Sending your child with autism or other sensory challenges to sleepaway camp may seem overwhelming, or even impossible. At Camp Starfish, we believe every child can have access to a joyful, supported summer camp experience.
Our Havvago program is a 5-day summer camp experience for children with autism or sensory challenges who require flexibility and individualized attention in order to access a traditional camp experience. With 1:1 support from our staff, campers develop their social skills and make long-lasting friendships!
Shorter Sessions for Success
For some campers, especially those with sensory sensitivities, a traditional 14-day program can feel overwhelming and daunting. Adjusting to spending so many days away from home and loved ones, adjusting to a new routine, and the busy camp environment and schedule can pose a challenge.
That’s why Havvago is specifically designed to be a 5-day, 4-night camp session. Campers still get to develop friendships, participate in fun camp traditions, and adjust to a new environment. This shorter session gives your child the opportunity to try sleepaway camp and make long-lasting memories in a positive and achievable way.
Your Child Will Feel Supported Every Step of the Way
At Camp Starfish, our 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio ensures every camper receives the individualized support that they need.
This means that there are always ample staff members nearby to guide your child through their day. Should they need a sensory break or to step out of an activity, staff will understand, and they will have options for quiet spaces. This also means that there will always be an adult by your child’s side to support them as they develop new friendships and build their self-confidence.
As a summer camp for children with autism, our staff are specially trained in supporting sensory sensitives and behavioral needs. They also know how to proactively set campers up for success. Through our application process, you can inform your child’s team of known triggers and overstimulating situations. This allows staff to forecast events ahead of time and circumvent any roadblocks in the way.
A Schedule Designed to Build Social Skills
We know that one of the biggest hopes many families have for camp is that their child will make friends and develop social skills. Havvago is designed to make that happen in natural and supportive ways, through fun, traditional camp activities.
Campers move through their day with their bunkmates and cabin counselors, participating in activities like swimming, boating, crafting, and sports. Some activities are pre-scheduled, and other activities are in-the-moment choices (like our daily recesses and electives blocks). Of course, campfires and large camp activities like talent shows and cabin karaoke are sprinkled throughout the week. These shared experiences give campers time to build connections in a safe, supportive, and low-pressure environment.
Mealtimes are family-style with 1:1 support, allowing staff to gently facilitate conversation and interaction between campers as they eat. Each evening, cabin groups hold a nightly “bunk meeting” where campers share about their days and get to know each other better. It is often in these daily moments that the most growth happens.
Throughout the program, we intentionally create opportunities for natural social interaction and social skill development, making Camp Starfish a great camp for children with autism.
Your Child Can Truly Be Themselves
At Camp Starfish, every camper is accepted, supported, and celebrated as themselves.
We don’t expect children to completely change to fit camp. Instead, we adapt our camp experience to the unique needs of each individual camper. Our activities are modified to the best of our ability to fit the unique sensory sensitivities and needs of each camper, and our staff work closely with each child to ensure they feel understood, included, and supported. When activities cannot be reasonably modified, individualized staff support allows campers to take breaks and space as needed.
This approach allows your child to relax, have fun, achieve their goals, and grow in their self-confidence, making Camp Starfish a truly special place and a great option of a camp for children with autism.
At Camp Starfish, we meet your child where they are at and help them grow from there. With our 1:1 staff to camper ratio and the shorter session designed around your child’s needs, Havvago is a great option for a summer camp for your child with Autism or sensory challenges!
For the 2026 season, we are offering a $300 discount on the Havvago session.
