Social & Recreational Opportunities

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.

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.

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.