My son Oliver is on the autism spectrum and has been attending Camp Angelfish since its inception. Cindy and Aileen have allowed the camp experience to change as Ollie has matured.

Many years ago it was about providing Oliver with a ‘life skills experience’ with his aide – working on his own self-care and getting an opportunity to try some sports that he would otherwise never have had access to in a nurturing, totally accepting environment.

It has evolved into an incredible social experience with Oliver, looking forward to the ‘dance boat’, participating in life skills/vocational activities by helping in the mess hall, and enjoying being part of a camp that has room for everyone – to grow – enjoy – share – to be who they are. B

Barbara T

My daughter, Cayla, has been attending this wonderful camp since it first started. Cayla has thrived at this camp and tried daring things that she never would have attempted at home; she has gone tubing, she has mastered the zip line, and she has climbed a rock wall.

These experiences have boosted her self confidence and madde her realize just what she is capable of doing. Cayla’s two sisters have gone to camp with her for the last several years and it is the highlight of their summer.

When they come home from Camp Angelfish, their first question is “Can we go back next year?” From the fun activities, to the sing-a-longs, and the bonding experiences that all of the campers, companions, and staff experience, Camp Angelfish is a one of a kind place.

Elaine M

Going to Camp Angelfish instantly became a tradition for our family. It was inclusive of campers and their siblings – keeping us all together. Cindy and Ailene have created a very special place with fun and interesting events in a spectacular setting. We all look forward to Camp Angelfish every summer!

Rory, Aidan, Tess & Nate D

” I can’t begin to thank you, Gina, Javier and everyone else for all the fun, teaching and loving care you’ve showed Andrew over the last year and a half; not to mention your willingness to permit Jack to participate on the mornings my wife had to work.

He is making great strides at school and has been mainstreamed into a regular Kindergarten class, with additional support services. The more we expose him to, the more he tries; the more he tries, the more he achieves; the more he achieves, the more he believes he can succeed.

Our journey is far from over, but I wanted you to know Angelfish has been an inspiration to us. Should you ever have an interested parent who wants to talk to a current or prior parent about the experience, please feel free to give them my name.”
– Scott

“Aquatic Therapy is actually the first therapy that has been fun for my son. He looks forward to it and actually gets his exercise in without even knowing it.

He is very resistant about doing his exercise on land because it is so difficult for him. Through the aquatic therapy program he has even learned how to swim. This is an activity that he can participate in just like everyone else. It is the only sport he can do independently.

The instructors are wonderful.

The therapy is very individualized to your child’s specific needs.

They are very knowledgeable about your child’s therapy needs.

We love the aquatic therapy program and feel it is the best thing we ever did for our child.”
– J.G.

“Aquatic Therapy is a great compliment to land based therapy. There are many things our daughter has learned in the pool first which she couldn’t do on land, such as jumping , hopping, and stair climbing.

The therapists do a lot of stretching and twisting which is difficult for my daughter to participate in on land because it is so uncomfortable. She doesn’t mind doing this in the water. Our daughter’s self- confidence in the water has grown exponentially.

She went from crying during the whole session initially to now almost swimming by herself and being so proud of it. Of course none of this would be possible without such fabulous therapists.

Their ability to motivate children, their deep caring and understanding is unsurpassed. The best thing for my daughter has been finding such wonderful therapists to work with her.”
– A.W.

“Hi Aileen and Cindy.

This is FP.  I just want you two to know what a great course you led in April in CT. Since I work in isolation (basically) It was really good to know that I was on track.

However, I changed the way I work in the pool after being with you two and have seen some remarkable changes in kids. They have always loved to come to swim, but the changes in their level of participation was noticeable. I’ve used just about every example you suggested.

It added incredibly to my repertoire. One parent of a child with severe sensory dysfunction and an IQ of about 140, emailed me after the first session back (using your suggestions) to tell me that her child had begun to make legible letters for the first time. She attributed this to the hour I spent having her child cross midline in as many activities as I could come up with, and sequencing water-land transitions over and over.

This was the child who freaked out with water on her face. I did just what you told me! Scooped water in my hand and dragged it down her face (after a bit of verbal and visual prep of course). We got past that hurdle and now she does it to herself. This is monumental for showers and washing hair at home, says Mom.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I gave you all the credit.

So thanks. I’ve used every suggestion with all sorts of kids and the kids love it. I’m looking for another course and came across one with Peggy Schoedinger in Minn in November.

It’s quite expensive for me to get there, stay and pay for the course. I wondered what you could tell me about her and whether it was worth the cost. I’d love to go. Thanks in advance for your feedback about this course and thanks again for all your help. Sincerely,”

- FP

Angelfish Group Therapy is an easy to follow 25-minute instructional DVD that guides professionals through an 8-week pediatric aquatic therapy group program.
Specific goals and objectives, easy to view handling techniques, and 8-weeks of handouts Level I and Level II classes are included.

Order Now.

Working in the water allows children to perform and learn movements that would otherwise be too difficult to do on land.  Returning to their land-based program provides them the opportunity to practice movements which have become more skilled in the water.

Physiological benefits of an 88-92 degree pool include: decreased pain, increased range of motion, decreased sensitivity of sensory nerve endings and increased joint range of motion.

Physiological benefits of vestibular stimulation from buoyancy and resistance include: changing and improving the ability to integrate sensory information.

Viscosity of the water allows time for a child to react and experiment with the consequences of movement.

Hydrostatic pressure improves circulation, increases the work of breathing and gives 360 degrees of deep pressure.

Camp Angelfish is an overnight camp for 3 different types of children. We rent the beautiful facilities on Lake Winnepesaukee and provide traditional camp experiences under the guidance of Co-directors who are occupational and physical therapists.

Children come to this camp with one 24 hour aide or a group of 2 or 3 children share there own aide. Additionally, we offer a sibling program for families to enjoy thie leisure experience.

2009 Camp Angelfish Slideshow

Information:

NEW: Online Enrollment Available

Who:      Children with challenges and their personal aide.

What:     A 6-day overnight camp opportunity to experience camp activities with the guidance of an OT & PT.  Daily programs consist of 2 morning and 2 afternoon activity periods as well as an evening activity session.

Additionally, a sibling overnight program coincides with the special needs track. A camper/counselor ratio of 5:1 will be maintained in addition to the aide. We have limited this camp to 25 children with a variety of challenges.

We strive to maintain a 50% balance between children with physical challenges and children with social/emotional challenges.

Where:     Camp Angelfish is held at Camp Winaukee on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, located in New Hampshire.

When:     NEW for 2010 – 6 days and 5 nights – Camp dates are  Sunday Aug. 15th, 2010 @ 2PM- Friday Aug. 20th @1PM

Why:     To assist children in leisure activities that promote increased self-esteem, self-confidence and togetherness.

Additionally, many of you are interested in sending your child to overnight camp but have concerns regarding the length of stay. This is your chance to try out overnight camp for a short period of time.

For additional information and to receive a camp packet for you or a friend, enter your mailing information into our “Contact Us” page, and check the box for Camp Angelfish!

What’s New:     We are excited about starting an intermediate program at camp for higher level children that still need more supervision and structure than a typical sleep away camp experience, but not necessarily a one on one aide—they will be called “the STARFISH”.  Starfish will be in a bunk with 8 kids and will be sharing 2 or 3 counselors- so spread the word to any Starfish you may know.

Also, we have decided to call the campers and companions “the Angelfish” campers and the sibling girls and boys will now be referred to as “the Dolphins” due to their overwhelming abilities to sense when people need help, give support and guidance as well as love to all campers regardless of ability.

Price:
Angelfish – 6 days/5 nights – $1600.00

Starfish – - 6 days/5 nights – $900.00

Siblings – - 6 days/5 nights – $750.00

Download Forms Below:

Camp Angelfish 2010 Medical Form

Camp Angelfish 2010 Data Form

Camp Angelfish 2010 Enrollment Form

Online Enrollment

See you at camp!
Cindy and Ailene

**Please note you do not receive direct therapy at camp. You will participate in camp activities and when necessary, a therapist will help you accommodate/adapt to the activity. Ages 6 and up have attended camp with good success. Keep in mind the age ranges from 6 up to 18 years old. Some campers have been coming since the first camp 6 years ago. Many campers have gone on to residential sleep away camp. New and old campers alike will find a spirit of adventure and camaraderie on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

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