Beignet Fest Foundation launches summer camp for kids on the autism spectrum

Jun 3

Camp Benny fills a growing need for summertime experiences for neurodivergent children

NEW ORLEANS – The Beignet Fest Foundation celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, May 30, to launch the inaugural Camp Benny summer camp program for children on the autism spectrum. The camp kicks off at the University of Holy Cross in Algiers on Monday, June 9, 2025.

One of every 31 children is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Camp Benny was developed in response to a growing need in Greater New Orleans for summertime experiences that accommodate the abilities of autistic youth. Created in partnership with Kidcam Camp Programs, a trusted summer camp provider known for its popular camps across the Southeast, Camp Benny will serve 50 children this summer.

“When the Beignet Fest Foundation came to us with the idea to partner to create a special summer camp for children on the autism spectrum, we jumped at the chance,” said Melissa Conner, president and CEO of Kidcam. “We’ve talked about doing something like this for years, seeing the need across our footprint, and now with the Beignet Fest Foundation, we’re able to put this incredible camp experience together.”

Darbi Philibert, a Certified Autism Specialist and occupational therapist, serves as the director of Camp Benny. With almost three decades of experience, Darbi has devoted her career to enhancing the developmental outcomes of children with developmental challenges.

“Camp Benny is more than just a summer program—it’s a place where every child can truly thrive. We’ve created an environment built on inclusivity, connection, and growth, ensuring that every camper feels valued, supported, and empowered to explore their strengths,” said Philibert.

The six-week sensory-friendly camp will take place on the campus of the University of Holy Cross over two three-week sessions with programming that helps campers develop social skills and have fun and meaningful interactive experiences.

"We are thrilled to provide a setting at the University of Holy Cross that will allow these children to have a positive and affirming summertime experience, enjoying our greenspaces and campus facilities,” added Dr. Stanton McNeely, president of the University of Holy Cross. “The added bonus is that some of our education and healthcare students will be working on the Camp Benny staff, giving them a remarkable career-building experience right here on our campus."

In addition to a high counselor-to-camper ratio, additional volunteer “buddies” will be on-site to assist with the unique needs of Camp Benny participants.

"What started as a dream when we first created the Beignet Fest Foundation, Camp Benny represents an exciting milestone,” said Beignet Fest Foundation Executive Director Sherwood Collins. “We have created a place for autistic children to play and socialize when school is out for the summer. Also, Camp Benny isn’t just a huge benefit for kids but also their parents who can go to work rest assured that their child is in a caring and engaging atmosphere.”

Often, summer camps that accommodate neurodivergent children are out of reach for financially constrained families. With a goal to make Camp Benny accessible regardless of household income, the Beignet Fest Foundation made a commitment to provide financial assistance to qualified families. This year, more than 50% of Camp Benny participants will receive financial aid to attend the camp.

Camp Benny was made possible thanks to proceeds from the 2024 Beignet Fest and support from The Weishaupt Family Foundation/Ruby Slipper, The Schlakman Family, Lauren and Larry Srigley, Walmart, Chalmette Refinery and numerous supporters who donated funds and camp supplies. Additional support comes from the Tres Doux Krewe, an all-female community group established by the Beignet Fest Foundation who raised critical funds throughout the last year for the creation of Camp Benny, and whose founders, which consist of parents of autistic children and clinicians who specialize in autism diagnosis and treatment, served on the camp’s advisory board.

Both sessions for the inaugural Camp Benny are filled but interested parents should email campbenny@beignetfest.com to be notified of future sessions. To learn more about Camp Benny, visit campbennynola.org.

The Beignet Fest Foundation mission continues with the 2025 Beignet Fest, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 15 in New Orleans City Park. Tickets are expected to go on sale this month.

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About Beignet Fest & Beignet Fest Foundation:
The Beignet Fest Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established to raise awareness and support for programs in Greater New Orleans that serve autistic youth and their families. Beignet Fest is a premier food festival in Louisiana that celebrates one of New Orleans’s most iconic dishes and the popular food culture of the city. Proceeds from the Beignet Fest benefit Beignet Fest Foundation programs year-round.

Kidcam Camp Programs:
Kidcam Camp Programs is a leading & trusted name in day camp programming for children, partnering with over 30 host locations across the Southeast. Kidcam delivers high-quality camp experiences while managing all operations year-round, enabling their partners to offer impactful, mission-driven programs within their own facilities and communities. Learn more at www.KidcamCamps.com.

About the University of Holy Cross:
A fully accredited Catholic university in New Orleans, the University of Holy Cross offers undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus and online. Students enjoy a personalized academic experience and are encouraged to explore spiritual values and pursue service opportunities. Some of the university’s most distinctive programs are in nursing, business, education, counseling, and health sciences. The university was founded in 1916 as a mission of the Marianites of Holy Cross, whose distinguished history of educating minds and hearts dates to 1848. For more information, visit www.uhcno.edu.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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