks to our team of thirty-eight individuals that raised $1995 for the cause. 

Looking forward to 2010!
September 2009
Camp Encourage 2010 is scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 28th through Saturday, July 31st. 

2009: Another amazing week!
August 2009
Our second session of Camp Encourage was held during the last week of July and could not have been made feasible without the support of our amazing volunteers and community supports.  Click here to read feedback from parents, peer models, campers, and volunteers.

$15,000 Provided in Scholarships
July 2009
Scholarship funding was available to support campers and peers attending Camp Encourage in need of financial support.  Providing roughly $15,000, we are extremely proud that no camper was turned away due to financial need.



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.