Summer Camp

Children have many needs… love, understanding, a sense of belonging, and achievement.

At AEF, we recognize the importance of year-round engagement for children and teens. To prevent setbacks during the summer months, we provide a structured environment that supports continued social and academic growth. AEF Camps feature a “Blended Summer Program,” combining focused cognitive and academic instruction in the mornings with fun-filled summer camp activities in the afternoons and exciting field trips every Friday.

AEF summer programs offer a special experience. Our goal is to build confidence in campers as they grow to organize their world and build positive relationships with peers.  Our program and staff help campers develop respect for rules and authority figures (including family), exercise sound judgment, take responsibility for their actions, and have fun.  Unfortunately, there are many children who do not experience this positive cycle, and therefore cannot adjust to family, school, and/or society’s demands.

• Summer Camp (K through 7th)
• Young Adult Camp (7th to 12th Grade)
• CIT / JR Counselor Programs (8th Grade and above)
• Credit Recovery / Summer School

Please download the summer camp application to view the dates programs operate

Who are our campers?

No two children are alike. Each child is a unique individual with their own set of strengths and challenges. At AEF Camps, we welcome children from a variety of backgrounds, including those who have been diagnosed—or misdiagnosed—with ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, or similar conditions. Many of our campers do not have a formal diagnosis; they simply thrive in a smaller, safer, and more structured camp environment.

Our campers often exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

• Struggle with making, keeping, or maintaining friendships.
• Find traditional camp settings unenjoyable.
• Have difficulty listening and responding effectively.
• Face challenges functioning within a group setting.
• Experience anxiety in new or uncertain situations.
• Lack appropriate conflict resolution skills.
• Struggle with critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Have trouble staying focused or completing tasks.
• Jump between topics or fail to finish what they start.
• May appear rude, oppositional, or inconsiderate.
• Struggle with understanding cause and effect or fail to consider consequences.
• Repeat behaviors despite redirection and intervention.
• Struggle with time management or find the concept of time nonexistent.
• Require frequent reminders.
• Have difficulty organizing their space, work, or life.
• Often talk excessively or struggle with fidgeting and restlessness.
• May have low self-esteem or exhibit signs of depression.

At AEF Camps, we provide a nurturing, structured environment that helps children develop their strengths, address challenges, and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Who We Are

The AEF Summer Camp Program is an extension of AEF Schools, a leading institution dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families who face challenges in traditional school environments, socially, or at home.

Our camp staff consists of the same multidisciplinary team that serves our students during the school year. These professionals are trained in the AEF Schools Approach, ensuring that our summer program is both engaging and aligned with the year-round system campers need to follow. The program focuses on teaching life skills and management techniques that campers can bring back to their home, family, and school environments.

Counselor-Guided Activities

Each summer, our program features guided activities centered around a unique theme. These activities are designed to provide innovative life management programs and offer individualized assistance within a group setting. Through these activities, campers develop self-worth, responsibility, organizational skills, and social norms while learning to control impulsivity and follow instructions.

Most importantly, our campers are encouraged to have fun while gaining valuable skills that support their personal growth and success!

Transport

AEF Camps offer transport within a 20-mile radius of each campus.  Pick up points and door to door services are available.  If a student lives outside of the 20 mile radius, special arrangements can be made through the camp.

Uniforms

AEF Camps require campers to wear AEF camp shirts on all field trips.  AEF summer camp uniforms are purchased through a uniform store in the local area.

Hours  – Camp Hours may vary summer to summer and can be found on our Summer Camp Application.  Below are the general camp hours:

Pre Care Program

Parents needing to drop off their children early may enroll them in the Pre Care Program. Campers will be monitored as they participate in quiet activities.

Aftercare Program

Parents needing to pick up their children late in the afternoon may enroll them in the Aftercare Program. Campers will be monitored as they participate in activities and games.  Additional Aftercare Field Trips are also offered twice a week, to such places as the movies, laser tag, bowling alleys, arcades, etc.

Lunches & Snacks

Catered lunches are available.  Lunches can be purchased by the day or by month.  Students are also welcome to bring their own lunches.  All students have a mid morning break (10 to 15 minutes). We encourage students to pack a snack which they may eat at this time.

Medications

AEF Camps will ONLY dispense/administer medications provided there is a signed note or a copy of a prescription from a licensed Medical Doctor.

Therapy & Counseling

AEF Camps work closely with Music, Occupational, Speech, Language, Cognitive, Individual, and Family therapists throughout the area.  Therapists and Doctors who have applied for and received visitation privileges at AEF Camps may see students on campus during the day, before school, or after school.

Admission Process

The majority of children and adolescents who attend our summer camp are either enrolled in our year round program or have applied for admission for the following school year, therefore they have gone through the admissions process.  Campers who do not go through the admissions process as described below are accepted to summer camp on a trial basis.

This process consists of:

• Private interview with student
• Private interview with family
• Brief academic screening
• Campus tour
• Review of all background information and files
• Review of AEF intake paperwork
• Based on results – further testing or a trial period may be required

If student is accepted to AEF Camps, the admission process moves to the finance department.

AEF Camps will also assist families in finding an appropriate school / camp placement if their child is not accepted.

Financial Admission Process

Parents who cannot afford full tuition must:

• Fill out scholarship request / financial aid forms
• Provide all required documentation (Tax returns, Personal Financial Statements)

AEF Camps provide children and adolescents with a safe and nurturing environment.  Campers are free to discover their identities, develop self-esteem, earn self respect, learn how to lead, know when to follow, make friends and HAVE FUN.

When campers return home they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are better equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These qualities ensure individual success, instill happiness, build successful nations, and promote civil and compassionate societies.