{"id":45884,"date":"2017-07-20T09:36:49","date_gmt":"2017-07-20T13:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=45884"},"modified":"2018-03-07T09:23:27","modified_gmt":"2018-03-07T14:23:27","slug":"volunteers-needed-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-summer-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2017\/07\/volunteers-needed-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-summer-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteers needed for Autism Spectrum Disorder Summer Movement Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>For many Niagara youths living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there are limited opportunities to participate in a summer camp that meets their specific needs. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These youths get to attend a unique camp at Brock University for one week each summer, but only if there is a student volunteer willing to support them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ASD Summer Movement Camp runs from Aug. 21 to 25 and Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 and provides developmentally appropriate movement programming for participants.<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/span> camp needs 25 student volunteers to work with youth who require one-on-one support (and in some cases two-to-one support).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ASD

ASD Summer Movement Camp participant Rory O\u2019Donnell receives one-on-one instruction from Brock University student Kiley Hill during last year\u2019s session.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThese camps fulfill a much needed gap in services for this group of youth in Niagara,\u201d says Elyse Lappano, Brock\u2019s Experiential Learning Co-ordinator, Inclusive and Adaptive Physical Activity. \u201cThis is because many of our participants are unable to attend other local camps as they are either too old or there are simply not enough resources available to service their individual needs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/span> ASD Summer Movement Camp can only accept campers based on volunteer commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis means, when a volunteer says they will be at camp, we invite a camper,\u201d explains Lappano. \u201cIf the volunteer does not show up, we cannot turn that camper away \u2014 this results in a serious safety issue due to lack of student support.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Students are currently needed for both camps and may volunteer for one or both weeks. A training session will take place on campus on the Sunday before each camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Volunteers should be interested in teaching and working with youth and teens in a movement context. They will learn strategies that are transferable to any teaching profession and may gain course credit for volunteering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate and graduate students from across all faculties and departments are encouraged to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the past, we\u2019ve had students volunteer from across Brock University,\u201d Lappano says, including students from Education, Kinesiology, Disability Studies, Goodman School of Business, Math and Science, and Dramatic and Visual Arts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis camp is so unique, we\u2019ve also had students from other Ontario colleges and universities who volunteer their time to gain experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The camp will take place in Gym 2 of Walker Complex.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be trips each afternoon to participate in a variety of recreation activities throughout Niagara, including:<\/span><\/p>\n