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Every summer thousands of children experience the beauty of the outdoors and live in peer groups through the structure of organized residential camps. Positive social interaction, independence, and the potential for increased self esteem are just a few of the many benefits of a summer camp experience. With the appropriate programs, staffing and supports in place, children of all backgrounds and needs can benefit from camp. 
Camp BT offers a short stay residential program for boys and girls with High-functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome between ten and fifteen years of age who require social and behavioral support. We will also offer a small number of children as young as 8 years (or those who are not ready for sleepover camp) a place as a day camper. Through the skills of a professional team, adapted programming and a non-competitive approach, we are able to provide campers with a successful group recreational experience. PROGRAMS Birch Trail Camp has been providing summer camp experiences since 1959. Camp BT adapts and modifies traditional summer camp activities to provide success and growth opportunities for individuals with special needs. Camp BT's key staff members are experienced in working with children on the autism spectrum. The wilderness setting, variety of activities, supported peer group interaction and the skills of the staff are key elements of Camp BT. Focusing on each camper's individual strengths and needs to promote individual success will be a priority throughout their stay. The goals of Camp BT's social recreation program are to provide a positive experience, develop a sense of accomplishment and promote social growth through recreation. This is achieved through the provision of a socially and physically safe environment that focuses on individual strengths. Campers are exposed to a variety of camp activities on an individual, partner and small group basis. Activities are modified to meet the level of the individual camper and include: swimming, canoeing, fishing, waterskiing, tubing, sailing, ball sports, paddleboats, climbing, arts and crafts, kayaking, campfires, drama, yoga and nature discovery. 
REGISTRATION AND FEES In order for us to provide the best possible experience, it is important for us to understand the needs of each camper prior to enrollment. For this reason, we have developed a Camper Information Form. This form is reviewed by the Camp Director and will act as the registration form if the child is accepted as a camper. If the child is accepted you will be notified and a deposit must be paid within 10 days for the child to be enrolled. The cost for the 4 day session is $400.00. A sliding fee scale may be available for those who can demonstrate financial need. Funding may also be available through school districts or county social services. STAFFING Camp BT's director is Dr. Caleb Knight, a School Psychologist specializing in the assessment, education and treatment of children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Knight has a private practice that offers the above services and also directs an inclusive pre-school program for children on the autism spectrum. He has worked as a practitioner, researcher and instructor for teachers and other professionals. Dr. Knight has worked at Birch Trail Camp each summer for over two decades as an administrative staff member. Dr. Knight is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Wisconsin - Superior (UWS), where he teaches courses through the Department of Teacher Education. An important component of the program is the skill and training of the bulk of Camp BT's staff. The majority of staff members are university graduates and many are professional educators including those with experience in special education. They are selected for their understanding of and depth of experience with children that have special needs as well as in organized camping. The ratio of front line staff to participant is 1:2. Camp BT will also operate as a training site for professionals from the region that work with children on the autism spectrum and are interested in continuing professional development (CPD). CPD credits may be available from a local University. Educators will work as counselors and in other key staff positions. PEER COUNSELORS Camp BT will also offer a small number of typical children in place as peer counselors. Research has demonstrated that using typical peers in social skill training programs for children on the autism spectrum can be very helpful. In some cases, siblings of the campers will serve as peer counselors. Contact us to obtain an application form for peer counselors. 
HEALTH AND SAFETY Birch Trail Camp is an accredited member of the American Camping Association. There is a Health and Wellness Center and a registered nurse on site. The Northwoods Health Center(a fully staffed clinic) and the Minong Ambulance Service are only two and a half miles from camp. SITE AND FACILITIES Birch Trail Camp is located in Minong, Wisconsin, 50 miles south of Duluth, Minnesota. The camp consists of 400 acres of forest on Lake Pokegama and has over 4,000 feet of shoreline that includes a sandy beach, a large sports field, climbing tower, nature trails, a lodge/dining hall, health and wellness center, 20 sleeping cabins as well as many program buildings. The camp's property has a diversity of wildlife habitats, from mature forest to wetlands. 
TRANSPORTATION Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the applicant. The camp will assist in coordination of rides and offer some campers transportation to and from Duluth, MN at the beginning and end of the residential camp, if needed. Day campers will need to arrange transportation to and from camp. DATES August 15 - Staff orientation and training August 16 - Campers arrive in the morning and activities begin August 16 - 19 - Activities for residential and day campers August 19 - Campers leave in the afternoon 
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