Seasonal Programs - OUCARES - Oakland University

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. To learn more, visit OU's Youth Protection webpage.

OUCARES has been working hard to plan and prepare for in-person programs that allow for a safe and healthy environment for our participants with autism, their families, and our staff. Please review OUCARES' strict safety protocols with further details on how we plan to maintain health and safety during our programs.

If you are a new participant to OUCARES Programming, complete the Participant Information Form

Ages 4-5

Music and Movement
This program offers children a gentle introduction to music and movement. Through the use of songs, instruments, and stories, children will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of movement experiences that promote interaction, communication and the development of motor skills. Come prepared to sing and move.

Thursdays, September 21 - October 26
Ages: 5-8
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Indoor Soccer
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, cooperative interaction with peers, and having fun in a supportive environment. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Saturdays, September 23 - October 28
Ages: 4-9
Time: 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Ages 6-12

Baseball
The OU Men’s Baseball Team teaches participants the fundamentals of baseball through skill stations and modified games. Skills such as hitting, throwing and catching will be practiced each week, along with learning how to interact as a team player.

Wednesdays, September 6 - October 10
Ages: 8 + years
Time: 5-6 pm
Location: Lower Baseball Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Basketball
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Developing these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates. Learn a fun sport while engaging in social interactions with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Fridays, September 22 - October 27
Ages: 10-15
Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Saturdays, September 23 - October 28
Ages: 6-12
Time: 10:15 - 11:00 am
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Gaming Club
Gaming club is an exciting 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! Parent or guardian must be available to help guide their focus and on-line activity during the class. Program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club. Minecraft Bedrock edition will be needed. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Tuesdays, September 12 - October 24 (optional Wednesday night group gaming September 13 - October 25)
Ages: 10-14
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Individual Social Coaching
OUCARES is excited to now offer one-on-one individualized virtual coaching! Using the Charisma social coaching platform, trained social coaches will teach invaluable social skills to help understand social norms and learn to navigate social situations appropriately. Given the nature of the coaching, participants must be able to verbally communicate and independently use a computer (once instructions have been taught). Individual social coaching can occur based on your own schedule, and includes 10 one-hour sessions.

Registered participants will be contacted to schedule their individual days / times
Ages: 12+ years
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450

Judo
Instructed by Judo Steve, a 5th Level Black Belt with experience teaching individuals with ASD. Learn the basics of Judo while building confidence, self-discipline, listening skills, increase coordination and controlled movements. Judo is a fun way to exercise while also learning to follow directions and practice self-defense skills. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Mondays, September 11 - October 23
Ages: 7-13
Time: 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Music and Movement
This program offers children a gentle introduction to music and movement. Through the use of songs, instruments, and stories, children will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of movement experiences that promote interaction, communication and the development of motor skills. Come prepared to sing and move.

Thursdays, September 21 - October 26
Ages: 5-8
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

SNAG Golf
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping and putting using modified equipment. Goals include improving motor skills, following directions, and developing social skills. We will be using OU's Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Mondays, August 28 - October 9
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: OU Par 3 Golf Course (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $140 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Soccer
Participants will learn to play the game of soccer through simple drills and small games. Goals include strengthening motor skills, following directions, cooperative interaction with peers, and having fun in a supportive environment. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Saturdays, September 23 - October 28
Ages: 4-9
Time: 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Teens and Adults

After Hours Adult Social
This is a social group for adults on the Autism spectrum and related challenges of all abilities. If one-on-one assistance is needed, parents/caregivers are required to provide support. Come join us for pizza, conversation, cards, games, and fun! No registration required, come when you are able.

Tuesdays, September 19, October 24, November 14
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 9 pm
Location: September: Rooms 128-130, October and November: Lake Superior Room, Oakland Center (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: No cost for this program

Baseball
The OU Men’s Baseball Team teaches participants the fundamentals of baseball through skill stations and modified games. Skills such as hitting, throwing and catching will be practiced each week, along with learning how to interact as a team player.

Wednesdays, September 6 - October 10
Ages: 8 + years
Time: 5-6 pm
Location: Lower Baseball Fields (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Basketball
Participants will learn basic basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting, and team skills in a supportive environment. Developing these skills will involve listening, following directions, and interacting with teammates. Learn a fun sport while engaging in social interactions with peers. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Fridays, September 22 - October 27
Ages: 10-15 Time: 6 - 6:45 pm
Ages: 16+ Time: 7 - 7:45 pm
Location: Recreation Center Gym (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $100 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Bowling League
OUCARES' Bowling Leagues provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals with ASD to bowl in a supportive and controlled environment. Social participation is encouraged to help participants develop friendships in a community setting. Price includes 2 games/week, bowling ball & shoes, and a pizza party. The parent/caregiver will need to remain with the bowler if one on one assistance is required.

Oakland Bowling
Saturdays, September 9 - October 28
Ages: 16+ years
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr., Rochester Hills)
Cost: $120 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Troy Bowling
Mondays, September 11 - October 30
Ages: 16+ years
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: Bowl One (1639 14 Mile Rd., Troy)
Cost: $120 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Gaming Club
Gaming club is an exciting 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! Parent or guardian must be available to help guide their focus and on-line activity during the class. Program requires access to a computer with Windows 10 and internet. Minecraft Java edition will not be compatible with the version being used for the club. Minecraft Bedrock edition will be needed. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Tuesdays, September 12 - October 24 (optional Wednesday night group gaming September 13 - October 25)
Ages: 10-14
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Individual Social Coaching
OUCARES is excited to now offer one-on-one individualized virtual coaching! Using the Charisma social coaching platform, trained social coaches will teach invaluable social skills to help understand social norms and learn to navigate social situations appropriately. Given the nature of the coaching, participants must be able to verbally communicate and independently use a computer (once instructions have been taught). Individual social coaching can occur based on your own schedule, and includes 10 one-hour sessions.

Registered participants will be contacted to schedule their individual days / times
Ages: 12+ years
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450

Judo
Instructed by Judo Steve, a 5th Level Black Belt with experience teaching individuals with ASD. Learn the basics of Judo while building confidence, self-discipline, listening skills, increase coordination and controlled movements. Judo is a fun way to exercise while also learning to follow directions and practice self-defense skills. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Mondays, September 11 - October 23
Ages: 7-13 Time: 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Ages: 14+ years Time: 7:15 - 8:00 pm
Location: Pawley Hall (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

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 facilitator 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 meeting 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, September 14 - October 26
Ages: 14+ years
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

SNAG Golf
Starting New At Golf (SNAG) is simplified golf, allowing full shots, pitching, chipping and putting using modified equipment. Goals include improving motor skills, following directions, and developing social skills. We will be using OU's Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range throughout the program. Siblings or peer buddies are invited to register for this program!

Mondays, August 28 - October 9
Ages: 8+ years
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: OU Par 3 Golf Course (Oakland University Campus)
Cost: $140 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Social Connections for Adults
This program offers adults on the Autism spectrum an opportunity to meet new people and socialize while learning about relevant topics each week. The facilitator will address important issues such as making and maintaining relationships, workplace etiquette, social media and internet safety, community interactions, and other timely topics.

Thursdays, September 14 - November 2
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $175 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Structured Social and Communication Training for Adults
Developed and led by a successful adult with ASD, participants will learn and practice skills that can be applied to all types of relationships, including family, friends, romantic partners, acquaintances, and colleagues. This is a highly structured training and participants will be expected to complete practical "homework" activities each week which will be discussed at the following week's class. This training is designed for participants who are able to interact independently on a computer, can follow directions with verbal prompts, and who want to improve their social and communication skills. OUCARES is partnering with Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults to run this program.

Mondays, September 18 - November 6
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online

Uniquely Me: Women on the Spectrum Connect
The facilitator will lead discussions on relevant women's topics including finding and 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.

Wednesdays, September 13 - October 25
Ages: 18+ years
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: $150 Limited Scholarships Available
Register Online