Summer Activities
***This page is in the process of being updated for 2020. Due to COVID-19, many events may be canceled or held virtually***
Below you will find several options in our area and across the state for summer activities, day camps, and overnight camp experiences. Some are specific to students with ASD and others are geared toward all kids. Almost all offer options for scholarships and some even offer transportation! If you know of a fantastic summer activity, let me know about it.
Summer Activities tailored to students with ASD
Arrowhead Youth Soccer
Autism Society of Minnesota Duluth Summer Day Camps!!!
Led by autism education specialists and special interest educators, AuSM Social Skills summer classes in Duluth help participants build skills in low-stress environments that encourage learning and growth. AuSM provides programming that is conducive to youth and adults who fall within the wide range of the autism spectrum. Social skills classes are staffed with a 1:4 staff/participant ratio.
Group-ready participants are able to demonstrate self-care skills without assistance; follow direction; show readiness for large-group participation, including the ability to remain with the group at all times; and follow safety rules independently. Participats who are not group-ready must be accompanied by a PCA who can assist during the classes. Contact the AuSM Education team at 651.647.1083 or email education@ausm.org to discuss your needs.
Scholarships are available.
For the full Duluth summer day camp brochure, click here or see the document at the bottom of this page titled DuluthSummer2018Flyer.
click on the camp name below to register...
Zookeeper Camp at the Lake Superior Zoo (ages 8-11)
July 23-27, 2018
Animal Care Camp at Great Lakes Aquarium (ages 12-18)
July 30-Aug 2, 2018
For more info on the Duluth day camps, contact Jill Pring jpring@nlsec.k12.mn.us
Islands of Brilliance
Students
Ages: 10 – 18+ (will possibly take some 8 and 9-year-olds)
Workshops meet Monday thru Friday
Aug 6-10, 2018
August Workshop Times
Mornings: 8:30am – 9:45am
Midday: Noon – 1:15pm
Cost: $325 (scholarships and waiver funding are available)
For more info contact Jill Pring jpring@nlsec.k12.mn.us
http://islandsofbrilliance.org/calendar/
Workshop Model: Workshops are designed around our students strengths giving them every opportunity to have a happy, successful learning experience. Workshops are limited to eight students. Each student is matched 1 : 1 with a mentor—volunteers from the professional creative services industry. Classes are led by an experienced Special Education teacher, with additional support staff such as a Creative Director, Art Buddy, and SPED Buddy. The experience also incorporates the opportunity for breaks including hands-on art activities and quiet down-time if needed.
Ages 8-12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Four Saturday morning sessions, July 28, Aug 4, 1, and 25, 2018
2 sessions offered starting at 9AM and 10:15 AM
Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
These tools from the MN Zoo will be helpful to teachers and families that are planning a trip to the zoo!
http://mnzoo.org/mnzoo4all-sensory-friendly-app/
The Minnesota Zoo is excited to launch a new free sensory-friendly mobile app called MNZoo4All, to support the Zoo experience for guests on the autism spectrum.
This new app features social guides, a sensory-friendly zoo map, communication tools, a zoo-themed memory game and more.
Learn more & download the free app: https://goo.gl/7joq2k
Prepare for your visit with the free MNZoo4All app. Designed to support those with autism and sensory-processing disorders in mind, the app also helps make the Minnesota Zoo more accessible to all guests. Social guides presented in multiple formats explain the Zoo experience to set expectations and ease anxiety. Visual schedules that allow guests to design the Zoo visit that best meets their needs. The app also includes communication tools, sensory-friendly maps, tips to plan your visit, and more.
Click on the links below to download the app:
Google Play for Android Devices
The activities below are not specific to ASD, but may be in your student's interest areas.
Please let camp staff know of any accommodations your child might need in advance. Let me know if you need help describing this!
Raleigh Site Coordinator, Anne Rawlins, can be reached at: 218-409-6185
North Star Eagle's Nest Summer 2018 Program
We are still accepting registrations for the upcoming summer programs for Kindergarten-3rd grade, and 4th-7th. 4th and 5th graders are invited to join the older group for the weeks of June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, and July 16-20, and then can join the younger group for the rest of the summer.
Click on any of the links below to access the registration material
- You can register online with this link - Click Here to Register Online.
- You can access the K-3 Summer Programming information HERE.
- You can access the 4-7 Summer Programming information HERE.
Please contact Sam (sam.werle@duluthedison.com) or Anne (anne.rawlins@duluthedison.com) with any questions!
Summer Camps tailored to students with ASD (and other special needs)True Friends Camps-Experiences and Adventures for All
Camp Discovery looks awesome, it is a collaboration with the Autism Society of Minnesota and True Friends
Autism Society of Minnesota Camps
Courage Kenny (formerly Courage Duluth)
Offers classes and experiences for kids with ASD (and for kids and adults with physical disabilities as well!). Scholarships are available!
Options include :
Archery
Rock climbing
Swimming
Cycling
Sailing
Click the Courage Kenny link above for more information about programs currently being offered.
Twin Ports Miracle League Baseball
Specifically designed for children (4-19) with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Games are held Saturday mornins at the Harrison Community Center in Lincoln Park.
Cost: $50. Scholarships available through the YMCA
Registration: Open to both Y members and the Community! Three ways to register:
- Call the front desk 218.722.4745
- Register online by following this link and searching for “Miracle League”
- Fill out the 2017 Miracle League Registration form and mail to: Duluth YMCA c/o Emily Ranta 302 W 1st St. Duluth, MN 55802
Duluth Public Library:
Programs and Events (for kids, teens and adults)
A variety of camps for ages 7-14. Camp topics range from learning about animals, animal games, art and exploring careers with animals!
Positive Energy Outdoors Day Camps
Camp activities are directed by the interests of campers, and include opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, meeting the draft horses and sled dogs, swimming and more, in addition to activities during camp weeks focused on climbing, kaykaing and draft horses. Each week of camp ends with a picnic and camper presentation at Enger Park.
Hartley Nature Center Day Camps
Looking for a variety of options for summertime fun and exploration? Hartley offers ten weeks of summer camp for ages 3-12. Click to read the 2017 Summer Camp Brochure.
Camps for ages 4-17 (even toddler activities)! Note: There is a Zookeeper Camp for youth with autism (ages 8-11).
Lake Superior College Career Exploration Summer Academies and Camps (middle school age and up). Explore careers in cyber defense, aviation, robotics, medical fields, firefighting...