Comprehensive Guide to Special Needs Overnight Camps in New York: Summer 2023

What types of special needs camps are available in New York. How can parents choose the best camp for their child. What activities and programs do these camps offer. How do camps ensure safety and support for campers with special needs. What are the benefits of attending a special needs summer camp.

Types of Special Needs Camps in New York

New York offers a diverse array of special needs overnight camps catering to children and teenagers with various disabilities and conditions. These camps provide tailored experiences to ensure all participants can enjoy summer activities in a supportive environment.

• ADHD summer camps
• Autism spectrum disorder camps
• Camps for visually impaired children
• Grief camps for kids and teens
• Camps for developmental disabilities
• Programs for learning disabilities
• Diabetes summer camps
• Camps for children with cancer
• Down Syndrome camps
• Camps for deaf and hard of hearing children
• Respite summer camps

Each of these camps is designed to address the unique needs of its participants while providing a fun and enriching summer experience.

Selecting the Right Special Needs Camp

Choosing the appropriate camp for a child with special needs requires careful consideration and research. Parents should evaluate several factors to ensure the best fit for their child’s needs and interests.

Key Factors to Consider

• Specific accommodations for your child’s condition
• Staff qualifications and experience
• Camper-to-staff ratio
• Available medical support
• Range of activities offered
• Camp philosophy and approach to inclusion
• Safety measures and emergency protocols
• Communication policies with parents

Is direct communication with camp directors important? Absolutely. Parents should engage in in-depth conversations with camp directors to ensure the camp can adequately meet their child’s specific needs and provide a safe, enjoyable experience.

Activities and Programs at Special Needs Camps

Special needs camps in New York offer a wide range of activities designed to engage, challenge, and entertain campers while promoting personal growth and social skills development.

Common Camp Activities

• Adaptive sports and recreation
• Arts and crafts
• Music and dance therapy
• Nature exploration and environmental education
• Life skills training
• Social skills development workshops
• Sensory-friendly activities
• Therapeutic horseback riding
• Swimming and water sports
• Drama and theater programs

Do special needs camps offer specialized therapy sessions? Many camps incorporate therapeutic elements into their programs, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy, to support campers’ ongoing development.

Safety and Support Measures at Special Needs Camps

Ensuring the safety and well-being of campers is paramount for special needs overnight camps. These camps implement comprehensive measures to provide a secure and supportive environment.

Essential Safety Features

• Trained medical staff on-site 24/7
• Specialized equipment and facilities
• Emergency response protocols
• Strict medication management procedures
• Allergy-aware food service
• Accessible buildings and grounds
• Individualized care plans for each camper

How do camps handle medical emergencies? Special needs camps typically have detailed emergency action plans and partnerships with local healthcare providers to ensure prompt and appropriate care when needed.

Benefits of Attending Special Needs Summer Camps

Participating in a special needs summer camp can offer numerous advantages for children and teenagers with disabilities, contributing to their overall development and well-being.

Key Benefits

• Increased independence and self-confidence
• Improved social skills and peer relationships
• Exposure to new experiences and activities
• Development of life skills
• Respite for families and caregivers
• Opportunity to form lasting friendships
• Enhanced physical abilities through adaptive sports
• Improved emotional regulation and coping strategies

Can attending a special needs camp improve a child’s self-esteem? Yes, many parents report significant improvements in their child’s self-esteem and confidence after attending a specialized summer camp, as these environments provide opportunities for success and personal growth in a supportive setting.

Financial Considerations and Assistance

While special needs camps can provide invaluable experiences, they may also come with significant costs. However, various options are available to help families manage these expenses.

Financial Aid Options

• Camp scholarships
• Early bird registration discounts
• Multiple camper discounts for siblings
• Sliding scale fees based on family income
• Grants from disability-specific organizations
• Fundraising opportunities
• Payment plans offered by camps

Are there tax benefits for sending a child to a special needs camp? In some cases, the cost of a special needs camp may qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes if the camp is primarily for medical care. Families should consult with a tax professional for specific advice.

Preparing Your Child for Special Needs Camp

Proper preparation can help ensure a positive camp experience for children with special needs. Parents can take several steps to ease the transition and set their child up for success.

Preparation Tips

• Discuss the camp experience with your child
• Visit the camp beforehand if possible
• Practice independence skills at home
• Pack familiar items for comfort
• Prepare a detailed information packet for camp staff
• Establish communication plans with the camp
• Set realistic expectations for the experience

How can parents help manage separation anxiety? Gradually increasing time away from home, providing a comfort object, and maintaining a positive attitude about the camp experience can help alleviate separation anxiety for both children and parents.

Year-Round Programs and Extended Support

Many special needs camps in New York offer programs beyond the summer months, providing ongoing support and opportunities for growth throughout the year.

Year-Round Offerings

• Weekend retreats
• Holiday camps
• After-school programs
• Family camps
• Virtual social groups
• Skills workshops
• Parent support groups

Do year-round programs provide continuity of care? Yes, participating in year-round programs can help maintain the progress made during summer camp, reinforce learned skills, and provide ongoing social connections for campers and their families.

Special needs overnight camps in New York offer a wealth of opportunities for children and teenagers with disabilities to experience the joys of summer camp in a supportive and inclusive environment. These camps provide specialized programs tailored to various conditions, ensuring that each camper can participate fully and safely in camp activities.

When selecting a camp, parents should thoroughly research options, communicate directly with camp directors, and consider their child’s specific needs and interests. Many camps offer financial assistance and discounts to help make the experience more accessible to families.

The benefits of attending a special needs camp extend far beyond the summer months. Campers often gain increased independence, improved social skills, and enhanced self-confidence. Additionally, many camps offer year-round programs to provide ongoing support and opportunities for growth.

Preparing for camp involves not only packing the right gear but also helping your child mentally prepare for the experience. By taking steps to ease the transition and set realistic expectations, parents can help ensure a positive and rewarding camp experience for their child.

Ultimately, special needs overnight camps in New York play a crucial role in providing children and teenagers with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy summer traditions, make new friends, and develop important life skills in a safe and nurturing environment. These camps create lasting memories and can be a transformative experience for both campers and their families.

Welcome to Best Special Needs Camps .com | 2023 Special Needs Summer Camps Directory

Welcome to

Our Summer 2023 Special Needs Camp Directory will include information on some of the Best Day and Overnight Special Needs Summer Camps in America, including:

• ADHD summer camps

• Sleepaway Camps for children with autism

• Summer camps for blind students

• Grief camps for kids and teens

• Camps for kids and teens with developmental disabilities

• Summer programs for kids with learning disabilities

• Diabetes summer camps

• Summer camps for kids with cancer

• Summer programs for special needs children

• Down Syndrome camps

• Camps for deaf children

• Respite summer camps, and many other summer programs and camps for kids and teens with special needs.

Best 2023 Special-Needs Summer Camps

Many of our Special-Needs Camps are still adding to their info on their 2023 Summer Camps, Programs, Activities & Classes.

You can contact each camp you are interested in to get the latest info on all their 2023 Summer Special-Needs Programs for Teens and Kids.

Early-Bird & Multiple Camper Discounts at Special-Needs Camps for Summer 2023

Some of the Best 2023 Special-Needs Camps offer “Early Bird” and/or Multiple Camper Discounts if you enroll in camp before a certain date, or if you are enrolling more than one camper — check each camp’s listing & website for more info, and for info on any available Special-Needs Camp Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Summer Special-Needs Camps, Programs, Workshops, & Classes are Starting in July, 2023

Many of our Special-Needs Camps offer Summer Special-Needs Programs, Activities, Workshops & Classes starting in July, 2023.

Be sure to check the “Year-Round Programs and Other Camp Info” headings of each camp listing for specifics, or give any Special-Needs Camp you’re interested in a call to check on Summer dates, times and availability.

Summer 2023 Special-Needs Camp Open Houses & Reunions

Many of our Special-Needs Camps will be hosting Summer Reunions for their previous campers, and Summer Open Houses for interested new campers and families. Each camp is different, and some offer activities for the entire family.

Contact the camp(s) directly to see if there are any Camp Reunion or Open House Plans for July, 2023.

Best Summer Special-Needs Day Camps Starting in July, 2023

Looking for a Great Special-Needs Day Camp? Look at each camp’s TYPE OF CAMP description. Many of our Best Day Special-Needs Camps also list their exact hours, and if they offer before and after camp activities.

Best Year-Round
Special-Needs Camps, Classes & Special-Needs Programs

Many of our Best Summer Special-Needs Camps also offer Year Round Special-Needs Camp Programs, Classes, and Activities. You should contact the camps you are interested in to see if they offer Fall, Winter and/or Spring Special-Needs Programs, too.

Best Summer Special-Needs Camp Jobs

Searching for Special-Needs Camp Jobs? Many of our Best Special-Needs Camps are now listing their 2023 Summer Camp Jobs, too. Look for the heading “Summer Camp Jobs” in each camp listing. You can also check any camp’s website for their “Work at Camp” or “Summer Employment Opportunities” pages.

There are some wonderful summer camps and summer programs out there for kids and teens with physical, learning and developmental special needs, where they can have fun every day in an active and caring summer camp environment.

Many private summer camps have been designed around the special needs and disabilities of their campers. For instance, there are special needs summer camps specifically for children with amputations, or diabetes, or for campers who have some form of cancer. Some of these camps have doctors and/or nurses on staff.

Other camps take a more adaptive or “Inclusive” approach for special needs campers, providing special access, equipment, sessions or programs for campers with special needs, but otherwise operating as a traditional day or overnight summer camp. In many of these camps special needs campers participate along side of the non-special needs campers in many or even most of the camp activities.

Parents need to talk with each camp IN DEPTH to make sure they offer exactly the right program and facilities for their special needs camper.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP OWNERS & DIRECTORS: If you would like to submit your camp for listing in our 2023 Best Summer Special-Needs Camps Directory, please click on the “SUBMIT YOUR CAMP” link above.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP PARENTS & CAMPERS: If you are looking to find info on how to choose the best summer camp to attend this summer, please check out our 2023 GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST SUMMER SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP for some great camp research tips and lots of important 2023 summer camp info.

In addition to our 2023 Summer Special-Needs Camps Directory we have also created quite a few SPECIAL INTEREST CAMP DIRECTORIES, and have included brief descriptions of these and links to their dedicated websites on the 2023 CAMP GUIDE page.

You can go directly to any of our other 2023 Special Interest Camp Directories from the list in the black bar at the bottom of this page.

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Camps & Summer Programs – FOCUS

Alexsander Academy  (Age -6; Alpharetta, GA) 4 week half-day academic summer session for children with disabilities.  1:8 Ratio for math, reading, writing and grammar– but a bit more relaxed with lots of breaks and outside play.

Aerie Arts & Adventure Summer Camp (Age 8+; North Georgia)  focuses on children navigating Asperger’s, High Functioning Autism, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Neurobiological Disorders and other special needs.

Camp All for One (Age 5-15; Acworth, GA) is an inclusive day camp for children and teens with or without disabilities. Camp activities include horseback riding, nature walks, fishing, cooking, gardening, music, arts and crafts, dance, team building games, special guests and so much more! Every day is structured and scheduled with multiple activity choices to suit everyone’s interests. This camp provides ample staff support for all of our campers.

Camp Big Heart Session 1 (Age 18-60; Fort Valley, GA) is an overnight summer camp for campers with mild to moderate special needs, sponsored by the Civitan Clubs of Georgia. Camp Big Heart was recognized by Civitan International in 2018 as the number one program for Outstanding Service to People with Disabilities. Campers are invited to join us at Camp John Hope for a week-long session this summer.

Camp Big Heart Session 2 (Age 8-17; Fort Valley, GA) is an overnight summer camp for campers with mild to moderate special needs, sponsored by the Civitan Clubs of Georgia. Camp Big Heart was recognized by Civitan International in 2018 as the number one program for Outstanding Service to People with Disabilities. Campers are invited to join us at Camp John Hope for a week-long session this summer.

Camp Braveheart (Age 7-17; Rutledge, GA) CHOA Camp for children with heart conditions including boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts and archery, talent show, and dance. Campers ages 14-17 have advanced activities including a high ropes course and zip line.

Camp Brightside (Ages 13-22; Rutledge, GA) is a weeklong sleepaway camp for individuals ages 13-22 with Down Syndrome. Camp is run in collaboration with Camp Twin Lakes at their Rutledge, GA location. Camp Twin Lakes is a network of camps providing transformative camps for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. This week of camp gives campers an opportunity to experience traditional camp activities in a supportive environment!

Camp Courage (Age 7-18; Winder, GA)  is a week-long summer camp for kids ages 7 to 18. Started in 2010, Camp Courage is a place where our patients can get outside, play, learn nd make friends with kids who understand what it’s like to live with craniofacial abnormalities.

Camp Crescent Moon (Age 7-16; Rutledge) is a week-long summer camp for kids ages 7 to 16. Camp Crescent Moon is a place where our patients can get outside, play, learn and make friends with kids who understand what it’s like to live with sickle cell disease.

Camp Dream  (Age 4+; Warm Springs, GA) Camp Dream offers recreational Summer Camp and Camp Out programs for children and young adults with moderate to severe physical and developmental disabilities. Camp Dream programs are 100% volunteer, providing a 1:1 camper to counselor ratio during its Summer Camp sessions. Camp Dream offers a barrier free environment and has never turned away a camper due to the severity of their disability or their financial capability.

Camp Discovery (Age 13-25; Temple, GA) is a free weekend respite camp for children with intellectual disabilities hosted by Woodland Christian Camp & Retreat Center. Camp Discovery will be held on the grounds of Woodland at our Heritage Camp. This overnight residential program will provide the opportunity for students to enjoy traditional camp activities in a fun environment and will be led by certified professionals and trained volunteers.

Camp Echo Inclusion Camps  (Age 5-22; Chamblee, GA) Therapeutic recreation for individuals with developmental disabilities requiring higher levels of support. Activities include indoor and outdoor play, sensory and social games, music and environment, arts and crafts.

Capernaum Summer ​ & Weekend Camp  Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.

Camp Hawkins  (Age 8-21; Winder, GA) provides opportunities for children 9 years old to young adult with Autism/Asperger’s to grow socially and emotionally through motivating peer-group experiences in a beautiful overnight camp.

Camp Hollywood- FOCUS (Age 5-21; Multiple Locations) Summer Day camp throughout Metro Atlanta.  Camp Hollywood makes all children feel like STARS!!   Campers enjoy a week of art, music, science, cooking and recreations based on the themes of popular children’s movies.  Counselors are paraprofessionals and teachers who have experience with children with developmental disabilities.   Camp Hollywood is for one week in multiple locations each summer.

Camp Infinity-FOCUS (Age 14-29; Rutledge, GA) Each summer, FOCUS offers Camp Infinity so teens and young adults with disabilities can enjoy a week of camp at Camp Twin Lakes Rutledge.  Campers gain independence, enjoy friendships with peers, and try new outdoor adventures.  Campers must complete a weekend of FOCUS Camp Octoberfest to attend.

Camp Journey (Age 9-21; Winder, GA) is an Overnight camp & Weekend Camp focused on social skills, building friendships, teamwork, manners, and self-esteem. Camp activities include directed social skills instruction in a typical overnight camp setting. Campers enjoy hot meals prepared each day, heated and air-conditioned cabins, and a variety of typical overnight camp activities. Activities may include swimming, hiking, fishing, archery, climbing, canoeing, sports, and more depending on the weather.

Camp Joyful Soles  (Age 13-22; Milton, GA) This small, specialized camp is limited to (up to) 30 participants each week and includes: arts and crafts; games, music, art and drama therapy, special guests, field trips and swimming once a week. Guardians may register for all seven weeks or a week at a time.

Camp Krazy Legs (Age 7-10; Winder, GA) Overnight outdoor summer camp for children with spina bifida. A place where our patients (CHOA) can get outside, play, learn — and make friends with kids who understand what it’s like to live with spina bifida. Made possible through the generous support of our donors, Camp Krazy Legs is offered at no cost to our campers. Our camps rely on donor support and every dollar counts.

Camp No Limb-itations (Age 7-18; Winder, GA) Overnight outdoor camp for children with limb deficiencies or amputations. A place where our patients can get outside, play, learn — and make friends with kids who understand what it’s like to live with an amputation or limb deficiency. Made possible through the generous support of our donors, Camp No Limb-itations is offered at no cost to our campers. Our camps rely on donor support and every dollar counts.

Camp Phoenix by BlazeSports  (Age 7-18; Winder, GA) gives kids and teens with a physical disability, a chance to learn and participate in a variety of adaptive sports and recreational activities, while building leadership and self-advocacy skills, developing greater independence, and making lifelong friends.

Camp Southern Ground  (Age 7-18; Fayetteville, GA) Inclusive Program. We bring together typically developing children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning and attention issues such as ADHD and Dyslexia, and social or emotional challenges.

Camp Sparrowwood (Age 11-60; Dahlonega) At Camp Glisson is designed specifically for campers with mild to moderate developmental disabilities in a faith-based setting.

Camp SPEAK (Age 5-18; Rutledge, GA) is a unique overnight camp that offers a fun environment for children who use augmentative communication devices.

Camp TBI: To Be Independant (Age 10-21; Rutledge, GA) At Camp To Be Independent, kids with traumatic brain injuries can just be kids. Camp TBI is Walton Foundation for Independence’s annual weeklong, spend-the-night camp offered at no cost for children and young adults (ages 10-21) with disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury, including: Injuries at birth, Stroke, Brain tumors, and Trauma.

Camp Twin Lakes is a network of overnight camps providing programs to kids with serious illness and other challenges. Rutledge and Winder, Georgia.

Camp Twitch and Shout (Age 8-17, Winder, GA) A one-week summer camp for children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders.

Camp Wheel-A-Way (Age 6-30; Winder, GA) is a weekend camp at Camp Twin Lakes created especially for children and adults living with cerebral palsy.

Camp You B You (Age 8-18; Winder, GA) is a week-long camp for children with autism who are verbally fluent and can complete self-care skills independently (ex. bathing, dressing, etc.). Camp allows for children with autism to participate in traditional camp activities in an accepting and supported environment. Camp is run in collaboration with Camp Twin Lakes and occurs at one of their locations.

Cumberland Academy Summer Camp (4th-12th Grades; Atlanta, GA) has Music Camp, Art Camp, Adventure Camp, Back to School Camp and Sports Camp all summer long for high functioning autistic children.

Dustin’s Place (Cumming, GA) Day Camp & Overnight Camp offers an adventure based, experiential camp for children and adults with developmental delays.

ECHO on the Go  (Age 9-22; Chamblee, GA) Summer Vocational and Community Skills Program Summer camp (Age 9-22; Chamblee, GA)  provides a unique summer camp experience by mirroring real world diversity and inclusion. This camp is available for campers, split into two groups 9-13 and 14-22. Campers enrolled will be participating in onsite job and life skill training as well as taking trips out into their community for job readiness and physical exercise! Campers must be able to participate independently in community setting.

ESP – Day Camp  (Age 4+; Watkinsville, GA) Day Camp will be located at ESP’s Main Building.  Bowling/Pool Monday-Thursday & Field Trip Friday.

ESP – Adventure Camp (Age 4+, Jefferson, GA) will be located at Camp Hooray.  Outdoor Programming (Archery, Boating, Campfires)  Bowling/Pool on Monday-Wednesday, Overnight option Thursday Night, Tubing in Helen on Friday.

ESP – Overnight Camp (Age 17+; Winder, GA) located at Camp Twin Lakes.  1 Week Camp,  Sunday – Friday, Overnight: Residential Camp Programming  Zip-Line, Horses, Rock Wall, etc.

FACES Camp (Age 6-17; Cleveland, GA) traditional co-ed overnight summer camp for youth with facial differences.

Frazer Center Summer Camps  (Age 4-6; Atlanta, GA) Inclusion Nature-Based Camps.

Friendship Formulas Summer Camp ( Age 3-12; Buckhead/Marietta/College Park, GA) INCLUSIVE educational services company, specializing in social and emotional learning.  Our experience includes challenging behaviors, add, adhd, anxiety, sensory processing, and Autism.

Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind (Age 6+; Waycross, GA) A camper must be legally blind or have *severe visual loss, and have independent skills in feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene. A campers primary disability must be vision related.* A severe loss is defined as 20/70 or less in the best eye, with correction.  To enhance the campers physically, mentally, and socially through the use of recreation, education, socialization and rehabilitation programs in an outdoor setting. Programs stress personal motivation, self-confidence, leadership and self-reliance in a fun-filled outdoor atmosphere.

ICan Swim (Norcross, GA) One week Swim camp for Children with Special needs.

Lindsey’s Place Camp (Age 7-30; Savannah, GA) offers a safe and fun place for your camper to make memories and new friends. We have two on-site nurses available 24/7 during camp sessions and provide 1:1 camper to counselor ratios when needed, however, there is one counselor for every two campers at all times. You can rest assured your camper is safe and taken care of while you enjoy a much deserved respite from continuous caregiving.

Matthew’s Time (Age 2-25; Baxley/ Mt. Airy/ Palmetto, GA) Weekend camp for children who have disabilities, including, but not limited to, ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delays, Down’s Syndrome, Learning Disorders, or Traumatic Brain Injury.

MDA Camp (Rutledge, GA) for children living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases

MDE School Summer Camp (Age 3-13; Marietta, GA) For children with developmental disabilities. Our camps provide hands-on activities,  and experiences to help your child continue to develop social and academic skills that will benefit them when school resumes in the fall. Each week of camp will reinforce academic, social, language, sensory, fine, and gross motor skills. Campers will also enjoy fun outdoor activities and arts and crafts.

MDE Vocational Academy (Age 13-22; Marietta, GA)  Young adults with special needs will spend time developing vocational and life skills.

Mind and Motion Developmental Centers of Georgia (Age 5-12; Suwanee, GA) 8-week program designed to help your child crack the code of how to start and participate in games and conversations with others. Using the award-winning Social Thinking Curriculum™️, we will explore the “hows” and “whys” of social behavior such as: personal space, starting and continuing conversations, eye contact and reading other’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Hour-long groups will include stories, activities, crafts and games to teach and practice these skills.

New Heights Academy Summer Camps  (Age 1-12; Alpharetta, GA) We incorporate art, culinary activities, social fun with peers and field trips.   Students that need to work on a specific subject because they are falling behind with their classwork can do half & half.   Half & half will be a day divided into academics and fun with peers.  

OctoberFest – FOCUS (Age 14-29; Winder, GA) Each fall, FOCUS offers OctoberFest, a one-night retreat for teens and young adults.  Participants enjoy fun, outdoor activities and renew friendships.

Porter Academy Camp (Age 4-10; Roswell, GA) groups of 3-5 students to work on academic enrichment, social skills, therapies and specials for children with disabilities.  Porter Academy offers integrated cross-curricular thematic units. Academics are integrated into fun activities, as well as taught in a more formal small-group setting each day. Activities integrate reading and math with science, social studies, art, social skills, and cooperative games. Students also receive occupational therapy and music therapy twice a week.​

Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Five one-week sessions with a different theme each week for children with disabilities, based on 3 different age groups

SPECTRUM Day Camp (Age 4-Young adult; in Lilburn, GA) enrich and enhance the physical, emotional, social development of children, teenagers and young adults with Autism/Asperger’s within a safe, warm, caring and stimulating day camp and/or overnight community.   We train our volunteers and staff how to teach, communicate and think within the intentional camp framework. Staff members are educational and medical professionals who understand and have been trained in the characteristics of and research based strategies used for persons affected by Autism/Asperger’s. Our camp staff is skilled in creating a structured and supportive environment that fosters the positive social and life skills of each camper who attends day camp.

Summer Get Away Special Touch Ministry ( Age 10- Adult; Forsyth, GA)  residential, camp-style retreat, for people with intellectual or physical disabilities to have fun and find fellowship with others in a Christian atmosphere. Each location is staffed with Medical professionals and volunteer staff.

Summer Technology Camp (Age 4-11; Tucker, GA) Lekotek provides a unique summer experience for children with disabilities, their siblings and/or friends. Using diverse software and input devices, children benefit from independent and group participation.   Camp offers a break from the “therapy” routine. Campers experience fun-filled, challenging activities that develop literacy, communication, fine motor, cognitive, and recreational abilities. Children with and without disabilities play and learn together in an environment that facilitates success.

Summer Friends Program with Great Prospects, Inc. (Age 16-21; Roswell, GA) This program is for individuals with developmental disabilities ages 16 to 21 still attending high school. Students participate alongside other Therapeutic Day Program participants during the summer, as well as on teacher workdays, school holidays and breaks. The program offers participants a fun place to go and be with friends, while giving parents an alternative to staying home or finding “childcare”. It also introduces the Therapeutic Day Program as a potential long-term solution for their children once they age out of the school system at 22.

Teen Scene Summer Camp (Age 13-21; Conyers, GA) One-week sessions of sports, games, swimming, music dance, cooking, art, and field trips for teens with special needs.

The Excel Summer Academy (Age 16+; Atlanta, GA) is an opportunity for prospective students to experience a week in the life of an Excel student. During the week, campers will get the opportunity to take part in activities that will provide them with a better understanding of what college is like.  The camp is a weeklong day camp focused on rising high school junior, seniors, or recent graduates with I/DD. The ESA also offers an opportunity for campers to meet current Excel students, mentors, staff, and potential classmates. In addition, the ESA allows staff to get to know the campers better, which may take some pressure off the interview and application process.

The Sensory Affective Play Camp (Age 5-10; Kennesaw) offers social skill development while receiving evidence based sensory stimulation for children.

Toni’s Camp Retreat ( Age 14+; Rutledge, GA) Any person with developmental disabilities over the age of 14, who possess- es basic self-care skills, enjoys group activities, and does not have severe behavior problems is welcome. Although Roman Catholic in nature, the retreat is open to persons of all faiths. Toni’s Camp Retreat is very fun, and at times very loud. This camp is NOT appropriate for campers who would become very agitated and/or aggressive in an over stimulating environment.

Unique Individual (Age 5-17; Sandy Springs, GA) an inclusive environment accepting all children.

Out of State

Hope Heals (Alabama) A week-long retreat offering resources, and relationships to families experiencing disabilities.

Victory Junction (Age 6-16; North Carolina) enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe and medically sound environment.

For updates or suggestions for local camps, please email [email protected]

Summer camps for children in Portugal WithPortugal

Summer camps in Portugal are a traditional summer option for children and young people. From surfing to learning a new language, summer camps offer a wide range of activities that, in addition to memorable moments of relaxation and fun, can also be an experience of cultural enrichment and personal growth. So, if you have kids between the ages of 6 and 20, summer camps can be a great plan for the summer and beyond (as they also run during the fall and Easter school holidays).

In Portugal, school ends at the beginning of June and the new school year does not start until mid-September. That is, for almost 3.5 months, children are left to their own devices. Family summer vacations are fun, but unfortunately parental vacations can’t always be that long, so adults almost always have to work most of the time while the kids are out of school. That is why we went to explore the existing options throughout the country, while there is still some time to choose something to our liking and book a place on the required dates.

Vacation camps allow your children to experience other places, see unusual landscapes, discover new cultures and traditions, develop good habits, taste food from different regions and make friends. The main areas that you can try to offer children for the summer are horse riding, rock climbing or skydiving, as well as boat trips. There are also programs specializing in languages, painting, drama, and even astronomy. Sports camps offer children to try out sports such as football, surfing, volleyball, tennis and even board games. The scenario of such camps can be very diverse: from spending a few days on the beach, exploring the city or camping in the middle of nature.

Holiday programs are designed not only for babies, but also for teenagers, including. For young people there is also a fairly large selection of holiday camps in Portugal, their idea is to allow young people to experience new places while acquiring and improving physical, social, intellectual, cultural and emotional skills. There is a place for dancing, singing, playing musical instruments and writing, as well as playing sports or mastering computer technology.

I offer you a short overview of the most interesting summer activities for your children from the north to the south of Portugal: sports, music, theater and even communication with animals.

Lisbon Zoo Vacation (ATLdoZoo) – Lisboa

This day camp is for children aged 6 to 16, where they interact with zookeepers, trainers and technicians, as well as visit “behind the scenes” of some animals that live in it (if suddenly you can’t use this camp in the summer, you always have the Christmas or Easter holidays to try).

Introduce your child to the arts at the Bocage Theater ( ATLF érias noBocage ) – Lisboa 900 03

If your child is completely into the arts, then ATL at the Bocage Theater is what you need: weekly daycare programs for children aged 5 to 15 will provide an opportunity to learn the basics of acting, which always ends with a gala show of graduates, where they can share their achievements with their parents.

Digital Summer Edurumos – Lisboa

Of course, the main educational motivation of parents is not to get their children hooked on technology and gadgets, but what if this happens in an educational way? If you like this idea, then “Digital Summer” at Edurumos is a day camp type summer activity solution. There are courses for children from 7 to 16 years old, including programming, photography, animation, Youtube, comics, Microsoft Office programs and video games.

Oceanário: rest ” underwater ” ( Férias debaixo de água ) – 9001 8 Lisboa

What if the kids go underwater for 10 days? a program for children aged 4 to 12 with lots of hands-on activities to see fish and marine animals up close, go canoeing, discover the mysteries of the ocean and learn more about conservation

9 campos de férias ‘The Inventors’ Porto , Leiria , Oeiras – Funchal

Inventor Camps invite kids to create games and expand their knowledge of coding, robotics, and 3D modeling. 0003

Knowledge Pavilion: Educational Holidays ( Pavilhão do Conhecimento ) – Lisboa

The Knowledge Pavilion’s summer activities for children aged 6 to 12 are great. We heard that during the day camp, you can make chocolate, blue cheese and also reproduce dinosaur claws and teeth.

Holiday Campo Aventura ( Campo Aventura ) – Obidos

You can choose one or two weeks in the style of a holiday camp, but in any case an active adventure is guaranteed. Campo Aventura Junior Resort is located in Obidos and offers a variety of activities such as paintball, laser shooting, inflatable rides, swimming pools, rock climbing, slides and surfing.

Give your child the chance to be a rock star at the Estrela Music Summer Camp ( Estrela Music Summer Camp ) – Guarda

This summer camp is waiting for young musicians to experience, play, live and learn music during the summer. The program includes several summer concerts, lots of fun and new knowledge – this summer camp is a unique experience.

Fully immersive adventure in My Camp – Cartaxo

Cartaxo My Camp promises to be a good place to leave the kids for the holidays. There are more than 100 activities in the area of ​​10 hectares, including sea sports, rope park, 3G swings, horseback riding, slides, rock climbing, diving, inflatable rides, night games and even a private water park.

Musical holidays in DanceSpot – Lisboa

This is a good idea for kids who have been dancing all their lives or dreaming of being in theater productions. DanceSpot is a school with several activities for children and adults – from performing arts to street dancing, during the summer months it offers weeks of free time dedicated to dance and music. The idea behind their signature Musical Kids program is that every day is filled with hip hop, modern dance, tap, jazz, singing or percussion, set design and costume design, with the aim of making a presentation in the form of a musical for parents at the end of each week. where children will show all their talents that they have developed during the week. The camp accepts children from 3 to 12 years old.

Pony Club ( PonyClubdoPorto ) – Porto

Once again this summer, the Pony Club in Porto will open its doors to a summer camp where children aged 5 to 14 years old can ride ponies, take care of follow them, play with them and take walks accompanied by specially trained staff. Classes are complemented by capoeira lessons, craft workshops, reading fairy tales, experiments in the gardens of the equestrian center. A good choice for those who want to provide their children with days spent in contact with nature and animals, developing mutual assistance, tolerance and respect without prejudice.

Surf Aventura in Matosinhos

Surf Aventura Summer Camp is a beachfront holiday camp with a wide range of sports activities ranging from surf lessons and bodyboarding to volleyball, football, rugby, beach racquets, ping pong, traditional games , adventures in Porto City Park and even a pizza making class. The program is very flexible, it offers a choice of morning or afternoon, as well as the whole day, from Monday to Friday, with or without lunch, designed for children from 6 to 16 years old.

The magic of musicals in Escola de Musicais EDSAE – Lisboa

During the summer holidays EDSAE, pioneer school in teaching musical theater and in Portugal, offers 10 intensive weeks of free time in June – August with different weekly themes devoted to musical theater and dance (Choreographic studio), for ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 15 years. The structure of the musical theater program “Magic of Musicals” is based on three main disciplines: dance, singing and acting, and the dance program “Choreographic Workshop” combines the styles of urban dances and dances from Broadway. At the end of each week, both programs include a presentation of the work done. The younger ones rehearse themes like Rapunzel, The Lion King, Frozen and The Return of Mary Poppins, while the older ones rehearse musicals like Bohemian Rhapsody, High School Musical or Mamma Mia.

Invite your child to go on an adventure in the park Diverlanhoso – Braga

Located in Póvoa de Lanhoso, next to the Peneda do Gerês National Park, in Braga, Diverlanhoso is one of the largest adventure parks in the country. It offers more than 50 adventure sports and nature activities (such as downhill skiing, soft rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, rappelling, suspension bridges, overnight camping), log cabin accommodation, a swimming pool, multifunctional spaces and a panoramic restaurant. This outdoor adventure camp is a way for kids and teens of all ages (ages 6 to 18) to get out of their comfort zone, make new friendships and gain more self-reliance, self-respect and independence.

Sports holidays with GO fit CAMP – Lisboa

GO fit CAMP is the Gofit Gym Summer Camp program in Lisbon. The goal of the program is to instill a taste for physical activity and sports as the main means of forming a healthy lifestyle. The weekly programs include various water activities (outdoors and indoors), participation in team games (basketball, hockey, handball, futsal, rugby tag), martial arts, as well as games and crafts that promote camaraderie and such installations, as respect for other people and the environment, tolerance, pluralism, personal freedom and solidarity. GO fit CAMP is divided into three age groups: group A (from 3 to 6 years old), group B (from 7 to 10 years old) and group C ( 11 to 15 years old).

Holidays – « Back to Serralves » – Férias em Serralves – Porto

This camp has already become a classic for those who lives in Porto – a program of entertaining and educational workshops aimed at children and adolescents aged 4 to 12 years. In contact with the Museum of Modern Art, the park and the farm, children are encouraged to explore these spaces by participating in activities that value curiosity and creativity, experimentation and group experience. For several weeks (morning and/or afternoon) there are various thematic seminars (which can be found on the website) offering tasks in the field of plastic arts, experimental sciences, movement, self-expression, ecology, art and culture. In parallel, the Foundation also organizes equestrian initiation courses in partnership with the riding school of the Equestrian Center of Porto and Matusinhos, in the Prado and/or on the Serralves estate.

All of the above programs are paid, the cost varies from about 100 to 250 euros per week (or a shift of 10 days), depending on whether the camp is with accommodation or only a day stay, as well as the intensity of the program. If you still cannot afford such entertainment, do not despair – in Portugal there are several state children’s camps that offer various programs for children of different ages at a more affordable price, sometimes a symbolic fee (since the state takes on most of the expenses). Here are some of them:

• Camp “Colónia de Férias do INATEL” – offers programs for children from 6 to 15 years old. The program includes various sports, games and creative activities. Several points in Portugal, but the main one is in Porto.
• Camp “Colónia de Férias do IPDJ” is a camp located in the city of Coimbra. It offers programs for children from 6 to 18 years old. The program includes various sports, games and creative activities.
• Camp “Colónia de Férias da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa” is a camp located in Lisbon. It offers programs for children from 6 to 16 years old, which include a variety of sports, games and creative activities.
• Camp “Colónia de Férias da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa” is another camp in Lisbon. In terms of the content of the programs and the age of the children accepted, it is completely similar to the previous one.
• Camp “Colónia de Férias da Câmara Municipal de Lisboa” – also a typical camp for Lisbon – age of children from 6 to 16 years, multi-directional activities.

As a rule, public children’s camps in Portugal offer low-cost programs that include accommodation, meals and activities. However, places in such camps may be limited, so it is recommended to contact the camp in advance and reserve a place for your child. By the way, in more or less large cities, municipalities (Câmara Municipal) open camps for children for the holidays, so this is probably the first place you need to go to find out about summer holidays for your child. In most large camps, the site has the ability to check the availability of places, the cost is immediately presented and the ability to immediately enroll the child in the desired shift. In some establishments, this may not be the case, so all issues will have to be resolved by phone or e-mail, although knowing the pathological unwillingness of the Portuguese to respond to mail in a timely manner, it would be better to go in person.

In Portugal, everything related to vacations is called leisure activities or Actividades Tempos Livres (ATL for short), also called camps for short. So for searching on the Internet, in addition to the phrase “campos de férias”, you can also use “ATL” in combination with the name of your city or region.

In Portugal there is an organization called the Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth – O Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude, I.P. (IPDJ), whose mission is to implement a comprehensive sports and youth policy in close cooperation with public and private entities, namely sports organizations, youth and student associations and local authorities. Vacation camps are also under their jurisdiction, based on the list of those registered as such – you can also pick up something for your child in your area (there, by the way, are the email addresses of the departments separately for the regions of Portugal.

For children with special needs, Portugal also has activities for children’s holidays. AAMA organizes 3 summer camps for 60 children and young people to have a sporting holiday tailored to their needs, with ongoing personalized support from a supervisor for each participant. Camp Abilities Portugal, indoor summer camp and outdoor summer camp. Camp Abilities is an adaptation of the American model of summer camps for visually impaired young people with individual support. An innovative factor is that children and young people without disabilities act as observers. The mission of this camp is to include children with various special needs in sports activities. Two main tasks are solved here: on the one hand, to give participants with disabilities to try themselves in various sports, in a safe environment, in the company of peers. On the other hand, give young people without disabilities the opportunity to interact with people with visual impairments and help them so that they can gain a more positive understanding of their abilities and better understand their integration into society. Here, perhaps for the first time in their lives, they will be able to engage in activities such as diving, boating, boxing, athletics, football, capoeira, judo and even surfing. The open and closed summer camp programs are free-form programs for children and young people with global developmental disabilities, autism spectrum, any other type of disability or special needs.

I hope that the article will be useful for moms and dads in Portugal, and that the children will have a wonderful and useful summer vacation. On the eve of the summer holidays and vacations, I wish everyone wonderful weather (it’s good that there are no problems with it in Portugal) and a great mood. I want to remind everyone that our portal is not only educational and entertaining, but also very useful and applied. Pay attention to our specialists who are always ready to provide services and advice in their fields, both for those who are just planning to immigrate to Portugal, and for those who already live here: accountant, lawyer, translator and real estate agent.

From the history of the children’s camp movement

Category: Interesting.

Torshin V. N., Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vozhatiy magazine

We are starting to publish a series of essays on the history of the children’s camp movement in the world, including Russia. But if in our country the first children’s camps (then scouts) recently celebrated their centenary, then the very first children’s recreation camps appeared more than a century and a half ago. And it was in the United States of America.

The more interesting will be the comparison: what was then and what is now; as it was with them, and as with us.

“The camp is a camping bivouac, a temporary stop on the eternal path of movement. Moreover, this is a forest bivouac. The camp is remembered for a lifetime by images of swaying pine trees, birds singing, sunrises and sunsets, a night fire, morning fishing. The camp is the natural sovereign territory of the child, where he realizes himself as a person.

S.A. Shmakov

We plan to publish several papers on this topic, and we start with an analysis of the experience of the US camps. Firstly, the first children’s camps appeared in America, and most of all the number of out-of-town stationary camps is currently there. Secondly, in our opinion, in this country today there is the most perfect system of organization and management of camps, which is carried out by the American Association of Camps. We will describe its activities in sufficient detail, especially since this work experience can be used in Russia.

For many decades in our country a fairly perfect and powerful system of organizing recreation and health improvement of children in out-of-town children’s camps has been created. Of course, in many ways it is very specific, as it was heavily ideologized and politicized. Nevertheless, almost every year the number of camps increased, their material and technical base was strengthened, the system of training and retraining of teaching staff working in the camps was improved, theoretical and methodological support was constantly increased, forms and methods of work were improved. But, perhaps, the main events of the camp movement of the last century were the opening of such All-Union camps as Artek, Orlyonok and Okean. For the camps throughout the country, they have become a serious methodological and practical help. The author of these lines was most directly related to the Artek All-Union Pioneer Camp, having worked there for about 10 years: first as the head of one of the camps, and then as deputy head of the Main Directorate for Science and Education. Based on personal experience, it can be argued that the traditions of the camp movement in Russia allow us to hope that, despite the crisis that currently exists in the system of organizing recreation and recreation for children, in the coming years, children’s camps will begin to develop and strengthen. And now there are a number of country camps that continue to function successfully and move forward.

But, unfortunately, in general, the camp movement in our country today is not quite in the normal situation. Since 2000, 100–200 out-of-town camps have closed annually. And many active camps have serious financial problems, which means problems with the development of the material base, human resources and, in principle, with the future existence. One of the reasons for the numerous problems, we are sure, lies in the absence of a real control center for Russian camps.

In our opinion, the main problems in the system of organizing children’s recreation and health improvement of children are as follows:

– lack of definition of the concept of “camp” common for all;

– blurring the very idea of ​​the camp;

– imperfection of the legislative framework;

– lack of a centralized system for advanced training, training and retraining of management personnel;

– weak material base;

– lack of legal support;

– lack of modern scientific and methodological literature.

For the time being, we will focus only on this. We will analyze in more detail the current situation with the camps in our country in the next collection, which will be devoted to the experience of the camps in the Russian Federation. In future issues, we will introduce readers to the camps in Canada, Great Britain, Greece, Bulgaria, Australia, Macedonia and other countries of the world.

History of the camp movement in the USA

America’s camp movement began over 140 years ago. The camp that can be seen now has deep historical roots. Much has changed in the life of society since then, leisure opportunities have changed, clothing, music and much more have changed, but the camp has remained a place for children where they can combine recovery, hardening with cognitive and exciting activities.

1861 – Camp Gunnery was established, which is considered the first American camp. Frederick Gunn and his wife, Abigail, have set up “schools at home” for boys in Washington and Connecticut. They organized two-week trips for these children. The children sailed on boats, fished and learned to navigate the terrain. The idea was so successful that the Gunn family continued the tradition for 12 years.

1874 – the first camp of the children’s and youth organization YWCA is founded. It was organized in Philadelphia and was called the “Vacation Project”. It was a stationary house located in a park area where children could spend their holidays with meals and accommodation. The camp was called “Rest by the Sea”.

1876 – Joseph Trimble founded the first private camp (Pennsylvania). It was called “School of Physical Culture”. For $200, boys from the cities of Philadelphia and Wilkes-Bare could come and spend 4 months here (starting from summer), gaining health, acquiring practical skills outside the school walls.

1885 – the first camp of the youth organization YMCA is established. F. Dudley and seven guys went on an organized hike in the Newber, New York area. By 1891, 83 people had already participated in the campaigns.

1900 – The first boys’ club camp opens in Salem, Massachusetts. It was a seven-week program in which 76 boys took part.

1910 – The American Camp Association (AAL), originally called the Camp Directors Association of America, was formed. The founder was Alan Williams, who laid the standards for an organized camp for children and youth. From 1935 The Association has its current name.

1910 Boy Scouts founded. The organization’s first official camp was held in Lake George, New York. In the same year, Dr. Luther Gulik founded the camp “Bonfire” for girls. In 1914 there were already 500 girls in it.

1912 – The first Girl Scout camp opens in Savannah, Georgia. Since the inception of the Girl Scouting movement, the camp has played a large role in its program of activities. At 19In 22, the organization decided to organize camps throughout the country.

1926 – A bulletin for camp directors was created. Camp Magazine is the official publication of the American Camp Association, under the direction of the National Board of Directors. The purpose of the publication is to inform and educate camp workers and other persons interested in promoting the camp business. Since 1930, the magazine has had the current name “Journal for Camps”.

In the 1930s, the National Wildlife Service took over the development of a recreational area as part of a federal government project. The completed 34 places for camps could be taken on a long-term lease. These territories later became state.

1948 – The American Camp Association approves the Standards that form the basis of camp accreditation. The standards are legally binding. They include 300 items regulating the activities of the camp. Since 1955, the official office of the Association is Bradford Woods in Indiana.

1996 – At the national level, the emphasis is not on the number of children in the camp, but on what gives each child the experience of being in the camp. Research is being carried out to study the effectiveness of raising children in the camp, a program is being developed that contains forty aspects describing activities that positively affect the child, which helps to educate a healthy generation, caring and responsible individuals. From 1997 The American Camp Association begins to integrate educational aspects of developing and educating the younger generation into all camp activities.

1998 – The New York Public Schools Network, the largest public school system, takes the initiative to include camp in its educational plan. This year-round educational program adds 28 days of non-traditional learning during the summer and other school holidays. In the same year, changes are made to the Camp Standards, taking into account the year-round nature of the camps. Many camps work in partnership with schools as part of their educational program.

2001-2004 – The American Camp Association conducts a state-of-the-art camp survey with a national grant.

2005 – The Association creates an information site for parents in English and Spanish.

2008 – In America there are more than 12,000 camps of various types, with different duration of shifts, different sources of funding, different forms of ownership, different pedagogical programs. About 8,000 camps are run by public organizations, including youth agencies and religious communities, 4,000 are privately owned by independent commercial organizations. Of the 12,000 US camps, 7,000 are permanent camps and 5,000 are day camps.

Every summer, more than 10 million children and adults use the services of this type of organization of recreation and recreation, and at the same time educational activities. Summer camps for children, youth and families are run by professionals, paid staff and volunteers. As a rule, camps are located in suburban or rural areas. Day camps can be located in park areas.

In America’s camps, priority is given to the constant improvement of pedagogical programs that take into account all modern trends in the development of society and the modern needs of children. And it’s justified. As a sociological survey of American families showed, parents clearly believe that an interesting program and safety are the most important things in the camp. Traditionally, a number of outdoor activities are held in the camps. These are hiking, swimming, sports and outdoor games, arts and crafts and painting, environmental and environmental affairs. According to a survey conducted by the American Camp Association, 75% of directors have added new camp activities to their plans. So 90% of the camps included swimming, 50% included extreme and adventure programs, 45% of the camps have a base for learning to ride. The most common activities are rock climbing, sheer wall climbing, hiking, mountain biking, go-karting, snowboarding, cave exploration. A significant place in the camps is given to sports and outdoor games. Conditions for practicing more than 30 sports have been created. A good material base has been created for each sport. Water sports are widespread. Interest in painting, applied and performing arts has also increased, such activities as: choreography, theater, vocals, ceramics, leather crafts, woodworking, photography and many others.

During the summer period, about 1,500,000 adults are involved in the work of the camps. These are counselors, administration, methodologists, program and club leaders, service personnel, medical workers and food workers. Most camps employ 40-50% of the same staff year after year. Over the past 10 years there has been increased interest in the practice of attracting foreign counselors to provide a socio-cultural experience for the younger generation. Every year, more than 35,000 foreign counselors work in American camps, who are recruited by special agencies of the US State Department as part of cultural exchange programs. In Russia, starting from 90s, there are also counselor exchange programs with foreign countries, including the United States. Every year, more than 6,000 counselors from our country go to work in American camps during the summer.

Recruiting, training and maintaining good staff, both core and volunteers, is not an easy task. The demand for summer workforce for 18-24 year olds will continue to increase until 2010 (US statistics) and the shortage of workforce in this age group is high.

Traditionally American camps have shifts of one to two weeks, although most private camps offer four-, six- and eight-week shifts. The cost of staying in country camps per week varies from $200 to $400. There are camps with a higher cost. In day camps, the cost ranges between $75-300 per week. Approximately 65% ​​of camps accredited by the American Association offer various financial assistance (more than a million people) – to poor children, the sick or those who for some reason are not able to pay for a ticket. Of course, the need outweighs the possibilities. Making camps accessible to everyone is the biggest challenge, especially for low-income families.

In the last thirty years, children’s camps in America have become a very profitable business. The average annual income of camp owners is more than $11 billion. Most of the camps are private family businesses.

The most common types of camps are: traditional, religious, separate for boys and girls, scouting, for physically or mentally handicapped children and adults, for children requiring special conditions for medical reasons, day camps, camps with specialized programs.