Camp Spartan
Pathways College Preparation Program for Neurodiverse Students
Neurodiverse students who are rising high school juniors and seniors, and recent high school graduates can preview and prepare for the college experience this summer at Aurora University.
Students will take non-credit courses taught by AU faculty, participate in social and recreational activities, learn to develop the executive functioning skills needed to succeed in college, and practice college-living skills by staying in an AU residence hall. The goal of the program is to build a bridge for students as they transition from high school to college.
Camp Spartan will run from June 22-June 28, 2025! Please check back for more information about how to apply.
View the information below to explore Camp Spartan.
Camp Spartan is designed for participants who:
- Are a neurodiverse rising high school junior or senior, or recent high school graduate under the age of 21.
- Are interested in attending a four-year college in a degree program and have cognitive skills in the average range or above.
- Are able to take general education academic courses with limited assistance.
- Have no aggressive incidents or threats/acts of self-harm in recent years.
The following conditions are also required of all participants:
- Participants must be able to be picked up by a family member within three hours should an emergency or dismissal occur. Participation requires the parent/guardian to agree that a family member over the age of 18 will remain within a maximum of three hours driving distance at all times.
- Participants may not drive themselves during the camp.
- Participants must self-administer all medications and are responsible for proper storage and disposal of all medications.
- Participants must be able to wake independently with the use of an alarm clock. Camp Spartan staff will not be responsible for waking students each day. If students demonstrate repeated failure to wake on time, they may be dismissed from camp.
Camp Spartan is a camp experience designed and staffed by experts in the field of neurodiversity with consultation from neurodiverse individuals. All camp counselors and teacher assistants have received autism and neurodiversity training.
The program includes:
- Integrated and inclusive environments with two elective course offerings. Course descriptions will be announced when camp applications open.
- A college preparation skills course that is focused on executive functioning and social skills.
- Social and recreational activities and outings with an emphasis on social skills, such as kayaking, karaoke, scavenger hunts, art activities, bowling, mini-golf, nature center visits, board games, videogame tournaments, and opportunities to meet AU faculty and staff.
- A celebration with families on the last day of camp.
A detailed schedule will be provided near the start of camp. The following is a sample schedule.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
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| Monday-Friday |
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| Saturday |
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Most classes and activities take place on the Aurora University main campus in Aurora, Illinois. Bus transportation will be provided for some daytime activities in the surrounding area.
$2,250 including room, meals, classes, and activities.
Applications for Camp Spartan 2025 will open in the early spring semester. Please check back and apply early for your opportunity to participate in this camp!