Camp CANOE: Summer Camp For Children With Autism

It’s officially Summer, which means it’s time for summer camp, for everyone.

For most of the summer, Camp Dakani is your typical camp for kids. But this week is special.

“It’s our most rewarding week of camp and if we could do it every week, we absolutely would,” said Camp program director Nicole Huskey. 

This week the camp is all about kids with autism.

“Our program that we are running this week is called camp CANOE and CANOE is an acronym that stands for children with autism need outdoor experiences,” said Huskey. 

These campers are without question getting those outdoor experiences.

“They still get to do our zip line, our rock wall, our archery, but we know they might need extra processing time,” said Huskey.

With a one-to-one counselor-to-camper ratio, each camper gets the attention they need.

“Just based on last year, it was my first time doing it last year and it was my most rewarding week,” said camp counselor Chance Atchley.

“This is a huge plus for me to be able to find a place like this,” said Crystal Geiss, parent to one of the campers.

Parents like Geiss love the idea of getting their son out of the house in a safe environment.

“For me and my husband it really gives us a sign of relief, because there are locations here in Oklahoma that actually cater towards helping kids like our son Conner,” said Geiss.

The campers get to experience new things, and they also get to make new friends, but at the end of the day, there really is one purpose to the camp.

“We love to have fun, and that is one of the things that we tell all of our staff,” said Huskey.

For more information about Camp Dakani and Camp Canoe, visit their website www.campfirehok.org

The camp is located near East Hefner Road.