Contributed photo Members of the Richmond County chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina, also known as Team Scott, got together Monday night at Strikers Bowling Center to strike out autism.

Contributed photo Scott Tucker is pictured with his parents Mike and Emily Tucker at Strikers Bowling Center Monday night. Funds raised last night at the Strike Out Autism will be used exclusively for children in Richmond County with autism.

Contributed photo Two members of Team Scott prepare to bowl Monday night during the Strike Out Autism event held at Strikers Bowling Center in Rockingham.

ROCKINGHAM — County residents came together for a night of fun Monday to give children with autism a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience as the local Autism Society of North Carolina chapter held its annual Strike Out Autism event at Striker’s Bowling Center.

Funds raised will be used exclusively for children in Richmond County with autism. The chapter works hard to raise funds each year to send an autistic child or young adult to Camp Royall in Moncure.

Since 1972, the Autism Society of North Carolina has provided summer camp recreational opportunities for individuals with autism. In 1997, the Autism Society of North Carolina opened Camp Royall, a 133-acre facility located near Pittsboro.

Camp Royall now houses the nation’s oldest and largest summer camp program for people on the autism spectrum, year-round programs and a wide variety of other functions and services throughout the year. In 2012, over 1,100 people participated in programming through Camp Royall.

The cost to send one child to camp is $1,700.

Autism spectrum disorder is the second-most common developmental disability following intellectual disability. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that up to one out of every 68 children born today has some form of ASD. Evidence suggests that the prevalence rate in North Carolina is even higher than the national average, at one in 58.

Organizers thanked those who participated in Strike Out Autism as well as the Rockingham Rotary Club and Hwy 55 restaurant, which recently awarded grants to the Autism Society’s Richmond County chapter.

Contact chapter leader Angela Clifton at 910-995-8211 to make a donation or learn more about the Richmond County chapter.