| Take2 Summer Camp An Innovative Program for Social Learning |
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Take2 is a summer camp for highly verbal and intelligent children with
social learning disorders. Our campers' diagnoses include Asperger’
s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, Non-verbal learning
disability, and Pragmatic Language Disorder. They may have
secondary diagnoses such as Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, or a
mood/anxiety disorder. Because of their difficulty with reciprocal
interaction, self-control, and group participation, these children have
trouble succeeding in mainstream camps or classrooms. Although
intellectually capable, and sometimes exceptionally bright, their
inability to understand and respond appropriately to peers and others
results in social isolation and behavior problems.
social learning disorders. Our campers' diagnoses include Asperger’
s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, Non-verbal learning
disability, and Pragmatic Language Disorder. They may have
secondary diagnoses such as Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, or a
mood/anxiety disorder. Because of their difficulty with reciprocal
interaction, self-control, and group participation, these children have
trouble succeeding in mainstream camps or classrooms. Although
intellectually capable, and sometimes exceptionally bright, their
inability to understand and respond appropriately to peers and others
results in social isolation and behavior problems.
The Take2 curriculum teaches social skills and self-regulation, and
was developed in collaboration with mental health experts and
teachers specializing in social learning and autism spectrum
disorders. The program includes a strong occupational
therapy/sensory integration component, and employs social cognition
and self-regulation teaching strategies drawn from current research
in the area. A key and distinguishing feature of the program is its
integration of these methods throughout the day’s activities. A
continuum of learning and practice is promoted through daily
homework assignments and a weekly seminar for parents.
The daily program at Take2 is highly structured and predictable. It is
also a lot of fun. Although there is some didactic teaching, most of
the day’s work is carried out through carefully designed and highly
scaffolded play. Through imagination, role play and creative
expression, and using drama, movement and art, the children are
taught to attend to the salient details of social relations. The structure
of social interaction is taught by examining its building blocks, the
fundamentals of verbal and non-verbal communication. So as not to
lose any opportunity for coaching the children in the skills they are
learning, recess and lunch are fully staffed segments of the camp
day.
The Take2 behavior program is individualized for each child, and
desired behaviors are rewarded throughout the day. An additional
reward system recognizes and reinforces teamwork and actions that
benefit the group as a whole. Take2 rejects punitive and
confrontational approaches to modifying behavior. The camp
environment is warm, nurturing and supportive.
Take2 is proud of its highly professional and multi-disciplinary staff.
There is one adult for every two children.
Take2 aspires to be a model program with an innovative curriculum
that can be replicated or adapted by others interested in promoting
social learning. We will continue to modify and expand our
curriculum, and plan to open a teacher training institute to promote
the integration of social learning into both general and special
education classrooms.
was developed in collaboration with mental health experts and
teachers specializing in social learning and autism spectrum
disorders. The program includes a strong occupational
therapy/sensory integration component, and employs social cognition
and self-regulation teaching strategies drawn from current research
in the area. A key and distinguishing feature of the program is its
integration of these methods throughout the day’s activities. A
continuum of learning and practice is promoted through daily
homework assignments and a weekly seminar for parents.
The daily program at Take2 is highly structured and predictable. It is
also a lot of fun. Although there is some didactic teaching, most of
the day’s work is carried out through carefully designed and highly
scaffolded play. Through imagination, role play and creative
expression, and using drama, movement and art, the children are
taught to attend to the salient details of social relations. The structure
of social interaction is taught by examining its building blocks, the
fundamentals of verbal and non-verbal communication. So as not to
lose any opportunity for coaching the children in the skills they are
learning, recess and lunch are fully staffed segments of the camp
day.
The Take2 behavior program is individualized for each child, and
desired behaviors are rewarded throughout the day. An additional
reward system recognizes and reinforces teamwork and actions that
benefit the group as a whole. Take2 rejects punitive and
confrontational approaches to modifying behavior. The camp
environment is warm, nurturing and supportive.
Take2 is proud of its highly professional and multi-disciplinary staff.
There is one adult for every two children.
Take2 aspires to be a model program with an innovative curriculum
that can be replicated or adapted by others interested in promoting
social learning. We will continue to modify and expand our
curriculum, and plan to open a teacher training institute to promote
the integration of social learning into both general and special
education classrooms.
"Take2 is a dream
come true."
---Psychologist
specializing in
social learning
come true."
---Psychologist
specializing in
social learning