WHY A RECREATION CENTER?
Friendship is key to longer, happier lives
The number one indicator of leading happier and longer lives is maintaining several high quality, close relationships. For a number of practical reasons, it's harder for neurodivergent kids (and their families) to meet like-minded people and form lasting friendships, all while navigating a world designed for neurotypicals. Hippo Campus would remove those barriers and make it easy to find your people.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT
Tell us which activities we should offer
When neurodivergent kids are into something, they usually are *really* into it. Hippo Campus will be a place where we cater to the specific wishes of our neurodivergent members, so that we can connect with others through our shared interests. Take this future member survey so that we can build the recreation center of your dreams.
Who it's for
1 / Kids in 2nd - 12th grades
Hippo Campus will be designed for students enrolled in 2nd - 12th grades, whose ages typically fall between 8-18.
2 / With neurodivergent condition(s)
With proof of eligibility from licensed professionals, school district, or other reputable source. See a full list of our supported diagnoses on our FAQ page.
3 / And their families
One standard membership will be valid for 4 members of a household. Upgraded memberships for larger and multi-generational families will also be available.
Key benefits of membership
PREDICTABLE
Open every weekday afternoon and weekend
COMFORTABLE
A place where neurodivergent youth always feel at home
ACCESSIBLE
Where services come to you, instead of you going to them
COMMUNITY
Facilitating peer connection and personal growth
A simple idea that addresses the very serious challenges facing our community
Mental health
Neurodivergent people of all ages report lower quality of life and worse health outcomes than the general population.
Social isolation
Few recreational opportunities exist for neurodivergent families due to a lack of sensory accommodations, irrelevant programming, or general lack of understanding.
Access to services
Families are constantly seeking help, but it's hard to access, due to limited hours/availability, transportation, financial resources, etc.
Loneliness
Neurodivergence is an invisible condition. There is currently no easy way for neurodivergent people and their families to meet one another or identify members of their community.
PHASE II: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
An after-school program that improves the lives of families
During the second phase of our community launch, we aim to create a dedicated after-school program available to our members. The after-school enrichment program will include transportation to/from CHCCS schools, will be staffed by professionals trained in the fields of neurodiversity, and gives our members the ability to see their practitioners inside our facility (and allows family caregivers the ability to work full-time jobs).
IMMERSIVE SENSORY SPACE
Access a world class sensory space on demand
Most public buildings that attempt to create sensory spaces are just not good. Hippo Campus would be built differently. We want our members to have consistent access to a world class, permanent sensory space that makes relaxation and sensory regulation a priority, and part of our everyday routines.
Example of a "typical sensory room"
Our idea of an effective sensory space
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Donate to Hippo Campus
Are you interested in supporting our future build-out and construction? Donate to Hippo Campus of Chapel Hill using the credit card form below, or contact us using the Contact form link at the top menu if that's more comfortable for you.
Hippo Campus of Chapel Hill is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Frequency
One time
Amount
0/100
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