Three Rivers Park District's camp for autistic kids grows in popularity

At a special west metro summer camp, kids are learning not just outdoor skills, but also social skills they may struggle with each day.

The Three Rivers Park District started the outdoor adventure skills camp specifically for teens with autism, the only program of its kind in the Twin Cities. Now in its fourth year, the four-day camp taking place this week is growing.

"It's definitely a great opportunity," said Lucas Scott, an education specialist with the Autism Society of Minnesota, which partners with the park district on the program. "Our No. 1 goal is to just give an opportunity — just like any kid — to do a camp like this."

It's part of Three Rivers' increasing efforts to reach people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, expanding its reach to people who may not traditionally use its parks.

The west metro park system runs adaptive biking ­programs, helps with an adaptive kayaking program for veterans and operates an adaptive summer camp for kids with physical disabilities in Eden Prairie. The park district is partnering more with other organizations and has also shifted its mission to bring park experiences to residents in first-ring suburbs who aren't close to its parks.

"When you think of the Twin Cities, you think of the parks and outdoors — we just want everyone to have that experience," said Alex McKinney, Three Rivers' outdoor recreation supervisor. "It's a way for the community to come together."

On Wednesday, before going geocaching in the forest next to Lowry Nature Center in Victoria, six teen boys in the outdoor adventure skills camp gathered around a table to practice social skills. One by one, they took turns asking each other what their favorite food or summer activity is.

Cristina Palmisano, a naturalist, decided to start the camp after receiving autism training and seeing there was a need for a specialized program.

"It just looked like something that wasn't done before," she said. "It just broadens our experience."

While the Autism Society of Minnesota partners with organizations such as the Minnesota Zoo to put on programs, this week's camp is the first the St. Paul nonprofit has done with a park district. It also does trainings for police and others, offers counseling and puts on events throughout the year.

While many kids participate in traditional summer camps as well, the extra support this week with Autism Society of Minnesota staff on hand is helpful for some kids, Scott said. They also gain social skills from their own peers and make new friends.

That's exactly why Johnny Dewall, 14, of Plymouth said he enrolled in the program for the second year in a row.

kelly.smith@startribune.com

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