Camp Crinkleroot
Now in its fifteenth year, Camp Crinkleroot serves children ages 8–18 who have an autism diagnosis or a similar developmental disorder. The camp is offered twice each year, with the fall session focused on communication and friendship skill-building, and the spring session centered on having fun with peers in a more traditional camp setting.
The goal of Camp Crinkleroot is to provide engaging, supportive activities tailored specifically for kids on the autism spectrum, while also offering meaningful respite for caregivers. All activities are intentionally designed to meet the developmental needs of the campers. Friendship-building remains a core component, with every camper paired 1:1 with an App State student and supported through small-group activities that encourage connection and social inclusion.
Camp Staff
At Camp Crinkleroot, trained App State volunteers and faculty make every moment fun!
Each camper gets a one-on-one counselor buddy for the day. Together, they’ll enjoy games, arts and crafts, group challenges, and seasonal favorites—like spring campfires or fall rides on the AppalCart.
Every activity is adapted to ensure every camper has a safe, exciting, and unforgettable weekend adventure!
Volunteer Application
We are looking for current App State students to help staff Camp Crinkleroot!
Individual students can serve as one-to-one buddies for campers or choose to be assigned to plan and lead activites. Groups can plan and lead activites as well.
We welcome you to contact Heidi Tait at taithr@appstate.edu to learn more about how you and/or you group can work with our wonderful campers!
More information about specific volunteer roles can be found on the Volunteer Form.
Camp Crinkleroot is a day camp for children on the Autism Spectrum or with a similar disorder, sponsored by Appalachian State University’s Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness.
Camp Crinkleroot is offered twice a year – once in the fall and once in the spring.
Camp Information
Spring Camp
Ages: 8-14
Dates: April 24 – 26, 2026
Friday April 24, 2026, 5:30-7:00pm: Family Potluck
Saturday April 25, 2026: most of the day
Sunday April 26, 2026: afternoon
Spring Camp Crinkleroot is a weekend full of adventure for kids ages 8–14! It’s all about making friends, trying new activities, and experiencing a taste of traditional summer camp. Campers can sing silly camp songs, perform wacky skits, team up for exciting group games, hunt for hidden treasures, and enjoy lots of free play!
Got siblings? Bring them along! While kids are laughing, exploring, and making memories, parents get a little well-deserved time off. It’s a win-win!
Deadline to apply: April 15, 2026
Register today by clicking here
Location and Contact Information
Spring Camp Crinkleroot Location
Camp Broadstone
Appalachian State University
1431 Broadstone Rd,
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Fall Camp Crinkleroot Location
Leon Levine Hall
Appalachian State University
1179 State Farm Road
Boone, NC 28607
Contact
For questions or more information about Camp Crinkleroot, please reach out to Mary Sheryl Horine at 828-262-7557 or horinems@appstate.edu.