More Than S'mores! Support and Social Growth: What Camp Journey Is All About

Support and Social Development: The Essence of Camp Journey

When you think of summer camp, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s roasting marshmallows, hiking trails, or singing around a campfire. At Camp Journey, all those classic experiences are part of the fun—but they’re just the beginning.

Camp Journey is a week-long overnight camp designed specifically for individuals ages 9 and up through adulthood who are on the autism spectrum. It combines the adventure of traditional camp with a powerful mission: to help campers build social skills, independence, and confidence in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment.

A Camp with a Purpose

What sets Camp Journey apart is its intentional focus on growth. Through activities like fishing, canoeing, crafts, and sports, campers are gently guided through everyday social challenges—learning how to communicate, cooperate, and build lasting friendships.

Structured social skills instruction is woven seamlessly into the camp day, helping campers practice teamwork, responsibility, and self-esteem. And they get to do it all while enjoying the same beloved camp traditions as their peers—right down to the s’mores.

ACES Proudly Supports Camp Journey

Thanks to the 2025 ACES fundraiser events, we were able to continue our partnership with Social Skills Today and Spectrum Autism Support Group to support this life-changing program.

This year, we were especially excited to hear that no camper scholarships were needed—all campers had the funding to attend! That allowed ACES to shift our support to another essential part of the experience: the counselors.

These dedicated staff members spend the entire week working directly with campers, guiding them with patience and compassion. Our support helped ensure they received some well-earned appreciation and care for the incredible work they do.

Why It Matters

Programs like Camp Journey are vital. They offer more than just a fun summer—they provide a bridge to independence, connection, and joy for autistic individuals who often face social isolation. Camp is where many learn how to be part of a team, how to express themselves, and how to feel fully accepted just as they are.

And with the ongoing support of our ACES community, we’re honored to help make that possible.

We’ll always be proud to stand alongside programs like Camp Journey, which provide such meaningful opportunities for growth, joy, and connection.

Because of you, programs like Camp Journey can continue changing lives—one camper (and one counselor!) at a time. 💙

– The ACES Team

Camp Dates July 6-July 11...Photos Coming Soon!