Kids for Camp
For all questions, please contact Shanan Chason at (850) 434-7171 or email shanan@autismpensacola.org.
Philosophy of Kids for Camp
Autism Pensacola’s Kids for Camp is a data-driven program that uses best-practice techniques, specifically Applied Behavior Analysis, to contribute to both the skill acquisition of the individuals with autism and the continuing education of the teachers, support staff, and college students who work with those with autism. Autism Pensacola is committed to continuously improving the camp experience, thus remaining a model of quality and integrity to the community.
Program Length
Kids for Camp 2025 Dates: June 17 to July 22, 2025
Application Period: February 5 to March 5, 2025
Cost
Tuition rates varies yearly, based on annual donations to support the program. Contact us for full information on the current year tuition rates.
Thank You to Our Partners
Kids for Camp is made possible through community partnerships, along with the support of the following individuals and businesses in the greater Pensacola area:
United Way of West Florida, Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival, Kugleman Family Foundation, International Paper, DW McMillan Foundation, Switzer Brothers, Debutante Charity Cotillion, and the Pilot Club of Pensacola.
Major Partners of Kids for Camp:
The Autism Center of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart
United Way of West Florida
Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
Escambia County School District
Kids for Camp is now hiring teachers, paraprofessionals, behavior analysts, therapists, and college students in autism-related fields!
Interested in being a part of our team? Download the application, view the staff introduction video, and return all required documents to our office for consideration.
Submit applications via US Mail to:
Autism Pensacola, Kids for Camp Staff Applications
10001 N. Davis Highway, Building 1, Pensacola, FL 32514
Or Email to shanan@autismpensacola.org
Do Not hand-deliver applications to the Autism Pensacola office or the Sacred Heart Autism Center. They will not be accepted. Please make sure your e-mail address is legible. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of application receipt.
Autism Pensacola, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Now Accepting Applications for
Teen Peer Volunteers!!
Are you between the ages of 12 and 18 years old and interested in giving back to your community by volunteering, making new friends, and having a fun summer experience? Become a Teen Peer Volunteer at Kids for Camp, a Summer Learning Lab for children and young adults on the autism spectrum!
Camp dates are June 17th through July 22nd, Monday through Thursday from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm. Teen Volunteers must commit to one full week of camp and will be paired with a camper as a buddy each week. The Teen Peer application period is open now until Friday, May 16th. Applications can be emailed to teenpeers@autismpensacola.org or mailed to our office located at 10001 N. Davis Highway, Building 1, Pensacola, FL, 32514.
Kids for Camp is absolutely vital in my son’s education and development. He LOVES camp, and the bond he makes with his instructors is amazing. I truly believe he would regress during his summers if Kids for Camp did not exist.
Jennifer, mother of Max, age 8
My daughter’s IEP contains goals for developing and improving employability skills. The majority of the goals were formulated using the goals and skills learned at camp.
Leslie, mother of Janie, age 18
This camp helps to bridge the gap in the school year so that she doesn’t have to stop learning things. It makes the transition from school year to school year much nicer. She also enjoys going to camp which makes me feel better about sending her.
Kristin, mother of Korrin, age 16
Courtney said ‘Good girl at summer camp.’ Then she said, drum roll please… ‘Had fun at summer camp!’ Woo-hoo! Thank you all! What an amazing blessing; what wonderful, wonderful people! God is great!
Juanita, mother of Courtney, age 19
Our son was treated with respect. Camp actually did as much in 6 weeks as his regular school would do in 6 months. His communication level has probably doubled. We hope to be there next year.
William, father of Will, age 6
My son started going to camp in 2005, when we had just gotten his Asperger’s diagnosis. He has gone every year since. Each and every year he benefits tremendously. I have friends around the U.S. and Canada with ASD kids, and they are green with envy that we have such a stellar program available here.
Regina, mother of Dylan, age 13
Individuals with autism, ages 5 to 25, who reside in Escambia or Santa Rosa County, FL or Escambia County, AL.
Yes, we will accept campers from outside our two-county area. However, the full cost of tuition, plus a surcharge, will apply. Contact us for more information.
Because this program is underwritten by grants, donors and generous sponsors, the tuition fluctuates year to year. But thanks to our partners and donors, a discount is offered off the full cost of tuition to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
We invite all local families to apply for financial aid. If accepted, the cost of tuition can be adjusted, as funds are available. Our sliding fee scale is based on household income and family size.
Our staff is selected from a pool of applicants each year that includes teachers and paraprofessionals from both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and surrounding areas. We also work with students from the University of West Florida and other universities. Teachers at the camp are trained in techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior, as well as ways to incorporate these techniques into their classrooms. Board Certified Behavior Analysts are on staff and available to provide guidance to our teaching staff.
Thanks to the generosity of the Escambia County School District, camp is held at Scenic Heights Elementary and Washington High School.
Yes, Membership in Autism Pensacola is required to apply for Kids for Camp. For more information on how to join, visit our Get Involved section.
The application period begins around mid-February. There is limited space and families are encouraged to apply early. Watch the website for exact dates. Application period will be open for four weeks.
Families will be notified regarding camp acceptance no later than the date publicized on the application. Applicants are encouraged to review the policies and procedures documents in the Downloadables section.
Feel free to reach out to us. We’d be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Kids for Camp is made possible through community partnerships, along with the support of generous people and businesses in the greater Pensacola area. Major Partners of Kids for Camp: The Autism Center of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart; Escambia County School District; Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers. Other partners: FSU-Center for Autism and Related Disabilities; Santa Rosa County School District.
Any questions?
Have questions or want to get in touch regarding our programs? Contact us today!
