Camp FAQs

No. SOAR is not a therapeutic boot camp or wilderness therapy program. Therapeutic programs typically serve youth with severe behavioral or psychological issues or drug problems and SOAR serves youth who are generally well behaved but may get into mild trouble due to impulsivity or social skill related conflicts.

SOAR serves youth and young adults, ages 8-25, with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. SOAR participants generally enjoy the out-of-doors, are energetic and active, and thrive in a small group environment.

Most SOAR participants are high functioning and struggle with issues such as impulsivity, disorganization, oppositionality, inattention, challenges with social skills, etc. Some participants may have additional diagnoses such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourettes, Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, among others. Although participants may have experienced lowered self-esteem and academic frustration prior to attending SOAR, they are essentially well-adjusted individuals.

In order to provide a safe, effective environment for participants and staff we do not accept students with active suicidal ideation/attempts, psychotic symptoms, acute/chronic violence, or active substance abuse issues. Participants with significant behavioral challenges are discouraged from applying. Medical conditions such as diabetes (insulin-dependent), epilepsy, cardiac conditions, or other conditions may prevent students from being accepted.

SOAR welcomes youth and young adults diagnosed with ADHD and/or Learning Disabilities (and their siblings) of any race, religion, sexual orientation or identity, national or ethnic origin, and disability (assuming the disability permits safe participation in the essential activities of SOAR courses as currently defined).

Language is comprehensible by others and appropriate to age level.

The camper is able to participate in activities that require conversation skills, following verbal directions, and managing self-care and hygiene.

Campers should be able to fully participate in the physical nature of the outdoor adventure components of the program. Participants requiring consistent 1 to 1 care and assistance or an inordinate amount of staff supervision are discouraged from applying.

SOAR welcomes youth and young adults diagnosed with ADHD and/or Learning Disabilities (and their siblings) of any race, religion, sexual orientation or identity, national or ethnic origin, and disability (assuming the disability permits safe participation in the essential activities of SOAR courses as currently defined).

Many of our courses are open to a wide age range of applicants. Our goal is to split the campers into smaller groups by their age but depending upon enrollment, this may not always be possible.

The gear lists were developed with careful consideration of the needs of each student depending upon the length of the course and the course environment. Therefore, it is vital to send everything on the gear list with your child in order to maximize their comfort, safety, and enjoyment while on course. Please consult our Gear Guide for additional information and guidance.

Some courses require a backpack while others are best suited for duffle bag use. Please consult your gear list to find out which is required for your child’s course. If the purchase of a backpack is restrictive, SOAR has a limited number of backpacks available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Admissions at SOAR if you would like to reserve one.

The “inbrief” is an opportunity for you to talk with your child’s adventure camp staff prior to their arrival for a SOAR program. You will discuss what will take place on the course, review the student’s goal, and review any medications that the staff will be responsible for administering.

During the “debrief” at the end of the course the staff will meet with you again to process your child’s experience at SOAR. They will review goal progress, your child’s success and accomplishments, and strategies for use at home.

SOAR staff receive extensive training on all aspects of medication administration, including information about the common types taken by LD and ADHD youth, their purpose and contraindications, as well as a standard protocol for administering the medication. Your campers instructor will hold onto and manage all meds for the duration of camp. SOAR instructors will review your child’s medication information during the Inbrief process. It is imperative that your child is sent with enough medication to last the entirety of the course, plus two days extra.

Some courses require a backpack while others are best suited for duffle bag use. Please consult your gear list to find out which is required for your child’s course. If the purchase of a backpack is restrictive, SOAR has a limited number of backpacks available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Admissions at SOAR if you would like to reserve one.

The “inbrief” is an opportunity for you to talk with your child’s adventure camp staff prior to their arrival for a SOAR program. You will discuss what will take place on the course, review the student’s goal, and review any medications that the staff will be responsible for administering.

During the “debrief” at the end of the course the staff will meet with you again to process your child’s experience at SOAR. They will review goal progress, your child’s success and accomplishments, and strategies for use at home.