Autism Awareness: Donation allows low-income families to participate in summer camp
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – April is Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout this month, WAVY.com will highlight some unique opportunities for those living with Autism in our community.
We teamed up with the non-profit Families of Autism Coming Together also known as “FACT.” The organization in Virginia Beach provides children and adults with autism, and their loved ones, the support they need.
It is almost time to register for FACT’s summer camp called Camp GONNAWANNAGOAGIN’.
“We’re doing seven weeks this year, we added on an extra week because there’s just such a huge demand. It’s a great opportunity, and so we’re really excited to do that. It’s a 9 to 3ish camp around those times of the day, camp Monday through Friday. Then, we meet here at our new facility. We get to also like hang out in this awesome sensory gym and play around here. Then, we actually go out into the community. We’re very focused on community integration. So, every Wednesday we’re at Ocean Breeze. We go swimming every day, whether it’s at the pool or at the beach, and then we like to do lots of other trips out into the community so that they’re getting to have fun with their friends, work on their social communication skills, but also be a part of the community, learn how to go to the zoo, and get accustomed to that. We’ve been to Funville. Lots of different activities,” said Tyler Williamson, FACT CEO.
As a way to make sure everyone who wants to participate can do so, regardless of their financial situation, the Chartway Promise Foundation donated $90,000 to be split between camp costs and transportation.
“Our promise is to provide memorable experiences for medically fragile children and their families that bring joy, hope, and smiles. So, what would bring more joy, hope, and smiles than being able to attend summer camp and have those memorable experiences?” said Christine Wilson, Chartway Promise Foundation President.
Williamson says he is grateful for the generosity of the Chartway Promise Foundation.
“We’ll be able to offer a week of summer camp for as little as $35 for those who qualify that are lower income. Registration for camp goes live on this Friday, April 5th at 10:00 A.M., and what we’re doing is the pre-registration so everyone can sign up. We’re going to have it open for about two weeks.”
If you’re interested in registering for summer camp, click here.
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