Forsyth County Parks & Recreation - Autism Speaks

Enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.

Braeden O. 17 years old Cumming

Thank you so much for providing a summer camp scholarship/grant to my son Braeden. This was a tremendous help in providing him with summer camp opportunities. Braeden looks forward to these summer camps each year. This provides him with the ability to socialize and connect with other teens during the summer break. This summer camp program is a vital part of Braeden’s world. He has an opportunity to have fun, go on field trips, see his buddies, and learn something new while not in the school setting.

As a parent, I am so grateful for these opportunities where he can participate in a nurturing and caring environment that understands him and his issues.

They always work to bring out the best in him and have given him life-long lessons on being a part of a group and socializing with others. The scholarship grant that we received was an unexpected joy. I thank you very much for investing in my son’s life. He will continue to go to these therapeutic programs and camps each year. Your assistance helped us out tremendously and I can’t thank you enough for that.

Sincerely, Sean and Pam O.

Caden A. 10 years old Sugar Hill

Gabriel B. 11 years old Sugar Hill

We are writing to share our gratitude and appreciation for the grant that you provided to Forsyth Parks and Recreation's Therapeutic Rec Program. We are a family that has been blessed with two boys on the autism spectrum. As such, we struggle to find a place where they can be together and have their unique challenges met. That's where Forsyth's Therapeutic Recreation Program and Summer Camp come into play. Our local county's park and rec program refuses to offer therapeutic/adaptive programming. We rely heavily on Forsyth's programming in the summer to keep our boys engaged, regulated, and happy. Because of their programming, my wife and I are able to continue working during the summer months.

Now that the boys are middle school aged, they require more stimulation in their days. Boredom leads to disruptive behavior and mood dysregulation for both of them. Through Forsyth's Therapeutic Rec Summer Camps, our boys are mentally and physically engaged, gain valuable social interaction practice, gain independence, and have access to the community through camp field trips to the splash pad, the lake, and bowling. This year both our boys participated in the Musical Showcase camp. For Gabe, this was his first time ever being able to handle something like this. He loves music, but the large group would have previously been too much. To our surprise and joy, he sat with the group, smiled, and even tolerated his brother Caden shaking a tambourine in front of him. That is huge! For Caden, through the Musical Showcase camp two years ago, we learned that he has a love and passion for being on stage. This year, he was able to be a leader in the group and shine. He was beaming with pride.

Sara is a 23-year educator (18 spent in special education) and says we couldn't ask for a better program to support the needs of our children. The loving, caring, and supportive staff make it easy for us to leave our children there each day. We know they are in good hands, that they will have fun, and as such, we as parent can relax. This program is going above and beyond to meet the needs of special needs families in their immediate and surrounding areas. Forsyth County Therapeutic Parks and Rec knocks it out of the park in outstanding programing and care for special needs kids. We are eternally grateful for their service, compassion, and support. We hope that this letter helps illustrate the importance of this program to our family, and families like ours, and that you continue to support their amazing work with the continuation of the Grant. Grants like yours help families like our gain access to quality programming for our boys in the summer. Respectfully, Sara A. and Kelli K.

Carter M. 18 Gainesville

Forsyth County’s Therapeutic Programming summer camps are my son’s favorite part of summer. His ability to be surrounded by his friends, both typical and kids with disabilities like his, make him feel like he isn’t the only one and that he has true friends. His counselors work so hard to provide him with fun experiences that encourage him to try new things while providing the support he needs to try new things. It also allows him to be active, again, while being supported so that he is successful. Carter is always in a fantastic mood when I pick him up from camp and always has wonderful experiences that he tells me about each day. We are so grateful for all the hard work Jeff and his team put in every day so that our children can have the same experiences that their typical peers have.

Kelly F.

Christopher C. 19 Cumming

We are grateful to Autism Speaks for this generous grant. For working families like mine, summer camps are key to making sure that our children are engaged with the world, not just parked in front of the t.v. or electronics during our workday. We have two children on the spectrum, so we appreciate the assistance provided more than ever.

Amanda & Regis C.

Dylan G. 18 Cumming

Our son Dylan G. has been fortunate to participate in the Forsyth County camps these past few years. We cannot express how much it means to Dylan & us to get a scholarship to camp. Dylan enjoys the camps, the staff & his peers and this this will be his last year. Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to camp, we really appreciate it. And thank you for supporting Forsyth County Therapeutic recreation camps.

The G. family

Haven A. 14 Cumming

Our family is tremendously thankful for the gift of attending the Therapeutic Recreation Camps with Forsyth County Parks and Recreation. We have been attending this camp and other activities provided by them for several years. The employees take great care to make connections with the individuals in attendance, including our son Haven. Haven is 14 and has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder with Speech delays. These diagnoses include the presentation of self-injurious behaviors. While he is there, he is able to participate in activities with peers and trained adults in an environment that we know is safe and structured to support his needs. needs. Haven has always been more successful and happier when he is able to participate in routines that provide sensory input and engage him. He is not a kid who is a home body. He needs to get moving daily. Attending camp fulfills these needs. His favorite activities are the arts and crafts. He is a talented artist and gets to explore different mediums while at camp. As a parent, our favorite part is knowing that he is in a safe and supportive environment, which allows us to peacefully embrace some much-needed respite time. We take time to schedule appointments and self-care during the time Haven is participating with Therapeutic Recreation. Again, thank you for delegating funds to support this community and their efforts to provide individuals with disabilities engaging and quality care.

Sincerely, Mike and Danielle A.

Ian (Yash) G. 17 Suwanee

This was the most “normal” experience my son Yash has had in the entire year.

He rarely goes anywhere without me to be the “buffer” between him and the world. To allow these kids to be free for an entire week is the greatest gift anyone could give them. For these summer camp weeks they are free to tic, run, play, laugh, and make friends. But more than that, during the camp days they are free from glares, judgment, condescension, and bullying. This is something that I, as a parent, couldn’t give my child. My son summed up his camp experience for me when he said,"I love everybody there". They said I was a GOOD kid!” The gift that will last a lifetime! Thank you Mr Jeffery, Mr Nicholas and everyone else involved for everything you did to make that camp happen.

Anna G.

Jeshua P. 17 Cumming

My son, Jeshua P. has attended the Summer Camp and it was so good, My son loves music and though the camp was only for a week but Jeshua learned so much in that camp, They taught him various instruments in Drums and Jeshua enjoyed it thoroughly...It was such a treat to watch all the kids perform on the last day. The teachers and volunteers are phenomenally talented and extremly patient.

Through this camp we came to know that my son can play drums so we want to teach him play drums. Cannot be thankful enough.

Thank you so much for extending my son the scholarship and we are so thankful for that.

Thank you Sunita Davis

Madison B. 14 Buford

My family and I want to THANK YOU for the generous donation to our daughter, Madison Boucaud, for camp this year. Attending summer camp is such an important part of a child or teen’s experience. I had the opportunity to attend camp as a child and I am so fortunate to pass along this experience to my child.

Jeff Jones and his team are FABULOUS! The Forsyth team provides such a valuable experience to so many special need families by having this camp every year. My daughter loves to go to camp, she gets to do everything from outdoor adventures at Lake Lanier, restaurants, movies, in addition to musical camp, art and theater. She also learns new and old skills as outlined in her IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Peers are so important to her age group, so she also gets to see old friends and make new friends. Jeff and his team provide a safe environment where kids with special needs can engage in activities together and have some good old fashion summer fun!

Beverley B.

Michael G. 12 Cumming

My name is Stephanie G. My husband, David and I live in Cumming, GA with our 2 children Michael & Lily. My son Michael was recently a recipient of 1 week of camp at “Camp I Can!” through the Forsyth County Park’s Therapeutic Recreation Department. I wanted the let you know how much my family appreciated this grant. The Forsyth County Parks & Recreation does a great job putting together a program where my son can go and have a summer camp experience. As a working mother of a special needs child, it is so wonderful to have a program within my community where I can send my son which provides a full day of activities to keep him occupied and engaged through the summer months. Often this these types of programs are hard to find or extremely expensive. This is our second year attending camp and it certainly will not be a our last. The programs offered by the Therapeutic recreation department in Forsyth County help create a since of community and belonging for all special needs families in the area. Thank you so much for recognizing the program and providing the resources for them to be able to service more families within our community.

Many Thanks, Stephanie & David G.

Nicholas R. 19 Cumming

Thank you so incredibly much for your generous donation of camp for my son Nick! Summer is a great time for relaxation and fun, but it can also a difficult time since much of my son’s socialization takes place at school and he misses his friends quite a bit during summer break. We definitely rely on Camp to keep those social skills active and also to provide respite for myself as well as time for me to work. Nick is so excited to attend camp this summer and we are extremely grateful for the gift of camp that you have given us!

Kindest regards and warmest thanks, Chrissy Radosta

Selah C. 8 Cumming

Thank you so much for the grant for Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Department. It means so much to our family to send our daughter to specific Therapeutic Recreation camps that can meet her special needs. This is our second summer of camps and Jeff Jones, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor is always so helpful with registering our daughter, Selah for camps and with any questions that I have. Back in May, we visited the office for my daughter’s evaluation and to complete the paperwork and Nick Priolo, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator had fun activities for my daughter to play with so he could see her in action while I completed the paperwork. He also had the forms ready for me as my printer was out of ink. They are a great team and go above and beyond to serve our families with compassion and understanding.

I feel confident sending my daughter to these TR camps knowing that the counselors are trained specifically in the area of Autism. Because we have had such a great experience with the TR team at Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, I have referred my neighbors to them as well.

Thanks to your grant my daughter can attend another camp which greatly benefits our family since I work full time and it’s quite challenging to keep her occupied.

Since she is an only child through these camps, she can engage with other peers that she relates to.

We are truly grateful!

Sincerely, Christa C.

Sophia P. 12 Cumming

As parents of a child with autism, I was thrilled to hear about the grant that was given for Summer Camps. The therapeutic summer camps that Sophia attends through Forsyth County Parks and Recreation have been such a huge benefit to Sophia and our family. During the summer months, Sophia has very limited school days, yet she needs structure and activities to keep her engaged and happy. Sophia loves being around other children and these camps provide her with these opportunities. She gets to be a part of the community by going bowling and to water parks. She learns to interact with others throughout the community, and others are also exposed to children who are not typical but bring joy to others. These camps also provide much needed respite hours during the summer for our family. The Forsyth County Summer Camps are a huge benefit to Sophia’s development and happiness and to our family’s. We are very grateful for the grant to help fund this great program.

Sincerely, Stacey and Joe P.

Truson C. 20 Cumming

I am deeply grateful to have my son Truson selected to receive a summer camp scholarship from your generous organization. He has thrived in the Therapeutic Recreation Program camps these past two summers, engaging in music performance, arts and crafts, water sports, and rock climbing, surprising us all. From the Music Camps to the thrilling Adventure Camp to the traditional Camp I Can, Truson worked with the kindest counselors and made wonderful friends and priceless memories. From each camp he would return home a more confident, balanced, and joyful young man.

Without the TR camps Truson would endure a comparatively dull and unstructured summer; I only wish he could attend one every week! The cost is always a challenge, but one I endeavor to overcome to the best of my ability.

Thank you for helping me do so. Yours Gratefully, Jessica C.

Tyler G. 19 Cumming

I wanted to take a second to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous gift of camp that you gifted my son, Tyler Greenup. Tyler has been attending summer and out of school camps at Forsyth County Parks and Recreation for over three years. He looks forward to attending each year! He has found community, and a sense of purpose and fun by attending the camps.

He loves telling me about all of his fun adventures, and the friends he has made.

Tyler comes alive and lights up when he shares or even talks about upcoming camps. Jeff, and all of the staff have been such a support to our family. Not only do they make it possible to help my husband and I to work, they have helped Tyler's brother, Hunter, to have a place to volunteer and give back to the special needs community. I can trust that my son, Tyler, is in a safe place where he is treated with dignity and respect, and able to have a fun-filled day filled with engaging activities. Thank you so much for your gift of camp to Tyler. It means the world to Tyler, and to our family!

In Gratitude, Brianne Y.

Tyler H. 17 Cumming

Thank you so much for the grant that helped my son attend travel camp this summer. He has Autism, ADHD and High Anxiety and is one that needs to constantly stay active and busy. This can certainly be a challenge over the summer with so much free time.

The Therapeutic Recreation program through Forsyth County Parks and Rec has been an amazing gift to our family. The activities and camps they provide to my son are fabulous, not to mention the breaks it provides to my husband and I while he attends these activities. It's truly a win/win all around. Getting this grant allowed my son to attend travel camp this summer, where he was able to attend several different venues across the Atlanta area and he said it was his favorite camp of the summer. We truly appreciate the grant and thank you so much for making this happen.

Sincerely, Pam Harris

Vivaan A. 11 Cumming

We would like to thanks Autism Speaks for their generous donation for the summer camp, the summer camp was a much needed help for Vivaan to socialize and learn new things and we are looking forward for next year summer camps.

Thanks Srini

Zachary B. 20 Suwanee

My child has been a part of the Forsyth County Special Needs Camp for over 5 years and we couldn’t be more thrilled with not only the camp and the services they provide but the individuals that run the camps. The camp itself tailors to the needs of the children and makes sure that they are safe and healthy at all times.

The counselors are trained and attentive to the campers and my son loves each and every one that works with him. He comes home so excited every day and can’t wait to tell me about all of the fun things he has done. I especially like that they work on therapeutic skills but make them fun so that he doesn’t know he is actually doing work. We are blessed with such a great program and I honestly don’t know how we would make it through the summer without it.

Thank you for your generous donation and it is greatly appreciated.

Jenn B.

Ziggy Z. 15 Cumming

As a grandmother of a teenager with Autism, I am so grateful that Forsyth County started the Total Recreation program. Even though he is almost 16, and considered high-functioning, he can't stay alone at home. This program gives me peace of mind that my grandson is well cared for while I work. I am doubly grateful for the grant from Autism Speaks to help me pay for the programs. Thank you so much.

Patti F.

Other campers who received camp scholarships.

Ruha S. 9 Cumming

Trey H. 11 Cumming

Joseph B. 17 Suwanee

Sadin R. 20 Cumming

Mithran M. 7 Cumming