Camp Connections Wraps Up 25 Years

Barber National Institute’s Camp Connections celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The camp's mission is to provide children with an autism diagnosis, the opportunity to learn social skills while connecting with the Erie community. Camp Connections is free of charge to children who meet the requirements. 

The campers took field trips twice a week to explore the local businesses of Erie and develop meaningful connections and life skills along the way. One of the camp’s trips was to The Cork, one of the city’s local restaurants. Campers learned how to make strawberry lemonade and smashburgers; and beyond this the campers learned the different jobs of a restaurant and how they work together. I got to tag along and watch the kids interact with The Cork's staff and one another. The campers developed social and behavioral skills including listening, following directions, and waiting patiently for their turn. 

Camp Connections provided a wide variety of trips for their campers to develop new interests and experiences; they spent time outdoors, cooking, bowling, touring firehouses, and much more. These trips were based solely on the involvement of the Erie community, and it is great to see the impact these businesses can have on our campers’ lives. 

Each year we have a talent show to wrap up the new skills and trips our campers have developed over the year. This talent show was an opportunity to showcase their growth to their family, friends, and peers.  

Now that 25 years has passed, we have continued to make this camp even more successful. Our staff has been actively involved in finding new trips and activities for the campers to learn from.  

We can't wait to see what the next 25 years will bring!