Summer day camp program for children with autism
Comox Valley, British Columbia          July 7 - July 28, 2012

Volunteer project: The Comox Valley Child Development Association provides services for children with special needs and their families. With the help of international volunteers they would like to provide social and recreational summer day camp program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 10-15 years. The children are quite high functioning in certain areas, but often struggle with social skills and the mastery of appropriate communication and behaviour. The project will include one week intensive training of the volunteers followed by the 2-week day camp with the kids.

"I know for me it was an experience of a lifetime that I will always cherish
and hope it was the same for the kids."   James L., Cadip volunteer 2007

The volunteers will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to support these children in a social/recreational program. Under the direction of the campleader, the volunteers will support the children to participate in small group activities such as planning and performing skits which explore daily life with ASD, preparing lunch meals, exploring the community on daily outings including local lakes, rivers, beaches and farms, etc. The group work is intended to provide children with specific tasks and encourage both appropriate social and communication skills. Volunteers will also help to create a handbook about summer activities for youth in the Comox Valley drawing on the experiences of the workcamp. The volunteers involved in this project will gain valuable insight into the world of autism.

Requirements: Volunteers need to be fluent in English. They are required to provide a clear criminal record check.

Accommodation: In a youth hostel.

Location: Stretching along the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is a collection of rolling mountains, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, pristine lakes, lush forests, fertile farms, sandy beaches and green parks. The City of Courtenay (20,000 inhabitants) is the urban and cultural hub of the Comox Valley with its downtown considered to be one of the most vibrant and charming downtowns on Vancouver Island and an incredible cultural district that includes theatre, art gallery, museums and paleontology centre.

Nearest international airport: Victoria, BC

Age range: 19 - 30 years old

                                                                                                         

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Cadip volunteer project review:

"I want to thank CADIP for organizing the volunteer project in Kawartha Lakes this summer, and for giving me the opportunity to participate in a life-changing experience. I had a great time during the 3 weeks that I was there, and I have lots of wonderful memories of the people I worked with and of the community for making all the volunteers feel so welcome. I definitely learned a lot throughout the duration of the workcamp project, and I made some really good international friends in the process."

Fern H.,
Cadip volunteer

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