Every child should have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of summer camp. This page is filled with special needs summer camps, sleep overs, and special summer outings that are handicap accessible or designed for children with special needs or medical challenges.
Hip hip hooray for special needs summer camps!
While this list is by no means complete (I wanted to get it posted before summer’s over!) I realized there are so many great special needs summer camps out there, and that takes a great big awesome community of people out there that make it happen. Let me know if you have a special needs summer camp that should be added.
Special Needs Summer Camps by State:
Alaska
Adam’s Camp
Each week-long therapy camp provides intensive therapies for children and youth with special needs, as well as activities and support for parents and siblings to unwind and re-energize in a supportive and caring environment.
(907) 885-1785
http://adamscampalaska.org
Alabama
Easter Seals/Camp ASCCA
Special needs summer camp offers a variety of activities and programs such as arts and crafts, sports and games, traditional camp activities and more. Every activity is adapted to the abilities of youngsters with neuromuscular disease. Plus, campers are paired with camp counselors to help with activities of daily living and personal care.
5278 Camp ASCCA Dr.,
Jacksons’ Gap, AL 36861
(256) 825-9226
https://www.campascca.org
Arkansas
Camp Aldersgate
Camp Aldersgate is a special needs summer camp dedicated to providing year-round social service programs for over 1,700 individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With the support of our surrounding communities, businesses and friends, they are able to provide the best possible atmosphere, equipment and facilities for our extraordinary participants.
2000 Aldersgate Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 225-1444
https://www.campaldersgate.net
Arizona
Whispering Hope Ranch
The mission of Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation is to offer special needs children and their families rustic, Arizona ranch-style camp and retreat experiences enhanced by programs designed to foster nurturing interactions between campers and the animals residing at the Ranch.
2273 East Colcord Road
Payson, AZ 85541-2230
(877) 478-0339
https://whisperinghoperanch.org
California
US Adaptive Recreation Center
In July and August, the USARC takes to the fresh waters of Big Bear Lake for wet and wild water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and fishing. Using a variety of modified and standard recreation equipment, along with a skilled staff of recreation therapists, lifeguards, licensed boat operators and expertly trained volunteers, the excitement and adventure of these sports are safely introduced to each participant. Special needs summer camp sessions are either single day or overnight sessions held at accessible campgrounds. Popular overnight camping programs combine two nights of camping fun with a variety of the above water recreation experiences.
Bear Mountain, CA
http://usarc.org/summer
Achieve Tahoe
Based in North Lake Tahoe, Achieve Tahoe leads the way in adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. With over 50 years experience, our trained staff and volunteers guide you in discovering life without limits. Our specialized adaptive equipment and teaching methods allow us to accommodate almost ANYone with ANY disability.
Lake Tahoe, CA
http://achievetahoe.org/content/summer-sports
MDA Summer Camps:
Apple Canyon Center
Mountain Center, California
Grizzly Creek Ranch
Portola, California
Camp Cuyamaca
Descanso, California
Irvine Ranch Outdoor Ed.
Orange, California
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Camp Arroyo
Started in 2002, the special needs summer camps accommodate up to 45 developmentally delayed youth,
age 6 – 22. The ratio of children to counselors is 1:1. Camp is held at Camp Arroyo, a 138-acre parkland outside Livermore, Ca. Camp Arroyo was created
by The Taylor Family Foundation (www.ttff.org), the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), and the YMCA of the East Bay.
Exceptional Needs Network
Livermore, CA
(925) 215-2281
http://www.ennetwork.org/enn/Camp.html
Camp Harmon
Camp Harmon is located in Boulder Creek, CA amidst the beautiful redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Easter Seals Central California has owned and operated Camp Harmon since 1963, when two sisters from a pioneer logging family, Jessie and Mignon Harmon, charitably sold the land to Easter Seals for $1. Camp Harmon continues to be a magical place, offering camping opportunities to hundreds of people with disabilities, thanks to the donations of many generous supporters.
Easter Seals of Central California
16403 CA-9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-3383
http://www.campharmon.org
Camp Krem
For more than half a century, we have provided children and adults with developmental disabilities a full program of recreation, education, fun and adventure.
We offer Summer Camp and a Year-Round Respite Program. Our outdoor enrichment camp programs, activities and adventures are unmatched.
We proudly work with people with all developmental disabilities.
Camping Unlimited
102 Brook Lane
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-3210
https://campingunlimited.org
Camp I CAN
Camp I CAN was created and developed by the Autism Society San Diego in partnership with the YMCA to provide kids and teens with ASD, ages 6-17, a fun, safe and nurturing camp experience.
Autism Society San Diego County
(858) 715-0678
http://www.autismsocietysandiego.org
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes offers 3 sessions of S4EA Camps throughout the year. Athletes spend 2 nights in cabins and eat camp meals under the guidance of camp counselors/chaperones. Persons with developmental disabilities, families, friends, volunteers, coaches, and supporters are all welcome to join in the fun with S4EA at the S4EA Camps.
9575 Aero Drive, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-S4EA (7432)
https://s4ea.org/camps.php
Colorado
Adaptive Sports Center
Bring your family to Crested Butte this summer and join Adaptive Sports Center for three days of adventure education, family inclusion, and networking at their special needs summer camps.
Crested Butte, CO
https://www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/summer-adventures
Adam’s Camp
The mission of Adam’s Camp is to realize the potentials and develop the strengths of children and young adults by bringing together individuals and families with professionals and volunteers to collaboratively provide customized, intensive therapy, family support, and recreation in a camp environment. Our summer programs are held at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado. Early Start programs are held in the Denver-Metro area and Adventure Camp Weekend Retreats are held in varying locations. Friends tell us that Adam’s Camp is great, but not equipped for medically complex kids.
(303) 563-8290
https://adamscampcolorado.org
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
The BOEC offers a number of camps, retreats and activities for individual sign up. Programs are designed for specific needs and ability levels. Check out their calendar for a full list.
Breckenridge and Keystone, CO
https://www.boec.org/calendar
Challenge Aspen
Challenge Aspen is dedicated to impacting lives by presenting meaningful recreational, educational and cultural experiences to individuals faced with cognitive or physical challenges. Challenge Aspen’s weeklong special needs summer camps provide the perfect setting, a knowledgeable staff and, for kids’ camps, a safe, natural community where they are free to create memories of their own to share with you at the end of a beautiful Colorado day.
Apsen, CO
https://challengeaspen.org/summer/
MDA Summer Camp
Rocky Mountain
Empire, Colorado
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
National Sports Center for the Disabled
The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is one of the largest therapeutic recreation agencies in the world. The NSCD offers a variety of year-round sports and recreational adventures like rock climbing and kayak lessons. In the spring, summer and fall we offer sport ability clinics, rafting, canoeing, special camps, therapeutic horseback riding, mountain biking and camping. All programs are designed for individuals, families and groups and are available for all disability and diagnosis, all ages.
(970) 726-1518
http://nscd.org
Telluride Adaptive Sports program
Telluride Adaptive Sports Program offers a variety of year-around activities, for all ages and ability levels.
https://tellurideadaptivesports.org/our-programs/summer/
Connecticut
Camp Hemlocks
Easterseals Camp Hemlocks is an accessible special needs summer camp for youth and adults with physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities in the scenic woods of Central Connecticut. Camp Hemlocks offers a traditional camping experience for campers as young as eight and there is no aging out, allowing campers to attend into adulthood. Activities include, swimming in our indoor heated pool, boating and fishing on our 22-acre pond, arts and crafts, nature, health and fitness, and climbing our challenge tower. Camp Hemlocks programing is individually tailored to the needs of each camper to provide them the most enjoyable and successful camping experience possible.
Amston, Connecticut
(203) 388-2192
http://www.easterseals.com/cfc/our-programs/camp-hemlocks/
Florida
MDA Summer Camp
Elks Camp
Umatilla, Florida
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Georgia
Brecht Stables & Dustin’s Place Day Camp
Each camper will learn how to take care of their own horse by cleaning stalls, brushing, tacking up and building a relationship with his or her very own horse for the week. We will enjoy horse related crafts and team building activities. Each day we will also spend a lot of time on horseback, learning how to maneuver the horses through certain obstacle courses while improving core strength, gross and fine motor skills and learning patience and direction following. While following adventures around the property, we can trail ride and walk through a small section of woods to look for Big Foot!
6737 Concord Rd
Cumming, GA 30028
(678) 644-5243
http://www.brechtstables.org
Camp Twin Lakes
For 25 years, Camp Twin Lakes has delivered fully adaptive, medically supportive, and deeply impactful camp experiences to more than 10,000 of Georgia’s children and young adults, helping each camper grow in their confidence and experience the joys of childhood.
1100 Spring Street, Suite 260
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 231-9887
http://camptwinlakes.org
Idaho
Beats and Rhythms Cardiac Camp
Children ages 9-15 who have been diagnosed with a cardiac defect, disease or pulmonary hypertension.
Ross Point Camp
Post Falls, Idaho
http://www.beatsandrhythms.org/camp.html
HigherGround
A program for ages 4 and up (adults, too!) that teaches life and social skills through a traditional day camp experience. We join other local camps so that our campers feel like vital members of the community, and the community becomes even more accepting of people with disabilities.
https://highergroundusa.org/programs/#recreation
MDA Summer Camp
Quaker Hill Camp & Conf.
McCall, Idaho
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Illinois
Camp Callahan
In operation for over 60 years, Camp Callahan is a special needs summer camp, offering a program that provides an exciting, safe, summer camp experience. Camp Callahan Inc., their volunteers, and the facilities of the Mississippi Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America, will combine to make this unique program a success. Camp Callahan is dedicated to serving youth with wide-ranging disabilities through a stimulating, liberating program in an environment that is physically and socially adapted to the personal needs of these very special campers. The camp has the specialized environment, equipment, activities, accessible buildings, and a trained staff to overcome the barriers a person with disabilities would encounter at ordinary summer camps.
Quincy, Illinois
(217) 833-2377
http://www.campcallahan.com
Timber Pointe
Owned and operated by Easterseals Central Illinois, accredited by the American Camp Association, and located on the shoreline of Lake Bloomington, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is the premier resource in the state of Illinois for providing specialized outdoor recreational, experiential and family programs for individuals with disabilities and illnesses in a fun, safe and accessible environment.
Camp Easterseals
Hudson, Illinois
http://www.easterseals.com/ci/our-programs/camping-recreation/
Indiana
Camp Riley
Operated with support from the Riley Children’s Foundation, Camp Riley hosts a number of recreation therapy summer camps with our partner organizations. Our goal is to give each of our campers a unique experience involving our fully accessible facilities and therapeutic programming, including canoeing, waterskiing, SCUBA diving, swimming, archery, basketball, arts and crafts, music, high and low ropes courses, and a variety of experiential-based initiatives. To make all of this happen, we hire nearly 80 staff each summer to work directly with the campers and maintain ratios for their safety and supervision.
Bradford Woods
(765) 342-2915
https://www.bradwoods.org/rectherapy
Louisiana
MDA Summer Camp
Camp Grant Walker
Pollock, Louisiana
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Massachusetts
The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc.
One of the largest, independent camping and educational programs in the country, The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. is dedicated to children who live with diabetes and the people who care for them. The Barton Center is a year-round camp, retreat, and conference center where learning and shared experiences combine to support and motivate children and families.
30 Ennis Rd
North Oxford, MA 01537
(508) 987-2056
http://bartoncenter.org
Camp Jabberwocky
From the end of June to the end of August, Camp Jabberwocky offers children and adults with a wide range of disabilities the chance to enjoy the summer in a small family-like community – living together and enjoying jam-packed days filled with adventurous activities and experiences that are safe, empowering, exciting and fun. Campers stay between one and four weeks during which they enjoy activities and classes on campus and out and about in the community of Martha’s Vineyard.
200 Greenwood Ave
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 687-0967
https://www.campjabberwocky.org
Adam’s Camp
These programs are ideal for families with a child that is working towards developmental milestones, with siblings wanting a camp experience of their own, and who want respite in a relaxed setting, allowing for quality time with one another and as a family. Activities for campers, siblings and parents take advantage of this unique island location!
Adam’s Camp New England
(508) 901-9610
https://adamscampnewengland.org
Maryland
Easterseals Camp Fairlee
Easterseals addresses the need for accessible camping with its location near Chestertown, Maryland. Camp Fairlee is a beautiful, residential/recreational and respite special needs summer camp on 250 sprawling acres on Fairlee Creek which offers campers from age 6 and up the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting.
(410) 778-0566
http://www.easterseals.com/de/our-programs/camping-recreation/
Michigan
MDA Summer Camps
Sherman Lake YMCA
Augusta, MI
Camp Cavell Conservancy
Lexington, MI
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Camp Grace Bentley
Camp Grace is much more than a summer camp. It’s a place where kids create a lifetime of memories. Develop a greater sense of independence through new adventures and working with others. A magical place in the world where kids with special needs are encouraged to be themselves. For more than 80 years, Camp Grace Bentley has given kids with special needs a special summer.
8250 Lakeshore Rd
Burchville Township, MI 48059
(313) 962.8242
http://campgracebentley.org
Minnesota
Camp True Friends
True Friends is a nonprofit agency providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for over 5,000 children and adults with disabilities annually. True Friends’ programs include camp, respite, therapeutic horseback riding, travel and team building. With camps near Maple Lake, Annandale, Eden Prairie and Bemidji, True Friends serves individuals in Minnesota and throughout the United States.
10509 108th St. NW
Annandale, MN 55302
(800)450-8376
https://truefriends.org
Missouri
MDA Summer Camp
Pinecrest Camp
Fredericktown, Missouri
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Camp Barnabus
Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to people with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their siblings. The program exists to offer life-changing experiences to campers and to the people who serve them. Utilizing the camp venue, our organization provides ministry and social experiences that increase spiritual knowledge, social learning, and human dignity. Our goal is to show others the love of Christ in every aspect of our ministry. Camp Barnabas goes beyond one week at summer camp. The Barnabas experience changes perspectives and redefines disability.
(417) 476-2565
https://www.campbarnabas.org
North Carolina
Victory Junction
Free from the confines of disease, illness or disability, children discover that they can just be kids! How does this happen? Victory Junction is a medically safe, yet exhilarating camp, that challenges children who have a serious medical condition to try things they never imagined possible. As they conquer activities like zip lining and archery or experience bowling, fishing or swimming, children build confidence that will shape how they view the rest of their lives. This all adds up to one awesome special needs summer camp.
(336) 498-9055
https://victoryjunction.org
New Hampshire
Adam’s Camp
Lincoln is located in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire just two hours north of Boston and is home to the Loon Mountain ski area and also New England Disabled Sports. The New Hampshire program, launched during the summer of 2014, complements Adam’s Camp Nantucket and provides a convenient location for families anywhere in the New England area. Our thanks to the wonderful Board of Adam’s Camp New England who oversee both the Nantucket and New Hampshire programs.
Adam’s Camp New Hampshire
(508) 901-9610
https://adamscampnewengland.org
New England Disabled Sports
NEDS provides adaptive sports instruction to students of all ages and abilities year-round. Get involved in adaptive sports like rock climbing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, cycling, golf and archery. New England Disabled Sports is happy to help organize a customized camp for your group of 10-25 people. We have worked with many groups to create a sports experience providing their members life long memories.
https://nedisabledsports.org/programs/summer-programs/
Nebraska
MDA Summer Camp
Calvin Crest Camp
Fremont, Nebraska
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
New Jersey
MDA Summer Camp
Happiness is Camping
Hardwick, New Jersey
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Elks Camp Moore
Tucked away in the hill of the Ramapo Mountains,Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence.
https://www.njelks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=42&Itemid=83
Camp Merry Heart
An accessible camp for people with disabilities and special needs
Our 123-acre, fully accessible camp in Hackettstown, NJ offers year-round programs in a beautiful setting that is both safe AND fun for children and adults (6 – 96+). With the support of our dedicated staff we provide activities that encourage inclusion and bring campers together in a way that promotes personal growth and accomplishment.
(732) 257-6662
http://www.easterseals.com/nj/our-programs/camping-recreation/camp-merry-heart.html
New Mexico
MDA Summer Camp
Manzano Mountain Retreat
Torreon, New Mexico
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
New York
Sunshine Campus
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus is a fully accessible residential summer camp that has met the needs of children with paralysis and other physical challenges and their families since 1922. Each summer, more than 2,500 children and young-adult campers (ages 7 to 21 years old) with disabilities take advantage of this 157-acre campground in Rush, N.Y. It is the only camp facility of its kind in Greater Rochester that gives children with special needs unique overnight camping experiences.
809 Five Points Road
Rush, New York 14543
(585) 533-2080
https://www.sunshinecampus.org
Double H Ranch Camp
The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks.
Double H Ranch, A SeriousFun Camp
97 Hidden Valley Road
Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
(518) 696-5676
https://www.doublehranch.org
Recreation Unlimited
Recreation Unlimited Farm and Fun (Recreation Unlimited) is a 501(c)3 not-for profit organization serving individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and health concerns and supported through the development efforts of the Recreation Unlimited Foundation. The mission of Recreation Unlimited is to provide year-round programs in sports, recreation and education for individuals with disabilities and health concerns, while building self-confidence, self-esteem and promoting positive human relations, attitudes, and behaviors.
7700 Piper Road
Ashley, OH 43003
(740) 548-7006
http://www.recreationunlimited.org
Ohio
YMCA Camp Campbell Gard
We are proud to partner with Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide specialized programs for children with developmental disabilities. We offer a staff to camper ratio of one to two (1:2), so you can be assured that your child will receive the very best from specially trained and caring counselors. With flexible age guidelines, universally accessible facilities, and an inclusive program, camp is the perfect place for your child to have an amazing summer experience. The perfect opportunity awaits for campers to participate in traditional camp activities in an inclusive setting.
https://www.gmvymca.org/locations/ymca-camp-campbell-gard/campers-developmental-disabilities
Oklahoma
MDA Summer Camp
Canyon Camp & Conference
Hinton, Oklahoma
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Oregon
Adventures Without Limits
Adventures Without Limits is fulfilling our mission to serve all. At the heart of our program is the philosophy of inclusion, which brings together individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to share experiences and adventures together. Our collective commitments will ensure that we can all continue to empower people through the spirit of adventure.
Join AWL for a week of water based fun: kayak, canoe and raft your way across the waterways in the Portland Metro Area.
1341 Pacific Ave.
Forest Grove, OR
(503) 359-2568
https://www.awloutdoors.org/summer-day-camp
Autistic Community Activity Program
Autistic Community Activity Program strives to create community resources and opportunities which empower young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), by providing, through our summer-long day camps, life skills training, academic and social skill-building and positive recreational and educational experiences in the community. These community resources must be compatible with the needs of families and contribute to an increased understanding of ASD in the community. This program also strives to provide families opportunities for support, education, and respite care.
Beaverton, Milwaukie and Portland, OR
http://www.acappdx.org/programs
B’nai B’rith Camp – BB Camp
Located on the beautiful Oregon coast, B’nai B’rith (BB) Camp is a vibrant and inclusive Jewish camp serving the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington and British Columbia) since 1921. BB Camp has been a home away from home for generations of campers of different ages, backgrounds, denominations, and abilities. Our unique culture is built on sharing fun experiences in a welcoming environment that inspires all campers to grow, and develop enduring Jewish identities.
Lincoln City, OR
(503) 452-3443
http://bbcamp.org
Camp Blue Spruce
Camp Blue Spruce is dedicated to providing an authentic and fun camp experience free from the worry and anxiety that kids face every day just navigating their allergies. Even the camper’s parents can be worry free! And, Camp Blue Spruce families become part of a community of families who share a common experience. Camp Blue Spruce campers leave feeling more confident, supported, more accepting of their food allergies, and most importantly, excited to come back next year!
Fall City, OR
(503) 726-8886
http://www.campbluespruce.org
Camp Discovery
Camp is for children with epilepsy age 7-16 for which there is no charge. Siblings are also invited to attend Camp Discovery. One sibling is allowed at no cost and additional siblings are at a cost of $125 per child.
Rockaway Beach, OR
http://www.epilepsynw.org/programs/camp-discovery
Camp More
Camp More is a place for kids and teens, 9-18 years of age, who stutter to improve communication skills and build self-confidence.
Rockaway Beach, OR
http://campmorenw.com
Camp Odakoda
Created in 2010 to support children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and asperger’s syndrome, their mission is to facilitate the same kind of summer-camp that most children enjoy – with the added support, encouragement and expertise that we’ve specifically designed for children with these special needs.
Falls City, OR and Sisters, OR
http://www.asdoregon.org
MDA Summer Camp
Macleay Christian Retreat
Salem, OR
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Oregon Adaptive Sports
OAS offers a full slate of summer programs for youth and adults of various populations. OAS utilizes cutting edge adaptive equipment, accessible transportation, trained staff and volunteers to create the most fun and successful experience for each individual.
http://oregonadaptivesports.org/participants/summer
Pennsylvania
Variety
Variety’s program offerings during the Summer months provide fun and education for all ability levels. They are currently offering four different programs at our Camp and Developmental Center located in Worcester, Montgomery County and one in the city of Philadelphia. Their camp offerings include Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Extended School Year and Vocational Training. Their summer program offering in the city is a vocational training program offered in conjunction with the Philadelphia Youth Network.
2950 Potshop Road, PO Box 609
Worcester, PA 19490
(610) 584-4366
http://varietyphila.org/what-we-do/programs/summer-programs/
Camp Spencer Superstars
Programs and facilities are tailored to meet the needs of every camper, including those with special needs. From wheelchair accessible lodging and nature trails, to a splash pad suitable for all abilities, to programming that’s inclusive and innovative, they make the camp experience accessible to all.
KON-O-KWEE SPENCER YMCA
126 Nagel Road
Fombell, PA 16123
877-962-2565
http://www.ycampkok.org/special-needs-camps/
South Carolina
MDA Summer Camps
Bethelwoods Camp & Conf.
York, South Carolina
Pleasant Ridge Camp
Marietta, South Carolina
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Tennesee
Brecht Stables & Dustin’s Place Equine Assisted Therapy
Dustin’s Place offers an adventure based, experiential camp for children and adults with developmental delays. Licensed professionals and college seniors who are earning their degree in PT, SLP, OT, Music or Psych are on staff daily and working with our campers. Specific goals for each child are met by experiential play and equine work. Set on a 200 acre working cattle ranch in Clarkrange, Tennessee, campers will have their own horse to care for through the week, sleep in male and female divided bunk houses with male and female staff in each room.
Clarkrange, Tennessee
(678) 644-5243
http://www.brechtstables.org
MDA Summer Camps
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
Antioch, Tennessee
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Texas
Adam’s Camp
Carefully designed intensive therapy programs offer individualized goal-centered treatment plans for their campers. Adam’s Camp’s specialized therapists help every child achieve significant milestones while participating in occupational, physical, speech, music, and art therapies daily.
Adam’s Camp Texas
(303) 552-4418
https://adamscamptexas.org
Camp John Marc
Camp John Marc inspires confidence for life through high-quality camping programs for children, teens, and families. Year round programming and specialized camp facilities are uniquely designed in partnership with Dallas-Fort Worth area pediatric hospitals, community volunteers, and health organizations who are dedicated to serving campers living with chronic medical and physical challenges. The dignity of each camper is nurtured at Camp John Marc as well as in the community through its outreach programs.
(214) 360-0056
https://www.campjohnmarc.org
Camp Summit
Camp Summit is a one-of-a-kind camp for individuals with disabilities where the emphasis is on the campers’ abilities rather than their disabilities. Traditional camp activities are adapted to each individual and are provided in our barrier-free facilities and implemented by trained, caring staff. Our campers are grouped by age, providing the opportunity to make friends within peer groups while having fun and experiencing new adventures.
Paradise, Texas
(972) 484-8900
https://www.campsummittx.org
Camp for All
Camp For All is a unique, barrier-free camp working in partnership with other not-for-profit organizations to enrich the lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families throughout the year.
Burton, Texas
(979) 289-3752
http://campforall.org
Camp Aranzazu
Camp Aranzazu is located in Rockport, Texas and offers therapeutic recreation-based programming for children and adults with special needs. Our quality programs and trained staff adapt all activities to create a fun, challenging group experience. Campers balance academic skill building with camping activities to regain confidence, relax, and have fun. General camping experiences teach children and adults with disabilities how they fit into society and how they can focus on what they can do, instead of what they cannot do.
5420 Loop 1781
Rockport, TX 78382
(361) 727-0800
http://www.camparanzazu.org/about/what.html
Utah
National Ability Center
Discover your abilities while making lasting friendships at camp with the National Ability Center! Our adaptive recreation camps are the perfect place to build relationships, learn new skills, and have the time of your life!
Whether you are a teen with a physical disability or an individual with autism, you can find a camp specifically designed for your different abilities and needs. We work with all populations and ages, and offer summer camps, winter camps and adaptive sports camps throughout the year.
Park City, Utah
http://www.discovernac.org/programs/camps/
Camp Kostopulos
Camp K’s mission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through recreation, education, and growth experiences. Our services are available to people of all abilities, levels of income, and place of residence. Our year-round programs are evidence-based, and designed by recreational therapists to foster independence by increasing self-esteem, confidence, physical fitness, communication skills, relationships, and other life and social skills.
4180 E. Emigration Canyon Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(801) 582-0700
http://www.campk.org/programs/summer-camps/
Virginia
MDA Summer Camp
Airfield 4-H Conf. Center
Wakefield, Virginia
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Washington State
Kiwanis Camp Casey
Kiwanis Camp Casey is a week long summer camp for children 6-17 who have physical disabilities and is provided by the North Central Seattle Kiwanis Club. Specifically for children who are mildly to severely physically challenged and can communicate their needs, even if using non-verbal forms of communication.Campers must not be medically fragile or dependent on systems that require a reliable source of electricity.
Activities include: swimming, trips to the beach at Ft. Casey, a dance, talent show, carnival, parade, and interest groups (cooking, science, sports, and more) horseback riding for campers under age 13 and go carts for older campers.
Campers are housed by age and gender.
Kiwanis Camp Casey
(206) 713-7515
http://www.campcasey.org/
Apex Summer Camp – UW Autism Center
Apex Summer Camp utilizes a naturalistic day camp environment to focus on building social skills, positive relationships, and self-esteem within the context of structured recreational activities. Children participate in typical camp activities including sports, games, and arts and crafts. We introduce new skills through direct teaching and explicit rehearsal, with practice and reinforcement throughout the day.
UW Autism Center
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 221-2267
http://depts.washington.edu/apex/apex/Home.html
Aspiring Youth Summer Camps
Our camps provide incredible enrichment choices from theatre to climbing to art, fostering growth through once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond
(206) 517-0241
http://www.aspiringyouth.net
Camp Ausome Social Skills Camp
The goal of Camp Ausome is to encourage campers to focus on identifying and developing talents and abilities. Our main focus centers around developing social learning in a fun environment. It is our goal, for campers to learn strategies that help them manage and navigate the neurotypical world in a way that is comfortable for them. This results in a huge emphasis on self-advocacy skills.
(360) 219-9236
https://artfulexpressionsspeech.com/camp-ausome-social-skills-groups
Camp Beausite Northwest
Camp Beausite NW is a place where everyone has the opportunity to be all they can be. We currently provide five week-long overnight summer camp sessions for 100 adults and children with special needs.
510 Beausite Lake Road
Chimacum, WA 98325
360-732-7222
https://campbeausitenw.org/
Blue Compass Camps
Rafting, Miracle Ranch, sea kayaking and more! Blue Compass offers outdoor programs for ages 7-24 with Asperger’s, high-functioning Autism, ADHD, and others who can benefit from guided adventures focused on building social and self-confidence. Our camps are designed to provide a small, intimate and supportive environment, one that allows staff to maintain the highest quality programs while giving campers the opportunity to excel and to celebrate their accomplishments.
(971) 221-6441
http://www.bluecompasscamps.com
Camp Burton
Our New Horizons Camp provides a welcoming Christian camping environment to youth who are developmentally disabled and/or who are mildly, physically disabled. Campers learn they are important creations of God and explore the beauty of God’s world.
Vashon Island, WA
(206) 463-2512
https://www.campburton.com/facilities/special-needs-camp/
Camp Explore and Camp Excel
For Shoreline residents only, Camp Explore and Excel offer exceptional summer camp experiences for youth and teens with disabilities.
Spartan Recreation Center
202 NE 185th Street
(206) 801-2600
http://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-services/recreation-programs/camps
Camp Dart-Lo
We want every child to have the opportunity to participate in camp. Our inclusive program focuses on building skills and gaining self-esteem as part of the outdoor experience. Campers with ANY sort of special need are encouraged to attend any of our camp sessions.
Camp Fire Special Needs – You Bet I CAN! (YBIC)
North Spokane, Washington
https://www.campfireinc.org/page/register-camp
Camp Discovery
Camp is for children with epilepsy age 7-16 for which there is no charge. Siblings are also invited to attend Camp Discovery. One sibling is allowed at no cost.
Auburn, WA
http://www.epilepsynw.org/programs/camp-discovery
Camp Friendship Teens Rock
The mission at Camp Friendship Teens Rock is to provide children with autism and other special needs the opportunity to gain the necessary basic social and life skills to build confidence and independence for his or her future.
11415 NE 128th St., Suite 10
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 922-7720
http://basicbeginnings.net/?page_id=74
Camp I-Vy
Camp I-Vy provides an opportunity for kids with a bleeding disorder to discover who they are, to master caring for their bleeding disorder and to form friendships with others like them that will last a lifetime.
Camp Huston
Gold Bar, WA
http://bdfwa.org/our-work/camp-i-vy
Camp Lots of Fun
Camp Lots of Fun is a four week summer day camp designed for children and young adults ages 6 to 21 with disabilities. The camp activities include cooperative play games, dress up days, theme weeks, special visitors, creative arts, sports activities, singing, and social activities.
Milton, WA
http://piercecountywa.org/1462/Camp-Lots-of-Fun
Camp Pierce
Camp Pierce summer day weekly camps are designed for young adults ages 20-30 with disabilities.
Lakewood, WA
http://www.piercecountywa.org/4152/Camp-Pierce
Club Pierce
Club PIERCE is a program especially designed for young adults ages 20-30 years who have special needs. Participants take part in personally enriching activities within the community including volunteering and visiting other organizations.
Wednesdays – Meridian Habitat Park
14422 Meridian E. South Hill Puyallup, WA 98375
Fridays – Lakewood Community Center
9112 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
http://www.piercecountywa.org/4387/Club-PIERCE
Camp Stand by Me
The joy, camaraderie, and personal growth of summer camp is something almost all of us have experienced and will remember the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, for people with disabilities, the opportunity to take part in this summer tradition is almost non-existent. Camp Stand By Me provides this special experience with a fully accessible, adaptive camp facility, and low counselor to camper ratios.
Easterseals Washington
17809 S. Vaughn Road, KP N
Vaughn, WA
253-884-2722
http://www.easterseals.com/washington/our-programs/camping-recreation/camp-programs-schedules.html
Camp Korey & Outdoors for All
At Camp Korey, campers get more than just the joyful adventures of camp, they gain life-changing experiences. Campers gain self-esteem, confidence, independence and increased resiliency, all needed to help get them through day-to-day life.
24880 Brotherhood Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
(425) 440-0850
http://campkorey.org
Camp Patterson
Swim, canoe, create and explore at Silver Lake! Camp Patterson offers a fun and enriching summer day camp experience for children ages 5 years and older, particularly those with developmental delays or physical challenges. Campers meet in age groups as they participate in arts & crafts, canoeing, field trips, music, sports and swimming.
Thornton A. Sullivan Park at Silver Lake
11405 Silver Lake Rd
Everett, WA
(425) 257-8300 ext. 2
https://www.everettwa.gov/720/Camp-Patterson
Kiwanis Camp Casey
A week long summer camp for children ages 6-17 who have physical disabilities. It is provided by the North Central of Seattle Kiwanis Club and all staffing, nurses and counselors volunteer to help create “the best week of the year” for our campers.
https://campcasey.org/about-camp/
Meridian Day Camp Inclusion Week
Campers who need additional assistance are welcome to attend week 5 of Meridian Day Camp! For this week only they will have specialized trained staff to provide additional support and assistance.
Camp Fire USA
Lake Meridian Park
Kent, WA
(206) 826-8941
https://campfireseattle.org/camp-fire-day-camps/our-day-camps/horizon-elementary/
MDA Summer Camp
Camp Seymour
Gig Harbor, Washington
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
MetroParks Tacoma Summer Camps
Metro Parks Tacoma Adaptive Recreation Programs provide recreational, social and athletic opportunities for youth ages 5-17 with physical disabilities, along with their friends and families!
(253) 404-3955
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/youth-programs/
Outdoors for All
Join Outdoors for All for a summer of fun and exercise your abilities through cycling, kayaking, rock climbing and day camps for both youth and adults!
Seattle area
(206) 838.6030
https://outdoorsforall.org/programs/recreation-programs/
Seattle Community Care
Our therapeutic recreational camps are unique because they are designed for children with behavioral issues, mental health diagnoses, developmental challenges, or for those in special education. Find out more about their special needs summer camps.
(206) 937-4217
https://seattlecommunitycare.com/camps
Stanley Stamm Summer Camp
Each August, Seattle Children’s Stanley Stamm Summer Camp gives nearly 100 children with chronic medical conditions the chance to go fishing, ride horses and take part in other typical summer camp activities at a week-long sleepover camp near Mt. Rainier.
(206) 987-CAMP
http://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs/stanley-stamm-summer-camp/
The PlayGarden Special Needs Summer Camps
The PlayGarden offers a fully inclusive nature based summer camp experience for kids with disabilities and their typically developing peers, ages 1-18. Camps are Monday-Thursday, from 9:30am-1:30pm. Except Little Sprouts, which meets Friday mornings.
Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
1745 24th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 325-5576
https://www.childrensplaygarden.org/about1-cnep
Wisconsin
MDA Summer Camp
Wonderland Camp
Camp Lake, Wisconsin
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/camper
Too many locations nationwide to list separately:
Arthritis Foundation’s Camp JAM – Juvenile Arthritis Matters
The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories. Our programs provide a safe and secure camping experience for children and teens. Campers gain a greater understanding of their own diagnosis and treatment, develop peer-to-peer support, increase independence and self-confidence, discover new skills and interests, and develop the skills they need to be leaders, advocates and champions in their everyday lives. For many young people, attending an Arthritis Foundation camp with other kids who have JA can change their lives.
https://www.arthritis.org/get-involved/juvenile-arthritis-camps/locations-register.php
C.A.S.T. for Kids
The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The Foundation became an official 501(c)3 in 1994 and currently hosts three programs: C.A.S.T. for Kids, Fishing Kids, and Take a Warrior Fishing.
