Children with special needs came out to Lavallette for a free surf camp.

Waves of Impact, a fully volunteer-based organization, has been holding the program in Ocean County since 2012.

The group's motto is "making a difference one wave at a time," and founders say the waves actually have a special impact on the children.

"A lot of the kids who come out are on the spectrum, that have autism, and so there's actually a sensory feeling of being on the wave that helps calm them down," said Josh Harper, co-founder of Waves of Impact. "So for the kids that have autism, it does serve a calming sensation."

About 67 campers were in attendance and the organization expects about 64 children to participate on Friday.  Some of the participants even came from out of state.

Children and parents say they are happy the program is available for them.

Waves of Impact holds free surf camps in California, Texas, Massachusetts and New Jersey.