John Hemingway’s Chasing Your Dreams Summer Camp for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a residential summer camp that is located on a farm in Bedford, Virginia.  Nestled on 20-acres in rural Virginia, the camp has a variety of activities and opportunities for campers to have enriching experiences.  Within each themed session campers will have the opportunity to participate in HIEPPA Therapy, arts and crafts, field studies, social pragmatics, primitive camping, natural explorations, theme-based activities, and canoeing and kayaking.

Themed Session Descriptions:

Summer Lovin’ (Session 1: June 19^th- July 1^st):  Havin’ a Blast! Campers will experience “typical” summer camp activities. We will roast marshmallows over a fire to make delicious S’mores, go canoeing on local lakes and rivers, play capture the flag and flashlight tag, test their creative talents by making arts and crafts, participate in sing-alongs, and go on a primitive camping expedition.  

American Dreams (Session 2: July 3^rd-July 15^th): Anything is Possible! During the American Dreams session campers will celebrate the Fourth of July while exploring local historical sites, having a 4^th of July picnic, discovering and sharing their own American Dreams, and participating in various Americana-inspired activities. A trip into our nation’s capital will provide campers with an opportunity to explore the “seat” of our democracy.  

Nocturnal Notions (Session 3: July 17^th-July 29^th): Embrace the night! Campers will take night hikes and study the stars while staying up late and sleeping in each morning. Students will make their own movies to debut on “Movie Night” where we will enjoy popcorn, tasty treats, and our very own movie creations! 

History’s Mysteries (Session 4: July 31^st – August 12^th): Search and solve! During this session campers will have the opportunity to explore historical Virginia and its surrounding areas; including the D-Day Memorial, Gettysburg, and historical Jamestown.  Campers will study Native American artifacts and learn about local tribes, search for artifacts on the property, and sleep under the stars like settlers heading west to seek their fortune.