Independence Prep by On My Own of Michigan® offers a quarterly overnight independent living experience, a 3-week independent living summer camp, and a 9-month skill building and social program for teens and young adults.
A NEW option to summer camp this year is the Independence Prep Residency Program where students (18+) can spend weeknights during the camp in an OMO apartment, experiencing real-world independence, and practicing their skills in a safe and supported environment.
Independence Prep is open to students who:
- are currently in high school, a transition program or are a young adult not yet living independently
- have a developmental disability
- want to participate in the program
- can stay safe without 1:1 supervision
- achieve a baseline score of at least 40% on the On My Own assessment
- can complete tasks without constant prompting or redirection
- do not have a recent history of self harm or mental health crisis
- do not have a history of physical violence or aggression toward others
- can manage their daily living activities independently
- can reliably and accurately communicate their needs without prompting
- can use basic technology appropriately
Independence Prep Extension is for students who have participated in the Independence Prep weekend or summer camp sessions, OR are current high school students who meet the Independence Prep requirements.
Independence Prep has been carefully designed to help students and families:
- build a foundation for independent living skill attainment and practice that is helpful for employment, college or independent living experiences,
- build a shared goal and vision for living independently, and
- increase excitement for and momentum towards living independently.
Independence Prep sessions focus on building social connections and independent living skills in a safe, supported and fun environment. Skill-building experiences include:
- personal management (getting up and ready independently, managing a schedule)
- home management (cleaning + organizing)
- health + wellness (self-care and coping strategies; meal planning + preparation)
- healthy relationships (teamwork; creating social connections)
- transportation (getting around the community)
- employment (communicating your needs and engaging with others; group etiquette)
- money management (the costs of living on your own)
- safety (staying safe in new environments)
If this describes what you're looking for, Independence Prep may be right for you!
Our next sessions of Independence Prep Weekends take place:
- July 23 - 25, 2025
- September 26 - 28, 2025
- January 9 - 11, 2026
- April 10 - 12, 2026
Independence Prep Weekend experiences are offered quarterly, with students welcome to join us for as many sessions as they'd like. Slight modifications are made to the agenda each quarter to ensure students are learning and reinforcing new skills each time they join us.
The next session of Independence Prep Extension takes place:
- September 2025 - May 2026
Independence Prep Extension classes and activities will take place after school.
The next session of Independence Prep Summer Camp will take place:
- July 7 - 25, 2025, weekdays 9 am-3 pm -- ON WAITLIST
Indpendence Prep Residency is a new addition to this year's camp experience. Residency participants will attend camp daily, Monday - Friday, stay in an OMO apartment with staff support Monday - Thursday, then go home for weekends. This is an ideal opportunity for students to 'try on' independence in a manageable and supported manner for the duration of the camp experience.
- ON WAITLIST
Read more about what's included in the next drop down: 'How much does Independence Prep cost?'
Our academic-year Independence Prep Weekend sessions (October, January + April) cost:
- $550 for a single room
- $500 for a double room (as available)
The cost to participate includes:
- a two-night hotel stay
- all meals
- activity materials
- expert-designed curriculum + lessons
- support from staff throughout the weekend
Our Independence Prep Extension program (September - May) costs:
- $750 for the entire 9-month program
This includes:
- one skill-building program in our classroom each month
- one community-based social activity each month
- vocational training in our newly designed vocational studio
Our Summer Camp (July 7 - 25, 2025) is an extended experience, offering a three-week day camp focused on building independent living, vocational and social skills, as well as our full weekend overnight experience. The summer weekend experience will take place July 25 - 27. Summer sessions cost:
- $2,500 for the day camp + residency program
- $1,250 for both the day camp + overnight experience
- $1,000 for just the day camp (limited spots available)
- $500 for just the overnight experience (limited spots available)
Depending on the summer camp package you select above, the cost to participate may include:
- three weeks of day camp
- a two-night hotel stay
- meals (lunch at the day camp + all meals for the overnight experience)
- activity + learning materials
- weekly field trips
- expert-designed curriculum + lessons
- support from staff throughout the weekend
Residency cost includes:
- Monday - Thursday overnight stay in an OMO apartment (students go home on Fridays at 3 pm when summer camp ends and come back at 9 am on Monday)
- meals for the week
- evening support from staff (Monday - Thursday)
- emergency support 24/7
First, complete our online application form here.
- At the same time you complete your application, please submit your $50 non-refundable application fee (click the button on the application page to be brought to our payment page).
Once we receive your online application and application fee, we'll contact you to schedule a 1-hour skills assessment and 30-minute family interview.
Once your skills assessment and interview are complete and we've been able to confirm you meet our eligibility criteria, you'll receive an official acceptance to Independence Prep!
To learn more, contact Director of Education Emily Lourim at emily@onmyownofmi.org or (248) 649-3739 x 221.