Turning Teen Summer Camp

The Turning Teen program aids tweens and teens with intellectual disabilities going through puberty—answering questions about the changes affecting their bodies during this time of their life. 

Open to all youth with IDDs.

 

Description:

 This summer camp will involve fun and engaging activities in addition to instruction on body changes, boundaries, and healthy living. Our summer teen camp will utilize our Turning Teen curriculum for part of the day, and a focus activity for the other part. Focus activities including yoga, dance, music, and more! Open to all IDDs!

*Parents will be provided an overview of the Turning Teen curriculum prior to camp with an evening Zoom meeting led by DSC Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Partridge and Caitlin Hanney, RN, who will lead our daily Turning Teen curriculum with camp participants. A daily overview and home discussion guide will be provided to parents at the end of each camp session. Parent participation during the Turning Teen portion of camp is welcome, but not required! Parent education date is Thursday 7/10 in the evening via Zoom, from 5:00-6:30PM.

Curriculum:

 Curriculum is based on books by Terri Couwenhoven, M.S., who specializes in the design and implementation of sexuality programs and resources for people with intellectual disabilities and their parents who support them. We foster independence through activities that encourage curiosity and education in a safe environment.

Age range: 10-16 years

Schedule: August 4th-7th, Monday-Thursday, 1:30-4:30PM  

  • 1 week, Monday-Thursday with 4 classes total

  • There will be a parent/caregiver information session prior to camp on Thursday 7/10 @ 5:00-6:30 via Zoom. Link to be sent out closer to date.

 

 Instructors:

This program’s instructors are highly educated in the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. The classes are taught by Rebecca Partridge, MD, head of the Down Syndrome Program at Virginia Mason, who also has a son with Down syndrome, and Caitlin Hanney, RN, an outpatient cardiology nurse, who also has a son with Down syndrome. The program co-teachers are Devon Adelman and Ayman King, who both have Down syndrome.

Cost and Registration:

The Understanding Adolescence & Puberty program will have a one-time fee of $225 ; $200 for early registration (before April 1).

Financial assistance is available. Please email contact@dscpugetsound.org for more information.

Testimonial:

"Dr. Partridge and her team have put together a great program that clearly explains this time of change to young people with Ds, through interactive discussion and hands-on activities, and gives parents strategies on how to keep the discussion going. We didn’t want it to end!"

—Becky R.