CAMP ORION SUMMER 2012

Camp Orion is an active day camp for children ages 5-13 who have neurobehavioral challenges including ADHD, Aspergers, and anxiety. The focus is on social skills, self regulation and most importantly, self esteem.

Each camp week includes

o A typical day camp designed to ensure a successful camp experience. Each day offers novelty within structure for curious & energetic campers.

o A low ratio of 1:4! Camp is staffed by teachers

o A lively thematic focus with high interest camp activities such as crafts, art exploration, gardening, cooking, yoga, recreational games, and field trips.

o Skill building activities designed to foster growth in the following areas: problem solving, managing frustration, expressing needs and emotions, understanding social cues, sport skill development, and making friends

o Camp Orion is kept small to ensure goals are met. We typically fill spots by spring.

“Science FUNdamentals” June 4th – June 8th
Investigate science concepts during a week of chemical reactions, concoctions, kitchen sink experiments, inventions, and natural wonders!

“Building & Connecting” June 11th – 15th
Spend a week building team and social connections through food creations, Lego day, Bionicles, art construction and cooperative games!

“Sensory Adventures” June 18th – 22nd
Explore human senses, amazing animal senses, and how we use our senses to communicate and build relationships during a week of experiential discovery!

Water Week June 25th – 29th
Splashy camp fun is created when water is added to balloons, rockets, bubbles, art projects and cool sporty activities!

Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm M-F
Camp Fee: is $415 per week
Before & After Care available for an additional fee
Questions? Contact: director@theorionschool.org

Camp will be held at The Orion School
458 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.theorionschool.org
404.551.2574

Questions? Contact us: director@theorionschool.org

For an application please click on to the following links:
Camp Application
Camp Medical Release and Health Forms

CAMP ORION Q & A

1. Can my child visit the camp before it starts? Of course! Once a child is registered for camp, we will make a plan for new campers to visit shortly before camp begins.

2. What does Camp Orion know about children with challenges like complex mental health diagnoses that include ADHD, anxiety and Aspergers. The Orion School is the only Atlanta school with a mission specifically to help bright students who have more complex profiles. Camp Orion is carefully structured to meet these needs.

3. What other types of disabilities are represented at the camp? Campers typically have a range of neurobehavioral conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, tics, Tourettes disorder, mood disorders, executive function disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and LD. On a case by case basis, we are also an inclusion camp for other children who have other disabilities and can be successful with a 1:4 ratio.

4. How many campers attend, and what is the staff-to-camper ratio? Camp Orion keeps the same low 1:4 staff to child ratio that we do for our school program. We limit camp enrollment to better serve the needs of our campers. We are not able to meet the needs of campers who require one on one attention.

5. Who are the counselors? Our camp is staffed by teachers who have experience teaching this population of children.

6. What about if my child needs medication during the camp day? A medical release is included in the application packet so camp teachers can ensure that medication is given.

7. How are discipline and behavior issues handled? We have a camp wide positive behavior support plan in place to help our impulsive and inflexible campers regulate behavior. This constant, tactile reinforcement increases student confidence and communicates teacher expectations by focusing on positive, desired behaviors rather than just the negative consequences.

8. What is your social skills program? Social skills are addressed throughout each camp day. In addition, direct instruction social skill activities are also used to teach pragmatic skills and emotional literacy. The Alert Program is used as another tool to teach self-awareness and regulation. This program also provides a sense of power and control over campers’ bodies and choices.

9. How does the camp deal with special food concerns? The camp provided snacks that meet the dietary needs of campers who have food allergies or are on restricted diets as well as we can in a camp environment.

10. Is there any academic tutoring available as part of the camp fee? The goal of the camp is a typical camp experience for campers who need a bit more support to experience camp success. There may be camp teachers available that will tutor after camp hours. Arranging this service is done directly with the teacher.

11. What are the goals for campers? Do parents receive any sort of reports about their child? The goal for campers is to have fun, learn, and increase self esteem through successful experiences. There is a daily activity and behavioral report sent home for each camper as well as a weekly recap.

12. How is communication handled? Before camp begins, parents receive an informational packet with detailed information about the goals and activities for each week. Parents can talk informally with the teachers at drop off and pick up but, are encouraged to schedule a time to talk for more than a few minutes. Camp teachers understand the need for ongoing communication and information sharing about each camper.

13. Most importantly, How do I know if my child a good fit for Camp Orion? Our typical camper is not easily defined by any one diagnosis. Despite often being curious, outgoing and creative, many of the following descriptions may apply to an Orion camper:

* Is in a smaller, more structured classroom environment during the school year

* Struggles in a traditional camp setting

* Has difficulty making and keeping friends

* Misinterprets social cues from other children and adults

* Gets overwhelmed in new, unstructured, or even exciting situations

* Conflict resolution skills are not well developed

* Must win

* Tends to be inflexible

* Will not stay on task or may not even attempt task if not interested

* Despite interest, does not consistently finish tasks

* Interpersonal skills may present as inappropriate or even rude

* Cause and effect are not always understood

* Repeats off behaviors despite redirection and intervention

* The concept of time is limited

* Has poor handwriting

* Has difficulty with executive function disorder – struggles with disorganization

* Is relentlessly outgoing and talkative

* May have low self esteem or inflated sense of self

* Transitions are often a challenge

* May or may not have the diagnosis, but may has the following core ADHD symptoms in varying degrees: inattentiveness, distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.