Camp SSTAR

Social Skills, Technology, Asperger, Recreation Camp
Summer camp allows children with autism to shine

The inaugural Camp SSTAR was held July 21-25, 2008 and was a huge success! Over 55 campers joined us on campus for the first technology camp at Heartspring. The camp received coverage from every major news station and was even featured on the front page of Kansas.com.

Camp SSTAR was created to provide children with Asperger syndrome opportunities to learn and grow in many areas including social skills groups, communication, teamwork, leadership, and creating lasting friendships. Campers were assigned to groups including camera crew, editors, interns, on-air talent, photographers, producers, reporters and web-team. Throughout the week, the older kids put together a news cast with a full script, detailed interviews, weather and more. The campers also created a website at www.campsstar.org with personalized profiles, a camp blog, a parent forum, pictures and games. Kids learned a variety of social skills while interacting with their teams and engaging in various social activities throughout the week. Lessons learned in the controlled environment of Camp SSTAR are easily transferable to real-world situations. Camp SSTAR allowed campers to build friendships, respect, dignity and create a sense of belonging.

Thank you to the countless people who worked tirelessly to make Camp SSTAR a reality and a success. A special thanks to Connie Coulter, Attie Pelnar and Andi Tatom.

Camp SSTAR

Social Skills, Technology, Asperger, Recreation Camp Summer camp allows children with autism to shine

Social Skills, Technology, Asperger, Recreation Camp
Summer camp allows children with autism to shine