Camp Discovery
Camp Discovery at a Glance
Session 1: June 18-23, 2017 (Co-Ed Ages 10-17) FULL - Applicants will be placed on wait list.
Session 2: June 25-30, 2017 (Co-Ed Ages 16-25) FULL - Applicants will be placed on wait list.
Location: True Friends/Courage North, Lake George, Minn.
Staff-to-Camper Ratio: 1:4
Medical Physical Required: Yes
Cost Per Discovery Camper/Per Session
On or Before 3/31/17: $1,200
After 3/31/17: $1,400
Camp Discovery is appropriate for campers needing 1:4 support.
Camp Discovery is ideal for individuals with autism spectrum disorder who will enjoy a summer camp experience with a high degree of structure and small group activities. Campers should be able to positively interact and safely participate within small groups, as this camp provides 1:4 support and does not offer 1:1 support.
Camp Discovery is held at True Friends/Courage North, a beautiful 100-acre facility on Lake George near Bemidji, Minn. Campers will enjoy cabin groups of eight, according to age, gender, and interests. Cabins have restrooms and electricity. Campers enjoy their meals in a dining hall or on an outdoor deck.
Camp activities include swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking in Itasca State Park, arts and crafts, nature experiences, recreational games, live action role-playing games, and more. Camp Discovery also includes special events like a carnival, movie night and music fest. Campers participate in small group discussions and activities that focus on special interests and making a connection with others. Adults with ASD work as mentors, providing empathetic, positive role modeling throughout the week.
Camp Discovery Directors
Jill Pring, M.Ed., is an ASD consultant for Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative working with students from birth through age 21 and has 17 years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum both as a special education teacher and as a consultant. She also teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses on ASD for the University of Minnesota Duluth. This is her 11th year working with Camp Discovery.
Nichelle Zimmer, M.S., is a school psychologist for the Forest Lake Area School District and has more than 20 years of experience as an Autism Resource Specialist, working at both the elementary and middle school levels. This is her 12th year at Camp Discovery.
Lacey Hendrickx, B.S. Special Education, is a Special Education teacher at Sebeka Public School. She works with elementary students. She also has experience working with high school students. She has eight years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as a special education teacher. This is her 6th year working with Camp Discovery.
Camp Discovery Session Menus 2017
Camper Overview - True Friends/Courage North
Click here to view the Discovery parent overview pdf.
Waivers/Scholarships
Click here for more information.
Please note:
- Your waiver MAY cover all or part of the camp cost. Please check with your individual fiscal agent/case worker to determine coverage.
- You are responsible for payment if your Third Party Payer does not cover the cost of camp.
- All payments must be made by the deadline or your camper will forfeit his/her spot in camp, unless arrangements have been made with the AuSM Camp office.