The Challenge

Summer childcare is a challenge for most working families. But for families raising children with Autism, ADHD, behavioral needs, sensory processing disorders, genetic conditions, or medically complex diagnoses, the barriers can feel overwhelming.

Many children require one-on-one aides to participate safely and meaningfully in camp activities. Without this support, they miss out on the friendships, growth, and independence that camp offers — experiences that every child deserves.

For parents, the impact is just as great. When safe and inclusive childcare isn’t available, many families are left with impossible choices: reduce their work hours, give up employment altogether, and often watch their child sit out of opportunities their peers enjoy.

Our Solution

Looking ahead to Summer 2026, Families Like Ours (FLO) is launching the Summer Camp Initiative — a program designed to help children with special needs access the aides, support, and resources they need to fully participate in camp.

This initiative is not only about inclusion for children — it’s also about stability for families. In the Berkshires, there are very few safe and inclusive summer options for children with special needs and complex medical needs. By bridging this gap, FLO will make it possible for caregivers to keep working during the summer months, preventing food and housing insecurity.

The All Abilities Camp Piggy Bank Project

To make this vision a reality, FLO has created the All Abilities Camp Piggy Bank Project — a community fund to cover the cost of one-on-one aides and other inclusion supports for children who otherwise would not be able to attend camp.

What Your Gift Makes Possible:

$5,000 – Sponsors a child with a one-on-one aide for the entire summer, ensuring full inclusion.
$1,000 – Provides one week of dedicated support for a camper.
$500 – Contributes to partial support for a camper — covering shared aide time, specialized programming, or accessibility resources for one week.
$100 – Adds to our Piggy Bank Fund, helping cover inclusion costs like adaptive equipment, supplies, or extra staff hours.

If you prefer to mail in a donation, the address is

Families Like Ours. 140 West Avenue. Suite A. Great Barrington, MA 01230

Why It Matters

Children with Autism, ADHD, and other diverse abilities will build friendships, confidence, and independence.
Parents can continue working with peace of mind, knowing their child is safe and included.
Our community is stronger when every child is given the chance to thrive.

Our Goal

$20,000 — enough to sponsor several children with the aides they need to participate fully in summer camp.

How You Can Help

We can’t do this alone — it will take our whole community. Every event attended, every partnership formed, and every donation shared brings us closer to a Berkshire where no child is left behind.

Every contribution, big or small, helps us fill the piggy bank and open the doors of camp to children of all abilities. Together, we can create a summer filled with joy, belonging, and support for both children and their families.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Berkshire for all.

The Camp Piggy Bank Project