Come have fun with us this summer!
All Aboard for kids offers unique summer day camp programs for all students, with special focus for autistic students entering 6th-12th grade!
Held at the Ames Middle School in Ames, IA, our STEAM-based programming is fun, education-based, and enriching, with opportunities designed to prevent cognitive regression, ease the transition into the next school year, encourage social skills development with peers, and promote physical activity and practice gross motor skills.
Summer Programs
What is Steam Academy?
Our morning program is S.T.E.A.M. Academy. All S.T.E.A.M. Academy participants will engage, experience, and explore a curriculum centered around S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) activities offered in an inclusive learning environment and led by an experienced and motivated staff.
A wide variety of project-based activities are designed to encourage creativity, teamwork, communication, and understanding among all our campers.
Program Details
Location: Ames Middle School
Day & Times: Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 12:30pm
2026 Session Dates
Session 1: June 15-19
Session 2: June 22-26
Session 3: July 6-10
Session 4: July 13-17
Cost is $275 per session
Financial assistance is offered, if needed please inquire through our email: emily@thearcstory.org
Classic
Inclusive and open to all youth entering 6th – 12th grade
- Additional supports available for autistic campers
- Student to staff ratios in this room will range from 3:1 to 4:1, depending on need
- 2 classrooms available, divided up based on age, skill-level
- Classroom assignments will be made in collaboration with the caregiver/guardian/parent & the Program Director, and will be based on age, needs of the camper, and available staffing.
- Field trip Fridays! We will venture off-site for a different field trip each week.
Express
For autistic youth in grades K-12 in need of more individualized support and a lower stimulus environment.
- Qualifying applicants for this option must have 1:1 or 2:1 associate support specified on their IEP, as well as a Behavior
- Intervention Plan
- 2 classrooms available, maximum of 3 students per room
- Student to staff ratios in this room will be 1:1 – 1:2, depending on camper need
- Classroom assignments will be made in collaboration with the caregiver/guardian/parent & the Program Director, and will be based on age, needs of the camper, and available staffing.
- Field trip Fridays! We will venture off-site for a different field trip each week.
What is Future Focus?
Future Focus is our new afternoon session targeting workplace readiness/adult readiness training for autistic teens. In partnership with other experienced leaders in the Autism community and local businesses, program activities focus on functional life and pre-employment skills for teens who are quickly moving toward adulthood.
Classroom work covers a variety of soft skills essential for workplace success, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. In addition, we spend time on career exploration, interview skills and resume writing. Hands-on activities at area businesses will also be included.
Program Details
Location: Ames Middle School
Day & Times: Monday-Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:30pm
2026 Session Dates
Session 1: June 15-19
Session 2: June 22-26
Session 3: July 6-10
Session 4: July 13-17
Cost is $200 per session
Financial assistance is offered, if needed please inquire through our email: emily@thearcstory.org