Inclusion & Accessibility

A Rochester, NY summer camp for kids on the autism spectrum — and every other ability.

ArtsRoc's Minecraft summer camp is open to campers of all abilities. We designed the day, the space, and our staffing model so that neurodiverse kids, students with IEPs, and families navigating sensory or social differences feel like they belong here from day one.

How we support every camper

These are the supports baked into every week of camp. None of them are add-ons or upgrades — they're how we run the program.

1:10 staff-to-student ratio

Additional counselors added as needed so every camper gets attention and support throughout the day.

Predictable daily structure

Same rhythm every day — drop-off, huddle, build, lunch, team play, showcase, pickup. Visual schedules available on request.

Sensory-aware spaces

A quiet, low-stimulation corner for breaks. Noise-friendly seating and headphones available. Lighting kept comfortable.

Family-provided 1:1 aides welcome

BCBAs, therapeutic aides, and family-provided support staff can attend at no additional cost. Coordinate with us in advance.

Individualized coaching

Instructors meet each camper where they are — beginners get on-ramp coaching; advanced builders get harder challenges.

Strengths-based grouping

We pair campers with compatible peers and instructors based on what you share during registration.

Calm de-escalation, never shame

Staff follow the family's lead. We communicate same-day if a break, plan change, or early pickup would help.

Flexible food

Pizza, snacks, and water provided. Allergies and sensory food preferences accommodated — packed lunches are welcome.

How to register

  1. 1

    Pick a week (or more)

    Eight weekly sessions run July 6 through August 28. Pick whichever weeks fit your summer.

  2. 2

    Share what works for your camper

    The registration form includes a notes field for accommodations, IEP highlights, sensory needs, triggers, and strengths. The more you share, the better we plan.

  3. 3

    We'll follow up if we have questions

    If anything in the notes needs a quick conversation, we'll email you before camp starts — never out of the blue on day one.

  4. 4

    Show up and have a good week

    Drop-off is 9am, pickup is 3pm. Aftercare available until 5:30pm. We'll let you know how each day went.

Request accommodations

Tell us about your camper before you register. We'll review what you share and email you back to confirm we can support them well.

Shared only with ArtsRoc staff. Used to plan the right support for your camper.

Frequently asked questions

Is the camp truly open to students with special needs?+

Yes. ArtsRoc's Minecraft summer camp was designed from the start to be inclusive. We welcome neurodiverse campers and students with IEPs, 504 plans, sensory-processing differences, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Parents share what works for their camper during registration and we plan around it.

What is the staff-to-student ratio?+

We maintain a 1:10 adult staff-to-student ratio, and we add additional counselors as needed when a camper benefits from closer support. Reach out before registering if you'd like to talk through staffing for your camper.

Can my camper bring their own 1:1 aide or therapist?+

Absolutely. Family-provided aides, BCBAs, or therapeutic support staff are welcome to attend at no additional cost. Let us know in advance so we can coordinate.

What does a typical day look like?+

Camp follows the same predictable rhythm every day: 9am drop-off, morning huddle, build challenge, lunch and outdoor break, esports team play, community build, end-of-day showcase, 3pm pickup. Knowing what's next every day helps a lot of campers settle in.

Is there a quiet space for sensory breaks?+

Yes. We keep a low-stimulation corner with comfortable seating where campers can decompress. Noise-friendly seating and headphones are available on request.

What if my camper has a meltdown or a hard day?+

Staff are trained to de-escalate calmly and follow the family's lead. We never use shame or exclusion as a tool. We'll contact you if a break, change of plan, or early pickup would help — and we'll work with you to make the next day better.

Are food allergies and dietary needs accommodated?+

Yes. Pizza (pepperoni, cheese, or white) is provided daily, plus snacks and water. Tell us about allergies, sensory food preferences, or special diets during registration and we'll make it work — including families who'd rather pack their own lunch.

Does my camper need prior Minecraft experience?+

No. Instructors coach total beginners and challenge advanced builders. Many campers with special needs already love Minecraft because it's open-ended, visual, and calm — a great on-ramp to coding, collaboration, and creative confidence.

How do I register and share my camper's needs?+

Use the Register page. The form includes a notes field for accommodations, IEP highlights, triggers, strengths, and anything else we should know. We read every entry before camp starts and follow up by email if we have questions.

What if camp isn't the right fit?+

Email info@nea.gg before the first day if you'd like to switch weeks or cancel — we'll work with you. We'd rather make the right plan than push a week that won't work for your camper.

Not sure if camp is the right fit?

Email info@nea.gg and we'll set up a quick call. We'd rather make the right plan together than push a week that won't work for your camper.

Register a Camper