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 provides 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.

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For those wishing to register, we require an interview with the director- Debbie Kirk.  Please complete and submit the following documentation THEN schedule an appointment with her.  Her email is:  Expressions@CampConcepts.org.

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1. Please email a copy of the current IEP -please just limit submitted pages that include the goals.

2. Behavioral Expectations  (click, open, save, and complete)

3. Permission To Exchange Information  (click, open, save, and complete)

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

Meet the Director

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

Expressions Day Camp Director-  Debbie has been a teacher in the Philadelphia School District for twenty years, where she brings her energy, passion, and professionalism to the classroom and to those she meets. Debbie's talents were noticed when Steve hired her to serve as a counselor, and was soon promoted to Lower Camp coordinator, at the George School Day Camp. This is her tenth year with Camp Concepts and her sixth year with Expressions Day Camp. Debbie loves camp and after even a short conversation with her, you will too! Debbie is married and mother to Adam. Debbie is the director of our camp for kids who need social skill strengthening called Expressions Day Camp that also takes place on our Big Oak campus.  Debbie has also led the camper group to China in the summer and fall of 2019 and can’t wait to go again. 

Meet the Assistant Director

Rachel Teter 
Phone: 215-272-3211
Email: expressions@campconcepts.org

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Expressions Assistant Director- Rachel has been working with Expressions campers for 9 years.  During her time with us, she has served in many key roles and is now serving as Assistant Director.  Currently, in the off-season,  she is teaching-learning support for K-3rd grade.  Rachel graduated from Millersville University with a dual degree in Early Childhood and Special Education and is working on her master's degree in Literacy.   She is recently engaged and planning a wedding! Among the many things she loves about camp is watching friendships bloom between campers.