Programs and Camps

Recreational
Programs

Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.

Ages 4-5

BASIC SOCIAL SKILLS
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. This program is designed to teach social skills in a purposeful, small group setting. Activities will include skill-based lessons, interactive practice of new skills, role playing, behavior modeling & positive social interactions with peers. Individuals must have conversational language skills and be able to verbally communicate effectively. Participants must have a parent or guardian present at each session to provide needed support with technology and focus.

Wednesdays, April 14 - June 2
Ages: 4-8 Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm
Ages: 9-12 Time: 6:15 - 7:15pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

Ages 6-12

BASIC SOCIAL SKILLS
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. This program is designed to teach social skills in a purposeful, small group setting. Activities will include skill-based lessons, interactive practice of new skills, role playing, behavior modeling & positive social interactions with peers. Individuals must have conversational language skills and be able to verbally communicate effectively. Participants must have a parent or guardian present at each session to provide needed support with technology and focus.

Wednesdays, April 14 - June 2
Ages: 4-8 Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm
Ages: 9-12 Time: 6:15 - 7:15pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

YOGA
All meetings will be virtual via Zoom and are taught by a certified yoga instructor. This fun movement program utilizes breathing exercises, yoga poses & movement activities to benefit the individual with ASD. The gross motor movements practiced are designed to positively impact fitness, self-regulation and motor performance in a relaxing environment. Grab your yoga mat and join the Zoom for a relaxing class. Participants will benefit from having an adult on site with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 2
Ages: 8+ yrs.
Time: 6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $100 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

TEEN SOCIAL CLUB
This program offers an opportunity for pre-teens & teens to meet new people and socialize while learning about different teen topics each week. The instructor will use a variety of techniques to encourage & demonstrate positive social interaction through games, conversation, shared interests and activities. as well as the formation of SMART goals. This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.

Tuesdays April 13 - June 2
Ages: 11-14 yrs.
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

GAMING CLUB
Gaming Club is an exciting new opportunity for adolescents on the autism spectrum to develop social skills while playing Minecraft interactively. Participants will practice social skills and improve communication while learning to build a Minecraft World together! A Parent or Guardian must be available to guide participant focus and supervise online activity during the class. This program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and the internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club.

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 1
Ages: 11-14 yrs.
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

Teens and Adults

YOGA
All meetings will be virtual via Zoom and are taught by a certified yoga instructor. This fun movement program utilizes breathing exercises, yoga poses & movement activities to benefit the individual with ASD. The gross motor movements practiced are designed to positively impact fitness, self-regulation and motor performance in a relaxing environment. Grab your yoga mat and join the Zoom for a relaxing class. Participants will benefit from having an adult on site with them to guide their focus and physical activity during the class.

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 1
Ages: 8+ yrs.
Time: 6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $100 Register online at oakland.edu.oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

TEEN SOCIAL CLUB
This program offers an opportunity for pre-teens & teens to meet new people and socialize while learning about different teen topics each week. The instructor will use a variety of techniques to encourage & demonstrate positive social interaction through games, conversation, shared interests and activities, as well as instructing participants in the formation of SMART goals. This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 1
Ages: 11-14 yrs.
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 1
Ages: 15-18 yrs.
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

UNIQUELY ME: WOMEN ON THE SPECTRUM CONNECT
The instructor will lead discussions on relevant women's topics including finding & keeping relationships, employment challenges, daily sensory issues, independence, and embracing life on the spectrum. This program is for adult women with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Classes will be held virtually using Zoom.

Wednesdays, April 14 - June 2
Ages: 18+ yrs.
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $80 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
All classes will be virtual via Zoom. Participants will learn tips and tricks for taking digital photos using a smartphone. Participants will use photographs taken in their homes and communities as tools to learn basic concepts of photography. Social components of the course will include how to interact with the community while taking photos, as well as how to offer constructive feedback to fellow participants.

Instructed by professional photographers. This program is designed for individuals with a diagnosis of Autism or PDD/NOS who are able to follow multi-step directions with minimal prompts. Participants must have access to a smartphone for the duration of the program.

Mondays, April 11 - June 7 (No Session May 31)
Ages: 13+ yrs.
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $100 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

MOVIE CLUB
This program offers participants the opportunity to watch a common movie at their leisure each week, and come together virtually to discuss it. Each week the instructor will design activities around a theme of the week's movie while moderating a discussion of the movie encouraging social connections between participants. So grab your snack and join the Zoom for some movie talk! This program is for participants with Autism who possess conversational language skills. Participants may require a parent or guardian present at each session to provide support with technology.

Thursdays, April 15 - June 3
Ages 14+ yrs.
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR ADULTS
All classes will be virtual via Zoom. This program offers Adults on the Autism Spectrum an opportunity to meet new people and socialize while learning about relevant topics each week. The instructor will address important issues such as: making and maintaining relationships, workplace etiquette, social media and internet safety, community interactions and so much more.

Thursdays, April 15 - June 3
Ages: 18+ yrs.
Time 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

GAMING CLUB
Gaming Club is an exciting new opportunity for adolescents on the autism spectrum to develop social skills while playing Minecraft interactively. Participants will practice social skills and improve communication while learning to build a Minecraft World together! A Parent or Guardian must be available to guide participant focus and supervise online activity during the class. This program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and the internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club.

Tuesdays, April 13 - June 1
Ages: 10-14 yrs.
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $130 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore
Limited Scholarships Available
Printable Scholarship Packet

Camps

The Oakland University Center for Autism (OUCARES) offers a variety of summer day camps for individuals on the autism spectrum ages 3 years old through Teens.

Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.

OUCARES will follow strict protocols to maintain a safe environment for campers, families and staff. These will include the following:

All campers and staff will be required to wear a cloth mask at all times
All campers and staff must maintain social distancing
All campers must be able to follow directions with prompts to maintain health and safety protocols
Please review OUCARES' statement with further details on how we plan to maintain health and safety during our programs

Pee Wee Camp - Children 3-6 years old

The Pee Wee Summer Day Camp is for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder ages 3 - 6 years old. Our Pee Wee Camp activities will be focusing on maintaining known skills and acquiring new skills to improve quality of life. All activities are structured and are planned around a theme. Language Arts, Sensory Fun, Water Fun, Sports & Fitness, Arts & Crafts, Social Skills, Music, Fine Motor Fun and so much more!

Pee Wee Camp, Four 2 Week Sessions, Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm

Session 1: June 21 - July 2
Session 2: July 6 - July 16 (No Camp July 5)
Session 3: July 19 - July 30
Session 4: August 2 - August 13

Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University
Cost: $650 for each 2 week session. Session 2 cost is $600 due to the holiday closure.
Pee Wee Camp Application Packet please email completed packets to oucares@oakland.edu
Limited Scholarships Available

Camp Assessments: Once all application forms are received, if deemed necessary, OUCARES will contact you to schedule a casual assessment with OUCARES staff. This assessment will be completed virtually with the potential camper and a parent/guardian. All campers who have an assessment are required to pay a $50 non-refundable assessment fee that will be due at the time of the assessment. This is a one-time fee and is in addition to the camp fee. Receipt of application packet does not guarantee admittance. Admission decisions will only be made once we receive your complete packet of forms.

Summer Day Camp - Children 7-12 years old

Each week will be filled with loads of fun including arts and crafts, sensory time, social skills, gross motor activities and much more! Camp activities will be recreational with an academic component. All activities are highly structured and are planned around a weekly theme.

Summer Day Camp, Four 2 Week Sessions, Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm

Session 1: June 21 - July 2
Session 2: July 6 - July 16 (No Camp July 5)
Session 3: July 19 - July 30
Session 4: August 2 - August 13

Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University
Cost: $650 for each 2 week session. Session 2 cost is $600 due to the holiday closure.
Summer Day Camp Application Packet please email completed packets to oucares@oakland.edu
Limited Scholarships Available

Camp Assessments: Once all application forms are received, if deemed necessary, OUCARES will contact you to schedule a casual assessment with OUCARES staff. This assessment will be completed virtually with the potential camper and a parent/guardian. All campers who have an assessment are required to pay a $50 non-refundable assessment fee that will be due at the time of the assessment. This is a one-time fee and is in addition to the camp fee. Receipt of application packet does not guarantee admittance. Admission decisions will only be made once we receive your complete packet of forms.

Teen Life Skills Camp - Teens 11-14 and 15-18 years old

Teen Life Skills Camp is for individuals without severe problem behaviors or aggression who have an interest in learning how to grow independence skills. Each session will be full of fun activities focused on learning life skills including:

Practical Living Skills: Clothing care, menu planning, nutrition
Interpersonal Skills: Initiative/dependability, anger management, conflict resolution, self-esteem, social skills, and self-confidence
Personal Management Skills: Money management, time management, personal health care

Daily Activities will include:

Personal health care: exercise, personal hygiene and clothing care
Team-building activities: conflict resolution skills, managing anger issues

Teen Life Skills Camp 15-18 yrs, Two 2 Week Sessions Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm

Session 1: June 21 - July 2
Session 2: July 6 - July 16 (No Camp July 5)

Teen Life Skills Camp 11-14 yrs, Two 2 Week Sessions Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm

Session 3: July 19 - July 30
Session 4: August 2 - August 13

Location: Pawley Hall, Oakland University
Cost: $650 for each 2 week session. Session 2 cost is $600 due to the holiday closure.
Teen Life Skills Camp Application Packet please email completed packets to oucares@oakland.edu
Limited Scholarships Available

Camp Assessments: Once all application forms are received, if deemed necessary, OUCARES will contact you to schedule a casual assessment with OUCARES staff. This assessment will be completed virtually with the potential camper and a parent/guardian. All campers who have an assessment are required to pay a $50 non-refundable assessment fee that will be due at the time of the assessment. This is a one-time fee and is in addition to the camp fee. Receipt of application packet does not guarantee admittance. Admission decisions will only be made once we receive your complete packet of forms.

Employable
Skills Programs

OUCARES is following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oakland University public health safety experts as we move forward to plan future programming. At this time, OUCARES is still planning to run the Pre-Employment Skills Training program as scheduled. We will update this website if there are any changes.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING - For Adults with ASD
An intensive pre-employment skills training program with strong focus on:

"Soft" interpersonal skills (communication, social awareness, networking, team work, accepting criticism, collaboration)
Understanding employment (career options, resumes, applications, maintaining a job)
Independent living skills (hygiene, money management, community understanding, goal setting)

SPRING 2021 is a completely VIRTUAL program. Participants will have face-to-face interactions with instructors and their peers while learning employment readiness skills.

Dates: Monday, March 15, 2021 - Friday, May 28, 2021 (No Session 3/29-4/2/21)
Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Age: Adult
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2000 Limited Scholarships Available
OUCARES Pre-Employment Skills Training Application
Program Flyer

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Registration

Spring 2021 Program Information

PROGRAMS FILL UP QUICKLY SO REGISTER SOON!

To register complete the online program registration and payment.

Online registration is available at oakland.edu/oucaresstore

Limited Scholarships are available for ALL programs.
Printable Spring 2021 Scholarship Packet

Complete the Participant Information Form only if you are a New Participant or registering for Social Skills.

Oakland University’s highest priority in providing exemplary academic, athletic and social programs for youth is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all participants. To achieve this critically important goal, carefully screened and highly trained personnel enforce protocols designed to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about OU's youth protection efforts.

Parent
Programs

Interactive Sensory Integration Workshop
For Parents and Caregivers of Children ages 4-12 years.
Led by Kamilla D'Valentine, a licensed Occupational Therapist with multiple years of pediatric experience, this virtual workshop will help you understand the science behind the sensory system and related terminology (i.e. sensory diet), and also learn how sensory integration can help your child. Identify common behaviors observed from a dysregulated sensory system. Learn how to help your child with self-regulation and co-regulation techniques. Develop ways to implement sensory strategies in your own home.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 Register online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore

ABA Training for Parents

Instructed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. We will be offering 2 separate virtual trainings for different age groups: Parents or Guardians of younger children (2-8 yrs) and Parents or Guardians of Adolescents and Teens (9-18 yrs). Learn to use ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) techniques at home to develop your child’s skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

Parents of Younger Children (2-8 years)

Date: Wednesdays, April 14 and April 21

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Location: Virtual

Instructed by: Dr. Jessica Korneder, PhD, BCBA-D Assistant Professor at OU & Director of the OU ABA Clinic

Cost: $25 per person Register Online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore

Limited Scholarships Available

Parents of Adolescents and Teens (9-18 years)

Date: Wednesdays, March 24 and March 31

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: Virtual

Instructed by: Mark A. Zellefrow Jr., M.Ed., BCBA, LBA and OU ABA Clinic Practitioner

Cost: $25 per person Register Online at oakland.edu/oucaresstore

Limited Scholarships Available