The University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) is teaming up with the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department to host the seventh annual spring break surf camp for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) Sunday, March 23 through Friday, March 28.
Participating children will spend the week focusing on swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open water surfing and most importantly, their own abilities. The educational component of camp will be held at South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and the actual surfing component will be held on the beach adjacent to the park.
“We are so excited to be co-hosting our seventh Surf Camp with Miami Beach Parks and Recreation,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of CARD. “Each year, we are astounded by the transformative impact this week-long event has on the participants.”
“Since [2008], the relationship among staff members has continued to grow, as has our commitment to providing the surfers an awesome experience,” said Maricarmen Saleta, CARD Education Support Specialist. “We all love Surf Camp because, not only is it a week full of smiles, it is also a week to focus on the kids’ abilities, rather than their disabilities.”
Twelve campers, from 8-12 years of age, will participate in this year’s CARD Surf Camp, free of charge; funding is provided by donor support to CARD. Sponsors of this year’s surf camp include Whole Foods and the Autism Society of Florida – Miami. For more information on CARD, please call 1-800-9-AUTISM (x1) or visit http://www.umcard.org. Contact Michelle Costa at mke@miami.edu for more information.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33124
305-284-2211