THURSDAY, JULY 23
Night at the Aquarium
5:30pm-7:30pm
This is an exclusive opportunity at The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for our participants, volunteers, and family members to connect with others who “get it” while enjoying the aquarium. Due to generous donations, this opportunity is available at no cost to you.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE: Low-key and relaxed in a judgement-free environment.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Meet and Greet
5:30pm-8:30pm
This is an opportunity for individuals and families to gather at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to connect over great food and have some shared experiences.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE: Main room can be crowded and loud. There are areas where those in need can retreat for some quiet time to regroup.
5:30pm-8:00pm
Merchandise is available for purchase on the pier.
5:30pm-6:30pm
Dinner and mingling.
6:15pm
Quick welcome and recognitions.
6:30pm-8:30pm
Siblings fish off Jennette’s Pier. (Supervision and support provided.)
6:30pm-8:30pm
Individuals with autism become familiar with a surfboard and practice surfing skills on land.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Surfing Event
9:00am-1:00pm*
*-dependent on your heat time
Join us on the south side of Jennette’s Pier for a snack-style breakfast, connecting, surfing, and lunch. Specific surfing heat times will be sent as we approach the week of surfing.
Surfing pairs participants with volunteers who are surfers and therapeutic professionals for an hour of aquatic fun.
When it’s time for your assigned heat, you’ll receive a life jacket and meet your surfers and therapeutic professional. After transitioning to the water, you’ll spend time catching some of the best waves on the East coast (conditions permitting).
When your heat ends, they’ll transition to the beach and get some great pictures with their volunteers and anyone else who wants to photobomb.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE: Experience depends on the weather. It is cooler under the activities tent and under the pier. The pier is air conditioned with a small, calming aquarium inside if you need to cool down and regroup.