Welcome to Autism Camp Australia,
Where we are so much more than just a camp program.
“We all need friends. Real connections. And we all want time to play. Sometimes we just want to shoot the breeze, or stomp around like wild things. We know it’s ok. We’ve found our people. Our community. A place where we can face challenges and discover new things, yet still march to the beat of our own drum. It’s time to just be you.”
Our camp program takes an authentic strengths-based approach to the health and wellbeing of Autistic young people and their families. At camp, we celebrate neurodiversity, embrace difference and nurture individuality.
We want our young people to develop confidence and independence, increase their social connection, develop new and lasting friendships and celebrate their Autistic identity.
We want our parents/guardians and siblings to build increased resilience, enhance their social networks and have a greater ability to maintain informal supports for their young people.
OUR CAMPS
Our experiential learning and capacity building camp program is held over 4 days/5 nights, 10 times a year at each of our locations. The camps are for the whole family, with programs for the Autistic young person, siblings and parents/carers.
LOCATIONS
NSW - Tweed/Byron Region
QLD - Sunshine Coast
VIC - Queenscliff
WHY CHOOSE ACA?
Subsidised with NDIS Funding Support
Focused on building Autistic community
Tailored for Autistic young people (7-14) and families diagnosed with Autism levels 1, 2, and 3
96% improved skills/knowledge
93% increased confidence
91% boosted self-esteem
Supportive setting for Autistic families, reducing social isolation
Encourages celebration of Autistic identity, away from neuro-normative expectations
Therapies, education, and skill development for increased knowledge and confidence
Lasting friendships, improved mental health, increased school participation
Sibling advocacy, parental confidence, and exploration of new opportunities
Encourages mainstream community participation for sustained confidence and independence
Sustained increases in self-worth, mental and physical wellbeing
Aims to positively impact life expectancy through comprehensive support and community connections
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Autism Camp Australia please click on the donate button. Thank you.
Allison talking about the wonderful autism camp
Bridget sharing her love for the autism camp
Travis sharing his positive experience of Autism Camp Australia
A video about canoeing in one of ACA's camps
Three girls talking about ACA’s summer camp
A family talking about the fun they have at the autism camp
“Thank you….this is a fantastic offering for the Autistic community. It was great to come and relax and not be judged as a bad parent because your child is different. To have an actually Autistic carer to support our family was a truly unique and life changing experience. Her insights and understanding are invaluable and much needed by our community.”
Boy playing
A boy playing in a box filled with water
Young artist
A girl showing proudly the painting she did
Friends
Two young friends at the autism camp
ACA participants
Two participants of the ACA summercamp
Colourful
A boy with a colourful jumper, holding a self-made wooden boat
“I love my role as State Manager NSW. Not only do I support an amazing team, but I also get to see the beautiful camp magic in action. The love, support, professionalism and friendliness of the whole team is such an inspiration. To see the smiles on the kids’ faces and hear first-hand from the parents how much the family has gained from their camp experience makes all the behind the scenes work so worth it! I am blessed to be part of the ACA family.”
“ACA is a wonderful experience for the whole family. From the moment you make an enquiry, through the enrolment process and then at camp. ACA staff and carers are AMAZING! You are supported by people that understand and genuinely want to help you. At camp there is no judgement, only support! It’s great to meet other families that also understand what you are going through.”
