Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with autism. It is an epidemic currently affecting 1 in every 166 children. Unfortunately, while the number of families impacted by autism continues to increase, the funding for school support, education and services is decreasing. Raising a child with autism is a 7-day a week, 24-hour a day job that can be overwhelming for most parents. There are countless families living in isolation and despair because they don’t have the resources to help.

In order to reach those families, the Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) was founded to help one of the most underserved segments of the special needs population. SNN is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves the special needs community with peer support, education and resources. The goal of SNN is to expand the number of families they serve through education, advocacy and public policy…and they need your help. Special Needs Network’s larger mission is to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and to impact public policy, while providing education and resources to families, children and adults. SNN serves as a link between underserved communities and mainstream developmental disability organizations and governmental institutions, which often fail to address issues specific to these communities.

SNN’s Joe Patton Academy Camp–

The only summer inclusion camp in Los Angeles for special needs children and their siblings, Special Needs Network’s Joe Patton Academy Camp (Camp JPAC) serves as a safe, fun haven for close to 200 participating children by providing a host of educational and recreational activities. The Camp JPAC experience includes structured activities, spontaneous free play, organized sports, and social interaction. Children attending the camp are encouraged to develop and explore their imaginations as they engage in a myriad of fun and educational activities.

Informaton about the camp

Camp JPAC is OPEN TO EVERYBODY, with an enrollment ofl approximately 60% chidlren with special needs and 40% typically-developing children. Camp JPAC is free for low to moderate income families. If you are a family with a combined total income of more than $50,000 per year and your child is accepted, we ask that you make a donation in the amount of $100 towards the operating cost of Camp JPAC. Be sure to apply soon (and remember, submitting the application does not guarantee a place at camp).

Do you have a child between the age of 11 to 16 who enjoys science, technology, math, and engineering? if so indicate this on your application and your child may be selected to participate in CAMP JPAC’s exciting new Science and Robotics Workshop, designed to nurture the next generation of scientists, techies, and engineers!

Camp features…

• Math and Reading Enrichment
• Dance
• Music
• Social Skills
• Arts and Crafts
• Field Trips
• Sports
• Science
• Theater
• Games
• Talent Show
• Special Guest Instructors
• And Much More!

Dates & Time

Cycle 1
August 1 – 12

Cycle 2
August 15 – 26

Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Before Care: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
After Care: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location

Junior Blind of America
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043