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| LSU summer camp gives children a chance to 'discover'
According to Sybil Monday, coordinator for LSU’s Office of Youth Programs, the idea for integrating the two special needs groups resulted from studying educational models across the country that illustrated the complementary personality traits of the children. Autistic children are generally withdrawn, while those with Down syndrome are generally very extroverted and loving, she said. Participating in the camp side by side allows the children’s characteristics to blend and compliment one another. LSU’s “discover campers” also take part in LSU’s Tiger Camp, which takes place on the LSU campus. Inclusion in Tiger Camp allows Camp Discover children to interact with children their own age. The two sets of campers enjoy activities such as taking field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, and physical education. Both groups of campers are able to learn cooperation, patience, and understanding from their experiences interacting with each other. Camp Discover works closely with LSU’s College of Education and Department of Psychology, which provide LSU students a resource to study, observe, and learn more about children with Down syndrome and autism. Written by Laura Fonti | LSU
University Relations
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For
more than 27 years, LSU Youth Programs has offered educational and
recreational programs for children in preschool through high school.
Among its many programs is Camp Discover, an academic and leisure
camp for children ages 5 to 12 with Down syndrome or autism. This
two-week summer camp offers students with either of these disabilities
a place of acceptance, where they can continue the academic progress
they made during the previous school year.
A
day at Camp Discover is divided into two sections: academic instruction
and recreational activities. In the morning, teachers and volunteers
focus on subjects such as math, reading, English, and science, while
incorporating computer skills into the classes. Children are also
taught everyday skills such as cutting with scissors and tying their
shoes.
