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Each fall, the members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE community centers travel to Camp Royall for their annual retreat. ASNC’s IGNITE community centers provide a place where individuals with autism can safely navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Members spend time together learning and socializing with activities at both the center and out in the wider community. They work on personal goals, set with the help of IGNITE staff, such as improving communication and social skills, developing life skills, and practicing independence. The annual retreat at Camp Royall provides an opportunity for members to continue strengthening their skills. It also allows them to apply what they have learned in new and exciting ways. This year’s retreat took place in October with more than 30 IGNITE members participating.

Building independence

During the weekend retreat, IGNITE members are asked to take more responsibility for themselves and for their retreat experience. They are encouraged to work with others to make decisions about activities while also being challenged, with support from staff, to be more personally independent. Over the course of the weekend, members help to plan retreat activities and assist with cooking meals. They are encouraged to make choices for themselves about what to eat, what to pack, and what activities to participate in. They learn to take care of their personal hygiene, keep their spaces clean, and practice other life skills to build their confidence and independence.

“It’s great to see everyone coming together to create meaningful experiences and form lasting friendships from across the state,” says Alicia Lenhart, Senior Program Director IGNITE. “It’s so exciting to see members increase their confidence and have meaningful social interactions that become the catalyst for successful opportunities in work, school, and life. It’s so impactful.”

Making connections

The Camp Royall retreat is a favorite of IGNITE members with attendance growing each year. As one parent of an IGNITE member shared, “Participating in the Camp Royall retreat was one of the highlights of my son’s adult life. He would like to participate again!” Being with peers in a natural setting where they can make connections with others who share similar interests is central to the weekend. Members are encouraged to swap phone numbers and continue their new friendships outside of camp and IGNITE. A variety of activities, both structured and unstructured, help to reduce anxiety and stress for participants while the range of physical activities like kickball, yoga, and hiking in nature supports health and wellness.

In the words of one IGNITE member, “I enjoyed my time away from home, being independent. I also enjoyed getting to spend time with my friends, old and new.”

Learn more by visiting our IGNITE webpage and our Camp Royall webpage.

Tags: Camp Royall, community center, IGNITE Go back