Seasonal: Camp Guide

Autism Project of Rhode Island, 51 Sockanosset Crossroad, Cranston. 785-2666. Move, Think, Create, Communicate, summer camp for ages 5-17 with an autism spectrum disorder, sponsored by the Autism Project of R.I., Aug. 16-20 and Aug. 23-27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Camp is held at Champlin Scout Reservation, Scituate Avenue, Cranston. $325 per session, scholarships available. Visit the Web site at www.theautismproject.org; e-mail melinda [at] theautismproject.org.; or call Melinda Jackson at 785-2666.

Bradford L. Dunn Institute Summer Program 2004, a skill-strengthening academic camp for students with learning differences that can be combined with afternoons at the Wheeler Summer Camp Program (see General category above; transportation provided). Designed for students in grade 2-5, offering a six-week morning program from July 12-Aug. 20, focusing on decoding English for stronger reading using the Orton Gillingham approach and written expression for better writing skills. For students entering grades 4 through 9, various three-week morning programs (either July 12-30 or Aug. 2-20) in writing, math, study skills and organizational skills. Contact the Institute for dates, offerings for different grade levels. The six-week program is $1,890, the three-week program is $950; financial aid is available. Registration deadline: May 30. Admissions process required. Call 751-7049; e-mail summerschool [at] dunninstitute.org; or visit the Web site at www.dunninstitute.org.

Camp Hope/American Cancer Society, grounds of Camp Aldersgate, North Scituate. 722-8480, (800) ACS-2345. One-week camp, Aug. 22-27, for ages 8-17 with cancer (and their siblings). Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and a trip to a Paw Sox game. Attendance is free. To receive an application, volunteer or make a donation call 243-2632. Camp Ruggles, 133 Stone Dam Rd., North Scituate. 647-5508. Six-week day camp, in Glocester, geared to emotionally handicapped children, ages 6-12. June 28-Aug. 6. $3,200 for the season. Registration deadline June 1.

Camp Surefire, a program of the Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island designed to combine recreational activities with diabetes education and to encourage independence and a positive attitude towards diabetes management. July 21-23, YMCA Camp Westwood, Coventry. 24-hour coverage by both a physician and registered nurse. For ages 7-12. $150. No child with diabetes is denied the opportunity to attend camp due to the lack of money or transportation. If either is an issue, call the camp director at 725-7800.

Clara Barton Camp for Girls with Diabetes, North Oxford, Mass. (near Worcester). (508) 987-2056, (508) 987-3856. www.bartoncenter.org. Resident summer camp for girls and boys with diabetes ages 6-17 offering waterfront activities and aquatics, nature, art and crafts, sports, horseback riding. Eight resident one-week sessions and four two-week sessions. June 27-Aug. 19. $900 for one week; $1,800 for two, plus a $50 registration fee. Family camp, $225 per person plus $50 registration fee, kids under 2 free. Barton Teen Wilderness Adventure programs offer hiking in White Mountains of New Hampshire or canoeing in Adirondack State Park in New York state. Adventure Camp, $2,000 plus $50 registration fee. Financial assistance available for resident camp programs. Fax to (508) 987-2002.

Diabetes Association of Greater Fall River Summer Day Camp, P.O. Box 1525, Fall River. (508) 672-5671. Camp Kyle T. Woodruff for Children with Diabetes fosters friendships among young people with diabetes, their siblings and friends through a safe, fun, active program while enabling them to face the challenges of living with diabetes. Program includes arts and crafts, nature studies, nutrition, sports and games, swimming and diabetes education. July 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free for children with diabetes who live within the Diabetes Association's service area. $100 per week for children who live outside service area. Siblings and friends are welcome to attend. E-mail jcullendai [at] earthlink.net or visit online at www.diabetesma.org.

Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks combines respite and recreational therapy in an inclusive barrier-free setting. On 160 acres of woodland in Hebron, Conn., the camp provides both summer and weekend camping for children and adults of all abilities. Week-long sessions June to August are geared to specific population groups such as those with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neurological disorders, seizure disorders, arthritis, sensory impairments and developmental disabilities. Campers participate in a variety of recreational and educational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, challenge and ropes course, photography, crafts and computer instructions. Each session is planned to provide the optimum opportunity for fun, challenge and success for the camper. Respite and peace of mind for families are part of the experience as trained counselors provide around-the-clock support and compassionate care. Camperships and other aid assure that no one from Rhode Island with a disability is denied participation. Web site: www.ct.easterseals.com. Call Sunny Ku, Vice President of Camping and Recreational Services, at (860) 228-9496, ext. 500.

Shake-A-Leg Adaptive Sailing Program, at the newly expanded, fully accessible facility at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. 849-8898. For people with physical and developmental disabilities: recreation, instruction and competitive sailing in custom-designed Freedom 20 sailboats. Sailing lessons or recreational sailing sessions are two hours. Each boat accommodates four people and one instructor. Co-ed and serves all ages. Sessions run May 22-Sept. 1. $55 for two hours of sailing.

Shake-A-Leg "Confidence is Cool" Youth Program, P.O. Box 1264, Newport. 849-8898. Three-day camps for 20 children with physical disabilities, ages 7-12. Session I: June 28-July 2; Session II: July 12-16; Session III: July 26-30. Camps run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $75 a week.