Camp Attaway

Camp Attaway is a one-of a-kind Howard County therapeutic recreation program for children ages 7-13 with complex emotional and behavioral disorders. For more than 23 years, this day camp and treatment program has supported children who often face challenges when they try to participate in traditional camp experiences. Through Camp Attaway, children learn how to break out of their negative cycle and learn new skills while enjoying sports, nature, art, rock climbing, swimming and adventures of all kinds. Attaway also has a Counselor-In-Training Program for former campers 13-15 years old that focuses on leadership and job skills.

Attaway also provides year-round parent education and support programs run by a child psychologist, as usual parenting techniques can be inadequate for dealing with a child with complex emotional and behavioral challenges, especially when he or she is often angry, defiant, argumentative, or aggressive. Teaching an evidence-based approach provides parents with specific techniques for facilitating the healing process, helping them regain control of their home and also re-establishing a healthy relationship with their child. Additionally, the support component of the groups help parents to deal with caregiver stress, burnout and social isolation that is unfortunately common when one’s child has emotional and behavioral challenges.

“The support group is a major benefit to Attaway. It gives parents tools and perspective to deal with their child.”

“It is great. Knowing that you’re not alone. And that it’s not my fault or wrongful parenting that is causing my daughter’s behaviors.”

Camp Attaway has been recognized by winning three of Howard County’s most prestigious awards:

– O’Donnell Family Award from Howard County’s Citizen’s Services Board in recognition of extraordinary commitment to providing caring, outstanding & effective direct care to children and youth in the county. Attaway was honored to receive the evening’s highest accolade.

– Casey Pebble Willis Making a Difference Award. The Community Foundation of Howard Co honors one non-profit annually for making a significant measurable impact in changing lives.

– Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award. The Assoc. of Community Services of Howard Co awarded Attaway the Employee Team of the Year. This award honors the work of human services organizations & their staff who go above and beyond all expectations in service to the community.

In the words of a grateful Attaway parent–

“Camp Attaway is one of my son’s highlights every year. It is a place where he thrives and since there aren’t many places where he does so well, Camp Attaway stands out as a unique positive experience. Because Camp Attaway is structured and run in a way that makes my son feel emotionally and physically safe, he is able to learn new skills at a remarkable rate. Our whole family notices his application of his Camp Attaway skills throughout the whole year.”

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