Young Adult Career Exploration Week – 2026 Camp FRIEND Application

August 3 @ 9:30 am – August 7 @ 2:30 pm

We are currently accepting Autistic youth and young adults into our Career Exploration Young Adult Camp FRIEND Week. This camp will take place the week of August 3rd-7th from 9:30 am to 2:30pm. 

Camp Week will be held at the following locations:

• The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, downtown Youngstown Main Branch
• Goodwill Industries, Belmont Ave., Youngstown
• Flying High, Experiential Farm
• West Side Bowl, Mahoning Ave.

You must be able to provide transportation to and from each specific location on the day it is scheduled.  TAKE NOTE: Locations of Camp will change throughout the week.

Campers will receive a full schedule of events prior to the start of camp.  Individuals should be 14-22 years old and reside in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana Counties. Cost is a 175.00 registration fee.

Due to the nature of our activities and facility partnerships for this week, a certain level of independence is required.

 It is important that participants:

– Be at a high school academic level to follow activities and staff direction.

– Be able to communicate meaningfully whether verbally or via AAC device.

– Require minimal behavioral and task assistance.

Autism Society staff consists of dedicated Autism experts and special education teachers.

Activities will be led by Camp Facilitators and community partners from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Goodwill, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, Flying High, and West Side Bowl. 

All applications will be reviewed by our Adult Camp Week Facilitator and she will contact families with any questions to make sure that this program is a good fit for the individual.  If there are no questions and the individual is accepted they will be emailed an acceptance letter.  

Payments will be accepted through Square by credit card.  If the individual is using county or other funds please coordinate with the funder for prompt payment.  

Please email socialconnections@autismmv.org with any direct questions.