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Summer at ABA Connections

Looking for a summer experience that’s fun, enriching and supportive? 

ABA Connections is thrilled to offer Summer Connections, an engaging and supportive summer social group designed for children and youth between the ages of 7 and 12. Rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Summer Connections blends skill-building, creativity and fun to help participants stay active, connected, and growing all summer long. 

Registration for Full Weeks Opens April 1st, 2025!

 

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What Makes Summer Connections Special?

 

Social Skill Development

Summer is a great time to make connections — and we help make that happen with structured and guided peer interactions. Through group games, shared activities, and intentional coaching, participants practice turn-taking, conversation skills, cooperative play, and problem-solving. Social goals are individualized and supported by our trained staff to ensure every child experiences success and positive interactions.

Life Skills Development

Independence is at the heart of everything we do — and life skills are woven throughout the Summer Connections program. Participants have opportunities to practice daily routines like hand washing, snack preparation, tidying up, following schedules, and dressing for the weather. These moments are supported with visuals, modeling, and prompts, helping each child grow in their confidence and ability to care for themselves and their environment.

Social-Emotional Development

We understand the importance of nurturing not just social skills, but emotional growth and self-awareness. Throughout the program, children are supported in identifying and expressing their emotions, learning calming strategies, and developing empathy. Through group discussions, storytelling, role-playing, and visual supports, we help participants build emotional resilience, regulate big feelings, and develop positive relationships with peers and staff.

Outdoor Play & Movement

We take advantage of the warm weather with daily outdoor time that promotes physical health and sensory regulation. From nature walks and obstacle courses to splash activities and movement games, children are encouraged to get active, explore the outdoors, and build gross motor skills in a safe and inclusive setting.

Community Outings

We believe learning doesn’t stop at the door — it extends into the community. Throughout the summer, participants enjoy thoughtfully planned outings such as visits to local parks, splash pads, libraries, and activity centers. These outings provide valuable real-world learning experiences and allow children to practice community safety, flexible thinking, waiting skills, and following group routines — all supported by our skilled staff.

Creative Exploration

From hands-on arts and crafts to music and sensory stations, every day at Summer Connections is filled with creative opportunities. Our themed weeks keep children engaged, curious, and excited to participate. Activities are designed to foster fine motor development, self-expression, and confidence, and are adaptable to a wide range of developmental levels and interests.

A Typical Day at Summer Connections

Our program is designed to give participants the structure they need to feel safe, the support they need to grow, and the freedom they need to have fun. Each day follows a predictable yet engaging routine, helping participants build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships.

Participants are welcomed into the program and supported with individualized routines, visuals, and a calm, predictable start to the day.

A short group meeting is held first thing to review the visual schedule, greet peers, discuss the day’s theme, and complete routine-based group tasks. Emphasis is placed on group engagement, flexible thinking, and communication within a predictable structure

 

Participants engage in physical warm-ups or regulation strategies (e.g., stretching, breathing, light aerobic activity) to promote self-awareness and prepare the body and mind for learning.
Participants complete a functional life skills task (e.g., preparing or organizing snack, cleaning up, following hygiene routines) followed by a social snack break. Staff support independence and natural opportunities for communication.
A structured lesson aligned with the day’s social-emotional focus. Sessions may include visual supports, modeled examples, discussion, and role-playing to reinforce key concepts such as collaboration, perspective-taking, or emotional regulation.
Time is spent outdoors participating in physical games, group challenges, or unstructured peer play. Activities support motor development, social engagement, and emotional regulation in a dynamic setting.
Participants eat lunch in a relaxed, supportive group setting with staff facilitation. Once finished, they choose from a variety of self-directed activities (e.g., books, puzzles, sensory bins, dramatic play, building) to decompress and explore personal interests.
Participants engage in structured, hands-on activities to build independence. Tasks may include sorting, following multi-step routines, organizing materials, or practicing daily living skills.
Participants practice targeted social skills through guided games, partner tasks, or small-group projects. These activities are intentionally selected to support communication, cooperation, and peer interaction.
Participants work together in pairs or small groups to complete a collaborative task, such as building a structure, completing a scavenger hunt, or working on a shared creative project. These activities encourage teamwork, flexibility, and communication.
Hands-on, theme-based activities such as art, construction, or sensory play encourage creativity, fine motor skill development, and following multi-step instructions.
Participants complete a functional life skills task (e.g., preparing or organizing snack, cleaning up, following hygiene routines) followed by a social snack break. Staff support independence and natural opportunities for communication.
Participants go for a supervised walk in the surrounding area. This allows for real-world application of safety rules, flexible thinking, and social awareness in a natural environment.
Participants gather as a group to reflect on the day, celebrate individual and group successes, and preview the next day’s plans. This builds self-awareness, reinforces communication, and strengthens peer relationships.
End-of-day routines help participants transition calmly. Staff assist with organization and connect with caregivers as needed.
A Typical Week at Summer Connections
 
Our program is structured to provide consistency while offering variety and excitement each day. In addition to our core routines and learning activities, participants enjoy one special themed activity each day that promotes creativity, exploration, and real-world skill-building.
 
Here is what a typical week might look like:

Tuesday - Water Day

Participants enjoy sensory-rich water activities including sprinklers, water tables, and themed outdoor games. This day encourages cooperation, gross motor movement, and self-regulation while staying cool and having fun.

Wednesday - Cooking

Hands-on food preparation helps participants build functional life skills. Whether making smoothies, simple snacks, or no-bake treats, cooking day promotes independence, turn-taking, and following multi-step directions.

Thursday - Outing

Participants explore the community through supervised local outings, such as visits to nearby parks, libraries, splash pads, or nature trails. Outings provide valuable real-world learning opportunities and social interaction in a different environment.

Friday - Spirit Day

Each Friday features a fun and inclusive theme—like Pajama Day, Crazy Hair Day, or Team Colour Day. Participants are encouraged to express themselves and celebrate the week together in a playful, community-building way.

Summer Connections Details

Program Name: Summer Connections

Location: 190 Colonnade Road, Unit #15

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday

Cost: $1120 – $1400 depending on week (includes cost of transportation, materials and admission)

Costs are covered by OAP Core Clinical Funding, SSAH, and certain private insurance.

Summer Dates:

June 30th, July 2nd – 5th, 2025 – 4 spots remaining

July 7th – 11th, 2025 – WAITLIST

July 14th – July 18th, 2025 – 1 spot remaining

July 21st – July 25th, 2025 – 3 spots remaining

July 28th – August 1st, 2025 – 3 spots remaining

August 5th – August 8th, 2025 – 2 spots remaining

August 11th – August 15th, 2025 – 1 spots remaining

August 18th, August 22nd, 2025 – 1 spots remaining

August 25th – August 29th, 2025 – 3 spots remaining

 
*New Clients to ABA Connections will be required to attend a Meet and Greet Social Group*
 
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