Social & Recreational Opportunities
The purpose of our events and recreational programming is to provide recreational and social activities for families and individuals affected by autism that promote growth and meaningful social connections.
Purpose of Our Programs
The purpose of our events and recreational programming is to provide recreational and social activities for families and individuals affected by autism that promote growth and meaningful social connections.
Social Rec Committee
Autism Delaware’s Social Rec Committee is made up of parents/caregivers of individuals with ASD and members of the community who are passionate about providing fun and meaningful events and programs for individuals with ASD and their families. The Social Rec Committee meets quarterly to advise Autism Delaware on the needs of the community and to develop programming to meet the needs of families and individuals across Delaware. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Social Rec Committee, contact Sarah Young at sarah.young@delautism.org or 302-224-6020.
Events
Safe, fun events include the whole family and provide opportunities for both children and parents to connect and build a supportive community. Autism Delaware provides hundreds of social and recreational opportunities for families and individuals with ASD throughout the year. Events include: summer beach picnic, fall festival, Blue Rocks game, holiday parties, bowling, train rides, sensory friendly activities and much more!
To learn more and to register for our events visit our events page.
Recreational Programs
Our recreational programs are designed to support building new peer relationships, exploring new activities, and making gains in independence. Autism Delaware’s Summer Beach Camp and Junior Golf programs are great ways to learn new skills in a fun and supported environment.
Autism Delaware Junior Golf Program
Application Process
Applications for Junior Golf are 2018 are now closed. If you’d like to talk about the Junior Golf Program for 2019, please call Sarah Young at 302-224-6020 x 204 or email sarah.young@delautism.org.
Purpose of Junior Golf
The game of golf can be enjoyed across the lifespan, helping youth increase confidence, perseverance and improve judgment as they learn techniques of the game. Instruction will include: putting, chipping, driving, short game, course etiquette and more.
The program will again be free, thanks to the generosity of Coach Butch Holtzclaw and The Rookery in Milford, Delaware. Equipment for this program will be provided by The Rookery, purchased through a previous grant provided by The Philadelphia Foundation and The Greater Philadelphia PGA. Junior Golf is offered in the fall of each year.
Autism Delaware Summer Beach Camp
Application Process
Applications for camp in 2020 will be available early 2020. If you’d like to talk about camp, please contact Sarah Young at 302-224-6020 x 204 or email sarah.young@delautism.org.
Purpose of the Camp
The Autism Delaware Summer Beach Camp is designed to provide a traditional summer day camp experience with necessary supports from staff who understand the special needs of youth with ASD. The Camp is held at Children’s Beach House in Lewes Delaware for 4 days in August. Our goal is to help each child have a fun and successful summer camp experience building new peer relationships, exploring new activities, and making gains in independence. Camp also provides the opportunity for respite for families!
The camp program is highly structured and filled with new adventures within a repeating schedule. Activities include kayaking, sailing, swimming at the beach, low ropes course, arts and crafts, swimming in the pool, and more! Throughout each activity, emphasis is put on communication, social skills, and building self-esteem. We use a “Challenge by Choice” approach throughout camp activities, meaning that we encourage campers to try new things, but never force them into an activity. Emotional and physical safety are always our priority.
Program staff will include teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists with autism training and experience, Autism Delaware staff, and Children’s Beach House Camp Counselors, allowing for a low staff to camper ratio.
OUR SUMMER CAMP IS FULL FOR 2019. Please check back in February 2020 for next year’s application.
Visit our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming opportunities
Workshops & Speakers
Autism Delaware provides regular opportunities for parents, caregivers, individuals with autism, medical professionals, educators, and members of the community to hear directly from experts in the field of autism therapies, autism issues, and autism research.
Social Skills Activities
Building social skills is an important part of the continuing development of both children and adults with autism. Autism Delaware provides a number of social and recreational opportunities, which is a great way to engage in social skill building, throughout the year.
Recreational Opportunities
Each year we hold, literally, hundreds of opportunities for family recreation, from sensory friendly movies, to bowling, roller skating, art classes, and beyond.
Coffee & Conversation
Parent coffee hours offer the opportunity to get together in a safe, comfortable atmosphere to talk about issues of concern, vent frustrations & learn about important topics.
The United Way of Delaware Designation Number 9234. Southeastern PA Designation Number 12598. Autism Delaware is a Non-Profit 501(c) (3) Organization. Autism Delaware™, POW&R™, Productive Opportunities for Work & Recreation™, and the puzzle-piece logo are trademarks or service marks of Autism Delaware Inc.