In 2014, Mary Fruits took her eight-year-old son, Clyde, on a family trip to Appleton.
They went camping for the weekend and attended an Autism football camp at a local high school put on by the Autism Society of Wisconsin- Fox Valley. Clyde already loved football, and the experience gave him an opportunity to be right in the middle of a sport he loved.
As Mary watched Clyde participate alongside his younger brother, she turned to her husband and said, “We need something like this in Madison.”
His response was simple- “Then make it happen.”
And she did.
More than a decade later, what began with one family seeing an opportunity for their son has become an annual tradition for Autistic children and families in the Madison-area community.
Building Something for Kids Like Clyde
After returning home, Mary started asking questions. She connected with the individuals who organized the Appleton camp and learned everything she could about how they made it work.
“They said they were willing to share everything with me- no need to reinvent the wheel,” Mary remembers.
Her next stop was the Autism Society’s Madison affiliate. Mary brought the idea to the Board President at the time, and eventually presented it to the full board, complete with photos and a small slideshow.
The board loved the idea and was willing to support it. There was just one catch: they needed someone to run it.
“I looked at them and said, ‘You’re looking at her’’, Mary said.
Mary then approached McFarland High School, where the athletic director and head football coach saw an opportunity for his team to serve the community.
That partnership has continued ever since.
Each year, McFarland football players help lead participants through football activities and basic skills. Before camp, players also participate in an Autism 101 session to learn more about Autism and what they might experience during the event.
But Mary says one message matters most.
“These kids may never get to play football. This is their moment. They look at these older boys as role models. She also reminds them to have fun!”
Clyde at the first Madison Area Football Camp in 2015
A Chance to Be on the Field
For Mary, the reason behind football camp has always been simple.
She knew how much Clyde loved football. She also knew that his sensory needs and other differences might make participating on a traditional football team difficult.
“I wanted him and other kids to still be able to experience being on the field, running into pads, falling down, kicking, throwing and everything that comes with football,” Mary says. “Neurotrypical kids can join anytime, but Autistic kids may never be able to. This is their time to shine, show off their skills, and have fun.”
The camp may only last an hour each year, but Mary believes the hour matters.
“I don’t care how much you actually participate,” she says. “I just want you out there, with your peers, feeling good about yourself.”
Every participant receives a medal- even if participating looks different for them or they need to leave early.
Mary wants every child to leave knowing that they were part of it.
“The smiles on these kids’ faces when they succeed at a skill, pass that ball, run into a pad, knock down one of those football players and then get that medal- it may be the only one they get their whole life,” she says. “I have tears of happiness every year for them.”
More than Football
The impact of the camp doesn’t stop with its Autistic participants.
For many of the McFarland football players, camp may be one of their first opportunities to spend meaningful time with an Autistic individual.
Mary has watched those interactions create connections and change perspectives.
“I think the football players realize that just because someone is Autistic, it doesn’t mean they want different things than them,” she says. “They want to play, have fun and do the same things neurotypical kids want.”
Over the years, former players have recognized Mary in the community and stopped to talk to her about the experience.
“You’re Mrs. Fruits, right? I really enjoyed football camp. Thanks for doing that.”
Parents of the football players have noticed the impact, too. Some have attended camp to cheer from the stands, while others have reached out afterward to thank Mary for giving their child the opportunity to participate.
As one parent told her, “It’s just a good thing to do for everyone involved in our community.”
A Tradition That Keeps Going
The camp has definitely changed over the years.
The inaugural event reached its 50-participant capacity and even had a waiting list. There were large banners, numerous sponsors, dozens of volunteers and, in some early years, an appearance from Bucky Badger.
There have been hot October days and very cold ones. Camp has moved indoors because of Wisconsin weather. One year, storms sent everyone temporarily into the locker room.
And then there was 2020.
Rather than simply canceling, Mary and Clyde found another way.
Families sent in videos of their children playing football, which were turned into a highlight reel and shared during a virtual camp on Zoom. Mary and Clyde then drove around delivering goodie bags to every participant, no matter where they lived.
Because football camp has never really been about football.
It has been about creating a place where Autistic kids can show up exactly as they are and know the experience was created with them in mind.
Families have told Mary how much that matters.
“I’ve seen some parents cry of joy and happiness, seeing their child have fun and smile,” she says. “It’s about allowing their child to be in an environment where they feel accepted, understood, and able to have some fun that isn’t work like therapy or school.”
One comment from a family has particularly stuck with her.
“My child wants to come back again next week! I don’t know how they are going to wait an entire year to come back.”
From Participant to Leader
Perhaps the best measure of how far football camp has come can be found in the little boy who inspired it.
Clyde has grown up.
He has aged out of the camp he once participated in, but the event his family helped create continues for the children coming behind him.
And this year brings another full-circle moment.
The Autistic eight-year-old whose love of football inspired his mom to say, “We need something like this in Madison,” is now helping run it.
“This year it’s being run by an Autistic person,” Mary proudly shares. “My son Clyde!”
For Mary, continuing to volunteer even after Clyde aged out was an easy decision.
“Autism is a part of our lives because of our son, so we are a part of this community,” she says. “As Clyde was growing up, others volunteered for him, so it’s important that I give back now.”
She wants other families to have the same opportunities her family was given- and she wants Clyde to remain connected to a community where he feels safe, understood and comfortable being himself.
“The community needs this. The kids need this,” Mary says. “It’s for the kids. It’s all about them.”
Football Camp’s 10 Year Anniversary- Pictured: Mary, Clyde, and family members who all volunteered.
Sometimes, You Just Have to Make It Happen
More than a decade ago, another community welcomed Mary, Clyde and their family into its football camp. The organizers answered Mary’s questions and freely shared what they had learned so that another community could create something similar.
Mary has never forgotten that.
Today, when someone approaches her with an idea or asks how they might bring something similar to their own community, her response is much the same.
“Go for it! How can I help you connect or get started?”
Because sometimes creating a more inclusive community begins with recognizing something that’s missing. Sometimes it means asking questions, finding the right people, and being willing to try.
And sometimes it starts with four simple words from someone who believes you can do it:
“Then make it happen.”
A special thank you to Mary and Clyde Fruits for sharing their story, and for continuing to make this special opportunity possible for Autistic individuals and families year after year. What started with one family wanting to create an inclusive place to experience the joy of football has become a tradition that has touched countless participants, families, volunteers, and players along the way.
Want to be part of this year’s Football Camp? Registration is still open: https://autismsocietywi.org/event/madison-area-football-camp/
