The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning is excited to announce an innovative new camp experience for campers with autism.
During the summer of 2014, The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning will be offering a transitional program for teens and young adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The Life TREX program requires campers to actively engage in the transitional process throughout the course of a 4-week residential, outdoor educational experience. This innovative experience encourages campers to engage in new behaviors and skills which are targeted to improve independent living, social, and vocational functioning, in a supportive environment.
The program will serve 12 campers between the ages of 14 and 24. To qualify for participation, applicants must meet the following criteria:
(a) confirmed diagnosis of ASD; (b) able to self-ambulate; (c) able to alert program staff to individual needs; (d) able to refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to oneself and/or others, including, but not limited to, aggressive, self-abusive, and truant tendencies; (e) able to complete activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, toileting, cleaning, and dressing, with prompting and/or minimal assistance; and (f) able to make choices.
The transitional program's structure emphasizes the development and reinforcement of specific functional domains each week. Skill topics are introduced each week and built upon as the program progresses. Such topics include: communication, social functioning, independent living, budgeting, menu planning, organizational skills and problem-solving.
While on a wilderness trip planned by campers, the developmental process continues as the program shifts focus to vocational interests, skills and abilities. During the final week of the program, campers apply for a position within the camp, complete an interview, and partake in a supported work experience in one of six vocational areas.
Life TREX Participation Timeline: January 1, 2014: Applications Available February 15, 2014: Application Deadline April 1: Program Acceptance Letters May-June: Parental Interviews / Initial Assessment July 20-August 20: Life TREX Program September-October: Post Program Assessments
Please refer to our brochure for additional information on the
Life TREX program. We ask that parents and guardians interested in applying to the Life TREX program for their child contact the main office at 989-673-2050 and provide contact information so that we may send an application to you.
We are hopeful this program can benefit your child and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kyle L. Middleton, CTRS
Executive Director
The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning
Michelle Bitgood
Life TREX Program Coordinator
