Waynesburg University hosted a Neurodiverse Student Skills summer camp from July 7 through July 9 on its main campus.
We wanted to empower students to consider higher education as a viable option, and the most rewarding part of this camp was seeing the students increase in their confidence and skills as the weekend progressed.”
In collaboration with the Washington County Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Neurodiverse Student Skills camp provided opportunities for neurodiverse high school juniors and seniors to experience life on a college campus and practice skills needed in day-to-day life as an adult.
“With a rise in awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity, we wanted to provide a camp that was focused specifically on the skills and resources these young adults would need to be successful as college students,” said Dr. Devon Bowser, dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, director of the Graduate Counseling Programs and associate professor of counseling. “We wanted to empower students to consider higher education as a viable option, and the most rewarding part of this camp was seeing the students increase in their confidence and skills as the weekend progressed.”
Topics covered during this three-day, two-night camp included time management, organization, meal planning, joining social interest groups, self-advocacy skills and more.
The response received from attendees at the close of camp, according to Dr. Bowser, was overwhelmingly positive. As the first camp of its kind in the region, the experiences provided helped to empower each attendee, allowing them to grow in their confidence and feel more prepared to pursue higher education.
Next year, the hope is to be able to offer this camp opportunity to more students who might benefit within the community.
“With the continued increase in number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning differences and mental health needs, our communities need to consider inclusive practices to allow these individuals to fully participate in life as adults,” explained Dr. Bowser. “This camp is one way that Waynesburg University has established to support the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families in our community, with an emphasis on the needs of those in Greene, Fayette and Washington counties.”
