What is Camp Autism Inc?
Camp Autism Inc is about uniting families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We create camps for families coping with family members who have an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The aim of Camp Autism Inc is top provide respite to these families as a family. We hope families will build support networks with other families for mutual support, information sharing, and fellowship.
Our aim is to provide an opportunity for families affected by ASD to have a relaxing weekend away in a supportive environment. A chance to share experiences with like-minded people and have fun doing it in a relaxed setting.
We create an opportunity for ASD families to be a "normal" family. This is a chance for these families to get out and be a family free from the stigmas associated with venturing out in to public places with children with autism. These families will be amongst those who understand.
So come along, relax, enjoy, learn a few things and meet people who understand.
Camp Autism Inc has not forgotten their roots as a Christian Ministry. We are also committed to supporting Christian ASD families. Contact Bryan at Camp Autism for more details.
What we do?
Camp Autism is involved in a range of programs. We have over 25 volunteers around Australia involved in a number of projects. We do not do 'just camps' or holidays. We are also involved in autism awareness, advocacy for families, support groups, the Tap-To-Talk program, conferences, and a host of other activities.
Who are we?
Camp Autism was founded in 2008 by Mary and Bryan West. This is Mary's story:
'My husband and I have two children on the autism spectrum, one at either end. My husband has Asperger's Syndrome as well. We had stopped taking holidays with our kids as it become too much of a concern. We would be more stressed on holidays than at home. We worried our kids would keep others awake. We wondered if other kids would harm or bully them. We felt like we were teachers educating the world about ASD and getting no where fast doing it. So after bemoaning the fact we may never holiday again, I wondered how many other families feel like I do. So I got online and began asking around and it was amazing how many people put their hand up and said they felt exactly the same way. That was the start of Camp Autism.'
Response to Camp Autism has been incredible. We realised we were going to need help. So we have aligned ourselves under the BCC (Burdekin Community Church) banner who have offered us their fantastic venues for our launch and our North QLD camp. We hope to extend our program with more camps across Australia and invite all parents and ASD support group representatives around the country to get in touch so we might collaborate on future Camp Autism weekends.
The launch of Camp Autism took place on the 14th of September 2008. Their first camp took place in February 2009 at Noosa, QLD, Australia. The camp saw 23 families come together from Queensland and New South Wales.
This camp was hailed as a triumphant success by the families who attended. The main reason for this success was an unexpected achievement, which stunned parents and organisers. Children severely challenged in social situations, due to their disorder, came together and interacted on a profound level. The anti-social behaviours of the ASD children failed to manifest. The experience was unexpected and extraordinary.
In 2010, Camp Autism moved out from under the support of BCC, becoming an organisation in its own right. Camp Autism Inc now encompasses a growing orgnaisation covering four states.
Camp Autism Inc has not forgotten their roots as a Christian Ministry. We are also committed to supporting Christian ASD families. Contact Bryan at Camp Autism for more details.