Q: How do I get into Camp?
A: To register your child for any of the AuSM Camps, you must be a current member of the Autism Society of Minnesota.   If you are unsure whether you are a member with AuSM, call (651) 647-1083.  If you would like to become a member of AuSM, print off our membership registration form and send in with payment by fax or mail to our office.  Once you are a member, print off our camp registration brochure and send in with the non-refundable registration deposit.  Your registration and payment must be postmarked by the deadline to be eligible for camp registration.
 
Q: Which Camp should I send my child to?
A: Camp Discovery focuses on teaching and fostering self-advocacy.  If this is a subject or topic that is difficult for your child, Hand in Hand may be a better fit.  Another aspect to consider is how well your child does in group settings, such as accepting and following directions within a group setting.  If this tends to be a stressor for your child, Hand in Hand may again be a better option. Also, keep in mind that Hand in Hand has a staff to camper ratio of 1:1, while Discovery has a staff to camper ratio of 4:1.  If your child needs the support of a one to one counselor, Hand in Hand would be the best fit. Consider the sorts of settings your child thrives in as you choose between Hand in Hand and Discovery.
 
Q: Where do I find my member number to include on my camp application?
A: Your member number is listed on your new member letter and card, or on your renewal notice. If you do not have your member number on file, you may call our office at 651-647-1083 and ask. You must be a member of AuSM to register for camp and your membership must be current at the time of camp start.
 
Q: Do I have to live in Minnesota to send my child to Camp?
A: You do not have to live in Minnesota to send your child to camp, but you must live in the 5 state surrounding area, which includes Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota.
 
Q: How do I apply for the AuSM Cardelli Campership?
A: Camperships are need-based and are therefore awarded to those families with the greatest need.  If you would like to apply for the Campership, print off the AuSM Scholarship Application and send to AuSM by fax or mail, or you may email camp@ausm.org or call 651-647-1083 to request that an application be sent to you.   Required Income Tax forms must be submitted with the application for consideration.  The application deadline is March 31, 2010 and decisions will be made by April 13, 2010.
 
Q: If I choose one week of Camp, will that exclude me from getting into another week if the week I chose is filled?
A: No.  It is recommended that you indicate a first and second choice when selecting your preferred weeks of camp.  This will increase registration options and facilitate camper placement.

Q: Does AuSM have a lottery for the residential camps registrations?
A: Effective 2009, AuSM no longer has a registration lottery for our two residential camps (Hand in Hand and Camp Discovery).  Campers have been successfully registered for camps in the past few summers without the need for a lottery.  This change will help to lower some of the administrative costs of camp.

Q: Why do I have to wait until February 16th to fax my camp registration to AuSM?
A: AuSM will accept camp registrations received by US Mail immediately upon distribution of the summer camp brochure.  AuSM will accept walk-in, faxed or emailed registration forms effective February 15, 2010.  AuSM has many members living outside of the Twin City metro area who do not have access to the internet or fax machines.  This "walk-in" registration date will alleviate any unfair advantage of those who do have such electronic capabilities over those who do not.

Q: Does my child need to get a physical to attend camp?

A: Yes, camper physicals are required for Camp Hand in Hand and Camp Discovery.  AuSM accepts physicals completed within 24 months of camp start date.  We have physicals from all campers who attended the 2009 camp session on file.  However, if your camper has had significant changes in their health status since that time, you will need to submit a current physical.  Current "Medication Adminsitration Forms" are required for ALL campers.