Community Support Services, Inc.

Summer camp 2012 is in full swing, with more than 40 children with autism or other developmental disabilities in attendance. The full-day camp lasts from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The children spend at least five hours a day out in the community, enjoying activities such as swimming, bowling, hiking, soccer or gymnastics.

The group participates in a gymnastics program at Dobre Gymnastics Academy twice a week. Encouraged by a former student, and current employee of Community Support Services, owner Boz Mofid designed a special routine for the kids. They begin with a bit of stretching and cardio, and move to stations set up to strengthen the children's balance and motor skills. "We use all of the senses," said Mofid. "They move from exercise to exercise, with helps learn sequencing" And with other students present, it helps with integration as well.

Rockville 11's special correspondent Rocio Snowdy covers Community Support Services, Inc.'s Garden to Table program at the Woottons Mill Garden Plots - watch this short video to find out how the program fosters a unique learning experience for community members.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMUK6ZyExs&feature=youtu.be

The Summer Camp Program offered by CSS is designed to meet each child’s individual needs, interests, and preferences. 

The program is highly structured with a full schedule of activities each day. The daily schedule is developed with input form each child’s family, teachers, and the CSS Children’s Program Directors.

 Children are placed in small groups for activities, including their staff, to take full advantage of social skill opportunities and interaction with similar aged peers. Children then participate in a combination of on-site activities at our resource center and various community activities.

What kind of activities do the kids participate in?

• Community-based recreational activities such as outings to local swimming pools, gyms, bowling alleys, miniature golf, arcades, county fairs and festivals, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the National Zoo, museums, playgrounds and local and National parks.
• Activities at our resource center such as gym time, sport drills, arts and crafts, group board and card games, relay races, and other therapeutic, recreational and leisure activities in groups of their peers.

How is supervision handled?

• Children are provided supervision on a 1:1 or 1:2 staffing ratio by trained CSS staff, depending on the child’s need. All staff are trained to provide support, individualized instruction and behavior management for children with developmental disabilities. Staff are supervised by two experienced on-site supervisors and a Master’s level behavior specialist.

What would my child need to bring?

• Children are required to bring a bagged lunch or lunch/snack money, swim suit, and a towel.  Other suggestions are sunscreen, hats, and other weather necessities. CSS provides water & snacks daily as well.

Days and hours of operation are coordinated with  Montgomery County Public Schools extended school year (ESY) schedule . On days off from school, children may be brought to the camp location at 10 a.m. and picked up at 4:00 p.m. On school days, MCPS may transport children on school buses after the extended school year program day is finished. Children may be picked up from the camp location on school days at 6:00 p.m. As private schools and various MCPS programs  have different ESY schedules, the camp will adjust hours for individual children, if possible, upon request &  if given adequate notice for arrangements to be made. Transportation during the camp day to community activities is provided by CSS

• Summer Camp Brochure 2012 (PDF)