THE HAPITOK PROGRAM
Camp Hapitok is a four week residential summer camp offered to those students in San Luis Obispo County that are referred by their school’s Speech/Language Pathologists. Campers, teen volunteers, and the staff stay at camp Monday through Friday. Campers and teens go home each Friday and return to camp on Monday morning. Camp Hapitok uses the Rancho El Chorro Outdoor Educational facilities operated by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.
Teen volunteers or Therapy Individual Goal Reinforcers are selected and trained before the summer program begins. Each TIGR is paired with one camper working on speech and language goals. TIGR/Camper matches are based on the child's need, the TIGRs skills, and their interests.
 Campers practice their individual speech and language goals with their TIGR throughout the day at various activities. TIGRs punch paper cards called "grids" every time the camper reaches their target speech or language goal. Campers then turn in their grids in exchange for activities such as fishing, swimming, campfire, or other activities.
Camper and TIGR pairs are assigned to a "family" for the entire summer. The Speech/Language Pathologist or Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist for each family sets up the daily speech and language goals for the campers, and gives individual coaching to the TIGRs. Camper/TIGR pairs attend family time together, assist with "kitchen patrol" together, and plan campfire skits together. The families form a tight bond through out the summer.
 Camper/TIGR pairs have the opportunity to attend various activities throughout the day. Fishing is a favorite activity for the campers. Fishing is available in the morning before flagpole, and again in the evening. The Sportmen's Association provides volunteers that assist the camper and TIGR pairs by teaching them how to fish and helping them clean the fish.
Daily speech/language therapy is a key part of each day at Hapitok. The Speech and Language Pathologists or Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist meets with each camper for a one-on-one therapy session. The campers enjoy practicing their speech and language goals in a variety of settings. Therapists set up a variety of activities during their one on one time. They may take someone on a nature hike, play a game, or stay inside and focus on writing skills. Anyway you slice it, Therapy is a fun part of the day!
 In addition to Therapy, the camper and TIGR pairs also attend one session of PE in the morning. The PE Specialist conducts a variety of group games and activities that focus on gross motor and balance skills with a small group of camper/TIGR pairs. Campers often say that PE is their favorite part of the day!
World of Wonder (WOW) is always a fun place for the camper and TIGR pairs to visit during the morning. WOW is a daily language group for a small number of camper and TIGR pairs. Activities during WOW are normally hands-on and are directly related with the camp theme for the summer. Campers enjoy conducting experiments and participating in group games to foster language and communication.
 The final activity that the camper and TIGR pairs attend during the morning is Arts and Crafts. On any given day, you'll find the campers engrossed in an art project and either singing along with the group or chatting with their TIGR. Art projects are often centered around the theme for the week and foster creativity and independence.
The campers are able to generalize their new speech and language skills and new found confidence out in the community during our organized fieldtrips. The camper/TIGR pairs love getting out and exploring the community while also working on their daily grid goals. In the past, we have gone on fieldtrips to the San Luis Obispo airport, Morro Bay History Museum, Camata Ranch, and Down Town San Luis Obispo.
 In the afternoon and evening, the Hapitok program shifts from a education-focused program, to a program focused on social skills. After lunch and FOB (an hour long rest period) camper/TIGR pairs can participate in a variety of activities. Some days, the entire camp will go to the pool to swim. Other days, there will be free time in the afternoon and Camper/TIGR pairs can choose to play games, participate in organized sports, spend time doing Art, or go on a walk with their friends.
A quick break for Snack leads into the afternoon group session conducted by the Speech/Language Pathologist or the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist. This group session is often used to plan and practice campfire skits, but is also spent doing experiments, or fun activities within the families.
Every afternoon, the staff conducts a large group activity just for the campers. During this time, TIGRS get a break for 40 minutes, while the campers are supervised by the Staff. Activities could include; kite flying, bubble making, arts & crafts, drama or group sports. Following "Four O'Clock Activity", everyone sits down for a hearty dinner, and to share about the day.
After dinner each night, there is an hour of free time, before the last activity of the day. This time can be used for fishing, showers, group sports, or just some Camper/TIGR bonding. Each night at 7pm, there is a large group activity for both Campers and TIGRS. At least once a week, a special guest comes to camp to entertain us. The entire camp participates in campfire once a week. During campfire everyone enjoys skits by each family, songs, jokes and a delicious snack. On the other nights, activities can include; paper airplane contests, playing with the parachute, reading stories, and other activities that create bonding between campers and their TIGRs.
The overall Hapitok program is jam-packed from morning to night. All activities designed and implemented by the staff are geared toward the campers and their communication needs.
At Camp Hapitok, when a camper speaks,
everyone stops and listens.
|
