KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Summer camp is one of the best things kids look forward to when schools are out, but children with autism sometimes miss out on the fun. Parents say it isn’t easy to find many camps equipped to care for their children, so that’s where Camp Encourage comes in.
They are KCTV 5′s May 3-Degree Guarantee recipient and also need your help to complete their mission.
“They have signs that tell the campers how loved they are,” Leslie Cimino said on the verge of tears. “How supported they are, and how valued they are.”
Cimino had to fight back tears reflecting on how much Camp Encourage had improved her daughter Phoebe’s life.
“Her courage has changed, her willingness to take risks like try the zip line,” Cimino recalled. “And come home to report how brave she was. I have seen Phoebe’s self-awareness skyrocket.”
They’re coming up on year three attending Camp Encourage at the Heartland Center in Parkville. Each session is four days, with 20 different activities for any child on the autism spectrum.
“Having those outdoor experiences where they’re exposed to nature, to mindfulness that comes with being in nature is a huge advantage,” Cimino said.
“We have seen campers go from being non-verbal, non-speaking to flourishing and thriving,” Program Director Aimee Gorrow added. “Participating in all kinds of activities.”
To keep that progress going, KCTV will donate up to $1,550 to Camp Encourage for our May 3-Degree Guarantee. You can also help make summer special for these children by donating.
“We purchase stem-activities and musical activities, arts and crafts activities,” Gorrow explained. “So, any dollars raised could go towards the purchase of that. We provide daily snacks for our campers. The meals, we pay for them.”
More volunteers are still needed for this summer, click here to learn how to sign up.
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