The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley is hosting its 10th annual day camp, Camp F.R.I.E.N.D, which stands for Finding Rewards in Every New Day.

The camp, which is hosted in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, is dedicated to offering an inclusive day camp for students with autism.

The camp began Monday and is going through July 21st from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown.

According to a news release from Autism Society, there are three age groups attending this camp, including children and teens 5-19 years of age. Each group has their own themes related to building social skills.

About 35 children will be attending, including special needs children and their neurotypical peers from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who during the school year attend private autism schools, as well as parochial and public schools.

According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1 in 3 people with autism are socially isolated. Camp F.R.I.E.N.D. looks to tackle the challenges that cause this staggering statistic by providing supportive environments to facilitate friendships between people with autism and related disabilities and their neurotypical peers.