Camp Rising Sun was founded in 2006 by a group of parents and professionals who wanted a summer camp experience for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the state of New Mexico. In 2009, Camp Rising Sun became a part of the Autism programs at the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability.

Residential camps are designed specifically for individuals with ASD between the ages of 8 and 13. An adolescent camp is provided for those individuals with ASD between the ages of 14 and 17.

Camp Rising Sun provides an inclusive summer camp environment that includes typically developing same-age peers.

Camp activities include swimming, hiking, sports, arts & crafts, games, kayaking, horseback riding, music, drama, campfires, hayrides, a ropes course, and friendship building activities.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this course. I would also recommend they have several adults in the water, and several "shore-side" as there seemed to be more things to do that I would have expected. Not only for the girls' confidence, but helping turn around the kayaks, getting the girls in and out, etc. 

Kathleen Tighe-Smith  -  Troop #10228, Brownies, Albuquerque, NM

Kelly is someone who knows the sport of kayaking and is able to teach in a safe, effective and fun way.  Not only did the girls have a total blast, but they learned the names for all parts of their kayak and equipment, how to safely enter and exit a kayak, how to help someone else who may be in trouble, what to do in inclement weather and how to best move through the water (to name a few).  We had our last Girl Scout meeting of the year last week, and when I asked the girls what their favorite experience was over the last 3 years, 75% chose kayaking.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521

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