All upcoming Aspire special events are listed below. This page is updated regularly so please check back often for future events. To see Aspire in the news, or read about us in notable publications, scroll down to our "In The News" section.
Special Events
To register for a special event listed below, returners may call 781-860-1900 to register. New Aspire participants should submit a special event application.
Friday, March 17th
Teen Night
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost: $35
Open to participants, new and returning, aged 14 -18 yrs
Location: Lexington
Teens will engage in a variety of activities for a fun and social event. Options will include a video game tournament, trivia, board/card games, a movie, and an art activity. We will also have drinks and snacks available. Teens will have the opportunity to select which activities would be most interesting to them. Teens may also bring a friend to accompany them to the event. This special event is open to newcomers and returning participants, ages 14 through high school.
Tuesday, April 18 - Friday, April 21
April Vacation
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Cost: $395
Open to child participants, new and returning, aged 5 -13 yrs
Location: Westwood
Participants will enjoy theme-based vacation days filled with structured activities. Daily schedules include games, arts & crafts, movement activities and down-time options. Siblings and friends are also invited to register. All participants must register for the entire week. Family discount is available for siblings.
Saturday, May 13th
Hike and BBQ
Time: 11:00am - 1:30pm
Cost: $35
Open to teen participants, new and returning, aged 14 -17 yrs
Location: Westwood
Attendees will socialize with peers and soak in the great outdoors on a group hike. Following the hike, Participants will enjoy a traditional catered barbecue lunch at Hale Reservation. Participants are welcome to bring a peer-aged friend or sibling to enjoy this event. This special event is open to both newcomers and returning participants.
Saturday, May 13th
Hike and BBQ
Time: 11:00am - 1:30pm
Cost: $35
Open to adult participants, new and returning, aged 18+ yrs
Location: Westwood
Attendees will socialize with peers and soak in the great outdoors on a group hike. Following the hike, Participants will enjoy a traditional catered barbecue lunch at Hale Reservation. Participants are welcome to bring a peer-aged friend or sibling to enjoy this event. This special event is open to both newcomers and returning participants.
In The News
20th Anniversary Aspire Gala 2022 - Aspire: Then, Now, Next
In celebration of our 20th year, Aspire participants share their memories of and gratitude for Aspire.
Honoring Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month- Explore GBH Magazine, April 2022.
Jonathan C. Abbott, President and CEO of GBH, discusses their long standing relationship with Aspire and our Internship program.
Actress with Autism Opens up About ‘Autism Burnout’ – Boston 25 News- By Heather Hegedus, Boston 25 News April 05, 2022. Sue Ann Pien, who portrays Violet in a new Amazon Prime video series called “As We See It,” discusses her personal experience with autism biurnout.
Exciting News for Aspire Adventure Camp Trailblazers, read more about the impact of Aspire receiving the Leadership Pathways Project grant from the American Camp Association (ACA) to establish a formalized Leader-In-Training (LIT) program over the next 3 years!
Aspire Gala 2020: Virtual Summer Programming
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, while many other summer camps had to close, Aspire was able to stay flexible, creative and adapt to a new virtual platform in order to deliver support and programming to our participants. A few of our participants and families discuss their experiences with Aspire.
Aspire 2019 Gala: "People Matter. Moments Matter"
Here's to the people in our lives who make a difference: best friends, teachers, siblings, parents, employers, mentors. These are the Moments that Matter.
Aspire 2018 Spring Gala: "Light Up"
It was a privilege to be able to share the perspectives of some of our participants here at Aspire. Their answers to "Five Questions about Autism" will enlighten you.
Read more about the 2018 gala:
- Boston Boldfacers turn out for Mass General Aspire Gala
- Autism Awareness Month Lights Up with Aspire Spring Gala
Aspire 2017 Spring Gala: "Dear Aspire"
"You taught me to be myself" and "You've given me a voice" are just a few of the words from former Aspire participants that were shared at our 2017 Gala.
Read more about the 2017 gala:
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Read about us in the Beacon Hill Times: Aspire's Gala Supports Essential Autism Programs
Publications
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Read about us in Boston.com: "Everyone with autism isn't the same."
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Read about us in the Huffington Post: "Aspiring for Inclusion"
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Check out the article titled "Autism and Curling" for the Autism Around the World website written by Executive Director Scott McLeod, PhD.
Aspire Wire
Get event announcements, inspirational articles, research opportunities, news about new services, and more in our monthly newsletter, Aspire Wire.