(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Kids with autism will have a chance to learn how to sail when the only national autism sailing camp comes to Chicago for three days next week.
The founder of Spectrum Sailing, Scott Herman, says the three-day camp is like traditional sailing camps -- but with more one-on-one training.
"The sailing is important, and it's great that they learn that. But some of these kids are never going to step foot on a sailboat again after our camp.
"But what we have done is build their self-esteem. We make them feel really important. And how that self-esteem, that belief in themselves, changes what they do in their day-to-day life is pretty remarkable."
Herman says he founded Spectrum Sailing for autistic kids 10 to 17 because none of the traditional sailing camps would admit his son, who is autistic.
"We've had kids who, after camp, start trying different foods. And that doesn't sound that important to the average family, but when your child only eats one or two foods it's difficult to go out to eat."
The Spectrum Sailing Camp is at Montrose Harbor, June 20 through 22. The camp is full, Herman said.
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