(Center Moriches, NY) - Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is reminding everyone that April is Autism Awareness Month. The camp is also having its Open House on April 2, which is World Autism Day.
The month-long campaign, sponsored by Autism Speaks, brings to the forefront the prevalence of autism in children to educate parents about the growing rate of autism in the U.S. According to Autism Speaks, one in 110 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder - a 600% increase over the past 20 years. With appropriate early intervention services from ages 3-5, the organization says, between 20% and 50% of children diagnosed with autism will be able to attend mainstream kindergarten.
"Autism has been growing at an alarming rate, especially here on Long Island," said Bridget Costello, Director, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. "Our camp offers children with autism the opportunity to be themselves in a relaxing atmosphere. They can enjoy the activities here at the camp while maintaining their independence."
Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is a resident summer camp designed for young people ages 6-21 with special needs. Its mission is to help children and adults achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence through a safe and quality program of camping, recreation, and education in a summer-time environment. Throughout the program, campers participate in typical summer camp activities, such as arts and crafts, talent shows, cook-outs, swimming and boating.
The camp is located on Chet Swezey Road in Center Moriches. For directions or more information, call (631) 878-1070 or visit www.camppaquatuck.com.
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Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck was created by the members of the Moriches Rotary Club in 1946. The camp is located on the shores of Kaler's Pond on eastern Long Island. Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, funded entirely by donations, is a special place where children with physical and developmental disabilities can experience first hand the pleasures that an active life has to offer. Children participate in a wide range of activities especially designed for youngsters who are in wheelchairs as well as those who are ambulatory. These activities include swimming, boating, arts and crafts, petting zoo, talent shows, cook-outs, games and a Carnival Day. The Camp Program also provides educational activities in areas such as nature, arts, fire safety and communication skills.