Well Served Tennis Academy Offers Supportive Environment for Autistic Children

Two years ago Simsbury resident Shannon Knall had a vision for a summer camp that would provide the supportive environment her autistic son Jack needed. Knall quickly teamed up with Chris O'Connor to make that vision a reality.

This year, the Well Served Tennis Academy is in its second year and provides children on the autism spectrum with an opportunity to learn social skills, arts and crafts, and the sport of tennis.

"We're in our second year and we have about 30 kids coming over the next two weeks," Knall said.

The camp recruits local volunteers to participate in a training course aimed at teaching them about the needs of autistic children before they take part in the camp. Knall said many of the volunteers from the camp's first year have returned to participate again this year.

"For me, it's been extremely rewarding," Simsbury resident Trevor Dimario said. "Last year being my first experience working with autistic kids in this type of environment I guess I was maybe a little nervous, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was wonderful."

The camp meets for two weeks at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. For more information visit the Well Served Tennis Academy website.