A week-long get-away designed for families with kids on the autism spectrum is being offered thanks to the St. Louis County Children's Services Fund. The camp, Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch, is located in Steelville, Mo., and is offering two, week-long camps at no cost.
The camp is an opportunity for families to relax in the great outdoors, and enjoy and support each other. Skilled camp staff members direct activities and assist with sensory, communication and/or behavioral support as needed. This is a semi-primitive camp experience. Family tents are provided and meals are cooked over a campfire with help from an expert guide. There is no electricity or running water at the campsites.
The camp is free for families residing in St. Louis County who support a child or children, ages 7 to 17, with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. All participating family members must be at least 7 years old. Space is limited. Application deadline is May 27, 2011. Camp sessions run July 18 through 22 and July 25 through 29. For more information call 573-775-5513.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Enjoy two hours of horse and pony rides at Castlewood Stables during Parent & Me Pony Rides. Your little ones will also get to interact with other farm animals, like mini potbelly pigs, bunnies, tortoises, a miniature donkey, a zebra and more.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!
Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.