Student Success: Levi & Bella Thrive at Connections Summer Camp

As summer wraps up, we are shining our Student Success Spotlight on two wonderful students—Levi and Isabella (Bella)—whose summer camp experience highlights the heart and purpose of our program.

Their parents, Allison and Daniel, described a summer rich with experiences: bowling, water play, tennis, community outings, arts & crafts, and academics—all thoughtfully planned and staffed by people who understands and embraces each child’s unique needs.

A Camp That Feels Like Family

For local families, choices for special needs summer camps are limited, but Connections gives them peace of mind as a place of true safety, support, and inclusion.

From the very beginning, Allison emphasized the most important thing a parent can feel when sending their child to camp: trust.

"The summer camp at Connections is such a huge help because there's no one else I trust with my children. The staff at Connections is… well, I don’t know what we would do without them. I know they ‘get it’ and I know my children are okay because, it's without a doubt, the love that I see. It's priceless.”

It’s this trust, built through years of patient, compassionate care, that makes Connections Summer Camp stand out.

Bella at summer camp

A Safe Space to Grow and Shine

Summer camp at Connections is about more than just staying busy. It's about maintaining progress, creating smiles and building social connections—all designed with students’ diverse needs in mind.

Camp Director, Mary said, "I carefully plan everything around the children—from academic levels to making sure field trips cater to their needs, with safety being the top priority."

Mary has known Bella and Levi for years, and has watched them grow in confidence and independence."Bella has come out of her shell and become more vocal over time. Levi, who used to avoid eye contact, now greets me with a smile and looks me in the eye. That’s a big win. Building trust and a safe environment takes time, but it’s worth it.”

Levi enjoying crafts at camp

Social Skills, Smiles, and Splash Pads

For Allison and Daniel, one of the biggest gifts of summer camp is the opportunity for socialization.

"Because of the nature of autism, we don’t have a lot of social outlets. Summer camp gives Bella and Levi time with peers and trusted adults who really know them."

One moment that stood out to their family came during a trip to the splash pad—an activity Levi particularly loves. "There’s a video of him just standing there, letting the water hit him with the biggest smile on his face. He was completely joyful."

Crafts and athletics also made summer camp an enriching experience. These fun activities, combined with academic continuity and daily structure, help students like Levi and Bella avoid the summer regression that’s common for children with autism.

Inclusion is More Than a Buzzword

At Connections, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live, every single day. Levi and Bella’s story is just one of many, but their smiles and growing confidence show what’s possible when students feel cherished, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

As Mary shared, "We created safe spaces where every student feels supported and included. If a child is sad or scared, we give them comfort and reassurance. No one is ever left out."

The result? Children who look forward to camp each day—and parents who know their kids are in good hands.

"Some students didn’t want to leave at the end of the day," Mary said. "And to me, that says everything."

A Lifesaver. A Home Away From Home.

When asked to describe Connections Summer Camp in just a few words, Daniel summed it up perfectly: "It’s a home away from home." Allison added, “It’s a lifesaver.”

“Just getting the updates on how they’re doing, what they need, and how they did throughout the day is huge. Videos and photos from staff mean so much—I get to see Levi laughing and giggling at the splash pad, having the biggest smile… That’s all you can ask for,” she said.

For parents of children on the spectrum, this is everything—knowing their kids are not just safe, but genuinely happy.

At Connections, we’re proud to provide more than just a summer camp—we’re a place where children thrive, where parents feel seen and supported, and where every summer is a step forward.