Talisman Camps & Programs

Talisman Camps & Programs

What Is Talisman Programs?

Talisman Programs is a treatment center for people suffering from high-functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD/ADD, and learning disabilities. It has summer camp for kids and young adults, from 8 years old to 22 years old. A transition program is also offered for young men and women, aged 18 to 24, and a boarding school for students from grades seven to twelve. Located in Zirconia, North Carolina, Talisman Programs has been around for more than thirty years. Its activities help facilitate a successful and fun summer camp adventure, promote responsibility, and build confidence.

The center is focused in providing individualized attention and comprehensive care. Time-tested techniques and new methodologies are perfectly blended to come up with new innovative programs where each special and unique individual can learn and grow, and at the same time have a memorable experience.

The Talisman Programs

Foundations program is for boys and girls with ages ranging from eight to thirteen and have been diagnosed with mild behavior problems, ADHD, ADD, and LD. These children live on campus and learn to participate in different activities, which promote better cooperation and communication skills. Activities include arts and crafts, nature studies, swimming, high ropes course, whitewater rafting, tree, and rock climbing, and backpacking. Events such as Final Banquet, Grand Council campfires, Backwards Day, Olympics, Carnival, and 70s, 60s, and 50s dances are scheduled during the summer camp.

Sight program, on the other hand, is for children, from eight to thirteen years old, who are suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. It promotes social and peer interactions and increase self-confidence. The program also advocates acceptance and security of each child in his/her environment so that he/she can have fun and learn. Activities include nature studies, arts and crafts, high ropes course, technical tree climbing, rock climbing, overnight camping, tubing down the river, swimming, and day hikes.

Insight program is for teenagers, aged fourteen to seventeen, who are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. It is an adventure program where teenagers learn to work with a team so that personal responsibility and understanding the relationship of consequences and choices are increased. Activities include kayaking, backpacking, camping, and high ropes course.

Insight Young Adult program is for young people, aged eighteen to twenty-two, who want to learn to be responsible and healthy adults. During the two or 3-week program, the young adults are urged to participate in activities, which will help build their communication and problem-solving skills. Activities include group lessons on transitional, independent living, and social skills; field trips to job sites and colleges; climbing; and backpacking.

Young Adult Adventures, on the other hand, is a wilderness program for young people with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is focused in improving outdoor, problem solving, and communication skills. The backpacking experience brings the campers to the Blue Ridge Mountains where they can work together in a group.

Teen Adventure Leadership program is for young people, aged 18 to 22, and have Asperger’s Syndrome. It is a combination of leadership training on campus and wilderness trip in order for these young adults to build and master their group, communication, and social skills.

Wilderness Treks is another program for teenagers, from fourteen to seventeen years old, with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, or LD. The campers spend 14 days in Blue Ridge Mountains where they can increase their self-esteem, cooperation, decision-making, communication, and goal accomplishment. Trek activities include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and high ropes course.

Talisman Open Boating Adventures (TOBA) is a paddling course for teenagers with Asperger’s, LD, ADHD, or ADD and with ages from fourteen to seventeen years old. The program develops the camper’s self-esteem, confidence, strong work ethic, healthy and safe decision-making, good judgment, and leadership abilities.

TriAdventures, on the other hand, aims to introduce these youths to three outdoor sports where they can socially interact with other campers. In one day, they can do backpacking, paddling, and rock climbing which hone decision making and leadership skills.

The Leadership Program is designed for returning campers who have great potential and growth through their years with Talisman. It includes climbing, backpacking, and paddling trips where they can be responsible for leading, organizing, and planning the trips. With this program, peer group skills, communication skills, and social skills are fine-tuned.

See: www.talismancamps.com/