For most kids, camp is a highlight of summer. For a special group of campers at the Finley YMCA in North Raleigh, it is that and more.

Camp G.R.A.C.E. is a camp for kids with autism, like Steve Miller, who's back for his fourth year.

"People at my school, sometimes they don't even know what to do with me. These people know exactly what to do," he said.

An estimated one in 70 kids in the country has an autism spectrum disorder, but Janet Presson believes it's still largely misunderstood by society. Presson is the founder of A Small Miracle, a local agency that provides services to families of kids with autism. Her company started the camp in partnership with the Finley Y five years ago. This year, a new camp was started at Kraft Family YMCA in Apex.

"The YMCA knows camps. Small Miracle did not," she said. "But we know autism inside and out, and so, when we put the two expertises together, it has just been fantastic."

The two-week sessions teach social skills that many kids with autism lack. Some campers come several times during the summer. It's all fun, but with a purpose. A visit from one of WakeMed's therapy dogs offers campers chance to reach out and make a connection, an important skill for kids with autism.

"The connection with animals is just one more step that they can overcome to connecting with people," said Amy Jenkins, camp director.

Jenkins has been teaching kids with special needs for almost 20 years. This is her first year with Camp G.R.A.C.E., an acronym that stands for Growth, Recognition, Achievement, Character and Encouragement.

"We have kids who came the first two weeks of camp and they didn't talk at all and we were actually worried that maybe they weren't placed properly," she said. "This time around, they're talking and not just repeating what other people say, they're coming up and asking us for things."

But for the kids, the camp is a chance to make new friends and feel like part of a group. Just what camp is all about.

For more information about Camp G.R.A.C.E., visit A Small Miracle's website and click on Partnerships. 

Related Links

1. Find out more about camps and other programs of the YMCA of the Triangle.