Among the features of this event will be:

Interest Centers
See the most recent list of interest centers that will be available.

Interest Centers will help children meet new friends. Nothing helps a friendship like common interests and enthusiasm. Your child can explore a special interest and meet others who share that focus. Experienced instructors will conduct activities that may appeal to the train expert, chess whiz, Harry Potter enthusiast, or budding engineer in your family. Children will have an opportunity to connect with other children and families will be able to plan future get-togethers. We are in the process of identifying venues throughout the tri-state area where these types of activities can be continued, after the event, to encourage budding social connections.

Ask the Expert

Experts on developmental and social issues, including Brenda Smith Myles, Jeanne Ganz, Joanne Walker, Tony Hollander, Michael Cohen, John Suozzi, and Lynda Geller, will be available throughout the day to answer specific questions about developing friendships, managing behaviors, understanding sensory problems, fussy eating, and other topics that may challenge families. Well-known adults on the Spectrum who have built independent, fulfilling lives for themselves, including Michael John Carley, Katherine Eddy, and Valerie Paradiz, will also be available to talk to children and families about their experiences growing up. See the most recent list of experts who will be on hand to answer families' questions.

Boardwalk of Resources
Professionals and service providers who offer assistance for individuals and families will be available to answer questions about what they do. Tables will be set up to allow families to explore resources in the tri-state area, including special sports activities, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, camps and recreational opportunities, therapeutic toy and specialized book dealers, and many other helpful services.

Special Olympics
Staff from Long Island Special Olympics will be conducting activities designed to involve children of varying abilities in personal and team sports.

Silent Auction

A number of great items have been generously donated to Common Connections for our silent auction, including a trampoline/bouncer for younger children (under 60 lbs) valued at over $500; several high-end electric train sets, including a Polar Express set and a Thomas and Friends set, based on the popular movie and TV show, respectively; two tickets to a medieval jousting tournament and dinner; and more! Note that our staff will make a reasonable effort to keep the auction restricted to a discreet location where parents do not necessarily have to bring their children, so that there will be no undue pressure for parents to spend any more money.

Connection Center

If we don't have an activity scheduled about your child's specific interest this time at Common Connections, your family can still come to enjoy the many other fun things to do at the Kick-Off, and possibly  still meet someone with that same specific interest at the Connection Center. A bulletin board will be available for families to post their contact information and their son or daughter's special interest, and perhaps find peers who live nearby for future playdates or get-togethers. Volunteers will assist families in matching up with like-minded potential friends.

About West Hills Day Camp Facilities
West Hills Day Camp is a camp with superlative features and activities. Among them are pools and water slides, fishing, row boating and paddle boating, miniature golf, tennis, batting cages, track and field, and arts and crafts. The facilities of the camp are open for the day to participants.