Enrollment has begun for the Arc of Rowan Summer Day Camp, to be held June 29-Aug. 6.

In existence since 1984, the program provides a secure, positive environment that meets the physical, social, emotional and educational needs of children ages 5–21 with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities.

The six-week program operates Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Working in partnership with the Rowan-Salisbury School System, Arc of Rowan operates the camp in two locations — North Rowan High School and Landis Elementary School. The schools also provide meals, transportation and an assistant.

The program offers training in self-help skills, academics, personal and social skills, sensory development, communication skills and gross/fine motor skills.

Daily activities include a variety of educational and social experiences for children according to their needs established in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). These activities include indoor and outdoor activities and weekly field trips planned as part of the curriculum.

Having this program allows children to maintain and practice academic skills from their Individual Education Plan that would not be taught during the summer.

The goal for this program is to provide an educational, safe and fun opportunity during the summer. The progress that each child makes during the summer is very rewarding — a child being able to complete a math problem on their own, learning to tie their shoes, learning to read new words, writing the words and or sentences down, learning to socialize with other peers appropriately, transitioning from one thing to another, are examples. This program also provides fun opportunities that some of the children would not experience if they did not attend.

The Arc of Rowan Summer Day Program is licensed and approved according to standards established by the N.C. Child Day Care Licensing Division and the Division of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services. The program is reviewed and evaluated annually. Staff is required to take part in various training including First Aid/CPR and Basic School Aged Curriculum Training. All staff members have to take part in fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and federal registry as required by the state.

Arc of Rowan officials say children who attend the summer program are able to maintain the skills learned over the past school year and do not have as much trouble transitioning back into the school environment.

The Arc of Rowan is a Rowan County United Way agency. The program is also supported by grants, parent fees, local civic groups and donations.

For more information, contact The Arc of Rowan office by calling 704-637-1521 or going to www.thearcofrowan.org.