Autism Empowerment

The Scouting movement takes many forms throughout the United States and the world for girls and boys from ages 5 to 25.  It can also continue throughout adulthood in the form of scouting leadership and volunteer work.

Autism Empowerment believes that the scouting movement has the opportunity to benefit individuals on the autism spectrum in a variety of ways. Our Autism and Scouting programs promote the four foundational pillars of our organization: Accept, Enrich, Inspire and Empower.

Accept - Most scouting organizations accept those of different abilities and have special accommodations to help scouts be successful. An inclusive environment designed to promote success is promoted.

Enrich - The Scouting experience introduces, enhances and reinforces life skills, social skills, character-building and leadership skills that scouts will take with them for the rest of their lives. 

Inspire - Scouts have a chance to give to others by showing what they can do. In turn, they inspire other scouts and leaders to become better themselves.

Empower - Scouting empowers scouts to use the skills and friendships they develop to be prepared for wherever life takes them. Scouts become empowered to shoot for the stars while having fun.

Autism Empowerment is pleased to promote the Scouting Movement through the following programs and projects: 

AE Autism and Scouting at Facebook (Page) <-- used more frequently

AE Autism and Scouting at Facebook (Group) <-- used less frequently

AE Autism and Scouting Blog by John Krejcha

Autism and Scouting Tips (PDF) File

Cub Scout Pack 2 - the first ever sensory friendly Cub Scout pack in Vancouver, WA was launched in December 2011 and meets at River Rock Church in Vancouver, WA on Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. This pack services boys from 1st - 5th grade. The Pack is always open to recruiting scouts, volunteers and donors.  

This pack is currently the only registered Special Needs Unit pack in the state of Washington.  We hope for this start up sensory-friendly pack to serve as a model for packs around the country.

Klineline Pond Fishing (this is about half our group) on April 14th, 2012

Deanna Pehrson serves as Cubmaster. John Krejcha serves as Unit Commissioner and Karen Krejcha serves as Committee Chair.

If you're in the Greater Vancouver, Washington area, please contact autismandscouting@gmail.com for more information and check out the Cub Scout Pack 2 website at:

http://www.cubscoutpack2.org and at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cubscoutpack2

We are excited to say that this amazing pack has received favorable press coverage in 3 recent articles in The Columbian, The Camas-Washougal Post Record and The Recorder.

http://www.autismempowerment.org/home/media_press_links

AE Autism Spectrum Leadership Training

AE Autism and Scouting Resource Kit (coming 2012)

We will be developing programs for 2012, 2013 and beyond designed to support scouts, parents and scout leaders to shoot for the stars and let nothing hold them back.

If you have pictures or an inspirational story you'd like to share, please email us!

We can use your help and support for our Autism and Scouting Program!

Autism Empowerment is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, Girls Scouts of America or any scouting organization. We are happy to provide training and leadership volunteer services for scouting organizations upon request. Autism Empowerment always holds a policy of non-discrimination and acceptance.