Caregivers

Since we offer 1:1 support for campers, if there is a preferred support person to accompany your camper, please reach out to the Camp Coordinator (camp@ausm.org) for more information on how to make that happen.

Session 1: June 30-July 4, ages 18-25
Session 2: July 6-10, ages 16-17
Session 3: August 9-13, ages 13-15
Session 4: August 15-19, ages 26+

Camp Hand in Hand is an overnight camp for campers ages 13+ and is located at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. This camp has a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio. For more information, please click the link:
https://ausm.org/ausm-summer-camps/hand-in-hand/

Financial Assistance Available

Paying for Camp
There are several ways that people pay for camp. They include:

Credit card: You can pay by credit card directly from this registration platform. We have established a secure account with WorldLine Bank for this purpose. Note: you will also be billed for the cost of the automatic 2.7% processing fee.

Cash or check: Do not mail cash! Direct payment can be made in person or by mail at the AuSM Office. Please include your camper%E2%80%99s name and camp session with your payment. Mail checks to AuSM.

Third Party Payers: e.g. CDCS waivers, Consumer Support Grants, Family Support Grants. If you have camp registration fees in your annual budget with your county, you can:
- Give AuSM your financial management service (FMS) contact information and have us bill on your behalf.
- Pay for camp up-front and then submit the itemized receipt to your financial management service for reimbursement.
- Give an invoice to your financial management service (FMS) and ask them to send payment directly to AuSM.

Scholarship: We receive dozens of generous donations each year that are earmarked for camp scholarships. All money is distributed amongst applicants based on camper and familial need and previous awards. The scholarship application is part of the Camp Payment form.

Payment Plan: If you need to pay in stages or you need to use multiple methods of payment, please contact our finance administrator, at finance@ausm.org

Each camp employs attentive local cooks who intentionally design the camp menu around foods that are popular amongst campers, and they find gluten-free, dairyfree, and vegetarian versions of those same foods for campers with dietary restrictions. Before camp, you will receive a menu of all items that your camper will be served. If you see a meal on the menu that you know your camper won%E2%80%99t eat, you may provide a prepared, labeled alternative. (Ex. John Smith, Wednesday lunch) Kitchen staff will properly store, reheat, and serve the meal as directed.

Camp Hand in Hand is held at Camp Knutson, north of Brainerd in Crosslake, Minn. on a peninsula between Trout Lake and Lower Whitefish Lake. This serene camp location features beautiful woodland settings with modern air-conditioned cabins and bathrooms. All of Camp Knutson%E2%80%99s facilities have been either newly renovated or recently built, including the addition of a large recreation center. Nutritious meals are served in a group dining room.

Activities include swimming, boating, tubing, horseback riding, fishing, crafts, archery, nature exploration, biking, and music groups led by a board-certified music therapist. Activities focus on social interaction and communication. The camp also offers a small ropes course, paddleboats, and canoes for additional fun. Evenings include themed activities, snacks, and time to relax.

AuSM-trained camp counselors and experienced program staff carefully plan and maintain a well-run, relaxed, and rewarding camp experience.

To see images of Camp Hand in Hand and get an idea of what to expect, you can check out our Virtual Tour on our website.

https://ausm.org/ausm-summer-camps/hand-in-hand/