FAMILY CAMP RETURNS FOR 2026
Family Camp for Emergent Literacy Learners who us AAC
LOCATION: Rocky Mountain Village, Empire, CO
DATES: October 8-11, 2026
Welcome to Family Camp! An opportunity for your whole family to experience Camp ALEC while participating in fun emergent literacy instruction with the expert teams at the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at the University of Chapel Hill and the University of Oregon under the direction of Drs. Karen Erickson and Sofia Benson-Goldberg. With luck, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Reading and Special Education at Appalachian State University, David Koppenhaver, will be able to join us this session.
IS THIS CAMP RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD? IS YOUR CHILD:
· Easily engaged during fun, interactive instructional activities
· Knows some letters and letter sounds but not all
· Has an AAC device that gives them access to a robust vocabulary but may only use 1-2 words to communicate.
· Is enthusiastic to connect with others.
· Does not require extrinsic rewards to participate in learning.
· Does not pose risk of injury to themselves or others.
· Does not require 1:1 behavioral support
· Adult participant is involved in the everyday care and educational decision making for the child.
· Adult participants are willing to be flexible, a bit silly and possibly get a bit dirty-this is camp, after all!
· AAC learners aged 8-16.
· Siblings aged 6-17.
· Adults aged 18-99.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
· Intense, yet FUN!
· Cabin living! Shared bathroom, camp beds and camp-style meals.
· All adults are expected to participate in literacy and recreational activities with their family and provide needed care.
· Campers will participate in typical camp activities like ziplining and rock wall climbing while adults are receiving formal training.
· During the hands-on training portion with their child, siblings will continue to experience camp activities.
· Share and network with other parents who are on a similar journey as yourself.
WHAT THE WEEKEND MAY LOOK LIKE:
· Arrive Thursday for dinner and evening activities to get to know each other.
· Friday and Saturday
o 8:00 AM Breakfast
o 9:00 parent/caregiver training while campers are in a recreational activity
o 10:30 AM Hands on Literacy Activity with parent/caregiver and camper. Siblings will be in a recreational activity.
o 12:00 Lunch
o 1:00 parent/caregiver training while campers are in a recreational activity
o 2:30 Hands on Literacy Activity with parent/caregiver and camper. Siblings will be in a recreational activity.
o 4:30 Rest time
o 5:30 Dinner
o 6:30 Evening Recreational Activity for all participants
o 8:00 End of activities, bedtime preparations
· Sunday
o Breakfast and wrap up. Leave camp by noon filled with more confidence and knowledge regarding communication and literacy instruction in addition to new friendships and fun filled memories.
COST FOR 2026:
· $700 per child.
· $400 per adult.
· $100 nonrefundable deposit.