AAFK Home2024-03-15T03:06:49+00:00

welcome to

welcome to

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.

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:

S.T.E.A.M. Academy

Inclusive ½ day program centered around S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) activities.

Future Focus

A series of workshops focusing on functional life and pre-employment skills for autistic teens and young adults.

“Matthew LOVED camp. He enjoyed making new friends like him. It gave him time for himself; to have fun and be around those who truly cared and encouraged him.”

“Matthew LOVED camp. He enjoyed making new friends like him. It gave him time for himself; to have fun and be around those who truly cared and encouraged him.”

– Hope on her son Matthew

2024 registration is open NOW!

2024 registration is open NOW!

Click the button below to register.

Make a donation

If you feel led, please consider donating to our organization. We appreciate anything you are willing to give, and your donation will go directly to helping our students have the best summer ever!

what is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

what is it like to live with ASD?

Autism impacts an individual throughout their lifespan. However, research shows that early diagnosis can lead to improved quality of life. Most individuals with autism do make progress over the course of their lifespan. This progress is enhanced with effective intervention and support. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to address the needs and goals set for all individuals with autism.

More than 66%

of young adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed and are not engaged in higher education 2 years after exiting high school.

How does AAFK benefit the community?

All Aboard for Kids provides a safe and engaging space for participants to make friends while also learning key skills that will stick with them for a lifetime. For those who have been impacted by autism or other developmental disabilities, having the chance to come to a summer program where each and every participant is met with the support they need is such a special experience.

Being able to partner with local organizations also helps spread the joy to the wider community and provides new ways for everyone to get involved. It really is the whole package!

– Allison Robinson, former staff member

Did you know?

Almost 42%

of young adults who experience autism never worked for pay during their early 20s

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