By Connie Erbert, director of CARE and autism outreach

Four years ago the first Camp SSTAR was created to provide an experience for individuals with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism that was typical of experiences they might have at any other camp. Along with fishing, hiking, art projects and fun games was sprinkled technology, social skills and a whole lot of planning and organization. From year one to year four our camp has seen changes each and every summer with the addition of new activities, new campers, new counselors and generous sponsors. The one constant throughout the four years has been the campers. While we plan and organize to ensure camp is a good experience for all campers, each individual comes to us with one expectation - to have fun. What makes this expectation extraordinary is that many of our campers define fun as engaging in a solitary preferred activity. Camp exploits that preference and challenges each individual to step outside their comfort zone and trust us, other campers, but most of all, themselves.

Each year camp consits of individuals that have been to Camp SSTAR since year one as well as new campers. It is with great anticipation that we prepare for camp ensuring that all campers have the most meaningful experience possible. We have been fortunate to have campers who have been a part of Camp SSTAR since year one. It is because of these campers that we have had the opportunity to witness the transformations that have occurred over the years. And, it is one of these campers that provided us with the best “snapshot” of Camp SSTAR 2011.

Zach can best be described as “what you see is NOT what you get”. The first year of camp, Zach preferred to stand on the periphery and observe as well as work alone. He was happy and enjoyed that in which he chose to participate, but would not engage in much social interaction with fellow campers or adults. He was definitely a one-on-one kind of fellow, opening up more with individuals rather than in groups. With individuals he preferred adults, but would wistfully socialize with peers if he observed them engaging in one of his preferred activities. There was much more to Zach, but he wasn’t yet ready to show us all he had to offer. He shared his “spark”, but we really wanted to see his “fire”!

Year two the “spark” started to flicker more often. Zach is smart, delightful, funny and quite extraordinary, but getting him to share himself with others was still a challenge. The second year of camp, we put Zach with a different peer group that seemed to fit his social makeup much better and as a result, Zach engaged in more meaningful interactions. We still weren’t seeing all that Zach had to offer, but we were pleased to see the progress he’d made, and Zach thoroughly enjoyed camp.

As the third year of camp got underway, Zach was much more in the mix of things. He was also much more communicative with preferred adults. Becoming even more accustomed to the various activities instead of his comfort zone in the periphery, he ventured into the midst of some activities with increased confidence. While still cautious with peer interaction when placed in a group with other campers as well as a preferred adult, he increased his meaningful participation. Now we were seeing some of his “fire”. Now we were seeing Zach.

This past year brought changes to the format of camp which included a greenhouse, an arts program, and new types of technology. This brought with it some trepidation on the part of staff as change can often result in some difficult moments for those on the spectrum. Fortunately, despite the changes, the reaction amongst the campers was positive… including Zach’s. While we introduced some changes to the campers, many of the campers changed as well. It was clear that the past year had brought positive growth amongst many of the campers, Zach included! He started day one not with a spark or flicker, but with the fire we were looking for. Zach was no longer a spectator by choice, but rather a participant with purpose. The animation in his voice paired with the enthusiasm to join in was amazing to watch. While still choosing occasional alone time as well as preferring adult interaction every now and then, Zach was a much more willing participant in all activities. His ability to articulate why he did or did not want to participate was a welcome change from the child that would self-isolate without expressing a reason. Zach was animated, engaged, funny, and delightful. Zach was on fire!

On the last day of camp, a game of kickball gave us our best snapshot of camp. Zach has never wanted to participate with the group in this type of outdoor activity. Instead, Zach would scan the trees, investigate the area, and intermittently look towards the activity. This year, with a little bit of coaxing, and encouragement, Zach took his turn. Running to first base was almost impossible as Zach laughed uncontrollably. I joined him for encouragement.

This summer it became strikingly clear that Zach had allowed the “boundaries of autism” to dissolve enough to join us in a much more meaningful way. Zach has begun to show the necessary balance and connection between bright intellect and prosocial behavior. It’s that balance that is necessary for anyone to successfully navigate his or her life meaningfully and purposefully. It is that balance that will continue to propel Zach in the right direction as he continues to explore our world through the eyes of autism.