Camp STAR provides opportunities for success by incorporating typical camp activities (such as sports and swimming) with various behavioral treatments to improve social skills and anger management, reduce oppositional behaviors, and enhance self-esteem.  Campers also play educational computer games, express their creativity through arts and crafts and work on classroom behavior in the Academic Learning Center. A 1-to-2 staff-to-camper ratio ensures that each camper receives individual attention.  Weekly parent training sessions will discuss techniques to increase compliance and improve family relations.  Camp STAR is unique because every child has an individualized treatment plan, parents can choose optional medication assessment, and families receive post-camp support and services.

Psychologists and psychiatrists from the Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry at UIC will provide clinical services to campers and formal training and supervision to counselors and teachers.  Camp STAR counselors are trained undergraduate and graduate students in psychology, education, or mental health related fields.  

Children ages 6-12 with ADHD, oppositional disorders, aggression, learning problems, anxiety, and social challenges associated with high-functioning Autism/Asperger’s syndrome may be eligible.  Camp STAR runs Mon-Fri, 8am to 4pm, from June 16^th through August 1^st at Wayne Thomas School in Highland Park.