{"id":3028,"date":"2026-08-31T18:59:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T22:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/?p=3028"},"modified":"2026-08-31T19:29:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T23:29:04","slug":"more-than-a-summer-camp-camp-achieve-helps-autistic-children-grow-connect-and-thrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/2026\/08\/31\/more-than-a-summer-camp-camp-achieve-helps-autistic-children-grow-connect-and-thrive\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than a Summer Camp: Camp Achieve Helps Autistic Children Grow, Connect and Thrive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dinosaurs, swimming, archery and foam parties made Camp Achieve 2026 an adventure. Behind the fun, however, was something even more meaningful: a supportive community where autistic children built skills, confidence, and friendships while Ball State students gained experiences that will shape their future careers.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

The dinosaurs had taken over.<\/p>\n

They lined the hallways. They decorated classrooms. They appeared in art projects and scavenger hunts. Campers joined dinosaur-themed groups, each with its own name and chant. Even lessons and recreational activities became opportunities for exploration.<\/p>\n

For the 34 children who attended Camp Achieve this past summer, Jurassic Park was more than a theme. It became the backdrop for a summer filled with learning, friendship, discovery and plenty of fun.<\/p>\n

And for Camp Achieve, fun is only part of the story.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Since its founding in 2008, Camp Achieve has provided a positive, supportive summer experience for children ages 6 to 12 with autism spectrum disorder. The program combines academic instruction, social-emotional learning, recreation and individualized behavioral support.<\/p>\n

This summer marked the program’s 16th camp, excluding the two years it could not operate because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the largest summer in Camp Achieve’s history.<\/p>\n

Co-Executive Directors Lindsey Ogle, assistant professor of special education, and Shannon Dieringer, associate dean for faculty affairs and strategic initiatives and professor of special education, have watched the program grow while maintaining the individualized support that has always been at its heart.<\/p>\n

Where Learning Feels Like an Adventure<\/span><\/h3>\n

At first glance, Camp Achieve looks like summer camp.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

There is art. There is swimming. There is archery. Field trips, special events, magic shows and scavenger hunts fill the calendar. The summer ends with inflatables, shaved ice and a foam party.<\/p>\n

Yet each activity creates opportunities to practice skills that matter long after camp ends.<\/p>\n

Campers work on academic skills in English language arts and mathematics. They also practice communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence. Individualized five-point scales and calming strategies help campers recognize and manage their emotions.<\/p>\n

Throughout the summer, staff encourage campers to try new things. They create opportunities for children to interact with their peers. They celebrate each step toward greater confidence and independence.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The progress often appears in small moments.<\/p>\n

A camper tries something that initially seemed too difficult.<\/p>\n

Another recognizes a feeling and uses a strategy to manage it.<\/p>\n

A child who hesitated to join an activity begins participating alongside classmates.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, progress looks like jumping into the deep end.<\/p>\n

On the final day of swimming lessons, campers received a special opportunity to jump into the deep end of the pool. The experience is normally off limits. As each child took the leap, classmates and staff cheered.<\/p>\n

It was a celebration of swimming skills. More importantly, it was a celebration of courage.<\/p>\n

Those moments capture what Camp Achieve is designed to do. Children can challenge themselves while knowing they have people around them who will celebrate their successes.<\/p>\n

A Summer Built Around Belonging<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

For the Camp Achieve team, some of the most meaningful accomplishments cannot be measured on a worksheet or checklist.<\/p>\n

They are the friendships.<\/p>\n

Every summer, staff watch campers develop relationships with their peers. They encourage one another and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Daily camper awards become opportunities for children to cheer for their classmates, often with genuine excitement for someone else’s success.<\/p>\n

That spirit of encouragement was especially evident during swimming, archery and classroom activities this summer.<\/p>\n

One of the team’s favorite traditions takes place after the final day of camp. During Parent Night, families gather to watch a video capturing the summer’s laughter, learning, friendships and milestones.<\/p>\n

For parents, the experience can be especially meaningful. They see moments from their child’s day that they might never otherwise have witnessed.<\/p>\n

Watching those parents’ faces light up offers a powerful reminder of how much can happen in a summer.<\/p>\n

\"ACamp Achieve serves children across the autism spectrum, including those with more intensive needs and co-occurring intellectual disabilities and\/or communication impairments. For many families, finding recreational and educational programs that meet their children’s individual needs can be challenging.<\/p>\n

Here, campers are not simply accommodated. They are understood, supported and celebrated.<\/p>\n

Families become part of that community, too. Parents connect with professionals and other families who understand their experiences. Those relationships can provide support and resources long after summer ends.<\/p>\n

From Dinosaurs to Deep Ends<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"AnThe 2026 Jurassic Park theme helped transform Camp Achieve into a place where learning felt like an adventure.<\/p>\n

Each week brought new enrichment opportunities. Campers participated in art lessons, swimming lessons and archery while developing new skills alongside their peers.<\/p>\n

A visit to the Ball State Planetarium was another highly anticipated experience. Planetarium staff created a special show just for Camp Achieve campers and staff.<\/p>\n

Silly Safaris brought another memorable experience. A professional magician entertained campers, while a Jurassic Park-themed scavenger hunt combined exploration with problem-solving.<\/p>\n

\"AThen came the grand finale where campers celebrated the final day with a foam party, inflatables, and shaved ice.<\/p>\n

The activities may have looked different from a traditional classroom. Still, each created opportunities to practice skills in authentic settings.<\/p>\n

Archery became a weekly opportunity to build focus, patience, coordination and self-confidence. Swimming provided opportunities to develop water safety skills and independence.<\/p>\n

For some campers, swimming has an even greater significance.<\/p>\n

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children with autism. Yet families can have difficulty finding swimming programs equipped to support autistic children.<\/p>\n

At Camp Achieve, individualized instruction creates a supportive environment where campers can work toward water safety and swimming skills. For some, that means learning to swim for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"APreparing the Next Generation of Professionals<\/span><\/h3>\n

Camp Achieve’s impact extends beyond its campers.<\/p>\n

This summer, 14 Ball State students worked at the camp. The group included seven graduate students and seven undergraduates. Six recent Ball State graduates and three unaffiliated staff members also joined the team.<\/p>\n

Students served as teachers, tutors and behavior counselors. Before campers arrived, staff completed two weeks of intensive training.<\/p>\n

The training covered autism, evidence-based academic, behavioral and social communication interventions, Professional Crisis Management and effective support strategies.<\/p>\n

Once camp began, students put those lessons into practice. They worked under the mentorship of an interdisciplinary leadership team and received ongoing coaching and feedback.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The experience builds much more than technical knowledge.<\/p>\n

Students strengthen their communication, collaboration, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. They also learn how to partner with families and work as part of an interdisciplinary team.<\/p>\n

Those lessons can prepare students for careers in education, applied behavior analysis, nursing, psychology, occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, school counseling and other helping professions.<\/p>\n

The experience can also change career trajectories.<\/p>\n

Behavior counselor Liam Robertson knows Camp Achieve from both sides. He attended the program as a camper when he was younger. Now an undergraduate psychology student at Ball State, he returned to Camp Achieve as a staff member.<\/p>\n

His journey illustrates the lasting impact the program can have. A child who once experienced Camp Achieve as a camper now helps create that experience for the next generation.<\/p>\n

Learning From the Campers<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Camp Achieve staff hear the impact of the program directly from the students who work there.<\/p>\n

Each summer, students describe camp as one of the most meaningful experiences of their college careers. Many gain confidence working with autistic children and families. They also develop practical skills that a classroom alone cannot teach.<\/p>\n

Former staff members have shared similar reflections years later. Some say Camp Achieve shaped their career paths and continues to influence how they teach and support individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n

Graduate student employee Deborah Bempah, an international student from Ghana, described her experience as “the most fulfilling summer of my life.”<\/p>\n

She came to camp to teach. Instead, she found herself learning just as much.<\/p>\n

“Each camper taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories,” Bempah said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The experience also helped prepare her for the next step in her career. As she begins a Master of Social Work program this fall, Bempah said the summer gave her lessons she could not have gained in a classroom alone.<\/p>\n

“I came to make a difference but left changed by the people I met,” she said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Community of Experts<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

Camp Achieve works because no single discipline can address every need a child may have.<\/p>\n

The program brings together expertise in special education, behavior analysis, psychology, social work, nursing, recreation and the arts. That interdisciplinary approach helps the team address each camper’s academic, behavioral, social and emotional needs.<\/p>\n

The leadership team reflects that model.<\/p>\n

Jess Paul and Abbigale Dale, along with behavior specialist Anastacia Harrold, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts employed by Muncie Community Schools. Their expertise helps staff provide individualized behavioral support throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Mental health specialist Joanna Todd is a licensed clinical social worker with Muncie Community Schools and an adjunct faculty member in Ball State’s Department of Social Work. She provides guidance on social-emotional learning and mental health supports while mentoring staff.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Dr. Brittany Dale, associate professor of special education, serves as Camp Achieve’s licensed psychologist. She provides clinical oversight and consultation throughout the summer.<\/p>\n

Curriculum Director Storey Snyder, a licensed special education teacher and Ball State Intense Interventions alumna, has been part of Camp Achieve since its founding in 2008. She leads teachers and tutors while helping shape individualized lessons.<\/p>\n

Snyder also helps foster a culture of encouragement and positivity among the staff. Her colleagues describe her as the “heart of Camp Achieve,” recognizing her creativity, expertise and commitment to both campers and staff.<\/p>\n

New Partnerships, New Possibilities<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Camp Achieve expanded several partnerships during the 2026 program.<\/p>\n

The program’s collaboration with Ball State’s College of Nursing grew this year. Nursing students conducted health screenings before camp began, participated in a full day alongside campers and staff, and taught a lesson about healthy bodies.<\/p>\n

The lesson covered sleep, nutrition, body systems and what children can expect during a visit to the doctor.<\/p>\n

Campers gained a new learning experience. Nursing students gained firsthand experience working with autistic children and learned practical strategies for providing accessible, person-centered health care.<\/p>\n

The program also welcomed Danielle Phelps, instructor of art education and visual arts teacher at Burris Laboratory School. Phelps provided weekly visual art lessons featuring dinosaur-themed projects.<\/p>\n

Other partnerships continued to enrich the program.<\/p>\n

Alex Verbarg returned for a second year to lead weekly archery lessons. Sarah Love led swimming lessons twice each week.<\/p>\n

Together, these partnerships create more than a collection of activities. They create a network of people with different areas of expertise working toward the same goal: helping every camper thrive.<\/p>\n

Making Camp Possible<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Camp Achieve is also a reminder that meaningful community programs require a community to make them possible.<\/p>\n

The program remains completely free for families, thanks to generous donors. That support makes specialized summer programming accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford it.<\/p>\n

The Camp Achieve team is also grateful to the leadership, teachers and custodial staff at Burris Laboratory School and the Indiana Academy. Their support allows ordinary school spaces to become a dinosaur-filled summer camp.<\/p>\n

That transformation comes with plenty of energy, excitement and, inevitably, some messiness. The schools continue to welcome it all.<\/p>\n

Ball State’s Ball Pool staff and lifeguards also play an important role. Their patience and professionalism help create a welcoming environment where campers can safely learn and practice swimming.<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, Margo Akins handles the administrative details that keep the program moving. Her work often goes unseen, but it remains essential to Camp Achieve’s success.<\/p>\n

The Adventure Continues<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

When the dinosaurs were packed away and the foam party was over, Camp Achieve 2026 came to an end.<\/p>\n

The campers left with new skills, memories and friendships. Families left with new connections and a stronger sense of community. Students left with experiences that may shape the professionals they become.<\/p>\n

The Camp Achieve team, meanwhile, is already looking toward 2027.<\/p>\n

Plans include expanding interdisciplinary partnerships, developing new enrichment opportunities and finding innovative ways to support campers and their families.<\/p>\n

Every summer builds on the lessons of the one before it. The goal remains the same: create a place where autistic children can discover what they are capable of, where families know they are supported, and where future professionals learn to see disability through a strengths-based lens.<\/p>\n

Camp Achieve demonstrates what can happen when universities, families, students and community partners work toward a shared goal.<\/p>\n

Children are challenged and celebrated. Families find community. Future professionals gain the experience and perspective needed to make schools and communities more inclusive.<\/p>\n

And sometimes, a summer of dinosaurs leads to something even more lasting: a new friendship, a new skill, a leap into the deep end or a newfound confidence that follows a child long after the camp decorations come down.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dinosaurs, swimming, archery and foam parties made Camp Achieve 2026 an adventure. Behind the fun, however, was something even more meaningful: a supportive community where autistic children built skills, confidence, and friendships while Ball State students gained experiences that will shape their future careers. The dinosaurs had taken over. They lined the hallways. They decorated […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":305,"featured_media":3029,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11,4,2,5,7,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3028","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-faculty-and-staff-features","category-featured","category-immersive-learning","category-partnerships","category-student-stories"],"yoast_head":"\nMore Than a Summer Camp: Camp Achieve Helps Autistic Children Grow, Connect and Thrive - Teachers College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/teachers-college\/2026\/08\/31\/more-than-a-summer-camp-camp-achieve-helps-autistic-children-grow-connect-and-thrive\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"More Than a Summer Camp: Camp Achieve Helps Autistic Children Grow, Connect and Thrive - Teachers College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dinosaurs, swimming, archery and foam parties made Camp Achieve 2026 an adventure. Behind the fun, however, was something even more meaningful: a supportive community where autistic children built skills, confidence, and friendships while Ball State students gained experiences that will shape their future careers. The dinosaurs had taken over. They lined the hallways. 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