Camp Encourage

The mission of Camp Encourage is to provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community. Our camps take place at Heartland Retreat Center in Parkville, MO. Each camp session includes both traditional camp activities and activities tailored around the individual campers’ interests. We are currently serving individuals on the autism spectrum that are: -between the ages of 10 and 18 at the time of camp, -at least fairly independent with self-care skills (showering, dressing, toileting), -able to stay with or near the group (with accommodations and adaptations), -able to tolerate the outdoors and all that nature brings (bugs, warmth, etc.), -able to enjoy the activities on the schedule, -successful with a 3:2 or 2:1 child:adult ratio, -able to NOT have any access to electronic devices (including a phone) during the duration of the camp session, and -not presently exhibiting behavioral or functional needs that would warrant the constant support of 1:1 assistance. Camp costs includes quality planning, specialized materials and supports, meals, comfortable cabins, and tailored activities. Overnight Camp (Two days, one night): $595 Summer Sessions (Four days, three nights): $1295 Through fundraising and grant writing efforts, we proudly offer scholarship support for each session. Scholarship opportunities range from partial to full. When a Camper Application is submitted (to express interest in attending), a Scholarship Application is submitted as well. An in-depth scoring process is completed and funding is offered to each family according to the score received. Limited full scholarships are available. The more each family can raise or fund, the further our scholarship funding will stretch thus reaching more deserving campers with ASD. Please do not let the cost deter you from applying. We work diligently throughout the year to make this opportunity available to a variety of campers. A large number of our past campers have received partial or full scholarship support. In fact, all families that have expressed a need for financial support through the application process in past years were offered scholarship funding.