Chit - Chat ACAT Summer Camp

Chit - Chat Summer Camp is a day camp at Franciscan Hospital for Children, for children who use augmentative communication (AAC) devices and their families.  The camp began in the summer of 2005 and is designed and run by Speech-Language Pathologists through the Hospital's Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Clinic.

The mission of the camp is to help children improve their social communication skills through intensive group services while participating in favorite camp activities.  The camp also focuses on training parents and family members to help their children use their device functionally at home and in the community.

Each year, the camp has a different theme that provides a framework for recreational and therapeutic activities.  The camp provides children and their family members the opportunity to make new friends, tell stories, participate in arts & crafts activities, and participate in fully accessible games and other leisure activities.  Daily parent gatherings also provide a forum for parents to share concerns, successes, and suggestions.  Strategies to enhance each child's communication skills are also discussed.

All activities are directed by a licensed Speech - Language Pathologist.  Camp counselors are trained to be good communication partners.  There will be one counselor available for every 1 to 2 campers to provide just the right amount of support to encourage success while promoting independence. 

2008 Chit - Chat ACAT Summer Camp

Click here to access the application form

Session 1: August 11-15, 2008

Session 2: August 18 - 22, 2008

There will be two week - long sessions this year that run daily from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

FAQ: Is the Chit - Chat ACAT Camp the right program for my child?

Can my child:

• Participate in a structured activity for 15 minutes or longer?
• Feel comfortable participating in an acitivity without me?
• Participate in an activity without one -to-one assistance to support behavioral compliance?
• Tolerate changes in schedule and transition easily between activities?
• Independently access his/her communication device?
• Enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, games, pretend play etc?
• Tolerate lots of noise?

If you answered yes to the above questions, the Chit - Chat ACAT Camp may be the appropriate program for your child! Please send in an application.

A significant portion of the actual cost of camp has been subsidized by grant funding and charitable contributions.  The therapy fee for this year's camp is $600 for five days and is billed as one hour of group speech - language therapy per day.  Third party funding from insurance, as well as school district funding is accepted.

If you are interested in Chit - Chat ACAT camp please contact: