Program

Expressions is a unique recreational summer day camp program designed to empower socially through camp!  At Expressions, we celebrate individual uniqueness yet learn to blend together as a group of campers.  We seek to meet the needs of children, ages 6-18, who have different types of social skill challenges such as High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and PDD-NOS or just for those who feel they need a little more social confidence with their peers. Expressions at Big Oak Day Camp is a welcoming community where your child can safely enjoy a fun summer camp experience while improving and practicing his or her social skills through carefully selected interactions with typical peers.  Expressions Day Camp is a safe place to express oneself!

Expressions provide a much-needed program for the specific needs of our campers. We seek to meet each child at the level of their development and build a scaffolding of support through relational based strategies including levels of engagement, problem-solving and representational play. In addition to a program full of age-appropriate games and activities, Expressions will incorporate activities designed to develop skills in the following areas: conversation, team-building, non-verbal communication, anger management, frustration tolerance, friendship making, problem-solving, emotional development & opportunities for personal creativity.
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Other activities in this camp program will include arts and crafts, movement and dance, yoga, swimming, computers, nature, team challenge activities, hiking, drama, stream exploration, gameplay, and more.

TESTIMONIALS

Sending Tina to the Expressions Camp is probably the best thing I have ever been able to do for my daughter. She came to Expressions in its first year, she had just turned 13. She has had a wonderful summer camp experience – something we didn’t think was possible before.
~ Kathy (parent)

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Sending Tina to the Expressions Camp is probably the best thing I have ever been able to do for my daughter. She came to Expressions in its first year, she had just turned 13. She has had a wonderful summer camp experience – something we didn’t think was possible before.
~ Kathy (parent)

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Jackson loves attending your camp and I’m thrilled that you were able to extend his Expressions Camp to 8 weeks.  The reason we come back year after year is because of the positive experiences he has at camp and the wonderful staff you attract.  Thank you for caring so much about our children and finding ways to help them love their summer!   -AMY

-Jackson's Mom

Debbie Kirk has been teaching 5th-grade inclusion in the School District of Philadelphia for the past 17- years. Debbie’s professional preparation includes a BA in English from Hofstra University and a Masters degree with dual certification in elementary education from Arcadia University.

Debbie has been part of the Camp Concepts leadership team for many years.  Her professional experience as a veteran teacher, life-long camp enthusiast and work with this population makes her a great fit!  Debbie is married with a son.

Meet the Director

Debbie Kirk, Director 
Phone: 267-992-4383
Email: expressions@campconcepts.org