CAMP ROYALL
SUMMER PROGRAM 2014
CAMP CHRONICLE www.camproyall.org • 1
Table of Contents Letter from the Director.......................................3 Camper Highlight: Robert Schleicher...................4 An Extra Layer of Happiness.................................6 Volunteer Highlight: Al Bugg................................9 Generous Volunteer Brings and Finds Joy..........10 Program Highlight: Horseback Riding.................13 Staff Highlight: Brieanne Tarnowsky and Kaitlyn Barbour..............................................3 Donor Highlights: Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund and Ronald McDonald House Charities..................................................16 2014 Summer Camp Staff...................................18 2014 Summer Camp Volunteers.........................19 You Can Help......................................................20 2014 Scholarship Donors....................................21 Camp Royall Wish List.........................................24 Year-Round Camp Opportunities........................25
CAMP CHRONICLE The Camp Chronicle is published by the Autism Society of North Carolina for campers, parents, supporters and the counselors and professionals who work with Campy Royall. Content: Sara Gage and Lesley Fraser Photographer: Cassie Ball, Wykia Macon, and Louiza Hamidi Editor: Amy Seeley Graphic Designer: Erika Chapman
505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230 • Raleigh, NC 27605-1345 (919) 743-0204 • (800) 442-2762 • Fax: (919) 743-0208 www.autismsociety-nc.org
For more information, contact: Sara Gage | Camp Royall 250 Bill Ash Road, Moncure, NC 27559 P (919) 542-1033 | F (919) 542-6343 sgage@autismsociety-nc.org www.camproyall.org
Letter from the Director Dear Campers, Families, and Friends of Camp, We are excited to bring you this year’s Camp Chronicle so you can take a look at the amazing summer we had here at Camp Royall. We completed our 43rd season of summer camping – the 18th at Camp Royall – as well as our fifth successful year of year-round programming. It is certainly my pleasure to watch Camp Royall thrive and grow from year to year. It’s incredible, really, to see how much we have achieved in the past five years with the development of so many year-round programs. One of my favorite parts about camp is seeing campers come back from year to year and witnessing how they have changed and grown. It is priceless. We feel the same way about our wonderful staff members; it is a great joy to see them grow as professionals and journey off into our field of work, getting their start here at camp. Lesley Fraser, Camp Royall Assistant Director, took charge of all programs and administration while I was away on maternity leave this spring and summer with my brand-new baby girl. I am obviously a bit biased, but I think she did quite an amazing job and am so grateful she was here to support me during this time of transition. Even more importantly, she did a fantastic job maintaining all of our programs and being a support to families, campers, and staff. I am very pleased to be back to work full-time now and am enjoying my new job and life as a mommy very much, too! Please take a look through the pages of this magazine and spend some time engrossed in the memories of summer 2014. I hope you enjoy the look back as much as we do. We were able to serve 350 campers ages 4-66 from 52 counties across the great state of North Carolina. I think it is a testament to what we do here at camp that folks come from all across the state to spend time at our programs. We wish we had the resources and space to serve every camper we know, every summer. This summer, more than 60 staff members traveled to camp from all over the country – and even as far as the United Kingdom, Germany, Puerto Rico, and Bolivia. We love the individuals who make up our summer staff. They are truly a dedicated and motivated group of young people. They go out of their way to make every experience meaningful and memorable for our campers, and for that, we are very grateful. I hope that this letter finds you well and that you had a great summer, too. Please take notice of our year-round programs on page 25 or visit our website, www.camproyall.org, because we have fun ways to get involved at camp all year long! With much “Enthuuuuusiasm,”
Sara Gage www.camproyall.org • 3
Camper Highlight:
Robert Schleicher
A week of summer camp can be a new and daunting experience for any camper. Fortunately for the campers of Camp Royall, we have Mini-Camp weekends all year long that can help them get ready for their first big week away from home. Such was the case for Robert Schleicher, 13. His family found Camp Royall this past spring when bringing another friend’s child to camp. They discovered that Camp Royall had a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that could meet Robert’s needs and might be a great option for their own son. Robert was able to attend two Mini-Camps this spring and enjoyed his time learning the ropes. His family, in the meantime, got him signed up for a full week at summer camp as well. Robert fell in love with Camp Royall and had a great time exploring and enjoying all that camp has to offer. His counselor, Cat Picou, could tell that he felt at home. “From the moment Robert ran through the doors in the gym the first day, I could already sense his comfort with Camp Royall!” Robert’s counselors from Mini-Camp had shared information about him with the summer counselors, said his mother, Lori. She loved that some of the summer counselors had even met Robert at the Mini-Camps and were excited to see him again. They genuinely love what they do at Camp Royall, Lori said, and the one-on-one attention allows them to tailor daily activities to each child’s need. “Robert doesn’t like arts and crafts, but at Camp Royall, his counselor Cat said he loved arts and crafts because he was able to do it out on the porch in an environment that he liked. He was given structure and support he needed to be successful, and when he is successful, he is happy. To see Robert be happy and proud was wonderful.” Cat also shared that she enjoyed seeing Robert’s happiness. “It was so exciting for me as a counselor to see the love that he had for camp and to watch this love grow even more during his first full week at summer camp,” Cat said. “Although Robert could not verbally tell me this, he was able to show me. From sprinting down the gravel towards the pool with me following behind him, to squealing with delight every time he soared through the air on the tire swings, I could tell he had found his home away from home at camp.” g
4 • Camp Cronicle 2014
My son ha s attended Camp Roy four times all , and each ti me he seems to e njoy it mo re. It feels great know ing that yo ur child will be care d for and c a red about while awa y from hom e . The sense of relief I’v e experien ced during those five days was im measurab But the sm le. ile on my s o n ’s face when he m entions Ca mp Royall the bigges is t reward fo r our entire family. – Lynn, Pa
rent (Charl
otte)
www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 5
An Extra Layer of Happiness This summer brought three awesome teenage boys to camp for the first time. These three boys, Sam Riester, 19; Robbie Mayer, 16; and Jake Hudson, 18, are particularly special because they all live together in a group home in Raleigh, run by Living With Autism Inc. The nonprofit organization and group home were set up in 2011 by Sam’s mom, Hannah. “I started this group home for Sam because there was no placement for him after leaving the Murdoch Center and coming back home was not an option.” Hannah asked the staff at the Murdoch Center to suggest two more boys who were in the same position as Sam, and Robbie and Jake moved in with Sam very quickly after that. “The group home is a dream come true for our son and our family,” Hannah said. The boys’ families and the group home staff decided this was the year to send them to camp for the first time. Hannah told us, “I was very hesitant about camp for Sam. The last time I dropped Sam off somewhere was the worst day of my life. I had to leave him at the Murdoch Center for three years at the age of 12. He was scared and felt abandoned. Sam and I were inseparable. Sam is older now and deserved to have a new experience. There is not one other place on earth, other than Camp Royall, that I would have entrusted my son.” When the boys arrived at camp, it was clear they were a little nervous and apprehensive, not quite sure what to expect from this new place. The staff who dropped them off were probably feeling that way, too! But their counselors got to know them very quickly and were able to make sure they had a smooth transition. The three boys are very different, which made it even cooler to see how close they are and how they looked out for each other throughout the week. Robbie’s favorite parts of camp included the gym – he is an awesome basketball player – singing, dancing, and the pool, of course! Robbie’s counselor, Base, a second-year counselor from Germany, talks about Robbie as a kind, happy, and fun guy whose good mood was absolutely contagious. “Every day it was clear that Robbie felt more and more comfortable and confident at camp. He communicated more each day.” Robbie’s mom, Kathy, told us that Robbie loves sports and being outdoors, so Camp Royall provided him with the perfect environment to meet his needs. “This speaks volumes, because it is so hard to engage him in activities other 6 • Camp Cronicle 2014
than his most ‘preferred activities,’” Kathy stated. “I got such enjoyment seeing him and the boys engage in typical boy play. I know that sounds trivial, but the reality is our kids do not engage in typical play, so to see them engaging in water play was amazing!” Sam tried a lot of new activities while at camp, including boating, hiking, and horseback riding. Cassie was Sam’s counselor, and this was her fifth summer at camp. Cassie was in one of our Program Leader positions this summer but was able to spend one week as a counselor. “My week with Sam was the best week of my entire summer! I had so much fun sharing his awesome first experience at camp, especially watching him discover his favorite activities. As the week went on, we developed a sort of communication and understanding between us that was all our own. It was very apparent that Sam felt more and more at ease each day, and his comfort level with unfamiliar activities increased exponentially each time he gave a new one a shot. The minute Sam pulled away from camp, I already missed him.” Sam’s mom, Hannah, talked about the joy she felt when she picked Sam up. “He was over the moon to see us, but it was obvious he had made friends with fellow campers and had developed a unique relationship with Cassie.” Sam strung a beautiful necklace at the talent show before leaving. Hannah called it “a perfect week.” Each day at camp, Jake could not wait to go boating. He also loved swimming multiple times a day and really enjoyed the X-Wave at the playground. Jake was often singing and dancing; the Disney Prom Night was definitely one of his favorite events. Spencer, a third-year counselor, got to hang out with Jake for his week at camp and said he loved getting to know Jake and learning his way of communicating. Spencer said he was always amazed by Jake’s kindness and his respect for others. Jake’s mom, Heidi, talked of Camp Royall as a place “where smiles replace stares, understanding is fostered, and awareness is promoted. Camp Royall ensures an environment of genuine acceptance of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
Be g o swe od, beh et av into and don e, be any misc ’t get hief. [Mic h ael]
Cathy Newton, the manager at the group home where Sam, Robbie, and Jake live, has a unique relationship with them, having worked with each of them for a long time. She said: “The thing about Camp Royall that stood out for me was going into camp they had each other for the security, but through the week, they realized they didn’t need the extra security because the staff made them feel secure in such a short period of time (which is rare and huge for people with autism).” Cathy added that “they all came out of camp a little more mature, independent, and you can just see more self-awareness in them at home and in the community. They have an extra layer of happiness.” We loved having Sam, Robbie, and Jake with us at camp this summer and will really enjoy seeing them return for Family Fun Days throughout the year. Coming to camp for the first time is a really special thing for any individual, no matter their age, and we feel pretty lucky that we got to be a part of that experience with Sam, Robbie, and Jake. Our fingers are crossed that we get to spend another week with them next summer! g www.camproyall.org • 7
d’ est frien ‘b t s r fi ted. has his ver wan My son e s a h e all h true which is with his k e e w ga clusion Spendin g the in n li e e f d zing an ama peers an s a w e c ical eptan in a typ is e H and acc . him nce for alone experie els very e f t u b ha m was wit e classroo h k e e This w usually. iends. f true fr o p u o r g ry) , Parent
en – Kathle
8 • Camp Cronicle 2014
(Ca
volunteer Highlight:
Al Bugg
Extremely enthusiastic doesn’t even begin to describe Al Bugg. If you have ever met Al, you know what we mean. He wears a smile larger than life, and he has enough energy for a whole busload of volunteers. Al gives his time at Camp Royall freely all year long, but during the summer, he comes every day. He has important jobs that help our summer camp program run smoothly. He tends to our garden, assists with activities, does maintenance, and teaches Zumba. Al also provides a morale boost for all of those he comes in contact with. Al will tell you that camp is a happy and welcoming place. “This place is my second home. The staff and campers are always wonderful at camp. I have been a volunteer for two summers at camp, and I am the assistant activity director. My favorite part of the summer was teaching Zumba for the first time at camp to the staff and campers.” Outside of summer, Al is a regular at our Adult Retreats, and his enthusiasm spills over into this activity as well. He says that his favorite part of retreat weekends are “hanging out with the other adults, doing the campfire, and sometimes pulling pranks and scaring Lesley.” (Al is known to be a bit of jokester around camp, always having a funny story, joke or a prank to play on the staff members.) Al says that the adult retreats are a good way to make new friends and be independent. Al is a constant source of positive energy and a true camp cheerleader. He finds and brings joy wherever he goes, and we are so grateful for all of his hard work. g
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www.camproyall.org • 9
Generous Volunteer Brings and Finds Joy Many years ago, Tim Raczniak spent a day taking care of an acquaintance’s son. The man was getting married, and his teen son with Autism Spectrum Disorder needed supervision during the wedding. That experience “left a mark” on him, Raczniak said. The Cary resident already had dedicated his career to serving others, working for pharmaceutical companies in nonclinical testing of drugs. He also mentored students working with him in his laboratory, helping them as they applied to medical schools. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” he said. “I think it’s part of my personality.” But Raczniak’s day with the young man planted a seed. “In the back of my mind, I said, someday I want to devote my energy to helping others in a different way.” So when he retired, Raczniak, 67, looked for a new opportunity. He found one with the Autism Society of North Carolina and Camp Royall. Last fall and spring, Raczniak spent two afternoons a week at camp, volunteering with the afterschool program. During the traditional school year, trained staff members supervise children in small groups of one staff member per three participants. The kids take part in outdoor activities, homework time, group games, and gym play. Raczniak said working with the children was a wonderful experience. He bonded with one child in particular, a 4-year-old boy who was mostly nonverbal. Raczniak said he could see a difference in the child as the year went on and he became more outgoing. “It was amazing, just the interaction that I had with him,” Raczniak said. “He brought me a lot of joy. And I think I brought him joy, too.” Director Sara Gage said Raczniak’s love for the children and desire to serve others shone through as he volunteered in the afterschool program and more recently during summer camp. “He is dedicated to our campers and goes out of his way to make camp a better place. He will do whatever job we ask him to, from preparing arts and crafts, to cleaning, to helping with campers and activities.” Raczniak also exhibited his generosity in tangible ways, Gage said. “He never shows up at camp empty-handed and is so attentive to our needs. If he sees a supply is low around camp, he shows up with a trunk full of those supplies and more so that our campers do not go without. We are so grateful.” For his part, Raczniak said he was proud to be part of Camp Royall, where children with autism are able to come and be themselves, no different from those around them. “I was amazed this summer – there’s basically one counselor for almost every one camper,” he said. “It’s that one-to-one interaction that really makes a difference for these kids.” g 10 • Camp Cronicle 2014
I am a rea lly organiz ed person and I appre , ciate SO m uch how organized and thoro ugh the people an d processe s are arou Camp Roy nd all. It seem s that noth is left to ch ing ance. I con tinue to be impressed with every interaction And I love . the daily n otes. I kee them and p treasure th em. Nightl contact wit y h the coun selor is a great way to be assu red all is w even thou ell, gh half the time, my s was too bu on sy having fu n to come to the pho ne himself !
– Stacy, Pa
rent (Harr
isburg)
www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 11
The ch all such u enges of wo rkin niq the mo ue individua g with ls st and I w beautiful of result in reward ould’v en s, that if it were ever discov ered n’t for … I’m t Camp ruly gr R o a yall. teful fo summ er rt more p of my life. Al he best so, on er a the co sonal note, I feel li mmun k i c e a 17-yea r-old c tion with my ous got WA Y BETT in with autis ER afte m from c r I retu amp. I r c n an’t de what i ed tw fin feel so as that chan e just ge m we we uch closer to d, but I re h thanks kind of close er, even if ! before . So – Laura
12 12 •• Camp Camp Cronicle Cronicle2014 2014
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PRoGRAM Highlight:
Horseback Riding
We were very fortunate to gain a new member of the Camp Royall extended family this year: our horseback riding partner, The Sensible Horse. This wonderful company, located nearby in Pittsboro, brought horses to camp two times every week so that all of our campers had an opportunity to ride. We cannot say enough about Kristina Berly, Marilyn Hanson, and the amazing volunteers from the Chatham County Low Riders, a local 4-H group that came with them each week. Organized, reliable, super-helpful, enthusiastic, proactive, and thoughtful are just a few words that describe them. They were so invested in making riding accessible to everyone at camp, whether that meant giving a camper 20 minutes to try to get on a horse or making it possible for a camper to get close enough just to look at it or pet it. They understood our campers and their need to do things on their own terms. “We enjoyed coming every week and being a part of the camp,” Kristina said. “It is a very special place, and we felt very fortunate to be a part of it this summer. To see the transformation when the campers climbed onto the horses, reminded me of the true magic that horses can do for people.” The Sensible Horse provides equine-centered exercises for individuals with sensory-integration issues and those on the autism spectrum. The program aims to encourage appropriate social and behavioral interactions with peers, instructors, and horses; to improve core strength, balance, and fine and gross motor skills; to improve sensory modulation and behavioral regulation; and to increase self-confidence and self-esteem. We are very grateful to The Sensible Horse for their generosity in giving us a sustainable rate to provide horseback riding for our campers. It was truly a gift to us to see how much they cared for our campers and really reveled in the triumphs that each camper made. It felt as if it meant just as much to them as it did to our campers and staff. They made a real and true connection, and we are so grateful for their service. g
www.camproyall.org • 13
Staff Highlight:
BrieAnne Tarnowsky & Kaitlyn Barbour Camp Royall is full of many wonderful people who make camp the unique and special place that it is. We take great pride in our staff, and we work very hard to train them and challenge them to grow while they are here. We are invested in their learning and their development into professionals as they progress in their careers. We see our staff members go on to be leaders in their fields of work as they leave camp. Two of this summer’s dynamic staff members have gone back to their universities and are continuing to make an impact for the autism community. BrieAnne Tarnowsky, a junior at UNC-Greensboro, and Kaitlyn Barbour, a junior at NC State University, have both signed on to lead ASNC’s new campus chapters at their respective schools. ASNC is collaborating with students to create these chapters of our organization on college campuses across North Carolina. The chapters are meant to be a resource to their communities and a professional development opportunity for students as they learn more about autism and serve the community. Kaitlyn’s time at camp inspired her to help increase autism awareness. “Camp Royall is and always will be a special place to me,” she said. “I met so many wonderful people there, and I felt it was important to share those experiences with others at my school. That is why I was so excited to start the campus chapter at NC State. I have the ability to share with others how awesome it is to spend time with people with autism and how much you learn about both autism and yourself.” Kaitlyn also said she was excited that the campus chapter would give students opportunities to help families in the autism community around them. BrieAnne has always had a passion for working with people with autism, and her experience at Camp Royall – “the best place on Earth” – this summer helped to cement her career plans and motivated her to get even more involved in the autism community. “I have been volunteering with individuals that have autism since I was in sixth grade, but no experience can compare to the one I had this summer,” BrieAnne said. “Coming into camp I was worried, nervous, and very shy. I had never been away from home, and I had never worked with 14 • Camp Cronicle 2014
an individual with autism for more than a couple of hours. As the first week at camp passed, I became less shy and started to get excited for the first week of campers!” “My first camper was Juley, and I will never forget her,” BrieAnne said. “She showed me how to be unique, to be yourself, and to always have fun.” BrieAnne said camp was a place she could be herself and do what she loved without being judged. “Camp Royall wasn’t just a place for me to work; it was a place where I made a new family and great memories with campers!”
“I would not have started this chapter if I had not gone to camp this summer,” BrieAnne said. “Camp Royall helped me get out of my comfort zone and showed me what I am capable of. I am excited for all of our chapter events, and I am extremely excited to go back to camp! Good thing they have Mini Camps!”
The best p art about camp for m is actually e a spectrum of things, ranging fro m camp so ngs and brownie n ight, to th e celebrati of individu on ality, creati v it y , ideas, and enthu siasm, and the enduri relationsh ng ips I’ve ma de with th other staff e , the camp ers, and th families. T eir he worst p art about summer c amp is tha t it only la 10 weeks. sts
We look forward to seeing the amazing things these two young women will do with their campus chapters! g
– Lilliann V igil, Activit y Director (Florida)
When she decided to start an ASNC Campus Chapter at UNCG, she recruited 15 members within two weeks. The group plans to host family fun days, movie nights, and a Polar Plunge for Autism fundraiser in January.
This to m place is e. n The It ’s beau ice floor , the tiful. gym. [C amp e
r]
www.camproyall.org • 15
nging life-cha a n d for e e b pers an It has m a c y m week, nce for get this r o experie f r e v e ither. . I will n won’t e y me, too e h t e positiv en e not ev r and I am e w e e left, w ey were When w efore th b e t a g camp ck next ld go ba past the u o c y e e if th again. asking m rks out o w it y ra year. I p nville) ee rent (Gr
er, Pa – Jennif
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina One of our campers’ favorite parts of Camp Royall is the Snoezelen multisensory room – they often ask to go several times a day! The word “Snoezelen” is a contraction of two Dutch words meaning “to seek out or explore” and “to relax.” This calming space, filled with a bubble tube, a therapeutic rocking chair, a fiber-optic light spray, specialized cushions, and more, allows our campers to exercise choice while gently stimulating their primary senses.
“When I go to the sensory room, my brain feels cool. It says, ‘Awesome! Awesome!’,” said one camper. The Snoezelen room, opened in 2011, was made possible through two grants from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of North Carolina. This year, we were able to make updates to the room because RMHC awarded another grant of $9,805. 16 • Camp Cronicle 2014
Camp Director Sara Gage said, “Our campers often face unique sensory challenges, and this room provides them a bit of relief from those challenges. It is a multidimensional space that can be personalized to each individual, so I think everyone can customize it to meet their preferences or needs and help regulate their sensory systems.” When our campers are calm and focused, they are able to learn new skills in self-help and socialization, and they feel more confident. The grant also allowed Camp Royall to purchase iPads for campers to use. Research shows that iPads can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism and can be customized to each person’s unique communication and education needs. The integration of iPad technology into our camp programing will truly help open doors to communication, social interaction, and greater skill development for many of our campers. Since 2006, RMHC has generously contributed $34,670 to Camp Royall. We thank them! g
Donor Highlight:
The Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund Camp Royall is a very special place that meets the unique needs of our wonderful campers. Each summer, dozens of staff members and volunteers work together to give hundreds of children and adults their best summer ever. But of course none of this would be possible without the financial backing of our generous donors, many of whom have stepped up year after year. One such donor is The Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund, which has given $19,600 over the past five years so that campers in need could experience the magic of Camp Royall. The Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund has served children since 2009 in the 30-county area of North and South Carolina where The Charlotte Observer has its readership. “The vast majority of funding comes from Charlotte Observer readers who are moved to contribute by our spring/summer series of stories on the impact of camp on a child,” said Debbie Abels, Governing Board Secretary as well as President and Publisher of The (Rock Hill) Herald. Organizations and foundations also support the Fund, which aims to help children develop a love of the outdoors that respects and values the environment; encourage continued learning through the summer; and provide new experiences and relationships to expand a child’s vision of what could be, Abels said. “Camp Royall has a great track record with us, and our site visits have confirmed the excellence of your camp,” she added. This year, The Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund gave $6,800 for four full scholarships. Because of Camp Royall’s unique structure and highly trained counselors who work one-on-one with campers, it costs $1,700 for each camper to attend for one week. Courtney Meyer, 19, received one of the Fund scholarships this year. Courtney said “the structure” is one of her favorite things about Camp Royall. Courtney was so fortunate to have the opportunity to attend, her mother said. “The beautiful thing about Camp Royall is that there’s something for everybody,” Suzanne Meyer said. “They really encourage that spirit that the kids have. It’s really hard for the parent of an autistic child to say you have to conform to society’s (expectations). At camp, you are who you are, and that’s awesome.” g
www.camproyall.org • 17
2014 Staff Program Director: Sara Gage [18] Assistant Program Director: Lesley Fraser [7] ASNC Property Manager: David Yell [23] Administrative Assistant: Cindy Lodestro
Program Leaders: Wykia Macon [5] Cassie Ball [5] Louiza Hamidi [5] Facility Staff: Lawson Whitaker [17] Brenda Howell [15] James Walsh [15] Ricky Sampson [10] Crystal Perry [9] Randy Keck [7] Linda Burgess [6] Ed Wolfram [5] Robin Griffith [4] Steve Kennedy [2] Brian Foard Cody Norris 18 • Camp Cronicle 2014
Activity Directors: Will Murray [5] Jenna Vescio [4] Julie Lotz [4] Emma Sullivan [4] Michelle Scatamacchia [3] Lilliann Vigil [3] Anders Orn [3] Kendyl Cole [3] Emily Piper [3] David Shin [3] Counselors/Lifeguards: Kaity Longo [4] Logan Campbell [3] Hannah Owens [3] Spencer Rubin [3] Casey Greer [2] Kory Morgan [2] Kaitlyn Barbour [2] Adrienne Sutton [2] Isabelle Carson Dewitt [2] Lauren Welch [2] Rhiannon Grabus [2] Olivia Boorom [2] Catherine Picou [2] Erin Kerr [2] Kristian Page [2] Sebastian Fader [2] Anna Morgan [2] Augaly Kiedi [2] Chris Murray Anna Keeter Julia Scarpellino Graham Johnson Justene Martin Katie Jones Bridget Walz
Matheus Barrenechea Cristhian Bravo Keren Rosario Ali Faraz Kim Rubish JJ Armstrong Jasmine Gray Laura Belmar Olivia Kowalewski Sarah Glick Colleen Hait Juliana Jarrett Morales Lyndsey Cross Khloe Mossman Steph Miller BrieAnne Tarnowsky Lana Nye Jada Linnen Taylor Evans Hannah Hribar Job Coaches/Volunteer Coordinators: Mark Smith [7] Emmalee Decker [4] Nurses: Terry Bynum [7] Tina Harris [4] Tracey King [3] Kim Sabbagh [3] Cynthia Macalino [ ] indicates number of summers on staff
traveling from I was nervous North Carolina Connecticut to r, p this summe to work at cam y have traded m but I wouldn’t p r anything. Cam experience fo my lutely changed Royall has abso er. life for the bett ard
llino, Lifegu – Julia Scarpe (Connecticut)
www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 19
20 20 •• Camp Camp Cronicle Cronicle2014 2014
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orale Jarrett-M – Juliana arolina) (North C
2014 Volunteers Extraordinary Volunteers: We want to recognize those who so generously gave of their time to support us through many tireless hours of volunteer work. Your dedication and support were inspirational and very much appreciated! Ricordo Thorpe [2] Al Bugg [2] Judy Simmons [2] Tim Raczniak [2] Jeremiah Macalino [2] Kate Branch [2] Liz Greer [2] Addy Miller [2] Mark Sudol Kevin Olin Joey Tunney Joe VanOlinda Myiesha Alston Eliza Granger Jonas Gage Lori Verma Denise Dixon Shauna Yates
Katie Driggs David West Tatiana Martinez The Yell Family: Leslie Ann, Caroline, Tessa & Drew Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux (KOFL) Chatham County Fire Marshal Pittsboro Fire Department Mike Graves Michelle Chinn Cannon Maureen Morrell Kate Kennedy Warren Croom Scott Lambeth ASNC Autism Resource Specialists ASNC Raleigh Administrative Staff
Trainers and Consultants: We are extremely grateful to those folks from ASNC and various parts of the autism community who gave their time and expertise to educate us and guide us throughout the summer so that we might serve our campers with the highest level of care possible. Kate Sugg Beth Reynolds Kelli Ussery Katie Brady Joanie Winter Jailee Hollars
Tara Regan Carolyn Penn Mark Smith Louise Southern Leica Anzaldo Linda King-Thomas, DTA www.camproyall.org • 21
You Can Help How Does ASNC’s Camp Royall Change Lives? Camp Royall is accredited by the American Camp Association and is the oldest and largest camp program for individuals of all ages with autism in the world, serving more than 1,600 individuals with autism and their families a year. Camp experiences provide an opportunity for exploration, for making friends, for trying new and exciting activities, and a time for personal growth in independence and confidence. As a result, campers return home with skills once thought unattainable by their families and the ability to make a friend and be a friend. They return to school with stories of their summer camp experience, just like other students in their class.
What Are Camp Royall’s Needs? Camp Scholarships: Providing summer camp scholarships to campers each summer is the most critical need. Due to the additional financial demands of caring for a child with autism, most families are unable to afford the $1,700 cost per week for their child to attend camp and receive the benefits of a week with specialized staff. Fundraising for camp scholarships is a year-round focus. Each year we raise close to $140,000, but it is not enough to help each family in need. Program/Facility Donations: Providing program supplies and maintaining a 133-acre facility is expensive. In-kind and financial donations help offset these costs. Current needs include: $26,000 for a camp van to assist with camper transportation for year-round programs and community trips, $9,000 to replace the hayride wagon to continue this enjoyable activity for campers, $6,000 to provide ceiling fans in the dining hall and cabins to improve efficiency and temperature control and reduce electrical costs, and 22 • Camp Cronicle 2014
$2,100 to install TV/DVD players in each cabin, which are used for various activities for all camp programs. Planning for Our Future: As we look to the future and the growing number of children and families who depend on our services, we must expand the number of campers we are able to serve each week by providing additional sleeping facilities. We are currently assessing the costs and looking at fundraising opportunities for the future.
How Can You Help? More than 89% of every dollar we raise is used for services that directly affect people with autism, and every dollar raised stays within North Carolina, helping people who live and work in our local communities. Contact Kristy White to discuss partnership opportunities that include individual gifts, named scholarships, planned giving, connections to corporations or foundations, and other opportunities to get involved. A mom recently shared, “Words cannot express what a wonderful experience Camp Royall was for our daughter and our family! We were amazed at how much she blossomed with the opportunity. In addition to the fact that she had a wonderful time and felt like she could truly be herself at all times, she conquered a lot of fears. Kaitlyn came home with a lot of pride in her newfound bravery, and we are quite proud of her as well!” We are excited about what is happening today as a result of our efforts. We’re even more excited about what can happen with your help. Contact Information Kristy White, Director of Development 505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230 | Raleigh, NC 27605 919-865-5086 | kwhite@autismsociety-nc.org
Many thanks to our Camp Royall donors.
The support of the following individuals, businesses, and foundations helped the Autism Society of North Carolina provide more than $255,000 in funding for camp scholarships and programming during summer 2014.
$50,000.00 + The Cannon Foundation, Inc.
$5,000-$9,999 BB&T Foundation Charlotte Observer/ Summer Camp Fund Credit Suisse The Pratt Family Foundation, Inc. Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina, Inc. Carol and Doug Fink
$2,500-$4,999 ASNC Onslow County Chapter ASNC Wake County Chapter AT&T North Carolina Community Foundation of Gaston County (Roberts-Miller Children’s Fund) Craven County Community Foundation The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, Inc. Premiere Communications & Consulting, Inc. Pfizer, Inc Elizabeth and Chris Norton John Sears Denise and Stephen Vanderwoude
$1,000-$2,499 Acorn-Alcinda Foundation ASNC Davie County Chapter ASNC Davidson County Chapter ASNC Guilford County Chapter ASNC Iredell County Chapter ASNC Johnston County Chapter ASNC Montgomery/Stanly County Chapter ASNC Orange/Chatham County Chapter ASNC Pitt County Chapter ASNC Richmond County Chapter Baptist Grove Church The Eisner Charitable Fund, Inc. FirstGiving Genworth Financial -US Mortgage Insurance Golden State Foods Gunter Enterprises, Inc. Iredell County DSS Johnston County Community Foundation
Leonard and Virginia Safrit Family Fund – Triangle Community Foundation John W. Roffe and Marjorie A. Roffe Endowment for Moore Co. – Moore County Community Foundation Martha Frances Pruitt Endowment Fund – Granville County Community Foundation North Carolina Partners of Americas Pediatric Possibilities PPR Foods, LLC/McDonald’s Senn-Dunn Insurance Wake Electric Care Foundation Women of Fearrington, Inc. Ellen Airs Janet and James Cozart Karen and Michael Crow Cecile Graves Lesley and Michael Graves Susannah and Mark Hough Cynthia and Hannah Hoyt Diane and David Kent JoAnna Massoth and Dan Barnes Lori and Jim Mazany Dolores McGovern Dale Meder Elizabeth and Jeffrey Phillippi Dianna and Tim Raczniak Lorraine and Dale Reynolds Joseph Roberts Yvonne Sagers Jeaninne and John Wagner Phyllis Ward Kim and Jeff Woodlief Debra Woody
$500-$999 Amundi Smith Breeden Associates LLC Archer Western-Charlotte Regional Office/ The Walsh Group ASNC Durham County Chapter ASNC Jackson/Swain/Qualla Boundary Chapter Commercial Site Design, PLLC Eastern Alliance Insurance Company Gregory Poole Equipment Company Innovative Construction Group, LLC (ICG) Ken Melton & Associates, LLC Kennon Craver, PLLC Kohl’s Corporation
Lenoir County Community Foundation Marine Federal Credit Union Novartis US Foundation S&J Foods, Inc. dba McDonalds Senecal Construction Company, Inc. St. Luke Lutheran Church Synergy Coverage Solutions US Foods Michelle Becker Kelly and Malcolm Branch Ann Marie Cade William Cole John Figuera Amy and Vance Fowler Deborah and Rene Gonzales Anna and Jon Graf Philip and Brenda Julian Janice and Kevin Kidd Helene and Bill Lane Jeanne McGovern and Michael Schwenk Kristi Milowic Nancy and Joe Nestor Deborah O’Briant Kathleen and Patrick O’Brien Michael Pomaville Kathy and Stephen Pretzer Nathan Queen Susan and Marc Roth Animita and Dhanonjoy Saha Cynthia and Mark Sokal Judie and Mark Strickland Gina and Jeffrey Stocton Cornelia Stutz Kate and Andrew Sugg Kristy and Andrew White
$250-$499 ASNC Franklin County Chapter ASNC Randolph County Chapter ASNC Roanoke/Chowan County Chapter ASNC Vance/Warren County Chapter Blue Heron Services Carolina Pride Car Wash Chatham County Arts Council The Deep, Comics & Games, LLC Johnson Lambert LLP Kiwanis Club of Lee County, Inc.
www.camproyall.org • 23
KTL - McDonald’s, LLC Mollybeads, LLC Ogden Carwash Spyglass Promotions Thomas, Knight, Trent, King and Company Triple J Services Wilmington KOA Smitten Boutique Helen and Brian Bowman Mary Dionne Kristen and Zachary Feldman Jennifer Foster Caren and Charles Gale Layim and Jeswant Gill Robert Goodale Hollin and John Goodwin Eileen and James Herbst Julie Hill Amanda Hollingsworth Patricia Hollingsworth Melissa and Matt Huemmer Barbara Imboden Brian Jackson Glenda and Thomas Jeffries Suneet Kaur Lisa and David Kaylie Kathleen and Robert Kennedy Jeanne Lawton Amanda and Kristian Lloyd Sue and Jan Martin Tracy Mitchell Beverly and Alan Moore Mindy Moore Maureen and Rob Morrell Timothy Morris Ann and Jerry Moser Mary Moss Lisa O’Connor Erin and Colm O’Loughlin Susan and Randal Parks David Rucker Matthew Swierz Racheal and Laddeus Sutton Karen Salacki Denice and John Short Susan and Derek Smith Barbara and Gordon Still Nancy Teer Ardith Vines Sarah and William Weiser Susan Wood
24 • Camp Cronicle 2014
$100-$249 Alpha Theta Omega Chapter/AKA ASNC Brunswick County Chapter ASNC Crystal Coast Chapter ASNC Gaston County Chapter ASNC Harnett County Chapter Carolina Brewery & Grill Pittsboro, Inc. David Allen Company, Inc. Evernham Family-Racing For A Reason Gina Scott & Associates, Inc. Merck & Company Swansboro Middle School John Abb Brenda Avant Kelly and Andrew Alexander Laura and Page Allen Christine Anderson David Ardrey Barbara Bailey Jim Ball Emily Ballance Ruth Bartholomew Mary Berridge Debra Bess Diana and Paul Bischler Christine Bodden Leonard Bouchard Shannon Bradshaw Ingrid Branigan Linda and Michael Bryant Ruby Bugg Flynt Burton Wingrove Jennifer and Jeff Cabe Barbara and Robert Campbell Sarah Cameron Jan and Michael Carroll Emma Carter Christina Caruso Mary Beth Cecil Meredith Champ Ingrid Chopping Paul Clark Angel and Mike Coan TJ Coan Louise Cottrell Susan Crooks Grace Danello George Demartz Tracy DeMuro Tali and Robert Denton Ken and Sandi Dickinson Elizabeth Dixon
Cynthia and Stephen Drake Samantha Dreyer Carol and Douglas Dwyer Karen and Marcus Earnhardt Melanie Edwards Andrea Eisen Jean Farrell Christina and Gordon Flake Emily and Jonathan Freeman Kim and John Feller April Francis Jennifer Frey Christina and Timothy Grabus Lisa and Stewart Gray Sarah Goodman Renee Goss Cheri Gwinn Sally Hackett Kate and Harvey Hall Pamela Heye Phoebe Hill Joy Hollars Karen Horsley Betty Hunt Ruth Hurst and Tom Wiebe Lynn and Clyde Jarrett Sharon Jeffries-Jones William Jobe Regina and William Kaiser Jean and Jeffrey Kelly Nicki and Matt Knowles Mary Kroohs Warren Kuhfeld Ave Lachiewicz Charles Lamothe Lorraine LaPointe Jeanne and James Lawton John Lowe Jennifer Mahan and Doug Bretz Nan and Craig Maples JW Marr Felice Massiello David Mathes Meredith McGill Barbara McInnes Diane and John McQuade Terri Meyers Lyda and Rich Mihalyi Carol and Chuck Moore Heather Moore Sue Morse Madeline Nicholson Domciely Oda Patricia and Howard Oelrich
Nancy Palmer Nancy Patterson Leslie Patty Fran Pearson Ashley Perkinson Patricia Pickett Nancy Piper Angela Porter Kelly and Jeffrey Powrie James Presley Linda and Henry Raxter Misael Rebollar Cynthia Richards-Donald Mary Beth Rom Gale Rutgers April Safar Angel Santos Dylan Schweers Curtis Scott Julia Scott Amy Seeley and Neil Amato Victoria Shannon Holly and Michael Shoun Gwen and Reggie Singleton Tina Skinner Christopher Smith Brian Soltz Dave Spicer Elsabeth Srubas Erin Stanford Sara and Richard Stirling William Stonecypher Kristin Teer Ann and Steve Timberlake Raquel and Angel Torres Gregory Trnka Gwen and Jonathan Van Ark Adela and Christopher Van Name Marcy Voelkel Cynthia and Greg Walker Linda Watson Martha Webb Nancy Weddington Judy and Paul Wendler Ymkje Wideman Anita and Willie Wiggins Lil Williams Pat and Paul Willoughby Sarah Wilson Steve Wilson Rebecca Womble Judith Wood Joe Yochem Leslie Ziegler
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what to w o n k ’t n I did g here. in m o c t c e exp to expect: w o n k I Now t of fun! a whole lo [Camper]
Camp Royall Wish List If you want to support Camp Royall through material donations, we would be grateful to receive the following items: Arts and Crafts Wishes:
This circle is too shady for me. [Toby]
• Construction Paper • Glue or glue sticks • Paint (fabric paint, tempera paint, face paint, watercolors, finger paint) • Painting supplies (brushes, small paint containers, watercolor paper) • Felt • Pipe cleaners • Glitter • Thread/string for beading necklaces
• Googly eyes • Stickers • Plain white T-shirts of all sizes (youth small –adult 4XL) • Tie-dye supplies • Dry-erase markers (thin size) • Sharpie markers • Blue painter’s tape • Cardstock (any size or color)
General Program Wishes:
I’ll never forget this prom. It ’s beautiful. [Camper]
26 26 •• Camp Camp Cronicle Cronicle2014 2014
• Ziploc baggies (sandwich-size and gallon-size) • Address labels (envelope size, peel and stick kind) • Postage stamps • Toilet paper • Liquid hand soap • Hand sanitizer • Baby wipes • Flashlights • Night lights (and bulbs) • Batteries (AA and AAA) • Board/card games (new or like-new)
• Puzzles (new or like-new) • DVDs (new or like-new) • Digital timers • Noise-canceling headphones • Velcro dots • Bubble solution • Scooters for gym • Dry-erase white boards (about 3-5 feet long) • Laminating sheets (to be used in a hot laminator) • TVs with built-in DVD player • Two-way radios (Please contact us for specifics.)
Year-Round Camp Opportunities Family Fun Days: Our ever-popular Family Fun Days
offer a chance for families to experience all the joys of camp together. Come enjoy a cookout, the playground, boating, fishing (feel free to bring your own gear!), hayrides, the zap line, games in the gym, arts & crafts, face painting, and hiking trails. During the December Family Fun Day, Santa comes to Camp Royall, providing sensory-friendly visits with no waiting!
Family Camping: After each Family Fun Day has
wound down, we welcome families to stay overnight in our cabins. On Saturday evening, we will enjoy a pizza dinner together before campfire time with songs and s’mores! We will also provide a light continental breakfast and more time to play at camp the next morning.
Mini-Camp Weekends: Our Mini-Camp program gives campers the chance to spend from Friday evening until noon Sunday at camp enjoying a miniature version of our summer camp program. Supervision at a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 is provided for all campers during these weekends. The program is open to all individuals on the autism spectrum, regardless of age; priority is given to those living at home to provide respite for families. Adult Retreat Weekends: Independent adults ages 18 or older with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome can spend time with friends as they enjoy a weekend at Camp Royall. Our participants enjoy a mixture of activities at camp as well as outings in the local area, including dinner at a restaurant Saturday night.
Winter Camp: Our Winter Camp Program takes
place during the winter holiday break from school. Winter Camp is open to school-age campers (4-22 years), with priority given to campers living at home. The program is an overnight camp and includes a 1:1 or 1:2 counselor-to-camper ratio, based on each camper’s level of need. This year, Winter Camp will run from December 28, 2014, until January 2, 2015. If you prefer a day camp option for the week, please contact us; we might have some openings for that as well.
Afterschool Program: We offer an afterschool
program for school-age children on the autism spectrum during the traditional school year. Trained staff members supervise children in small groups of one staff member per three participants. The children will take part in outdoor activities, homework time, group games, and gym play. The hours are 3-6:30 p.m. each day with some transportation available. Children may attend 3-5 days per week.
Group Rental: Camp Royall is available for group
rentals, so please consider us for your next birthday party, church outing, family reunion, or corporate event.
For more information and reservation forms for any of our programs, please visit www. camproyall.org. Questions? Contact us at 919542-1033 or camproyall@autismsociety-nc.org.
www.camproyall.org • 27
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