BOSTON -- Going to summer camp is a memory most of us will never forget. A very specialized camp in Massachusetts is opening up that experience to kids who are often left out.

NewsCenter 5's Mary Saladna reported in the woods of Westwood, Mass., a unique summer day camp is under way.

VIDEO: Summer Camp Gives Children Chance

"We have almost 100 kids in our program with autism," said Dr. Scott McLeod, the executive director of the YouthCare Camp run by MassGeneral Hospital.

The YouthCare camp is a place for children ages 6 to 14 with all types of autism. It's a place where kids like Alex Elwood can feel free to be himself, free of people judging him.

"They can and swim and boat and hike and do arts and crafts," he said. "They can say that I went to camp this summer."

"You can have fun and at the same time it focuses on his area of difficulty," said Cornelia Elwood, Alexander's mom.

For all autistic children, the biggest challenge they face is socializing with people.

"Our kids have a hard time communicating some of their needs," McLeod said.

To help them cope, they're are paired into small groups with counselors who are trained to analyze their needs.

"How the kids are getting along. How the kids are managing their anxiety, or if the kids just have a social deficit," McLeod said.

The camp has been a blessing for Alexander and his family.

"I feel like my child is safe, is free and gets full support," Elwood said. "Every day he talks about how much fun he has."

"I really want to go swimming every day," Alexander said.