Aaron's Acres

The school year program meets monthly to provide opportunities to attend "typical" recreational programs that would be offered by the local community center or other organizations within their communities, but with the added support they require. These young people also get the opportunities to interact with one another, outside of a school setting, engage in meaningful activities with their peers and do what "typical" young people do when not in school. Staff support the participants as they take turns, initiate conversation, follow directions and communicate their needs while doing a craft project for example.

The camp progam is a six-week day program. Staff focus on developing and strengthening socialization and communication skills for all campers that often regress during the summer school break. In addition, fine and gross motor skills are addressed through various activities campers engage in. Swimming is daily. The supervisory staff are professionals in the field (special education teachers). Direct staff are at a 1:1 or 1:2 staff to child ratio. A nurse is present at all programs in order to address any medical needs that might arise. During the Aaron's Acres acts of kindness component, adolescents and young adults have the opportunity to go into the community and engage in service projects. Rather than always being seen as recipients of services, they are realizing that they can give back to others and make a difference in others' lives.