Summer 2025 Camps
Sense-ational Endeavors (for children on the autism spectrum)—$145
Monday–Friday, July 7–18
- Session 1 (ages 4-8): 9:30 a.m.–noon - Camp Full
- Session 2 (ages 9-15): 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Addisyn McGregor
Sensory integration is an important tool in facilitating learning and sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders. The use of a combination of sensory experiences, including touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and bodily movement, promotes learning in new and exciting ways. This camp provides sensory activities that allow children with disabilities to explore, engage, and create using their six senses. Each day will be themed with structured activities providing a variety of sensory experiences, including physical movement, arts and music, and social skill development. Activities will be modifiable for each child and their abilities, skills, and strengths. With Sense-ational Endeavors, children can traverse old barriers in a comfortable environment while finding new opportunities for mastery, success, and fun! A presentation about sensory integration will be offered to families and caregivers on Friday, July 18, during camp.
Benefits for Campers
- Engage in physical activity and exercise tailored to their ability.
- Achieve mastery and success in a comfortable environment.
- Have fun while engaging in recreational activities and therapeutic programs.
- Be provided opportunities to interact with other campers, develop friendships, and build meaningful relationships.
Benefits for Families/Caregivers
Families and caregivers will find comfort leaving their loved one with the camp’s professionally trained staff. Families can now provide all siblings with a camp experience appropriate for each child’s strengths and abilities. Families and caregivers will see their child achieve mastery and success in a variety of activities.
Topics Include the following:
- Kinesthetic Learning: Improving strength, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness through guided body movement.
- Sensory Activities: Exploration of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile stimulation in a specially designed sensory room staffed by trained professionals in sensory integration therapy.
- Music Therapy: Activities based in music to explore emotions, increase communication, and enhance creativity.
- Life Skills, Social Skills, and Cognition: Discovering creative and fun ways to increase independence and social interaction in everyday tasks.
- Art Therapy: Tapping into creativity and encouraging freedom of expression through art activities.
- Parents/Caregiver Presentation: A special presentation about the disability sensory integration will be presented to families and caregivers on July 15. We encourage all families and caregivers to attend.
Addisyn McGregor is a special education teacher. She earned her B.S. in special education and M.S. in curriculum of instruction with a minor in education and policy studies from Penn State. Addisyn utilizes a wide range of activity-based interventions and techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of children with disabilities. During the camp sessions, she will be assisted by Penn State Altoona nursing students and Saint Francis occupational therapist students. Family members or caregivers are encouraged to stay for the program.
Scholarship applications can be submitted online. Scholarship money is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships are made possible through the support of Investment Savings Bank and Encompass Health.