About MGH Aspire At MGH Aspire, our high-quality programs help children, teens and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile achieve success. Our focus is on teaching and implementing our “3S” model—to improve every individual’s self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety. MGH Aspire Programs for Children MGH Aspire Adventure Camp is a day camp where children learn, grow, make friends, succeed, and have fun. All programs are designed and supervised by MGH Aspire’s year-round clinical staff. Our small staff to child ratio assures that all children get the support, coaching, and attention they need to learn and thrive in their well- matched peer groups. Campers participate in a weekly schedule full of typical camp activities, as well as direct instruction and in-the-moment coaching to support skill building in the areas self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety. ADVENTURE CAMP, AGES 7–13 Adventure camp is a fun-filled 6-week therapeutically-based program. In small, structured groups, campers participate in activities such as swimming, hiking, boating, nature exploration, art, drama, cooking, games or yoga. MGH Aspire’s therapeutic curriculum is then interwoven throughout the day. This model allows our campers to receive in-the-moment social coaching and other supports as part of an integrated whole child experience. ADVENTURE CAMP JUNIOR, AGES 5–7 MGH Aspire offers a shorter day option for our younger campers. Camp activities are modified to meet the developmental level and capabilities of younger children. Each fun-filled camp day is designed to encourage social interaction, self-regulation, and learning about what it means to be part of a group. ADVENTURE TRAIL BLAZERS, AGES 12–14 Campers entering their teen years are often ready to take on new challenges and expand their self-awareness. Adventure Trail Blazers learn higher level social and independence skills in an environment in which they can be challenged and succeed. Trail Blazers also participate in community service projects, take weekly trips into the community to practice pre-vocational skills, and manage the MGH Aspire “Camp Store.” For families that want to continue to grow with MGH Aspire, Trail Blazers is also designed to prepare these individuals for the MGH Aspire Teen Explorations program. MGH ASPIRE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS How to Apply Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once application materials are received, applicants are scheduled for an interview session. It is recommended to submit applications early as summer slots fill up quickly. Visit the MGH Aspire website at www.mghaspire.org to download the application form today. MGH Aspire’s summer programs are more than just recreational experiences.
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About MGH Aspire At MGH Aspire, our high-quality programs help children, teens and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile achieve success. Our focus is on teaching and implementing our “3S” model—to improve every individual’s self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety.
MGH Aspire Programs for ChildrenMGH Aspire Adventure Camp is a day camp where children learn, grow, make friends, succeed, and have fun. All programs are designed and supervised by MGH Aspire’s year-round clinical staff. Our small staff to child ratio assures that all children get the support, coaching, and attention they need to learn and thrive in their well-matched peer groups. Campers participate in a weekly schedule full of typical camp activities, as well as direct instruction and in-the-moment coaching to support skill building in the areas self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety.
ADVENTURE CAMP, AGES 7–13
Adventure camp is a fun-filled 6-week therapeutically-based program. In small, structured groups, campers participate in activities such as swimming, hiking, boating, nature exploration, art, drama, cooking, games or yoga. MGH Aspire’s therapeutic curriculum is then interwoven throughout the day. This model allows our campers to receive in-the-moment social coaching and other supports as part of an integrated whole child experience.
ADVENTURE CAMP JUNIOR, AGES 5–7
MGH Aspire offers a shorter day option for our younger campers. Camp activities are modified to meet the developmental level and capabilities of younger children. Each fun-filled camp day is designed to encourage social interaction, self-regulation, and learning about what it means to be part of a group.
ADVENTURE TRAIL BLAZERS, AGES 12–14
Campers entering their teen years are often ready to take on new challenges and expand their self-awareness. Adventure Trail Blazers learn higher level social and independence skills in an environment in which they can be challenged and succeed. Trail Blazers also participate in community service projects, take weekly trips into the community to practice pre-vocational skills, and manage the MGH Aspire “Camp Store.” For families that want to continue to grow with MGH Aspire, Trail Blazers is also designed to prepare these individuals for the MGH Aspire Teen Explorations program.
MGH ASPIRE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS
How to ApplyApplications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once application materials are received, applicants are scheduled for an interview session. It is recommended to submit applications early as summer slots fill up quickly. Visit the MGH Aspire website at www.mghaspire.org to download the application form today.
MGH Aspire’s summer programs
are more than just recreational experiences.
MGH Aspire Programs for Teens and AdultsMost teens and adults are at various stages of becoming independent and making social connections. MGH Aspire supports these needs through a range of programs that address important themes relevant to their stage in life. Our programs support skill building in the areas of self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety. Community-based learning is another key component of our teen and adult programs. MGH Aspire staff creates an environment that is safe and encourages all participants to apply their expanding skills.
MGH Aspire StaffOur summer staff is a bright, talented, and caring team that has post-secondary education. Most are seeking graduate degrees in a related field such as special education, counseling, psychology, speech or occupational therapy. They also participate in MGH Aspire’s intensive 40-hour pre-Summer training, receive regular supervision, and take part in on-going professional development throughout the Summer.
About MGH AspireMGH Aspire is a program of the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children that serves children, teens, and adults with a high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile. We are dedicated to providing our participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make social connections and develop independence leading to successful and fulfilling lives. We believe that participants are able to learn social skills and other behavioral strategies most effectively within a group setting. We therefore offer therapeutic support through group participation in recreational, social, educational, community and vocational activities.
This camp of MGHfC MGH Aspire must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.
EXPLORATIONS, AGES 14–19
In the Summer Explorations program, youth learn and practice daily living skills in a structured, supportive and encouraging environment. With the right mix of fun, growth and learning, Explorations includes weekly participant-planned field trips, team-building and cooking activities as well as an overnight experience. MGH Aspire’s “3S” curriculum is integrated throughout all group activities.
TRANSITIONS, AGES 16–22
Transitions focuses on the transition from school to work and community living. This program encompasses career skill training, professional exploration, mind/body education, and team building experiences. Participants volunteer at a work site two days per week and receive on-site job-coaching. Activities take place in small and large group settings to provide participants with individualized coaching and supports.
COLLEGE BOOT CAMP, AGES 17–21
College Boot Camp is designed to help prepare high school graduates and young adults for the transition to college. Within this context, participants will have the opportunity to enhance important social, life, and executive functioning skills such as self-advocacy, time management, organizational strategies, and communication. Participants also learn how high school and college are structured differently. The week-long program occurs on a college campus and culminates with an overnight experience.
MGH ASPIRE WORKS, AGES 18 AND OVER
The MGH Aspire Works internship program helps our participants navigate the work environment as they gain on-the-job skills. Participants learn about the important soft skills (e.g. small talk, feedback, self-advocacy, etc.) needed to succeed at work, how to apply their knowledge in a work environment, and are matched to one
of our Greater Boston area work sites. Key features include individual consultation with a career counselor and weekly seminars with peers designed to optimize the internship experience.
MGH Aspire1 Maguire RoadLexington, MA 02421Tel 781.860.1900Fax [email protected]
