A week-long get-away designed for families with kids on the autism spectrum is being offered thanks to the St. Louis County Children's Services Fund. The camp, Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch, is located in Steelville, Mo., and is offering two, week-long camps at no cost.
The camp is an opportunity for families to relax in the great outdoors, and enjoy and support each other. Skilled camp staff members direct activities and assist with sensory, communication and/or behavioral support as needed. This is a semi-primitive camp experience. Family tents are provided and meals are cooked over a campfire with help from an expert guide. There is no electricity or running water at the campsites.
The camp is free for families residing in St. Louis County who support a child or children, ages 7 to 17, with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. All participating family members must be at least 7 years old. Space is limited. Application deadline is May 27, 2011. Camp sessions run July 18 through 22 and July 25 through 29. For more information call 573-775-5513.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.
At Free Family Saturdays at Craft Alliance, families create together in each of the Craft Alliance studios, exploring clay, fiber, metals and graphic arts. These free workshops are led by professional artists and are for families with kids ages 5 and up. They are open to the public and all family structures are welcome. Please dress for a fun and sometimes messy art experience!
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Life Science Lab Classroom at the Saint Louis Science Center to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Valentine's Day workshops at Yucandu Art Studio allow kids to express their creativity and bring home amazing Valentine's Day projects! Workshops are for kids in kindergarten through grade 5.