Camp Chronicle 2013

CAMP ROYALL

SUMMER PROGRAM 2013

CAMP CHRONICLE www.autismsociety-nc.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES: 3

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

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STAFF HIGHLIGHT: OLIVIA BOOROM

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CAMPER HIGHLIGHT: ALEX MATHEWSON

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FAMILY HIGHLIGHT: THE BRANCHES

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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: JOSH ROETS AND RICORDO “RICO” THORPE

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: POTTERY PROGRAM

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2013 Summer Camp Staff

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2013 Summer Camp Volunteers

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2013 Scholarship Donors

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YOU CAN HELP

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CAMP ROYALL WISH LIST

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Year-Round Camp Opportunities

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 the Autism Society of North Carolina Summer Camp Program.

Content: Sara Gage and Lesley Fraser Photographer: Louiza Hamidi Editor: Amy Seeley Graphic Designer: Beth Jones 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

505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230 • Raleigh, NC 27605-1345 (919) 743-0204 • (800) 442-2762 • Fax: (919) 743-0208 www.autismsociety-nc.org

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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Campers, Families, and Friends of Camp, I am thrilled to bring you this year’s Camp Chronicle so you can get a glimpse of what an amazing summer we had out here at Camp Royall!

We completed our 42nd season of summer camping (the 17th at Camp Royall) as well as our fourth successful year of year-round programming. It is my distinct pleasure to oversee the year-round operations of camp and see how we continue to thrive and grow.

Please take a look through the pages of this magazine and spend some time engrossed in the memories of the summer of 2013. I sure hope you enjoy it as much as I do. We had an interesting summer of weather this year at camp, but that didn’t stop us from having just as much fun as ever. We were able to serve 339 campers ages 4-65 from 51 counties across the great state of North Carolina. We are very proud of our program and feel so fortunate that our campers and families travel such great distances so we can give them this amazing experience.

This summer, more than 60 staff members traveled to camp from all over the country and even as far as the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. We were happy to have them call camp their home for the summer as they spent many long hours serving our campers and helping to make memories that will last a lifetime.

We always have something developing at Camp Royall, and this year was no exception.

We were lucky enough to introduce a new pottery program to our summer campers and are excited to keep it going year round. It has been a great creative outlet for all of our campers so far, opening up some great new craft projects. See page 16 for a story on this program.

We are starting something else new and exciting at camp this fall: an afterschool program.

We are thrilled to have kids at camp all year long, benefitting from its caring and loving environment.

I hope the Camp Chronicle finds each of you doing well and enjoying the beginning of fall.

If you haven’t taken notice of what we have going on all year, please visit our website (www.camproyall.org) or check out page 27 for more about our year-round programs!

With much “Enthuuuuusiasm,”

Sara Gage Program Director

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CAMP ROYALL SUMMER 2013 www.autismsociety-nc.org

“Hey, how is your day going?

Isn’t it great how everyone always smiles at camp?”

- Jimmy

“Camp is an incredible place: a place where campers and staff are all accepted. Working at camp this summer has opened my eyes to so much. Camp was such an invaluable experience.”

– Lauren Welch, Counselor

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STAFF HIGHLIGHT: OLIVIA BOOROM Many teens probably think lifeguards have the best summer jobs, sitting by the pool or on the beach all day. Many parents probably think the best summer jobs are the ones that teach their children responsibility.

But Olivia Boorom’s summer job as a Camp Royall counselor did much more than give her a chance to hang out in the pool and learn responsibility: it gave her a glimpse into the world of her brother, who has autism. “I think it helped her appreciate Jack and understand Jack more. I think it even made them closer,” said her mother, Nancy Boorom.

Growing up, Olivia saw her brother’s excitement each time the family dropped him off for a week of camp. “Camp Royall is where I can go to be myself,” wrote Jack, 17, in an email. “I love Camp Royall!”

Olivia decided it would be a great place to work.

The 19-year-old sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a political science major and does not plan to go into an autism-related field. But Olivia said working at the camp taught her about acceptance, kindness, and enthusiasm, as well as helping her grow. “One of the biggest things I learned is to have fun with whatever happens and just let things go,” said Olivia, who admits she can be a bit of a perfectionist. “It’s a good life skill.”

One camper in particular challenged Olivia, but she said they learned to have fun together. She was thankful to be a part

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of a place where her brother and the other campers could be accepted as they are. “It was just amazing to me how happy he was all the time,” she said of Jack’s week at camp.

“These campers struggle every day to fit in. At camp they can have their week in an autism world,” she said. “It’s the only place they can do whatever they want.”

Sara Gage, Camp Royall’s director, said Olivia worked hard to learn about each of her campers.

“She had great patience and really sought to help her campers have the best possible experience,” Gage said. “She was given some really challenging campers who tested her patience, and she came through the other side with a smile on her face, grateful for the experience.”

The end of each week was always a bittersweet time for Olivia. She was thrilled to see how freely the campers participated in the talent show and how happy and rested their parents seemed as they came to pick them up. But she was also sad to see the campers go. “She really poured her heart into every camper,” her mother said.

Since working at Camp Royall, Olivia has decided to work part-time with individuals with autism during the school year, and Gage hopes to see her again, too. “We are hoping that Olivia will keep coming back to camp for as many summers as possible!” u

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“As staff members, we always enjoy feedback from parents about the positive effect one week of camp had on their child. But I don’t know if the parents know just how big of an effect the campers have on us. I do not just speak for myself when I say that working at camp and interacting with these individuals always changes my life for the better. ” – Lilliann Vigil, Activity Director

Autumn: I just want to freeze time.

Emma: Why? Autumn: So this day could last forever.

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“Camp is a place where everyone is accepted and loved for who they are.

Friendships were made and silliness happened. It was an amazing summer that gave me a new perspective on life.”

– Lauren Conder, Counselor

“This is the life.

This is the life of gods.”

- Logan “Camp Royall is the best place in the world!” - Katie

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CAMPER HIGHLIGHT: ALEX MATHEWSON Alex Mathewson’s home outside Sanford has its own aboveground pool, but before this summer, the 7-year-old never had friends over to swim. There were no birthday pool parties with classmates or games of Marco Polo with the neighbors. Alex, who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, didn’t want other people splashing him, he didn’t want to share his toys, and he certainly didn’t want anyone touching him.

Then in July, Alex spent a week at Camp Royall, where he went in the pool several times a day, playing with fellow campers. His grandmother Theresa Mathewson, who is his guardian, said she couldn’t believe it when Alex’s camp counselor called on the first day with the news. Mathewson cried, asking whether the counselor was sure they were talking about the same Alex.

And that’s not all that was “phenomenal” about Alex’s week at Camp Royall, Mathewson said.

The little boy, who at the tender age of 7 has suffered more trauma in his life than many adults, had a week of pure joy, she said. In photos from camp, Alex’s huge, gap-toothed grins are the first thing you notice. The fact that he only had one moderate meltdown all week showed what an amazing environment it was for him, his grandmother said. “Alex felt safe, Alex felt secure, and he felt ready to try new things,” she said.

At school, Alex is in a mainstream classroom and can face ridicule for his different behavior. “Alex often becomes an object to be stared at by 26 people,” Mathewson said. That’s why his week at camp, with dozens of other children who have similar struggles, was so important. “He felt special, but not different. Everyone was Alex,” she said. “That

had to be phenomenal to feel sameness. It increased his confidence a million-fold.”

Alex even made a good friend, sharing toys he had brought from home with the little boy and making a real connection.

Much of Alex’s success was thanks to his counselor, Emily Piper, Mathewson said. Emily took it in stride when Alex became frustrated and didn’t make a big deal out of it or show fear. “He developed an attachment to Emily and told her that he loved her. And Alex doesn’t do that.”

Alex is still talking about Emily and Camp Royall, his grandmother said. It was what he wanted to share at his open house for the new school year, and he has informed everyone that next year, he wants to go for three weeks.

For her part, Mathewson said she cannot put into words what camp meant to her.

Before Alex went, she was “terrified” to let him go. In his short life, he had already experienced neglect and abuse at the hands of those who were supposed to care for him the most. “There has been nowhere I have felt that he was safe and wanted, until now.”

She hopes that Camp Royall taught Alex that the world does not have to be that way. “There are more people in the world who will love him for who he is and not just us. That had to be a real eye-opener for him because that is not what the world has shown Alex.”

“Alex got to see that there really are many opportunities for him to learn, to grow, to have friends.” u

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“I LOVE THIS PLACE! I wish I could live here! Maybe I will live here when I grow up.”

- TJ

“Camp Royall has honestly changed my life.

I have found a new career path that I KNOW is perfect for me, I have found lifelong friends, and most importantly, I have been touched by some of the most wonderful children and adults. All of the campers that I have come in contact with have made a difference in my life in some fashion. I would NOT be the person that I am today without Camp Royall.”

– Hannah Owens, Counselor

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“I am so excited to be here! It’s like my entire life has been pointing toward this moment.” - London

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FAMILY HIGHLIGHT: THE BRANCHES For the Branches, Camp Royall was a family affair this summer.

Lea, a 23-year-old with high functioning autism, found in Camp Royall a place to spend her first week away from her family overnight and to socialize with other young adults.

Her younger sister, Kate, found a place to volunteer two days a week that meant much more than a typical summer job. And their mother, Kelly, was able to give her younger daughter her full attention for several days while Lea was at Camp Royall. A win-win-win situation.

Kate, who is a 16-year-old junior at the NC School of Science and Math, said she loved seeing campers have fun and interact with their peers while she was working at Camp Royall. “It was heartwarming to see the campers’ transitions from shy and quiet at check-in to outgoing and laughing with all their new friends by checkout.”

Having a sibling with autism can be challenging, their mother said, and Kate was able to see that she wasn’t the only one dealing with it and that communities can come together to take care of individuals with autism. “I think it was uplifting for her,” Kelly said.

During Lea’s camp week, Kate and her mother used her days off to take a trip to Asheville.

They both welcomed the quality time. When you have two children, and one needs a lot of care, “you always have that motherly struggle of am I being fair,” Kelly said.

Kelly Branch said she was nervous after dropping Lea off at her first camp. “That first 24 hours, I just sat by the phone and was a wreck,” she said.

Since graduating high school, Lea had not shown much interest in socializing or being out in the world. She enjoys EMS rescue shows and spends a lot of time on her computer.

But since coming home from camp, Lea has been talking about attending a community college class. “One of the byproducts of camp is that she does want to get out and be more challenged,” Kelly said.

At Camp Royall, Lea made her first real friend, her mother said, and she also enjoyed spending time with her counselor. Now Lea is more talkative and sees the benefit of participating in social activity. “She’s already talking about next year, asking will there be more people like (her friend) Meredith,” Kelly said.

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Kelly said Camp Royall has made a difference in all of their lives.

“Every person in North Carolina would be extremely proud if they knew that Camp Royall is the absolute standard in the whole world for providing recreational opportunities to people with autism. My daughter and everyone who has gone through there has really benefitted.” u

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WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAMP ROYALL

“I believe Camp Royall changes lives. My son told me on the way home that when he grows up he wants to live at Camp Royall.” u Nikeena Boyd-Kearsey (Warrenton)

“The best week of Cash’s life by far.” u

“It was heartwarming to see how the staff made each camper feel special and important. Thank you for sending the online photos and daily notes. Because of them, as our camper continues to reflect on the fun he had and all that he has learned, we can share in the story with him.” u Art and Donna Weeks (Eastover) “I cannot thank you enough for providing this experience for our child and our family. Our son has never enjoyed an activity as much as he enjoyed his time at Camp Royall.

He has cried for two days because he wants to go back to camp. Additionally, he made some wonderful friendships!” u Alison Buchanan (Greensboro)

“It was heartwarming to see how the staff made each camper feel special and important.”

Dawn Bland (Durham)

“Each camper has the opportunity to feel less disabled, more differently able during time spent at camp.”

“A lot of people said they could not believe I was letting him go away for 5 days and 4 nights because of his autism, sleep issues, medications, anxiety, etc., but I had a strong feeling in my heart that I should let him have this opportunity. I’m so glad we made the decision to let him go! I feel that this camp has given my son the chance to be a kid, not a kid in some foreign world, but a kid in a world that understands him and embraces him. Thank you for that!” u Amber Harringfield (Mooresville) “Camp Royall is the best camping experience that any kid with ASD could have, and should be a model for camps worldwide.” u Jeff Hall (Chapel Hill)

“I thought it was the best experience my child could have had! I wish I could send her every week during the summer and can only hope that she will have this opportunity again!

Everyone was so friendly, and as apprehensive as I was about leaving my 6-year-old with someone I have never met before, I was able to walk away with relief and content knowing she was in good hands!” u Danielle Parrish (New Bern) “I think this camp certainly has to be one of the most outstanding programs anywhere for persons with autism.

Each camper has the opportunity to feel less disabled, more differently able during time spent at Camp Royall.” u Ellen Dunlap (Greensboro)

“This camp has given my son the chance to be a kid in a world that understands him and embraces him.”

“I feel like God looked down on us and provided us with Camp Royall just when we needed it. I actually felt for the first time that we were not alone.” u Michell Floyd (Jacksonville)

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“When I’m at camp, I’m the best version of myself.

Both campers and staff have taught me so much about acceptance, kindness, and enthusiasm that I will never forget.

I truly believe camp is the most beautiful and loving place on earth and I had the best summer of my life here.”

– Olivia Boorom, Counselor

“Doesn’t matter who you are. Everyone’s different, but you’re beautiful in God’s eyes.”

- Katelyn

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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: JOSH ROETS AND RICORDO “RICO” THORPE Josh and Rico have been to Camp Royall many times in the past as campers, here for just a week at a time, enjoying all the benefits of being a camper and getting individualized attention from counselors. Early this spring, the two young men from different parts of the state decided they wanted to go a step further and apply to work at camp full time.

Each completed the necessary paperwork, went through the hiring and interview process, and was subjected to the same battery of background and reference checks as all other summer camp employees. After a careful decisionmaking process, they were both offered full-time volunteer positions for the summer. We felt confident that they could make a great impact here and that we could give them a fantastic learning opportunity, with room and board for the summer included. Their summer adventure was ready to begin!

Rico and Josh certainly worked their tails off for us this summer! Both young men had very busy schedules every week, completing daily tasks that included dining hall prep, meal service and cleanup, weeding, setting up water breaks, lawn mowing, craft prep, assisting our leadership staff with various other tasks, and pretty much anything we asked of them. They worked very hard all summer long to ensure that all of their tasks were being done at a level in which they could take pride. Josh and Rico had the support of job coaches, Shauna and Juliana, who were also life coaches in some regard, helping these young men to navigate the camp environment and social stressors around them.

Working at camp is a tough task for anyone. It is a very social job that involves living in tight quarters with many other people, interacting with people constantly, and being very flexible with last-minute changes. All of those can be very hard for folks on the spectrum, and I know Rico and Josh had some struggles throughout the summer. But

through the caring support of their job coaches and the rest of our staff, these two young men not only persevered but made a huge impact on camp this summer. They taught us all lessons about determination and how to treat one another. They relished all of the fun and lighter moments at camp as well and were so grateful to be included in it all, growing in confidence as they became more comfortable at camp. I would have to say that they each evolved by leaps and bounds while they were here at camp this summer, and I am glad I got to call them coworkers.

They have both expressed interest in returning to camp to work in the future. Rico is yearning to come back so that he can meet more campers and staff and learn more about himself. He will tell you that “if you want to have fun, try something new, meet awesome staff and be surrounded by enthusiasm, then you should come to Camp Royall.” Josh would love to come back so that he can continue to learn from the staff and help the campers.

It has been my great pleasure as the director, having known these young men for such a long time, to see them come back in a different role at camp and succeed. I have known Ricordo since he was 3 years old. He attended camp several times, most recently as a young teen, and he has changed tremendously over the course of his life. To see him as such an outgoing and vibrant young man who is motivated to work hard and make friends is a huge gift to me, seeing it all come full circle for him. I have also known Josh since he was a younger teenager, when he first came as a camper. He really had a desire to come to camp in a role of service, to challenge himself to learn more and grow as an individual.

I feel proud that he accomplished so much personally this summer here at camp. u

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- written by Sara Gage, Program Director

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: POTTERY PROGRAM This year, we were very fortunate to receive a grant from the LEGO Children’s Fund to fund a new pottery program for camp. With no kiln, we had never been able to do pottery projects, but we had hoped someday to be able to offer this opportunity to our campers. Thanks to the grant award, we were able to make this vision a reality and purchase not only a new kiln but also supplies, including clay, paintbrushes, glaze, and drying racks.

We acquired a nice size shed to house the kiln and sought help from a former staff memberturned-volunteer, who happened to have a degree in ceramics.

Our amazing volunteer, Monica Huang, tirelessly spent many hours preparing projects for our campers so they could interact with the clay and take a token of their work home with them. The feature this summer was puzzle piece-shaped pendants that each camper painted and took home. Most campers also were able to form a tile and decorate it with their own style. Those tiles will be part of a “summer of 2013” installation for all to enjoy: a tile path leading into the garden.

Giving our campers yet another opportunity to express themselves here at camp has been a rewarding experience for us. The soothing nature of working with clay and paint created an opportunity for them to stay calm and focused even as they improved their fine motor skills. We were surprised by how popular the pottery program was; during free time, campers often chose to work on their clay projects over other activities. Our campers seemed proud of their work and were eager to get the finished projects to take home.

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We are so grateful for the help of such a dedicated volunteer for helping to build such a successful program this summer.

Monica has had a great experience with the program as well. “Ever since I started working at Camp Royall in 2009, I’ve dreamt of a ceramics program for camp. Clay has been such an imaginative, freeing medium in my life, and I had always envisioned it having its own place and purpose at camp. Running the program from behind the scenes has given me the chance to share my passion with hundreds of families and their children this summer. It has been very heartwarming to see a camper smile because of something they made with clay or because of a beautiful piece of ceramics that they painted themselves.”

It is our goal to expand the pottery program to our various other programs throughout the year. We are eager to see what other treasures the pottery program will bring us as we move forward. u - written by Sara Gage, Program Director For more information about the LEGO Children’s Fund, please visit their website, www.legochildrensfund.org.

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“I’m having fun!”

- Pam

“Maya Angelou once said, ‘The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.’

Throughout the year, I ache for camp. Camp is truly a home to so many people. In a world with constant judgment and scrutiny, camp is a safe haven. It is a place unlike anywhere else in the world, where upon arrival, there is instant acceptance of who you are. When you get to camp, it’s like the whole world has frozen for that time, and suddenly you relax, you feel at peace, and you are brought back down to earth to see the things that matter most – the soul of a person.” – Laura Cochran, Counselor

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Lori: What’s your favorite part of camp?

Jimmy: My counselor!

I’m so glad she doesn’t have a day off.

“The interesting thing about camp staff is that we are a group of people that come together with the sole desire to bring a summer of a lifetime to campers, but camp unexpectedly brings more beauty, peace, and human connection to its staff than we could ever imagine.”

– Jenna Vescio, Activity Director

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John: I don’t like when people talk to me like a baby.

Spencer: Do you think I talk to you like a baby?

John: No, you talk to me like a friend.

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STAFF Program Director: Sara Gage [17] Assistant Program Director: Lesley Fraser [6] ASNC Property Manager: David Yell [22] Administrative Assistant: Blake Gore [2] Facility Staff: Lawson Whitaker [16] Randy Keck [6] Ed Wolfram [4] Brenda Howell [14] James Walsh [14] Ricky Sampson [9] Crystal Perry [8] Linda Burgess [5] Emily Burgess [4] Robin Griffith [3] Steve Kennedy Program Leaders: Cassie Ball [4] Louiza Hamidi [4] Nurses: Terry Bynum [6] Jim Bedford [6] Tina Harris [3] Karen Skowronski [3] Brooke Jenkins [3] Tracey King [2] Kim Sabbagh [2] 20

Activity Directors: Lilliann Vigil [2] Anders Orn [2] Kendyl Cole [2] Michelle Scatamacchia [2] Sara Lust [2]

Martha Routh [5] Denise Dixon [4] Jenna Vescio [3] Julie Lotz [3] Emmalee Decker [3] Program Staff: Kate Luettich [5] Will Murray [4] Tara Regan [4] Emma Sullivan [3] Katie Hodskins [2] Heather Cirmo [2] Laura Cochran [2] Logan Campbell [2] Lauren Chida [2] Kaiti Dunlap [2] Erin Mooneyham [2] Hannah Owens [2] Emily Piper [2] Erin Royal [2] Spencer Rubin [2] David Shin [2] Shauna Yates [2] Sam Kizer [2] Emily Moore [2] Juliana Poletti [2] Jen Speakman [2] Kory Morgan Kelly Kinnear Kaitlyn Barbour Alyssa Freedman

Tatiana Martinez Jennifer Johnson Adrienne Sutton Heather Warner Isabelle Carson Dewitt Lauren Welch Lucia Malaver Rhiannon Grabus Steve Byerly Olivia Boorom Anna Zwegat Lauren Conder Brynn Smith Catherine Picou Erin Kerr Kristian Page Sophia Spach Sebastian Fader David West Anna Morgan Nadda Warshanna Lisa Wall Ashley Holland Chloe Hampson

[ ] indicates number of summers on staff www.camproyall.org www.autismsociety-nc.org

VOLUNTEERS ...AND VOLUNTEERS!

Extraordinary Volunteers u 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 was inspirational and very much appreciated!

Trainers and Consultants u 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.

ASNC Parent Advocates ASNC Raleigh Administrative Staff Kate Branch Al Bugg Michelle Chinn Cannon Carolina Hurricanes – Canes Care Warren Croom William Glasser Lesley Graves Mike Graves Scott Graves Liz Greer Jailee Hollars Monica Huang Benjamin and Samuel Keck Kate Kennedy Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux Scott Lambeth Jeremiah Macalino Dave McCusker Addy Miller Maureen Morrell Niko Perez The Pilot Club of Cary Pittsboro Fire Department Tim Racniak Josh Roets Judy Simmons Rebecca Spurlin Ricordo Thorpe The Yell Family: Leslie Ann, Caroline, Tessa, and Drew

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Leica Anzaldo Kaitlin Breckinridge Chatham County Fire Marshal Amy Hobbs Linda King-Thomas, DTA Kate Luettich Erica Nesbit Katie Rainwater Beth Reynolds Kenny Rosander Jordan Skowronski Mark Smith Louise Southern Kelli Ussery Lori Verma

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Many thanks to our Camp Royall donors. With the support of the following individuals, businesses, and foundations, the Autism Society of North Carolina provided over $155,000 in scholarships for summer camp 2013. u

$25,000+ Anonymous

$10,000-$24,999 Elizabeth Hudspeth Endowment Fund Kids ‘N Community Foundation Triangle Community Foundation, Inc.

$5,000-$9,999 ASNC Guilford County Chapter BB&T Foundation Credit Suisse LEGO Children’s Fund Premiere Communications & Consulting, Inc. Kimberly Harris and Scott Weiner

$2,500-$4,999 ASNC Onslow County Chapter ASNC Pitt County Chapter ASNC Richmond County Chapter ASNC Wake County Chapter Bi-Lo Charities, Inc. Carolina Panthers Organization Charlotte Observer/Summer Camp Fund Crabby Hatters For H Foods/McDonald’s Golden State Foods Manning Enterprises Limited Pfizer, Inc. Speedway Children’s Charities The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, Inc. Hunter Snow Fund of the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. Angela Glover Tauyna Land Dolores McGovern Chris Norton

$1,000-$2,499 Acorn-Alcinda Foundation ASNC Orange/Chatham County Chapter Charlotte Knights Baseball Dr. Lail’s Fund for Children Foelgner Ronz & Straw, PA Kohl’s Corporation Moore County Community Foundation PPR Foods, LLC/McDonald’s

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Raleigh Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. S&J Foods, Inc./McDonalds US Foods Wake Electric Care Foundation Women of Fearrington, Inc. Brenda Baker Janet and James Cozart Karen and Michael Crow Elizabeth DeVane and Ronald Gibson/ Gibson DeVane Scholarship Fund Lesley and Michael Graves Diane and David Kent Lorraine and Dale Reynolds Yvonne Sagers John Sears Gina and Jeffrey Stocton Phyllis Ward

$500-$999 Ammons Chiropractic, P.C. ASNC Moore County Chapter Blannie Medlin Adams Endowment Fund Caison Enterprises, Inc./McDonald’s Molly Anderson/mollybeads, LLC Pediatric Possibilities RTI International St. Luke Lutheran Church The Eisner Charitable Fund, Inc. Allison and William Atkinson Stephanie Beguelin Elaine and Wayland Denton Cecile Graves Alice Horton Kathleen Krumpter Jeanne and Michael McGovern Deborah O’Briant Concetta Onorato Kathy and Stephen Pretzer Joseph Roberts Mary Russ Sheila and Ronald Smith Judie and Mark Strickland Cornelia Stutz Nancy Teer Kay and Dan Walker Kristy and Andrew White Jeff Woodlief

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$250-$499 Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC BB&T Chatham County Arts Council Chesterbrook Academy Commercial Site Design, PLLC Communication Supply Corporation FMCJ Enterprises, LLC Kerr Cares For Kids Foundation, Inc. Kiwanis Club of Lee County, Inc. North Carolina Community Foundation Top Shelf Containers, LLC Triangle Embroidery, LLC Young Agents Committee of North Carolina Joan Barlow Javier Don Becerra Helen and Brian Bowman Richard Bryant William Cole Paula Corner Todd Dameron Kimberly Dillion Kate and Harvey Hall Brandon Holtslag Edward Hurdle Debbra and Jonathan Jordan Lisa and David Kaylie Susan Keffer Janice and Kevin Kidd Julie and Robert Luce Michael Mahoney Anna Matheson Tami McGraw Lyda and Richard Mihalyi Beverly and Alan Moore Mary and Bill Moss Lisa O’Connor Margaret and Paul Phillippi Lillian and James Poole Tracey Quinn Mike Reichel Adam Ricci Julia Scott Katie and Tracey Sheriff Ann and Varley Smith Susan and Derek Smith Kelli Ussery Mary and Chris Vlahoplus

$100-$249 Alpha Theta Omega Chapter/AKA BB&T Scott and Stringfellow Evernham Family-Racing For A Reason Gina Scott & Associates, Inc. KTL-McDonald’s, LLC Net-Link Technologies of NC Senn-Dunn Insurance South Brunswick Islands Woman’s Club Streets Enterprises, LLC The Garden Market Thomas, Knight, Trent, King and Company Marie Abee Marilyn and Walter Aiello Laura and Page Allen Anne and Lang Anderson Jane and Douglas Ball William Barnes Paige Barnhill Tina and Bill Baxter Nancy and Jon Beale Carla and Stuart Bernstein Mary Berridge Sharon Blalock Kathleen Brandon Ingrid Branigan Laura Brenton Louise and Robert Burkey Susan Burleson Amy and Leonard Bush Barbara and Robert Campbell Cindy and John Cavanaugh Mary Beth Cecil Ingrid Chopping Rebecca Coffee Virginia and Charles Craft Lou Anne Crumpler Cynthia Davis Dawn and Lester Davis MaryAnn and Paul DeRosa Carol DeVito Mary Dionne Terri Dollar Sally Duff Mary Lou Einloth Blake Ellis Kerri and Jeremy Erb Connie Faison Cathy Faw Kristen and Zachary Feldman Christina and Gordon Flake Amy and Vance Fowler Laura and Marc Fraioli Galene Fraley William Frye Scarlett and Toby Funderburk Thea and Larry Gardner Heather and Edgar Garrabrant

Brenda Garrison Diane and David Gibbs Deborah and Rene Gonzales Audrey and William Griffin Sandra and Geoffrey Griffin Tammie Griffin Elaine and Chester Gurski Cheri Gwinn Ava Haines Shelley and Matthew Hancox Franklin Harris Susanne Harris Tricia Hartzog Mikki Hawkins Parker Hayes Katherine and Daniel Hirscher Susan Hodges George Holloway Ray Hollowell Lynne Hornaday Susannah and Mark Hough Carin and Paul Huegel Ruth and Tom Hurst Loree and Scott Idol William Jackson Lynn and Clyde Jarrett Sharon Jeffries-Jones Lori Jones Kathryn and Thomas Kerkering Susan Kruse June and Ronald Kurtz Helene and Bill Lane Ted Lanier Lorraine LaPointe Christine Laster Darlene Lee Llewellyn Leggett Cathy Lepley Amanda and Kristian Lloyd Sarah Logan Alene Love John Lowe Sharona and Randy Martin Barbara McInnes Elizabeth and Charles McKeller Laurel and John McMacken Diane and John McQuade Shanan and Edgar Mills John Mitchell Della Mol Marilyn and Daniel Moncol Daniel Moncol Kat and David Moncol Susan and Michael Monk Maureen and Rob Morrell Kathleen and Patrick O’Brien Brian O’Connor Emily and Patrick O’Hara

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Judith O’Neal Ruby Owens Susan and Larry Pearman Fran Pearson Kim Pendergraft Collette and Commie Pendergrass Sonja Perry Elizabeth and Jeffrey Phillippi Marilee Popolizio Virginia and Samuel Poston Connie and John Poulsen Dale and William Pully Kristen Purcell Mary and Raymond Ramsey Elizabeth Rawls Linda and Henry Raxter Susan Rea Joseph Regan Holly and Timothy Reiter Kay and Billy Reynolds Debbie Robbins Dawn Rohlik Maryanne and Julian Rosenman Amy Rosenthal Mary Beth and Bilal Rousan Janice and Michael Sawyer Margie and Douglas Schroeder Genell Schuh Patricia Schweitzter Nancy and Steven Scoggin Curtis Scott Maureen and William Scott Susan Sept Ann Slade Sherry and Daniel Smith Brian Soltz Michele Starbuck Sara Stirling Douglas Terry Daniel Thompson Nichole Thompson Roxanne Thompson Jane Zeller and John Townson Carolyn and John Underwood Mary Van Bourgondien Jeaninne and John Wagner Kelly Walsh Rebecca and Richard Warriner Martha Webb Donna Weeks Judy and Paul Wendler Dorothy White Janet and William Wilson Patricia and Clive Winney Petrina and Scott Woodlief Beth and Thomas Young Eve and Craig Zavelo

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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 over 1,000 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. As a result, campers return home with the newfound confidence to accomplish different tasks, to make a friend and be a friend, and to 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 scholarships to campers each summer is our most critical need. Due to the additional financial demands of caring for a child with autism, most families are unable to afford the $1,600 cost 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 $150,000, 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: $11,000 for a vehicle to assist with maintaining the facilities and grounds, $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 $1,300 to purchase two iPads to communicate with campers and provide structure to daily schedules.

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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 to move forward.

How Can You Help?

More than 87% of every dollar we raise is used for services that directly impact 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 dad shared with tears in his eyes, “At the age of 10, James learned to use the bathroom after attending Camp Royall for a week. I can’t begin to explain what this did for my family...

You saved my family. You were there when we didn’t know what to do or where to turn.”

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

www.camproyall.org www.autismsociety-nc.org

www.camproyall.org www.autismsociety-nc.org

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CAMP ROYALL WISH LIST If you want to support camp through material donations, we would be grateful to receive the following items:

Arts and Crafts Wishes • Construction paper • Glue/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 • Ziploc baggies (sandwich-size and gallon-size) • Address labels (envelope-size, peel and stick) • Postage stamps • Toilet paper • Liquid hand soap • Hand sanitizer • Baby wipes • Flashlights • Night lights (and bulbs) • Board/card games (new or like-new) • Puzzles (new or like-new) • DVDs (new or like-new)

• Digital timers • Velcro dots • Dry-erase white boards (about 3-5 feet in size) • Laminating sheets (to be used in a hot laminator) • TVs with built in DVD player • iPads and cases • Pickup truck • 12-passenger van • John Deere Gator • Zero-turn riding lawn mower • Maintenance/utility truck (with built-in storage)

Please give what you can to help us continue to make camp a special place for all. Every little bit helps!

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www.camproyall.org www.autismsociety-nc.org

YEAR-ROUND CAMP OPPORTUNITIES Family Fun Days

Adult Retreat Weekends

Camp is open for families with a family member on the autism spectrum to come and enjoy together all that camp has to offer. We will have a cookout, hayrides, games in the gym, arts and crafts, the zap line, boating, fishing (feel free to bring your own gear), hiking trails, and fun on the playground. At the May and September Fun Days, the swimming pool will also be open. Family Fun Days are a great way to get to know camp better, as well as have a day of fun with the whole family in a safe and happy setting!

Independent adults ages 18 or older with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome can spend a retreat weekend with friends. Our participants enjoy a mixture of activities at camp as well as outings in the local area, including dinner together at a local restaurant on Saturday night.

During the December Family Fun Day, Santa makes a visit to Camp Royall, providing sensory-friendly visits with no waiting!

Family Camping After Family Fun Days have wound down, we welcome families to stay overnight in our cabins. On Saturday evening, we will enjoy a pizza dinner together before a campfire with songs and s’mores! Breakfast on Sunday is also provided.

Winter Day Camp This year, there are multiple options for our campers to enjoy their winter break at Camp Royall. We will have an overnight weekend option from Friday evening, December 27, until noon Sunday, December 29, but there is also the option to extend this from Friday at 9 a.m. until Sunday at 5 p.m. We also have Day Camp options from Friday, December 27, through Friday, January 3. There is a lot of fun to be had at Camp Royall in the cooler weather!

Afterschool Program Camp Royall offers an afterschool program for school-age children on the autism spectrum. Weekly activities include gym play, homework time, group games, playground time, hiking, boating, hayrides, and the sensory room. Snacks are provided.

Mini-Camp Weekends Mini Camp provides a weekend camp experience from Friday evening until Sunday at noon for individuals on the autism spectrum, regardless of age. Priority is given to those living at home to provide respite to families. Campers receive 1:1 or 1:2 counselor-to-camper care throughout the weekend.

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.

There is so much fun to be had at camp year round! For schedules and information, please visit www.camproyall.org. www.camproyall.org www.autismsociety-nc.org

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