CAMP CHRONICLE SUMMER 2016
Table of Contents Letter from the Director...................................... 3 Camper Highlights ........................................... 4-7 Staff Highlight ..................................................... 8 Program Highlight . ........................................... 10 Volunteer Highlight . ......................................... 12 Summer Camp Staff & Volunteers..................... 14 Camp Royall Wish List........................................ 18 Year-Round Camp Opportunities....................... 19 Eastern Social Recreation.................................. 20 Donor Highlight ................................................ 22 You Can Help..................................................... 24 Scholarship Donors............................................ 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 Camp Royall. Content: Amy Seeley, Lesley Fraser, and Sara Gage Photographers: Kory Morgan and Erin Kerr Editor: Amy Seeley Graphic Designer: Erika Chapman For more information, contact: Lesley Fraser | Camp Royall 250 Bill Ash Road, Moncure, NC 27559 P 919-542-1033 | F 919-882-8661 lfraser@autismsociety-nc.org www.camproyall.org
505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230 • Raleigh, NC 27605-1345 919-743-0204 • 800-442-2762 • Fax: 919-743-0208 www.autismsociety-nc.org
Letter from the Director Greetings, Campers, Families, and Friends of Camp Royall, I am excited to present to you the 2016 Camp Chronicle! Summer 2016 marks our 20th summer at the Camp Royall location, and the 45th installment of Summer Camp through the Autism Society of North Carolina. It is hard to believe that campers have been singing “Enthusiasm” at Shady Circle for 20 years! Summer 2016 was another wonderful summer, with 310 campers here for Overnight Camp and 80 Day Campers, ages 4 to 69, from 54 counties across North Carolina. Each week at Camp Royall is very different, with a new group of faces, ages, and fun! Welcoming new campers and celebrating our returning campers is a great joy each summer. For a lot of our returning campers, coming back to camp feels like coming home. Check out a highlight on Scott Lambeth on page 6; he was here for his 18th week of summer camp this year! One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with our parents and caregivers, making sure that they have a relaxing and stress-free week while their campers are with us. The responsibility of taking care of our campers is a privilege, and we understand the anxiety that comes for our new parents to Camp Royall. Check out page 4 for a story about Cody, an adorable first-time camper this summer. Each year, we are lucky to have an amazing team of staff members who work very hard, making every minute count so our campers have their best week ever. This summer’s staff did not disappoint and continued to surpass our expectations each week. It takes around 90 staff members to run a week of summer camp, from Counselors to Kitchen Staff, Activity Directors to Nurses and Maintenance Staff to Lifeguards. We are lucky to see about a third of our staff return from previous years. We had two international staff members this summer who made long trips from New Zealand and Australia to spend their summer at Camp Royall, as well as an amazing full-summer volunteer from Japan! Check out pages 8 and 12 respectively for those highlights. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the generous donors who supported Camp Royall and our campers this summer. We are very grateful to each and every one of our donors who made camp possible for our campers; see the complete list on pages 2527. Also please read our story on page 22 about Mary V. Costanzo Balliet, a huge supporter of Camp Royall this year and in the future. Be sure to take notice of the great opportunities for you and your camper to get involved at camp all year long. Check out page 19 for more info on all of our year-round programs. We hope to see your camper back at Camp Royall soon! Sending camp love and best wishes,
Lesley www.camproyall.org • 3
CAMPER HIGHLIGHT:
Cody Persun
Cody Persun is an adventurous, outgoing 7-year-old who loves to try new things. This summer, Camp Royall was his new thing, and he loved it! Cody, who was diagnosed with autism about a year ago, had a tough school year. Then in December, he and his parents attended one of our Family Fun Days for the first time. “We instantly felt like we were part of a family,” said his mom, Teresa. “Just the friendliness and the warm welcome that we received from everyone, it was so fantastic! It’s something I will never forget. I think my son needed that warm welcome, too, just from everything he had been dealing with.” Cody could not stop talking about Camp Royall, so his mom signed him up. The day his parents dropped him off, he wasn’t at all nervous and hopped right out of the car, she said.
“Since camp, we have seen a more relaxed side of Cody’s personality come out.”
At Camp Royall, Cody was able to indulge his love of nature and took it upon himself to name the two resident ducks: Fluie and Hammy. His favorite part, though, was splashing and playing with his new friends at the pool.
Since Cody has come home from camp, he is more aware of social cues and how others are feeling, his mother said. He also does not get angry as easily. “Since camp, we have seen a more relaxed side of Cody’s personality come out,” Teresa said. She said she loved seeing him in the end-of-the-week talent show, when he did a magic act. “He had the whole room clapping for him and I was so proud of him!” she said. “Before camp, Cody would have run out of the room. He has always been friendly and sociable, but he is sensitive with noises.” Cody’s counselor, Hunter Dyson, was also a Camp Royall firsttimer and said they had one of the best weeks ever. “By the end of the week, Cody truly became quite the Camp Royall professional. He enjoyed all of the adventures we have here, from splashing in the pool to creating wonderful masterpieces in arts and crafts to swinging so high on the tire swing.” Cody earned the Junior Activity Director award, which Hunter gave him at the ceremony on the last day of camp.
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“I had the one of the best weeks ever simply because I had the pleasure to hang out with him!” Hunter said. Teresa said she could see the connection between Cody and Hunter when she and her husband arrived at the end of the week. “There was no doubt in my mind, those two were perfect together!” Cody misses Hunter and many other staff members and says he can’t wait to see them again. We hope he will, next summer! g
of st week e b e h t s It wa After , so far. fe li ’s n o my s of the the end t a s u g seein we ying how a s d n a week next ther, the o h c a e missed outh t of his m u o s d r o w ack o come b t t n a w were ‘I r!’ next yea – Parent
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CAMPER HIGHLIGHT:
Scott Lambeth
For Scott Lambeth, a day at Camp Royall is better than a day at the beach. Scott, who is 40 years old, has come to summer camp at Camp Royall 16 times! His first summer was in 1999, when he was just 23 and had recently heard about the camp. “It’s the place I want to take my vacation,” Scott said. “My parents go to the beach, and I want to go to camp.” Scott said he really enjoys Music and Motion, but his favorite part of camp is “making new friends and getting to see old friends.” Scott’s mother, Bettie Lambeth, said, “While everybody who knew Scott loved him his whole life, he didn’t really have a group to hang out with. Along with other things he does in Chapel Hill, Camp Royall has given him a group.” Scott lives in Chapel Hill and has long been UNC’s biggest fan, his mom said. “He loves everything
Carolina and has his Carolina Blue room decorated with UNC posters, stickers, lamps, etc.” He works in the UNC mailroom with the support of a TEACCH job coach and wonderful co-workers, she said. Scott also loves Special Olympics Orange County, and he has participated year round since 2008. He serves on training panels for TEACCH and is active with their social group. “More than anyone I have ever known, he gives his best to everything he does, all the time,” Bettie said. “He has boundless enthusiasm, and a wonderfully positive attitude.” Camp Royall Director Lesley Fraser agreed, calling Scott an “all-star camper.” “Scott has been supporting our staff training for many years by participating in a panel of adults with high-functioning autism during our 10 days of staff training,” Lesley said. “Scott is a huge advocate for Camp Royall and is more than happy to arrange his busy schedule to attend training each year. He makes sure to tell the counselors about what he loves most about camp – his answer is always “EVERYTHING!” – and the importance of the counselor’s role in making each week the best week ever for our campers. “This year, Scott was on the waiting list for summer camp, and a spot just happened to open up the day before the panel was scheduled. I called Scott’s mom to check that Scott could attend, and asked if she wouldn’t mind if I told Scott about the opening during the panel, so that the new staff members would get to see his reaction.
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“His face when I told him was priceless, and was more than any words could describe for the new staff what Camp Royall means to Scott,” Lesley said. Bettie said, “Camp Royall is Scott’s favorite thing that happens all year long. It is his thing to look forward to every year, and he loves participating in the pre-camp panel each year. He feels very much a part of Camp Royall.” We love having Scott be a part of Camp Royall, too! “It’s a beautiful place, and everyone there does a great job running it,” Scott said. “It’s magical, there’s just something about it.” “It’s my favorite place on earth!” g
I gained professional skills at camp, but my biggest takeaway is learning how to be patient with others. I struggled with being patient for many years and it wasn’t until I was blessed with this opportunity that I began to change drastically. I will never forget a single moment at Camp Royall for as long as I live. - Caroline Bartley, Overnight Camp Counselor
Camp isn’t like camp at all, it is more like home. [Camper]
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STAFF HIGHLIGHT:
International Staff
At Camp Royall, everyone is accepted and celebrated for who they are, just the way they are. A big part of that inclusiveness each summer is the staff members who come from other countries. We typically have two international staff per summer. Our first international counselor was an Australian in 1993. Even our new Director, Lesley Fraser, is international, having come from Scotland to work here more than a decade ago. “It is hugely beneficial to have a diverse staff, from diverse backgrounds with varying experiences,” Lesley said. “This benefits all of our staff and our campers in being in a place where differences are encouraged and valued. Our international staff have a great impact on our team and bring new perspectives and experiences.” This year, one of our Activity Directors, Jen Speakman, was from New Zealand, and counselor Bec Mundi was from Australia. Both of them said their home countries do not have summer camps for children, so they traveled thousands of miles to Camp Royall for an opportunity to work with children with autism. “This place is like Disneyland, only better,” said Bec, a first-year counselor who is 23. “It’s just so happy all the time. It provides so much opportunity that doesn’t exist in Australia.” Bec graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s in psychology and also has a graduate certificate in autism studies. She had been working as a behavioral therapist and heard about Camp Royall from a supervisor who had also worked here. She quit her job to come for the summer, although she hoped to return to it in the fall. Lesley said that international staff members often find out about Camp Royall online or through word of mouth. “Our international staff show a strong dedication to our campers and the work that we do, working hard to get here and spend the summer away from home.” Jen, who is 27 and starting grad school this fall in The Netherlands for behavioral economics, is in her third summer at Camp Royall. She served as a counselor in 2011 and as a volunteer counselor for half of the summer of 2013. Jen found Camp Royall online after she enjoyed working at another camp for people with special needs in 2008. “I really loved
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working with people with autism,” she said. “There’s a very different perspective that you’re given insight into. It’s just so genuine and real.” Jen said she wanted to return as an Activity Director this year because Camp Royall was so well-run, with a lot of structure, but still centered on the campers. “I wanted to be a part of the team that helped drive that structure.” As an Activity Director, she planned, prepared, and facilitated activities. She also supported counselors by coaching them through strategies, supporting them during challenging moments, and providing techniques they could use.
us is a fabulo ll a y o R Camp on can ere my s place wh make ave fun, h , lf e s be him ted. be accep d n a , s d frien aff are rs and st lo e s n u o The c y has our famil d n a g in z ama uchd and a m in m f o e peac our ak while e r b d e d nee camp. son is at – Parent
But Jen said her favorite part was seeing the campers able to have fun in an environment where they can just be themselves and seeing them do different activities and be celebrated for what they accomplished. The end-ofthe-week celebrations were always especially moving, Jen said, as parents see how their children are accepted. She said she loves “seeing their faces when their camper does something at the celebration and they see the relationship between their child and the counselor, when they see that everyone has fallen in love with that camper over the course of the week, because we all do.” She remembered one specific camper who wanted to play the drums in the celebration but was nervous to play on his own, so some of the staff put together a band that was “conveniently in dire need of a drummer.” “When it was time for him to play on the day, he was really excited about it, and at the end of his performance, he announced to the audience that ‘Camp Royall is the best place in the world.’ What was really the icing on the cake was the look of pride on his mum’s face as she recorded him playing – it was a really beautiful moment,” she said. Jen said it was also fun when her accent sparked campers to ask where she was from, and got a conversation going. “Some of our campers know more about New Zealand than I do!” she said. For Bec, the best part was arriving at the cabins in the morning and seeing how the campers were all ready and so excited to see their counselors. She said her summer at Camp Royall helped her grow as a person and become even more accepting than she already was. She plans to keep on working with people with disabilities. “If I could stay here forever, I would.” g
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
Museum of Natural Sciences
The first thing Laura Speer takes out of the row of plastic bins on the picnic table is a Madagascar hissing cockroach. At first, the campers sitting at the circle of picnic tables gasp and squirm. But then they begin calling out facts, like “Arthropods have exoskeletons!” Laura guides them along, asking follow-up questions and teaching. When she begins walking the cockroach around for campers to see up close and touch if they want, most overcome their fear and reach out with one or two gentle fingers, just as she instructed. Laura is an AmeriCorps member, funded by Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and works out of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh to make environmental education more accessible to people of all ages and abilities. She does outreach to special populations that require some sort of modification to the programs, such as senior citizens, adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and people who are blind or deaf. She also works with underserved audiences such as at-risk youth, migrant families, ESL students, or pediatric patients and their families. Laura creates programs for inside the museum and also travels all over the state with her menagerie. This summer, she came to Camp Royall once a week. The campers loved it. On this day, after the hissing cockroach, Laura introduces an ornate wood turtle that is declared “so cute,” a ball python that elicits more screams, and the grand finale, a baby alligator. All along, she is peppered with questions. “Is it venomous?” “Do you have any venomous snakes at the museum?” “Do you know all of the genders?” “Is it real?” “What’s the name of a baby alligator or baby crocodile?” “What are the closest living relatives of alligators and crocodiles?” One camper, who asks many of the questions, quickly follows with the answers, wowing Laura and the camp staff. Learning about and interacting with animals is good for everyone, Laura said. It helps us understand the natural world and where we fit, and it helps ease fears of certain animals or teach how to respond to them in the wild. But for campers with autism, some of the other benefits may be key: “Our interactions with animals can improve our social skills. This includes skills related to empathy and sympathy, such as reading and expressing emotions. This is important for everyone, but may be especially beneficial to someone with autism,” Laura said. “Furthermore, bonding with an animal can reduce stress.”
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Her visits may even help with the campers’ fine motor skills, since they have to be gentle, she said. “This is especially true for the younger campers who may not have mastered that skill yet. Interacting with the animals is a great opportunity to learn this, because these animals are clearly smaller and more fragile than they are, and there are consequences for not being gentle. I can see that some campers seem to concentrate very hard on the animal and on their muscle control when they try to pet it.” Laura said she has had fun sharing her love of animals with campers this summer. “There are a handful of outspoken campers in each program who stand out, and I love connecting with them. There was a man who, during the snakes program, could not stop smiling at the snakes I brought, and probably could have petted them for 30 minutes straight,” she said. “In one of the alligators sessions, there was a boy who grew so attached to our alligator, he colored a picture for him and put it on the tank. Another boy told a beautiful story about two alligators who find friendship in each other.
ed by impress ly t n a t , ns ything is r I am co e v e d ganize is, and how or he staff t g in r a loves how c my son h c u m is just how leaves h ly g n li il home it. He w vices at e d ic n electro eek! camp w during t – Paren
“I love seeing campers who overcome their fear or uncertainty about touching an animal.” Over the summer, Laura has tailored her programs to our campers. She makes explicit, short statements, telling how they should touch an animal rather than listing all of the things not to do. She incorporates more structure into the programs and reinforces it with sounds and countdowns. “For instance, during the lizards program, we ended each activity with the same hand-clapping rhythm, and the campers were completely refocused after hearing the noise,” Laura said. The Museum of Natural Sciences program was a great addition to our summer! “We want Camp Royall to be a place where our campers are able to engage in new and exciting activities with the support that they need to do so,” said Camp Royall Director Lesley Fraser. “We loved having Laura here each week to offer a unique nature experience to our campers. We are very grateful for her time, enthusiasm, and dedication to our campers. It was great to see our campers’ excitement each week as they interacted with the animals.” g www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 11
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT:
Mebae Sasaki
Mebae Sasaki’s presence at Camp Royall this year is pure serendipity. Last year, the 20-year-old Japanese university student was traveling in Tokyo when she happened to meet a professor from another university and they talked about her interest in special education. The professor had volunteered at Camp Royall in 2012 and told her all about it. He helped Mebae connect with Camp Royall staff, and after she took time off to raise money for her trip and living expenses while here, she was able to sign on as a volunteer for the whole summer. As a volunteer, Mebae helped the Activity Directors get ready for activities and took photos of campers with the camera she brought with her. But working with campers was her favorite part, and where her joy was evident as she did the army crawl along the gym floor, dueled with foam swords, or wrote out campers’ names in Japanese. “It makes me feel happy, and very satisfied, and full of love,” Mebae said. “I didn’t expect that before I came here, how much I can love someone unconditionally.” “Mebae has been a wonderful support this summer. We have been so lucky to have her positivity, energy and dedication,” said Camp Royall Director Lesley Fraser. “Whether it was helping in Arts and Crafts, taking photos for parents, supporting with campers or any other task that was given to her, Mebae was always ready and more than happy to help.” Mebae is studying special education in school and had already worked for a company in Japan that provides a range of supports for people of all ages with different abilities, including preschool and employment supports.
“I didn’t expect that before I came here, how much I can love someone unconditionally.” She said it was a good program because they tailor their services to the individuals and the people being served are happy, but in general, Japanese culture is not as accepting as Camp Royall’s.
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“It’s very sad – there’s still a lot of prejudice against those with disabilities,” she said. Mebae said that she hopes to take Camp Royall’s inclusive atmosphere back to Japan and work with people with disabilities after she graduates in 2019. “The campers have taught me that I must not want them to change. I have to change to interact with them,” Mebae said. “We have to accept who they are, and we have to celebrate who they are.”
. It is ery way v e in t the Excellen observe o t l u f r to wonde n given o ti n e tt da e the care an nd to se a r e p m lfeach ca th in se w o r g g f all resultin dence o fi n o c d an to esteem nate as u t r o f o s who are t camp. week a a d n e sp t – Paren
She also would love to work at Camp Royall again. “Every moment gives me new motivation and perspective. So I love it!” Lesley said, “It is important to me that what we do at Camp Royall and the way that we do it, is spread as far as it can be to help individuals with autism across the world. I know Mebae will go on to do great things for people with autism wherever she ends up!” g
Camp rem inded me that it ’s okay to be silly, it ’s ok ay to have fun, and it ’s ok a y to be me. An d... Camp g iv e s me learnin g experien c e s that no co llege prog ram ever could . At camp you get to kno w people not just scenarios and diagn osis.
– Colleen Key, Overnight Camp Cou ns
elor
One a scale of 1 to 864, I’d give this place the maximum. [Camper] www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 13
2016 Summer Staff Camp Director: Lesley Fraser [9] Assistant Director: Mark Smith [10] Assistant Director: Denise Dixon [8] Social Recreation Services Director: Sara Gage [20] ASNC Property Manager: David Yell [25] Facility Staff: Lawson Whitaker [19] Brenda Howell [17] James Walsh [17] Ricky Sampson [12] Crystal Perry [11] Randy Keck [9] Linda Burgess [8] Ed Wolfram [7] Robin Griffith [6] Al Bugg [4] Cindy Lodestro [3] Leah Wolfram Tristan Wolfram Nancy Talbert
[
Volunteer Coordinator: Jada Linnen [3]
Overnight Camp Counselors: Jay Jarrett Morales [3] Colleen Key [3] Olivia Kowalewski [3] Stephanie Burke [2] Eliza Granger [2] Curtis Sobie [2] Katie Burnet [2] Ali Faraz [2] Hailey Pister [2] Kaelove Richardson Evie Blacka Bec Mundi Program Leaders: Zoey Huston Kory Morgan [4] Katie Shepherd Erin Kerr [4] Estefania De Jesus Christina Scarpellino Activity Directors: Zach Morgan Lilliann Vigil [5] Aishling Golding Emily Piper [5] Nataly Stewart Olivia Boorom [4] Sybilsue Strivelli Kim Rubish [3] Hunter Dyson Laura Belmar [3] Caroline Bartley Graham Johnson [3] Melinda Russell Sarah Glick [3] Rochelly Rodriguez Tatiana Martinez [3] Michael Shaw Jennifer Speakman [3] Jonas Gage Dylan Mathews [2] Jared Ballen Seth Smith [2] Raelyn Robinson-Marshall Suzy Schmalbeck ] indicates how many summers spent working or volunteering
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Hannah Overcash Tim Connell Genevieve Morris Cassie Brown Joy Alcantara Hunter Atchley Lifeguards: Chris Murray [3] Amaris Smith Marc Tucci Delaney Burns Day Camp Counselors: Rico Thorpe [4] Sam Hedges [2] Beth Kluxen [2] Moriah Walters [2] Jade Womble [2] Veronica Dodson [2] Tricia Whalen Morgan Pedley Britne Podruchny Hannah Miller Madeline Miles Brittany Miles Nurses: Tina Harris [6] Kim Sabbagh [5] Cynthia Macalino [3] Carol Barlow [2] Shelly Stockton
Extraordinary Volunteers: We want to recognize those who so generously gave their time to support us through many tireless hours of volunteer work. Your dedication and support was inspirational and very much appreciated!
Jeremiah Macalino [4] Mark Sudol [3] Olivia Hedges [2] Ally Coker [2] Abhiram Kandukuri Aditya Kandukuri Erik Rotenberry Hannah Lawrence Jason Athavale Mebae Sasaki
Onika Kelly Wendy Quaile Kristian Page Bridget Walz Michelle Chinn Cannon Kate Kennedy Dwayne Ballen Warren Croom Scott Lambeth
Trainers and Consultants: We are extremely grateful to friends of Camp Royall from 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.
Lori Roberts Kate Sugg Kelli Garbett Carolyn Penn Cassie Ball Tara Regan Jailee Hollars Michelle Scatamacchia Monica Huang
Jenna Vescio Elisabeth Rubin Haley Ferrante Lee Whitford Joey Reynolds Louise Southern Linda King Thomas Whitney Luffman
Camp Royall is truly Gavin’s happiest place on earth. Every year he de velops strong friendsh ips with peers and relationship s with adults. This allows him to feel a connectedness with others that is difficult for him to cultivate outsid e of camp. – Parent
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g to a HUGE blessin is ll ya o R p am C and , my husband my family. Me do got to go and our daughter al’ family could rm o ‘n a e lik gs thin As at a concept. do. WOW, wh loved sed my boy, I much as I mis . g of my family the regroupin - Parent
g he son na t e k i l It ’s , “Wan w o n k you e? No way Leav [Camper] Jose!”
16 • Camp Cronicle Chronicle2016 2016
Camp br ought m e back t apprecia o ting the beauty o nature f human to celeb rating pe to laugh ople, ing and crying, a finding jo nd to y in the small th reminde ings. It d me of how imp is to be ortant it a little s illy and opportu t o jump a nities to t get a me importa ssy. Mos ntly, it re t minded value th me of th at a little e bit of en paired w thusiasm ith the r ight sup structur port and e can br ing.
- Jen Spe
akman,
Activity
Director
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Today is gonna be a good day! We are gonna relax and chill. [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: • Construction paper • Glue/glue sticks • Scissors (of all sizes) • Paint (fabric paint, tempera paint, face paint, watercolors, finger paint) • Painting supplies (brushes, small paint containers, watercolor paper) • Pipe cleaners • Glitter • Beads (not too small) and plastic string for beading
• Googly eyes • Stickers • Plain white T-shirts of all sizes (youth small-adult 4XL) • Tie-dye supplies • Dry-erase markers (thin) • Sharpie markers • Blue painter’s tape • Cardstock (any size or color)
General Program Wishes:
[ ] indicates number of summers on staff
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• 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) • Batteries (AA and AAA) • Puzzles (new or like-new) • DVDs (new or like-new) • Digital timers
• Noise-canceling headphones • Velcro dots • Bubble solution • Laminating sheets (to be used in a hot laminator) • TVs with built-in DVD players • Two-way radios (Please contact us for specifics) • Bluetooth speaker system • Digital video camera (preferably weather-proof) • Paddleboats • Golf carts • Zero-turn, riding lawn mower • 4-wheel-drive pickup truck
Year-Round Programs Afterschool Program: We offer an Afterschool
Mini-Camp Weekends: Mini-Camps give campers the
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. Participants enjoy outdoor activities, group games and gym play. The hours are 2:30-6:30 p.m. each day with some transportation available.
chance to enjoy a weekend version of our summer camp program, from Friday evening until noon Sunday. Supervision at a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 is provided for all campers during Mini-Camp. 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 Retreats: Independent adults, ages 18 or older, with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, can spend time at camp with friends. Week-long and weekend retreats are offered. Participants enjoy camp activities as well as outings in the community, including meals out at local restaurants.
Fall Camp: Campers ages 4-22 on all levels of the
Family Fun Days: Our popular Family Fun Days offer
a chance for families to experience all the joys of camp together. Activities include a cookout, the playground, boating, fishing (feel free to bring your own gear!), hayrides, the zapline, games in the gym, arts & crafts, sensory room, face-painting and hiking trails. During the December Family Fun Day, Santa visits Camp Royall, providing sensory-friendly visits with no waiting!
Family Camping: Come for the Fun Day and then
stay overnight together in our cabins. On Saturday evening, we enjoy a pizza dinner together before a campfire with songs and s’mores! We will also provide a light continental breakfast and more time to play at camp on Sunday.
autism spectrum can join us for a week of overnight camp from Sunday, October 16, to Friday, October 21.
Winter Camp: Winter Camp is open to campers of all ages, with priority given to campers living at home. A week of overnight camp will run from Tuesday, December 27, until Sunday, January 1, 2017. Spring Camp: Campers ages 4-22 on all levels of the autism spectrum can join us for a week of overnight camp from Sunday, March 26, to Friday, March 31, 2017. Teen Groups: We are excited to start regular groups for teenagers with high-functioning autism this year! These groups are still in the early stages, but if you are interested, please get in touch with us for more information. 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 registration for any of our programs, please visit www.camproyall.org. Questions? Contact us at 919-542-1033 or camproyall@autismsociety-nc.org. www.camproyall.org • 19
Eastern NC Social Rec This summer, we were excited to offer day camps in four Eastern NC locations for the first time. Campers ages 4-22 enjoyed swimming, arts and crafts, gym time, and all of the typical camp activities in Greenville, Carteret County, Brunswick County, and Wilmington. “It’s great,” said one camper. “At this camp, we have pool time every day. I usually have my own goggles for underwater. They’re orange.” Just like at Camp Royall, many campers made friends for the first time. “We want them to feel love for who they are,” said Sara Gage, who is now Social Recreation Services Director. “We like to provide an environment that understands them and gives them the opportunity to flourish just as they are.” The camps are part of an array of Social Recreation programs made possible by funding from Trillium Health Resources. This initiative will support children and adults with autism through programs in underserved areas of the state, helping them to improve their social and communication skills, peer networks, and physical wellbeing. Summer Day Camp ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays with a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 based on self-help and behavioral needs. Elaina Wingfield said her 6-year-old son, Marshall, has not been able to attend other camps. “He was the kid the other kids didn’t really want to play with or that the staff treated differently, even if they weren’t trying to.” But at the Greenville camp, “He’s just Marshall. He’s really great, Minecraft-loving, teddy bear-toting Marshall,” she said. “This is the first place he’s ever been that he wants to come back every day.” “It has truly been a blessing to our family,” said another camper’s mom. “My son is so grateful for this opportunity. He has made many new friends and has created many wonderful memories.” Afterschool programs started this fall in Greenville, Carteret County, and Wilmington, and recreational respite and adult programs are also planned. For more information, please go online to www.autismsociety-nc.org/socialrecreation or contact the director for your area: Greenville: SRP_Greenville@autismsociety-nc.org Wilmington: SRP_Wilmington@autismsociety-nc.org Brunswick: SRP_Brunswick@autismsociety-nc.org Carteret County: SRP_Carteret@autismsociety-nc.org 20 • Camp Chronicle 2016
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www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org • 21
DONOR HIGHLIGHT:
Mary V. Costanzo Balliet
This spring, Camp Royall was extremely fortunate to receive an amazing gift of $400,000 from Mary V. Costanzo Balliet. Because of her gift, we were able to create the Mary V. Costanzo Balliet Camp Royall Scholarship Fund, which will provide 10 full scholarships or many more partial scholarships per year through a $350,000 endowment. Mary Balliet’s son, Brian, has autism, and she and her husband, Brian Sr., completely dedicated themselves to Brian and his care. Mary also devoted considerable time and dedication to the understanding and treatment of autism. She worked actively with several professional organizations toward this end, notably the Carolina Living and Learning Center in Pittsboro. Both Mary’s mother and Brian Sr. died at tragically young ages, so for many years, Mary, Brian, and her father lived together, most of the time in Florida. They enjoyed traveling together on long road trips to the western U.S. and to Maine, and they also enjoyed boating. Al and Brian Sr. both worked hard to provide a secure future for Brian Jr., and part of those funds created Mary’s charitable trust that provided the gift to Camp Royall. “Because of the generosity of Mary Costanzo Balliet and her family, we are now able to make many dreams come true each year for our campers,” said Sara Gage, Social Recreation Services Director. “Every year, we work so hard to ensure that no camper is turned away from camp because they cannot afford the cost, and every year, we have to start from square one in raising those funds. Having an endowment like this gives us a head start on raising those funds each year, so truly, it is the gift that will keep on giving.” Camp Royall also was able to purchase with the additional $50,000 a new hayride wagon, two new golf carts, and some gym equipment; the rest will go toward facility enhancements. “I got to ride our new hayride wagon the other day, and I was giddy with excitement to think about how many campers will ride it and make wonderful memories at camp for such a long time to come,” Sara said. One veteran camper said, “When I saw the new hayride, I said, ‘Holy cow! It is awesome!’ It has more space, it is more comfortable, and is a much smoother ride for us all to enjoy!” Mary died at age 67 in June 2015, but her love for her son and dedication to all people with autism will create joy for many summers to come at Camp Royall. “We are so deeply grateful for this magnanimous gift,” Sara said.
22 • Camp Chronicle 2016
This Summer at Camp Royall was truly a privilege. I feel like the luckiest Australian on earth and have not stopped telling everybody I know that they need to go to this magical place where everybody is accepted for exactly who they are, with absolutely no exceptions. - Bec Mundi, Overnight Camp Counselor
www.camproyall.org • 23
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 2,000 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 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.
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 $180,000, 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: a digital video camera (preferably weather-proof), paddleboats, a golf cart, a zero-turn, riding lawn mower and a pickup truck.
Planning for Our Future: As we look to the future and the growing number of children and families 24 • Camp Chronicle 2016
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. “At Camp Royall, Brian can’t wait to experience the freedom, the fun, and all the ‘normal camp’ opportunities that he otherwise would not have,” shared one grandparent. “The life and social skills he learns and the ability to build relationships with peers are things that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. Without a doubt, I know that Camp Royall has directly contributed to Brian’s positive growth and development.” 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.
To help, contact: Kristy White, Chief Development Officer 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 in funding for camp scholarships and programming during summer 2016.
$100,000 and Above Mary V. Costanzo Balliet
$10,000-$24,999 BB&T Charitable Contributions Charlotte Observer/ The Summer Camp Fund Roberts-Miller Children’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Gaston County, Inc. Triangle Community Foundation, Inc. Teresa and John Sears Kim and Jeff Woodlief
$5,000-$9,999 ASNC Durham County Chapter ASNC Orange/Chatham County Chapter ASNC Surry County Chapter Carolina Panthers Charities Credit Suisse North Carolina Community Foundation Premiere Communications & Consulting, Inc.-Raleigh Strowd Roses, Inc. The Knightly Order Of The Fiat LuxTriangle Chapter Carol and Doug Fink Lorraine and Dale Reynolds
$2,500-$4,999 ASNC Edgecombe/Halifax/Nash/Wilson County Chapter ASNC Guilford County Chapter ASNC Richmond County Chapter ASNC Wake County Chapter BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Durham Academy’s Autism Awareness Club Macy’s Northlake Pediatric Possibilities The Penny Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina UNC at Chapel Hill Women of Fearrington Angela Glover Denise and Steve Vanderwoude
$1,000-$2,499 Acorn-Alcinda Foundation ASNC Onslow County Chapter
ASNC Pitt County Chapter AT&T North Carolina Cisco Foundation Diamonds Direct Eastern Alliance Insurance Company Genworth Financial US Mortgage Insurance Golden Corral Corporation Golden State Foods Hardison & Cochran, P.L.L.C. Iredell County DSS Johnson Lexus Johnston County Community Foundation Kendra Scott Designs Moore County Community Foundation Onslow Caring Communities Foundation PPR Foods, LLC/McDonald’s Publix Super Markets Charities Senn Dunn Insurance Sky Zone of Raleigh The Eisner Charitable Fund, Inc. The Phillips-Grove Fundation The Woman’s Club of Raleigh United Way of Greater Greensboro US Foods Wake Electric Foundation Warren Brown Family Foundation Yadkin Bank Peter Bley Kiel Bowen Cherie and Tymika Chandler Janet and James Cozart Shelley and Matthew Hancox Melissa and Matt Huemmer Melissa Fruehling and David Israel Brenda and Philip Julian Laurie and Kyle Kennedy Keryn and Kevin Maionchi Bethany Meeks Candace and Joseph Roberts Linda and Kevin Routh Katie and Tracey Sheriff Judith and Mark Strickland Doug Terry Jeaninne and John Wagner Petrina and Scott Woodlief
$500-$999 Ammons Chiropractic, P.C. Amundi Smith Breeden Associates LLC Archer Western Construction ASNC Craven County Chapter ASNC Davidson County Chapter Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Brickstreet Insurance Brunswick County Community Foundation Camping World of Raleigh Disney World Durham Performing Arts Center/DPAC Famous Toastery-Davidson Gina Scott & Associates, Inc. Ken Melton & Associates, LLC Kiwanis Club of Lee County, Inc. M2 Graphics LLC Mastercraft Roofing Group, Inc. P & A Roofing Special Needs Planning and Wealth Management Tanas Hair Designs & Day Spa The Ireland Family Foundation The Mosquito Troop Total Wine Vineyard Vines Wayne J. Griffin Electric Brenda Baker Michelle and Christopher Becker Ingrid and Michael Branigan Elizabeth Brown David Christmas Tammie and James Crawford Elizabeth and Grason Curtis Carol Manzon and Chris Diplock Amy and Vance Fowler Layim and Jeswant Gill Lesley and Michael Graves Susanne Harris Susan Hodges Nan and Ray Johnsen Suzanne and Daryl Jones Beckie and Mike Kimbrell Danielle and Scott Labrozzi Helene and Bill Lane Jane and Neal Mahan
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Sue and Jan Martin Martha and Chris McCool Kellie and Steven McPhail Tracy Mitchell Mary Moss Nancy and Joe Nestor Lisa O’Connor Susan and Marc Roth Christy and Tommy Scarboro Jeanne McGovern and Michael Schwenk Cathy Smith Cynthia and Mark Sokal Christine Sullivan Nichole Thompson Jennifer Torrey Kristy and Andrew White Michelle and Tyler Wolfram
$250-$499 Allen & Son BBQ Art of Style Boutique Beau Rivage Golf And Resort Buehler Motor Inc. Chapel Ridge Golf Club Clemson University Fearrington Inn GFWC- South Brunswick Islands , Inc. Hampton Inn & Suites-Southpark at Phillips Place Highland Ridge RV Kennon Craver KTL - McDonald’s, LLC M Holdings, LLC Massage Envy Pure Light Yoga, Inc. Scout and Molly’s Boutique The Robert W. Mansfield Fund/ Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund The Sanderling Resort Triple J Services Visit Lake Norman Karen Altenpohl Jamezetta and Edward Bedford Suzanne Begnoche Ashley Bell Kerry and Marcus Briones Janice and Michael Colin Chad Corbin Robin and Chris Crider Todd Dameron Darrell Davis
26 26 ••Camp CampChronicle Chronicle2016 2016
Cindy Dodge Cindy and Kevin Fitzgerald Emily and Jonathan Freeman Jennifer Frey Jason Geist John and Hollin Goodwin Christina and Timothy Grabus Kate and Harvey Hall Robert Hickling Cathy Heitman Dixie and Edward Jernigan Christine and Lawrence Jones Lisa and David Kaylie Jen-Ai Kennovin Janet and Kevin Kidd Peggy Kirk Tommy Lawrence Amanda and Kristian Lloyd John Lowe Jen and Rob MacGregor Nancy and James McDuffy Cornelia McMillian Akeysha McMurren Lyda and Rich Mihalyi Ann and William Monroe Beverly and Alan Moore Douglas Moore Danni Ortman Jack Ortman Alyssa and Matthew Puccia Richard and Paula Purnell Amy Rosenthal and Josh Ravitch Dawn and Mike Rohlik Laura and Phillip Simson David Slaughter Amanda and Jacob Slominski Susan and Derek Smith Steven Sokal Barbara and Gordon Still Mindy and Tom Storrie Mildred and Dillard Teer Nancy Teer Jane Zeller and John Townson Ardith and Richard Vines William Warren Jerry Washington Lennie Washington Judy and Paul Wendler Ruth Hurst and Tom Wiebe Mary Edna Williams
Rodney Williams Todd Wolfram William Zamboni
$100-$249 Affordable Storage of the Triad, Inc. American Legion Eason Tiney Post 19 ASNC Cumberland County Chapter Blumenthal Performing Arts Burning Coal Theatre Company Carowinds Commercial Site Design, PLLC DS Parada East Carolina University Edgecombe Community College Elite Building Solutions, INC Empire Eats Famous Toastery of Concord Glo de Vie Med Spa Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Hord Studio Keypoint Government Solutions, Inc. Less Back Office Lorena Luca Spa Queen City Helicopters REEDS Jewelers of NC, Inc. Rocky Top Hospitality Rosemary House Bed and Breakfast S & J Data Corporation Sarah Michelle Photography Sky Zone Sky Zone of Durham The Angus Barn Top of the Hill UCB West Edgecombe School Ellen Airs Sarah and Chris Allen Jonathan Alley Sanaa Alyemeni Daisy and Guy Anderson Gretchen and Phillip Arth Barbara Bailey-Walenty Natalie and Geoff Banks Joan Barlow Susan Beam Stacey and Ethan Bean Michael Beasley James Bell Mary and Michael Berridge
Brad Blanchard Sandi and Leonard Bouchard Emili and Scott Bower Melody Bradford Samuel Bridgers Paula Brooks Susan and Benjamin Brooks Rhodena Brunstrom Alison and Steve Buchanan Ruby Bugg Dolores Byzek Betty and Norman Camp Jackson Campolmi Hazel Cannon John Capwell Marcia Carpenter Jan and Michael Carroll Mary Beth and Jeff Cecil Ingrid Chopping Myriam and John Clark Rebecca and Josh Coffee Carolyn and Tom Crozier Nora and Michael Cyr Judy Davenport George Demartz Jennifer Derby Sarah Dressel Judy Dunaway Wes Dunaway Blake and Bret Ellis Kerri and Jeremy Erb Kim and John Feller Joan and Alan Felton Belinda and Ed Ferro Zenaida and Robert Fravor Zipora and Andrew Freeman Wendy and William Frye Heather and Edgar Garrabrant Susan and Robert Geist Elise and Steve Graziano Katherine Greene Kevin Greene Jessica Grossflam Faye and Bobby Hales Eileen Hancox Carol and Robert Harkness Natania and Michael Harrison Barbara Harwell Barbara Hawk Michele Henrie
Loree and Scott Idol Barbara Irlbeck Nancy Johnson Regina and William Kaiser Stephanie and Roger Kanaan Crystal and Charles Keeley Roberta Kimble Andrea and Michael Klauss Adrienne Knowles Cheryl Knoy Susan and Tom Krebs Beth Kuklinski Bettie and Rick Lambeth Gregory Lawson Kevin Ledford Scott Lee Lynn Malling J.W. Marr Sandra and Gary Matthews Betsy Mayer Craig McKee Diane and John McQuade William Meador Sherry and Michael Moman Ann and Jerry Moser Sealy and Bran Nash Pamela and Chris Nelson Lorraine and Russell Nolet Jean and Kenneth Oakley Thomas O’Boyle Deborah O’Briant Debbie Orol Sabrina and Jefferson Osborne Derrika Perkins Jim Phillips Doug Piner Nancy and Steven Piper Michael Pomaville Carrie and Reginald Ponder Richard Poole Kelly and Jeffrey Powrie Michelle Proden Jeanne Puckett Barbara and Ronald Putnam Wendy Raynor Gregory Rimmer Angela Ross Jacquiline Roh Mary and Anthony Salem Carlos Santiago
Leanne and Jacob Schaffhauser Bridget and Jeremy Scharpenberg Judy Scharpenberg Carol Schwartz Curtis Scott Maureen Scott Jayme Shoop Erin and Christopher Smith Kim Spencer Janice and James Squires Patsey Edward Strange Lerone Streeter Kristin Teer Tim Templeton Ashley and David Tilton Robynn and Micah Tomaselli Kevin Violette Lauren and Joe Vukina Wendy Wagner Tammy and Brent Wall Jerry Washington Linda Watson Wendy and James Weatherington Donna Weeks William Weeks Lil and Lonnie Williams Lucy Williams Steve Wilson Gina and Heber Windley Margaret and Walter Wolfram Kathleen Worrell Janet and Nicholas Yakubik Megan Yantes Diana and Lawrence Yenni Joan Zales Craig Zavelo
www.camproyall.org www.camproyall.org••27 27
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