Bikers Support Autistic Boy’s Lemonade Stand After Theft
For the last month, six-year-old Connor Brock has been taking part in the Lemonade Stand Challenge. He set up his portable lemonade stand all over his hometown of Belen, New…
For the last month, six-year-old Connor Brock has been taking part in the Lemonade Stand Challenge. He set up his portable lemonade stand all over his hometown of Belen, New Mexico, to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Not only was his operation an act of charity, but it was also a learning experience for Connor, who has level 2 autism which makes it difficult for him to communicate like neurotypical children.
According to MY FOX 8, Connor was close to reaching his goal of raising $250, when his parents picked him up to have dinner one day last week. When they returned to the stand later that day, thieves had cleared out a bunch of snacks, drinks, and equipment from the stand.
When news got out about the theft, the community rallied around Connor. Local motorcycle groups, Moose Riders Belen 1680 and Rogue Biker Life, organized dozens of bikers to show their support. "We just wanted to stand behind him and come show some support and just let him know that we're here, and we got his back," says Marcos Jaramillo, president of Moose Riders Belen 1680. Additionally, an anonymous donor restocked Conner’s operation and the New Mexico Gas Company donated money and even built Connor a whole new lemonade stand. And just like that, Conner’s lemonade stand was back in business.
North Carolina Is Home To A Five Star Autism Summer Camp
Camp Royall is a summer camp located in North Carolina that is specifically designed for individuals on the autism spectrum. It is run by the Autism Society of North Carolina and is considered one of the best camps in the country for those with autism.
One of the reasons that Camp Royall is so great for the autism community is because it provides a safe and supportive environment for campers. The camp is staffed by professionals who are trained in working with individuals with autism, and the facilities are designed to meet the unique needs of campers on the spectrum. This means that campers can feel comfortable and supported while participating in a variety of fun and engaging activities.
I spoke to camp counselor Sara who told me "I have one shot to make their first camp experience incredible and I am dedicated to doing that." Sara and her staff really go above and beyond for their campers, from fixing special dietary meals to making sure parents are updated frequently.
As a board member of the Autism Strong Foundation, I am proud to support this camp, and spending the day there with the campers was a dream. Our organization does an annual visit to Camp Royall and we are excited to be developing a splash pad addition for the camp. This will be for all campers but geared toward younger campers and those uncomfortable with the pool.
Why supporting this camp is so important?
Many individuals with autism struggle with social skills and making friends, but at Camp Royall, they can connect with other campers who share similar experiences and interests. This can be incredibly empowering and can help campers develop social skills and build lasting friendships.
Overall, Camp Royall is an amazing resource for the autism community. It provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals with autism can have fun, make friends, and develop important life skills. If you or someone you know is on the autism spectrum, Camp Royall could be a great option for a summer camp experience.
Camp Royall
Camp Royall's office and air conditioned gym to give the kids a break from the heat when they still want to play!
Camp Royall
This is Shady Circle at camp. This is where the campers start there day. They sing songs and get hyped for their first actives.
Camp Royall
The arts and crafts room where kids and adults can create. They can paint, color and sticker until their hearts are content.
Camp Royall
The sensory room at camp royall is located right next to the arts and crafts room and the dinning hall. This is a place people can go when they need a break.
Camp Royall
Dinning hall where the kids can gather to eat their camp lunch or food sent from home for children with special diets.
Camp Royall
The dining hall where kids can eat together in the common area or in the private rooms provided if the lunch room is too loud or chaotic.
Camp Royall
Camp Royall
I met a special little boy who stole my heart on the hay ride the kids take in the afternoon to calm down before nap time.
Camp Royall
This is a special place at camp where the kids can swim up to 3x a day.
Camp Royall
It's especially important to the Autism Strong Foundation because we are funding a splash pad for the kids that aren't comfortable in the pool.
Camp Royall
There are lots of signs around camp like this one that says "you are loved, you are appreciated, you are worthy.
Camp Royall
Camp Royall
Our Autism Strong Foundation Crew on the Hayride with the kids.
Camp Royall
The Autism Strong board on our annual visiting Camp Royall
Camp Royall
Camp Royall is a sleep away camp for people with autism in North Carolina
