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Abstract: 

This article describes a pilot multimodal summer camp for youth with developmental disabilities (Camp PALS—Fostering Physical Activity and Life Skills for Youth) designed to improve behavioral regulation, social competence, and health behaviors based on gaps in services identified by parents as well as in the literature. Camp activities consisted of sports, social skills, and nutrition lessons and were modified from best-practice interventions for youth with developmental disabilities. The primary therapeutic approach was applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques, with the addition of structured teaching, modeling, and visual supports. The goals of the camp were to increase overall physiological health and social skills, as well as to give youth with developmental disabilities a positive summer experience within a supportive environment. The purpose of this article is to provide a description of an innovative camp for youth with developmental disabilities to encourage others to develop guidelines for similar summer programs.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, summer camp, multimodal camp, Camp PALS, physical activity, life skills

Affiliations:  1: University of South Carolina; 2: University of South Carolina; 3: University of South Carolina; 4: University of South Carolina; 5: University of South Carolina.