Loads of laughs will come to IU this summer.
The Center on Education and Lifelong Learning and Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University will host Camp Yes, And, an improvisational theater camp for teens on the autism spectrum, according to a University press release.
Teachers from the university, K-12 and private settings are also invited to the camp, which will be held from June 22 to July 3.
Improvisational theater is used to help teens on the autism spectrum develop knowledge of social cues, relationships, flexible thinking and communication skills.
Camp Co-Director Jim Ansaldo said in the release that improv is about supporting the other members of the group.
“Improv is a lot of fun, and it also is a highly refined system of observing, connecting and responding that has one major rule: ‘Yes, and,’” he said. “At its heart, improv is about group agreement and ?support.”
During the first week of camp, teachers will learn improvisational techniques and how to apply them to supporting autistic teens. During the second week, teachers and camp leaders will co-host the camp.
The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community is also hosting a peer-to-peer funding campaign to raise money for camp ?scholarships.
Ansaldo said scholarships are helpful to the families of camp attendees, as families of youth on the autism spectrum typically already have high medical expenses.
“So it’s great to see that people are willing to donate to support camp scholarships,” Ansaldo said in the release.
Anyone interested in making a donation to support camp scholarships may donate at iufoundation.fundly.com/campyes-and.
Camp Yes, And is open to youth ages 13-18.
As of May 16, all student spots at the camp were full, however, individuals could apply to be on the camp’s wait list. Teacher spots are still open. Those interested may register here: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcIJuwAEK4kDpNb.
Holly Hays
This story has been updated to include the registration site's URL.
