Resource Directory

Camp Buckskin is an overnight summer camp program that specializes in serving boys and girls ages 6-18 who are experiencing academic and/or social skill difficulties. Specifically, the majority of our campers have a primary diagnosis of AD/HD and/or learning disabilities, while others have an additional or related diagnosis. While these diagnoses make these individuals somewhat unique, they have the same needs as everyone else. To best address these needs most of our campers benefit from some special education services in a mainstream setting, while others receive some pull out services or attend specialized private schools. In addition, many of our campers benefit from a combination of medical and other professional services. The Buckskin program utilizes the summer break and a camp setting to supplement the efforts of the home, school and others to resolve these areas of need. Since our start in 1959, more than 7,000 children have benefitted from our therapeutic program. These young people have experienced a great deal of personal growth and improvement as reported by their parents, teachers and other involved professionals.

Program Design and Purpose:
The overall Buckskin program design is twofold in nature. Firstly, we serve as a preventive or early intervention program, seeking to address existing deficits before they become more pronounced. By taking this proactive approach, we believe that the individual, his/her family and society all benefit. From a financial and personal standpoint, the program acts as a bridge from one school year to the next. By effectively using the summer break, youth can not only stay focused but gain new abilities and improve existing skills. These new abilities and skills help produce a smoother transition to the new school year. By making this transition easier the individual experiences greater academic and social success.
Our purpose is to help the individual improve attitudes and the accompanying habits or behaviors that affect their self confidence, social skills, academics, and self esteem. This purpose is accomplished as our campers gain knowledge, and develop or improve their skills in a wide variety of areas. The camper’s progression through the various formal skill levels in our structured activities represent concrete accomplishments. These individual successes enable the child to realize and better appreciate what he or she is capable of achieving. As a result of these successes, the camper feels a genuine sense of accomplishment, takes increased responsibility for his/her choices or actions, and has a more positive view of his/her self.

Building self–esteem for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder
Camp Connect ASD offers children and teens diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 9-18, five days and four nights of summer fun and social connections. Children experience all the fun and adventure of a sleep-away camp with medical staff close at hand.
For six days, the children do not have to worry about how they are seen or what others think; they simply have fun.  They participate in a myriad of activities, learning team-building skills through sports, skits, and Camp Olympics.  Formal and informal support groups allow campers to practice appropriate social and communication skills and encourage the discussion of meaningful topics including how to handle bullying, what to do when teased and how to make friends.
The Department of Neurology of Children’s National provides the medical management of Camp Connect. A Child Neurophysiologist, is joined by a staff of nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists to provide medical coverage throughout the week of camp. Experienced teachers volunteer their time and expertise to work with the ASD population and help train the counselors to deal with the issues associated with ASD.  Several counselors and volunteers who live with the condition share their experience and wisdom with the campers each summer.

Camp Holiday Trails (CHT) is a year-round nonprofit camp in a natural setting at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central VA. CHT incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973 and since that time has provided over 10,000 kids with medical needs the opportunity to experience a positive camp experience.
Our Campers, age 7-17, are welcomed from throughout the United States with the majority coming from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Who Comes to Camp?
7-17 year-olds with a qualifying diagnosis and their siblings.
Campers are socially, mentally, & emotionally able to participate in group activities.
Why CHT?
Medical professionals are on-site 24/7 for all in-person camp sessions.
Counselors are trained to supervise and facilitate activities for all abilities.
75% of Camper Families report an increase in their child’s medical independence and confidence after attending CHT.

Camp Sequoia is a supportive overnight camp for exceptional young men ages 7-17 and exceptional young women ages 10-16, focusing on the unique needs of boys with ADHD and those working on social or life development skills.

Camp Sequoia is designed for children and teenagers with ADHD and other similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows our campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience.

Parents choose Camp Sequoia because the experience we provide is much more than a summer camp. It is truly an investment in their child’s future success. The mission of Sequoia is to help our campers have a great time while developing their social cognition (how to think in a social context and apply socially related skills).

Sequoia also offers social skill and recreational programs during the school year for Philadelphia, NYC and Washington DC area children and teenagers diagnosed with ADHD. These school year programs feature our Director Lux, a Registered Nurse, and our best staff to provide incredible experiences for our campers.