2023 CAMP DATES
Registration will open January 2nd. Join the magic!
April 1-2
Overnight Session
June 13-16
Summer Session
August 1-4
Summer Session
September 23-24
Overnight Session
July 22-23
Alumni Reunion Camp (can select day or overnight)
There's No Place Like Camp
CAMP CHANGES LIVES
The mission of Camp Encourage is to provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community. Our camps take place at Heartland Center in Parkville, MO. Each camp session includes both traditional camp activities and activities tailored around the individual campers’ interests. Outside of camp, we provide free “camp family” social events that provide a welcoming space for our campers and their families and our volunteers and supporters.
HEARTWARMING HIGHLIGHTS
Our 3:2 camper-to-counselor ratio and our well-trained volunteers are instrumental in creating an environment that brings both campers and volunteers back year after year.

S'Mores and Pours
Join us at our annual signature benefit event, S'Mores and Pours on Friday, October 20th, 2023 at Studio Dan Meiners. Enjoy a heartwarming program, campy games, a delicious meal, s'mores (of course!), auction items, and wonderful company! Learn More
CAMP AS A PEER MODEL
Peer Model Campers participate in Camp Encourage like all other campers. They reside in the cabins overnight with our autistic campers, participate in all camp activities, and are expected to serve as role models. Learn More
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
We love the help from our volunteers during camp, but we also have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year. From camp preparation to event coordination, there are many crucial details that ensure that each moment at camp run as smoothly as possible. Want to know how you can help?
Become a volunteerJOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Stay up to date on camp sessions and annual events!
TESTIMONIALS
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Parent of Camper
Words cannot being to say THANK YOU so very much for allowing [my son] this awesome experience. I cannot tell my friends without crying.
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Parent of Camper and Peer Model
Just wanted you to know how impressed I am about this camp and it hasn't even started yet! I am just blown away by how well thought out every detail is! The camp definitely sets the bar a lot higher...
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Parent of Camper
I was really impressed with the organization, attention to detail, the friendly counselors that took the time to call before camp and introduce themselves and then also took the time to greet us upon arrival, the ratio of counselor/camper, the menu and the scholarship opportunity. I don't think there's anything this camp doesn't do awesome!
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Parent of Camper
Very wonderful! Very organized! I can tell a lot of work was put into preparing this camp!
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Parent of Camper
The experience was absolutely phenomenal.
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Parent of Camper
(Our son) is still talking about what an amazing time he had at Camp Encourage. The teachers have noticed an even bigger change in him this year and we think letting him go to your camp was a huge milestone in his life. Thank you so much for everything you all did for him!
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Parent of Camper
I thought the organization and attention to detail was incredible.