A day camp for children with autism at Saginaw Valley State University is seeing considerable growth in its second year. Camp Cardinal Kidz has expanded to 30 participants, up from 14 in 2009, and will include two four-week sessions instead of one.
Funded by grants from the Bay and Saginaw community foundations and the Great Lakes Bay Autism Center, the camp provides activities tailored for children with autism. Organizers hope to continue to grow the program, as the Autism Society of America states that one percent of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.
Participating children were identified through regional school districts. Each camp session is run by a team of five SVSU occupational therapy students and a supervising occupational therapist. The program gives children with autism a chance to interact with others, engage in group activities, and explore personal interests. It also provides the graduate students with an opportunity for field work to complement their classroom studies.
Camp Cardinal Kidz opened July 6. It runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays in July and August.
