6933 N. Kedzie #816 Chicago, Illinois 60645   Tel:  (773) 465-7536   The Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Contact Us   Send Email: scott63@prodigy.net

Countdown to Tourette Syndrome Camp USA:     

 

Welcome!

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The Organization

The Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization (TSCO) is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camping opportunities for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its associated disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD).

The Program

The Tourette Syndrome Camp USA, founded in 1994, is a residential camping program designed for girls and boys ages 8 - 16+ whose primary diagnosis is TS, and to a lesser degree, OCD and ADD/ADHD. The goal of the camp is to allow children with TS an opportunity to meet other children, share similar experiences and coping mechanisms in a fun, safe and positive environment.

The TS camp is run concurrently with a traditional camp week. While there are separate cabins for the TS campers, all programming is done with the rest of the camp. However, we do hold rap sessions with the TS campers so they have an opportunity to share their experiences with each other.

There is a nurse to handle medication and medical issues for the TS campers.

This is not a therapeutic program and the camp has some limitations in accepting children whose needs are beyond the scope of its design.

Campers must be able to handle routine daily living skills (i.e. dressing, self hygiene) and have the ability to function in a group setting. While the program is modified to meet the needs of most children whose primary diagnosis is TS, experience has demonstrated that not every child with TS is capable of participating in the camp program.

The Staff

In addition to providing in-service training for the Camp Duncan staff, TSCO augments the Tourette camps with special TS volunteer counselors who either have TS/OCD/ADD or have experience in dealting with the disorders. Our staff includes medical and psychiatric professionals that have volunteered as well as high school and college students along with young adults who hace a desire to work with children and are positive role models.

We are always looking for candidates to be counselors. If you are interested, please contact us about the application process.

The Facility

The Tourette Syndrome Camp USA is held at YMCA Camp Duncan which is located 30 miles north of Chicago. Camp is home to other special needs such as burn and diabetic Camp. The facility features an Olympic size indoor swimming pool and a semi-private lake. Their caring staff assures a positive experience in a caring environment.

2011/2012 schedule

Summer camp dates are Sunday June 24 - Saturday June 30, 2012. We will have price and application on the website by January.

The Tourette Syndrome Camp USA Organization has established a new tier pricing system for our 2012 program, $541 or $675.

The base price for camp will be $541. This amount represents the basic cost for a child to attend Tourette camp based on what we are charged by YMCA Camp Duncan.

The all inclusive price for camp is $675. This amount represents the complete cost for a child to attend camp including required insurance, medical supplies and cost that we are charged by Camp Duncan for all of our volunteer staff. In the past, these costs have been covered by donations and fundraising.

Starting this year, you may consider paying any amount from $541 up to $675. Any payment above $541 will be considered a donation and assist us with the necessary costs. As always, we will have financial aid available based on need.

Click here to register for Summer Camp 2012.

Family Bowling

The Tourette Syndrome Camping Organization will be holding an Afternoon of Family Bowling on Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at AMF Rolling Meadows, 3245 Kirchhoff Road, Rolling meadows, IL 60008.
Come meet our Camp Staff and catch up with current campers with a fun afternoon of Bowling. Suggested Donation is $9 per person to help defray our cost, however any amount is welcome.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at scott63@prodigy.net or (773) 465-7536.

Washington DC Program

The Tourette Syndrome Camping Organization will be hosting a children's program during the Tourette Syndrome Association National Conference on Friday, April 20, 2012 and Saturday, April 21, 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia. The program is for children aged 7-14 whose primary diagnosis is Tourette Syndrome. We will also accept siblings of children with Tourette Syndrome.

On Friday, April 20, 2012 we are scheduled for a Tour of Washington DC. The tour will include a Congressional tour and, as of now, a tour of the White House (subject to change). On Saturday, April 21, 2012 we will be at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City for programming. Lunch will be provided on both days.

The program will be staffed by members of our volunteer camp staff which consists mainly of high school and college students and young adults who have Tourette Syndrome or who have worked with children with TS and its associated disorders. Please note that we cannot handle or administer any medications. However, we will be at the Hotel both days by early afternoon if your child has any lunch time medications.

Click here to register for the Washington DC Program

Shamrocks for Children Benefit

Sunday, May 20, 2012 At Smokies BBQ
5481 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago
2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Tickets - $25.00

Click here to register for the Shamrocks for Children Benefit

More Information

If you would like more information or desire to be put on our mailing list, please e-mail or call us at (773) 465-7536.

Eli (2006, Camper)

Eli (2011, Counselor)