Camp Inspire is the first autism summer day camp that is offered through a partnership of director Rocco Aiello, St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks and the St. Mary's County Board of Education.

The program is intended to maximize the camper's potential and develop their strengths and abilities while encouraging social and academic skills, according to organizers. In addition, siblings were encouraged to attend the camp for that extra comfort and security that the autistic child needs.

The camp featured a structured schedule that included trips to the library, the Calvert Museum, Greenwell State Park and Great Mills Pool along with inside activities that included the "Writing with Symbols" program adapted from the board of education.

Aiello noted that he and the other organizers have high hopes for the Camp Inspire participants. "It's a constant challenge for us to stay ahead of the game … If you believe, you can achieve. We set the bar high for them and some people say maybe it's set too high but I'd rather shoot for the stars and land on the moon."

The happy faces on the children said it all as they walked along the Potomac and talked about the ospreys, the crabs and the fish. They flew kites and celebrated a birthday. They stayed on task and used their words and their ears. All engaged the children in conversation to keep them thinking and being creative.

All are hoping that Camp Inspire will continue to grow and meet the needs of the growing autistic community of Southern Maryland.