What are the best summer camp options for children with autism. How to choose the right camp for your child’s needs. What benefits do autism-specific summer camps provide. How to prepare your child for the summer camp experience.
Types of Summer Camps for Children with Autism
Summer camps for children with autism come in various forms, each catering to different needs and goals. Understanding these options is crucial for parents and caregivers when selecting the most suitable environment for their child.
Inclusive Programs
Inclusive programs integrate children with autism and typically developing children in a shared environment. These camps strive to accommodate diverse needs and abilities, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
- Promote social interaction between children of all abilities
- Offer a more “mainstream” experience
- May have additional support staff to assist children with special needs
Autism-Specific Camps
These camps are designed exclusively for children on the autism spectrum, providing specialized programming and support tailored to their unique needs.
- Focus on developing social skills and peer relationships
- Offer structured activities that cater to sensory sensitivities
- Staffed by professionals experienced in working with autistic children
Therapeutic Camps
Therapeutic camps combine traditional summer camp activities with ongoing therapy and skill development.
- Incorporate occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies into daily routines
- Aim to maintain and improve skills during the summer break
- Often have a higher staff-to-camper ratio for individualized attention
Benefits of Summer Camps for Children with Autism
Attending summer camp can provide numerous advantages for children on the autism spectrum, contributing to their overall development and well-being.
Social Skill Development
Summer camps offer a unique opportunity for children with autism to practice and improve their social skills in a supportive environment.
- Encourage peer interactions and friendships
- Provide structured social activities and group dynamics
- Offer chances to practice communication skills in various contexts
Independence and Self-Confidence
The camp experience can foster a sense of independence and boost self-esteem in children with autism.
- Encourage trying new activities and overcoming challenges
- Provide opportunities for decision-making and problem-solving
- Celebrate individual achievements and progress
Physical Activity and Sensory Experiences
Many summer camps offer a range of physical activities and sensory experiences that can be beneficial for children with autism.
- Engage in outdoor activities and nature exploration
- Participate in sports and games adapted to various ability levels
- Experience sensory-friendly activities designed for comfort and engagement
Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Your Child with Autism
Selecting an appropriate summer camp for a child with autism requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the best possible experience.
Assessing Your Child’s Needs and Preferences
Begin by evaluating your child’s specific requirements, interests, and comfort levels.
- Consider their communication abilities and social skills
- Assess their sensory sensitivities and triggers
- Identify their favorite activities and interests
Researching Camp Options
Thoroughly investigate available summer camp options in your area or beyond, if considering sleep-away camps.
- Consult local autism organizations for recommendations
- Explore online resources and directories specializing in special needs camps
- Reach out to other parents for personal experiences and suggestions
Evaluating Camp Programs and Facilities
Once you’ve identified potential camps, delve deeper into their offerings and accommodations.
- Review the camp’s mission statement and philosophy
- Examine the daily schedule and types of activities offered
- Inquire about staff training and experience with autistic children
- Assess the camp’s ability to handle specific medical or dietary needs
Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp
Proper preparation can significantly impact your child’s summer camp experience, helping to alleviate anxiety and set expectations.
Communication and Visual Supports
Utilize effective communication strategies to help your child understand what to expect at camp.
- Create a visual schedule of camp activities
- Use social stories to explain new experiences and routines
- Practice camp-related vocabulary and phrases
Familiarization with Camp Environment
Help your child become comfortable with the camp setting before the program begins.
- Visit the camp facility in advance, if possible
- Show photos or videos of the camp and its activities
- Introduce your child to camp staff or counselors beforehand
Packing and Preparing Essential Items
Ensure your child has all necessary items to feel comfortable and supported at camp.
- Pack familiar comfort items or sensory tools
- Include any required medications or dietary supplements
- Provide appropriate clothing and gear for various activities
Collaborating with Camp Staff
Effective communication with camp staff is crucial for ensuring your child’s needs are met and their experience is positive.
Sharing Important Information
Provide camp staff with comprehensive information about your child’s unique needs and preferences.
- Discuss your child’s communication style and any assistive devices used
- Explain specific behavioral strategies that work well for your child
- Share information about triggers, sensitivities, and calming techniques
Establishing Communication Channels
Set up clear lines of communication with camp staff to stay informed about your child’s progress and address any concerns.
- Determine the best method for regular updates (e.g., daily logs, phone calls, emails)
- Establish a protocol for emergency situations
- Schedule check-ins or meetings with key staff members
Evaluating the Camp Experience
After the summer camp session, it’s important to assess the experience and its impact on your child.
Gathering Feedback
Collect information from various sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s camp experience.
- Talk to your child about their favorite activities and any challenges faced
- Review progress reports or evaluations provided by camp staff
- Observe any changes in your child’s behavior or skills post-camp
Reflecting on Goals and Outcomes
Consider whether the camp experience met your initial goals and expectations.
- Assess improvements in social skills or independence
- Evaluate the camp’s ability to accommodate your child’s needs
- Determine if the experience was enjoyable and beneficial overall
Planning for Future Summers
Use the insights gained to make informed decisions about future summer camp experiences.
- Decide whether to return to the same camp or explore other options
- Identify areas for improvement or additional support needed
- Consider how to build on positive experiences and progress made
Resources for Finding Autism-Friendly Summer Camps
Several organizations and online platforms can assist in locating suitable summer camps for children with autism.
National Organizations
Many national autism organizations provide resources and directories for finding appropriate summer camps.
- Autism Society of America
- Autism Speaks
- National Autism Association
Online Directories and Databases
Specialized websites offer comprehensive listings of camps catering to children with special needs.
- My Summer Camps
- Kids Camps
- Very Special Camps
Local Resources
Don’t overlook local organizations and support groups for valuable information and recommendations.
- State-specific autism societies
- Local special education departments
- Community support groups for families affected by autism
Summer camps can provide invaluable experiences for children with autism, offering opportunities for growth, socialization, and enjoyment. By carefully selecting the right camp, preparing your child adequately, and maintaining open communication with camp staff, you can help ensure a positive and enriching summer experience. Remember that each child’s needs and preferences are unique, so take the time to find a camp that aligns with your child’s specific requirements and interests. With the right approach, summer camp can become a cherished annual tradition that contributes significantly to your child’s development and happiness.
Recreation and Camps – Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research
Recreation and Camps
Please note this list is not all inclusive as many summer camps in Maine also serve children with special needs. For more summer camp information, contact the Autism Society of Maine and/or 211Maine (see their listings in this guide).
2021 Summer Camp Directory: Resource developed by the Maine Parent Federation. ADA Fact Sheet on Summer Camps for children of all abilities developed by Disability Rights Maine.
Adaptive Sports and Recreation in Maine: This handout, developed by MAIER, outlines adaptive recreational opportunities and sports available across the state of Maine. Downloadable handout available to share!
Camp CaPella: Camp CaPella is a summer camp located on Phillips Lake in Dedham, Maine, offering camp programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families, designed to foster personal growth and exploration.
Activities include swimming, hiking, boating, camp crafts, and nature study.
Phone: 207.843.5104
Camp CARDNE (Center for Autism and Related Disorders New England): Camp CARDNE is a summer camp for children with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, located in York, Maine. The program focuses on developing social skills and positive peer relations. Limited scholarship assistance may be available.
Phone: 603.502.5260; Email: [email protected]
Camp STRIVE: Camp STRIVE is a summer day camp for people in the South Portland area for ages 11–24 with developmental disabilities. The focus is on making friends, playing games and learning valuable skills in a safe, inclusive environment. The camp includes sports and games, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips.
Phone: 207.774.6278
Camp Summit: Camp Summit is the Autism Society of Maine’s summer day camp for children ages 5–15 with ASD. Camp is held in Farmington, Maine during July and August for two separate two-week sessions. Attendees focus on the development of communication skills and peer relationships in a social setting. Call for information or to request an application.
Phone: 800.273.5200
Camp Waban: Camp Waban is a fully accessible summer camp located on Bauneg Beg Lake in Sanford, Maine. Available for rental by individuals, families, group homes, schools and organizations serving children and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Campers must be accompanied by family or staff who are expected to be responsible for them. Activities include swimming, boating, basketball, music, arts and crafts, accessible nature trails and more.
Phone: 207.324.7955; Email: [email protected]
Maine Special Olympics: Maine Special Olympics is an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
It provides opportunities for participants to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Phone: 207.879.0489
Pine Tree Camp: Pine Tree Camp is a summer camp located in Rome, Maine, for children and adults with physical and/ or developmental disabilities. It offers both overnight and day camp opportunities as well as Camp Communicate, a camp experience for children who use high-tech devices to communicate.
Phone: 207.443.3341
How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child with Autism
Summer camp can be a positive and enriching experience for children on the autism spectrum, providing an alternative to the rigorous school year routine and opportunities for peer interactions. However, finding the right fit for your child can be intimidating and does require research and planning – here are some steps to help get you started.
- Research Types of Summer Camps and Identify Summer Goals
Availability of summer camps for children with autism can vary from state to state, but there are some common structures. Ultimately, you are the expert on your child, and it is important to articulate what your goals are for this summer experience. Are you looking for a program that is mostly fun and social, or are you hoping your child will gain and maintain skills that require therapy-based instruction? Are you seeking to “mainstream” them with typically developing children, or do you think they would benefit from a cohort of children who share similar needs and goals?
- Inclusive Programs – These types of summer programs integrate typically developing children and children with special needs into an inclusive environment. They are set up to accommodate people from all backgrounds and with all abilities into their programming, and they anticipate that children will have different needs and strive to make their schedule and staffing models as accessible as possible.
- Specialized Programs – Specialized summer camps for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs can be a great place for campers to experience programming designed specifically for them. These types of camps also often aim to prevent regression that can happen over summer breaks by including activities to target socialization and skill building in other areas.
- Extended School Year Programs (ESY) – If your child’s school believes they are at risk for experiencing serious regression of skills over the summer, while parted from the routine and instruction the school year provides, they may be considered eligible to participate in an Extended School Year Program (ESY). ESYs vary from state to state, and even school to school, but at their core, they are designed to help children with autism continue to work toward the goals outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), even during the summer. If you’re interested in pursuing this, contact your child’s special educator and/or bring it up at their next IEP meeting. Taking these steps sooner rather than later is best because districts often require assessment data to consider your child eligible for their services. In some cases, districts can even use this eligibility to provide financial assistance to help parents pay for an inclusion or specialized camp experience.
If you’re interested in pursuing this, contact your child’s special educator and/or bring it up at their next IEP meeting. Taking these steps sooner rather than later is best because districts often require assessment data to consider your child eligible for their services. In some cases, districts can even use this eligibility to provide financial assistance to help parents pay for an inclusion or specialized camp experience.
- Find Available Summer Camps in Your Area
One of the best ways to locate a good summer camp program is to talk to other parents who have children with autism or to ask therapists or special education teachers. Having a recommendation from a trusted source that a camp has a high quality program for your child is invaluable.
Also, various online resources are available to guide you through the process of identifying programs that may match your needs in your area, and community and support groups are also great places to start.
If you find the name of a camp in your area through an online source, ask that camp to provide you with two references to contact so that you can speak to other parents about their experiences with the camp.
- Interview Potential Camps to Find a Best Match for Your Child and Family
Summer camp is a great opportunity for a child with autism to gain new experiences and make fond memories, and finding the right match requires finding a camp that is willing to get to know and understand your child and your family. Wherever you end up sending your child to camp, they should show willingness and excitement to partner with your family to ensure that your child has a warm and positive experience.
Sample Questions for Camps:
- Where is the camp located, and what are the set hours? What is the camp’s daily schedule of activities, and do these activities align with your summer goals for your child?
- What percentage of campers have ASD? What is the camp’s history of including children with ASD into their program?
- Who is running the camp, and what is their prior experience with children with autism? What are the credentials and qualifications of the rest of the staff? How are staff trained? What licensure does the camp have?
- What is their intake/evaluation process like? How will they get to know the routines of your family, needs of your child, and progress and abilities of your child? Will they speak to your child’s school?
- How do they generally communicate with families throughout the summer to provide updates, troubleshoot solutions to problems, and respond to questions?
- What are their medical facilities and operations like? Who provides medication at camp, if needed? How do they access medical support if needed?
- What are their safety and emergency protocols?
- If the camp is an inclusive program, what is the camp’s philosophy around integrating children with special needs into the general population? What structures and activities have they created to do so? What fun activities take place at camp, and what can your child expect to participate in?
- If the camp is specialized, what is their philosophy around promoting socialization and skill building? How do their activities, schedule, and staff support those goals?
- Can the camp refer you to the names and phone numbers of parents you can speak to about their family’s experience there?
- If you are looking for a camp for a year from now, can you visit camp for a day this summer?
- Do they have scholarships and/or grants available, or do they know where to apply for them?
- Consider How to Finance a Summer Experience
One major aspect of camp to consider is how to pay for it, as camp can be expensive.
There are grants and scholarships available to families to help ease the burden of providing a high quality experience for your child.
- Autism Speaks provides grants to institutions and individuals to help make camp accessible
- Some states and school districts offer financial help to families to provide summer programs
- Local service clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions clubs sometimes provide grants to individual families
- Summer camps themselves often offer scholarships, so don’t hesitate to ask
- The Autism Support Network has compiled an interactive list of organizations that give local grants to individual families
- Think About Preparing Your Child for Their First Day of Camp
Once you choose a camp and register your child, you’ll want to begin thinking about how to prepare them for transitioning into a new routine. Downloading the resource below can help you prepare your child for the new sensory stimuli and situations that camp provides, and can help you alleviate some of the anxiety that often accompanies a transition for children with ASD.
Autism Adventure Camp (formerly Team UNIF Summer Camp)
What is the Autism Adventure Camp for Children with Autism?
The Autism Adventure Camp for Children with Autism is based at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (formerly University Neuropsychiatric Institute). This camp is all about having fun!
Our camp is designed to help children with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome learn and practice social skills in a safe and fun environment. Our camp follows a peer modeling structure which means that each child or adolescent is paired with a new typically developing peer each week. We try to create activities in which the peers work together in hopes that social knowledge and social skills are learned and practiced.
These activities range from getting-to-know-you activities to arts and crafts, sports, interactive games, and ropes course activities. We traditionally take multiple field trips, including, but not limited to, Snowbird, Jump Around Utah, Thanksgiving Point, and Cherry Hill.
What is the cost to participate?
The cost for children with ASD or Asperger’s syndrome is $860 for all three weeks. The cost for a neurotypical child is $600 for all three weeks.
What if my child can only participate for one week or every other week?
In order for our camp to be a success, we require at least a two week commitment—either the first two weeks or the last two weeks of the camp. The model of our camp works best when children can participate for at least two consecutive weeks. We won’t be able to accept participants for one week increments.
Can my child with autism participate in the 8-12 year old camp even though he/she is older than 12?
One of the purposes of our camp is to teach age appropriate social skills. In order for that to be successful, we require that all or our participants are in the camp specific to their age.
Will my health insurance pay for this summer camp?
Insurance does not pay for this summer camp.
Are there scholarships available?
Typically we don’t have scholarships available. If that ever changes, there will be information about it here on our website.
Autism Society of Central Virginia
Be sure to also check for additional providers under other categories such as “Social Skills Instruction”, “Private Schools” and “Sports and Recreation” for other possible camp opportunities.
ASCV SUMMER CAMPS
BLACKWATER OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
804-378-9006
http://blackwateroutdoor.com/
CAMP BAKER
804-358-1874
https://www.easterseals.com/NCVA/our-programs/camping-recreation/camp-easter-seals-ucp.html
CAMP EASTERSEALS VIRGINIA
800-662-7119
www.campeastersealsucp.com
CAMPFREE2BME
804-754-0000
http://www.richmondautism.org/after-school.html
CAMP LAKEY GAP
804-669-8977
https://www.
camplakeygap.org/
CAMP RAINBOW CONNECTION
804-521-1142
https://vaumc.org/camp-rainbow-connection/
CAMP SEQUOIA
610-771-0111
www.camp-sequoia.com
CAMP WARRIOR (Flying Squirrels Baseball Camp)
804-716-8603
https://www.milb.com/richmond/community/camp-warrior
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
804-748-1000
www.chesterfield.gov/parks/
CREATIVE APPROACH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
804-876-2115
http://creativeapproachonline.com
DREAMERS’ CAMP
(for adults w/ Asperger’s/HFA)
[email protected]
D.U.K.E.’s SUMMER CAMP
http://jmewingcenter.org/
EASTERSEALS CAMP FAIRLEE
410-778-0566
https://www.campfairlee.com/
EVERYBUDDY CAMP YMCA
804-270-3866
http://www.ymcarichmond.org/camps/location/camp-thunderbird-camps/
FAISON SCHOOL SOCIAL SKILLS SUMMER CAMPS
804-612-1947
faisoncenter.
org
HANOVER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
804-365-6000
http://hanovercounty.gov/
HENRICO COUNTY DIVISION OF RECREATION AND PARKS
804-501-7275
www.co.henrico.va.us/departments/rec/
iCAN BIKE CAMP
804-747-4673
http://icanshine.org/ican-bike-richmond-va/
MIRACLES IN MOTION SUMMER CAMP
804-938-2034
http://www.miraclesinmotionva.org/
SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUTH W/ DISABILITIES
RESOURCES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
(804) 353-6503
VOICES TOGETHER AT THE WEINSTEIN JCC
804-285-6500
https://weinsteinjcc.org/summer-camps/voices-together
Kids Like Me Summer Camps Now Enrolling
As the school year winds down, The Help Group’s Kids Like Me program is now registering new and returning campers for its summer camps in Sherman Oaks and Culver City. The Help Group summer camps provide a safe and enriching atmosphere for children with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs.
Led by highly-trained therapists and counselors, the programs create opportunities for children and teens to engage, experience, and explore.
Each of Kids Like Me’s unique day camps strives to developmentally and chronologically match children across the spectrum to ensure an appropriate peer group for learning and fun. Village Glen Day Camp is a specialized social skills camp designed for children ages 3 to 13 with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and other social challenges. Campers enjoy a fun, creative, and enriching program specially designed to promote social skills development, foster new friendships, and create social learning opportunities.
Camp Sunshine is a structured program developed for children, teens, and young adults between the ages of 3 and 21 who have moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. A multidisciplinary team of professionals oversees a creative and fun camp program designed to help each child reach his or her highest potential and develop unique strengths and abilities.
Kids Like Me groups campers by age and ability and maintains a 1:3 counselor to camper ratio to maximize individual attention.
Teens on the Go is a social skills camp designed for teens between the ages of 13 and 18 with high functioning autism spectrum disorder and other social challenges. Led by a team of highly trained Help Group therapists, this one-of-a-kind program features a jam-packed schedule of exciting trips and activities throughout Los Angeles.
All the programs are developed by a multidisciplinary team to address unique strengths and abilities, and are tailored to ensure the best possible camp experience for everyone. Children and teens will participate in daily camp activities such as field trips, art projects, sensory play, outside games, special events, animal-assisted activities, and much more.
“We’ve got some great themes planned for our day camps like Jurassic Journey, Carnival, Animal Planet, and Surf Safari,” shared Kids Like Me Program Director Nicole Webb.
“and we’re excited to bring back one of last summer’s most popular themes, ‘Kids Like Me’s Got Talent’ with a talent show on Friday afternoon. It was such a positive experience for our campers, whether they were up on stage in the spotlight, or in the audience clapping for their new friends.”
Kids Like Me will also offer trips to Orange County and San Diego through its Teens on the Go Travel Camp. Travel Camp offers exciting teen trips that provide true bonding experiences for participants with memories and friendships to last a lifetime. The Orange County weekend trip will include the Orange County Fair, Pirate’s Adventure & Dinner, and fun at the beach. The San Diego trip is six days and five nights, and teens will enjoy sight-seeing together as they visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the Birch Aquarium and take in a Padres baseball game.
To find out more about Kids Like Me camps and programs and how to enroll, please visit www.kidslikemela.org
Summer Programs – Autism Society of Iowa
Due to COVID-19, 2020 summer programs will vary depending on the agency and location.
Please reach out to each individual program for information on their offerings as rules and regulations are rapidly changing.
The information and resources contained on this web page are for educational and informational purposes only and are not considered to be a full endorsement from the Autism Society of Iowa.
ASI Offers Programming Grants. The purpose of the grant is to encourage existing community recreation and leisure programs, to include individuals within the autism spectrum, by providing financial support to develop successful integration opportunities.
For more information on Programming Grants available through ASI, click here.
Grant applications will be accepted from January 1 until March 15. After review, grants will then be distributed on April 15.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
2019 ASK RESOURCE CENTER SUMMER CAMP LIST – Check out this link for a more comprehensive list put together by ASK Resource Center, of summer activities for those with autism and other special needs.
All Aboard for Kids – Ames, IA
- All Aboard for Kids offers unique summer day camp programs for all area elementary and middle school students, as well as for those on the autism spectrum entering K-8th grade!
- Held at The Plex – Christ Community Church of Ames Activity & Community Center, these programs are fun, education-based, enrichment opportunities designed to help all kids to:
- Prevent cognitive regression
- Ease the transition to the next school year
- Encourage social skills development with peers
- Promote physical activity & practice gross motor skills
- For more information, click here.
Art Spectrums – Des Moines Art Center – Des Moines, IA
- Art Spectrums is a free program for children and teens on the autism spectrum. Art Spectrums provides an opportunity for participants to exercise their creativity and build their self-esteem through sensory experiences that aid in the development of cognition, communication, and motor skills.
- Participants visit and discuss a work of art in the museum for inspiration and then make their own artwork in the studio.
- For more information, click here or contact Kara Fedje, museum educator, via email: [email protected] or call: 515-271-0349.
Courage League Sports – Des Moines Metro Locations
- Click here for upcoming Courage League Clinics and Camps!
- Courage League Sports is a non-profit adaptive sports and recreational facility that offers year-round programming for children and adults who aren’t able to go full speed due to a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. By adapting the pace, equipment, or nature of an activity, Courage League can provide a safe and accessible environment where participants can go at their own speed.
- Melissa Clarke-Wharff, Founder/President [email protected] Phone: 515-423-9930
- Porshia Perkins, Development Coordinator
- Phone: 515-421-4020 or http://www. courageleaguesports.org
courageleaguesports.orgForest Avenue Library Calming Room – Des Moines, IA
Mondays and Wednesdays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursdays: 4:00 – 6:00 PM · 1326 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Do you need a calm place to play? Then come to the Forest Avenue Calming Room for a sensory interactive experience! This is an unsupervised, drop-in program for youth. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo, IA
- Click here for more information on dates, times, scholarship and registration information.
Metro West Kids Learning Center – Clive, IA (Des Moines, IA area)
Sensory Saturdays at East Side Library – Des Moines, IA
Third Saturday of the Month: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
2559 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA
The East Side Library invites families and children with special needs to borrow materials and enjoy the library’s sensory stations.
We will reduce the lighting and have areas set up to encourage activity or provide calming spaces. Our friendly staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you find materials that are perfect for your family!
Sturgis Youth Theatre Summer Production – University of Northern Iowa
Sports Leagues For Those With Disabilities
- The Miracle League – Kiwanis
- Are you between 5 and 18 years old? Click here for info and registration!
- Are you 19 and over? Plan to join one of the Miracle League adult teams! Click here for info and registration!
- For more information call 515-280-5017 or http://www.kiwanismiracleleague.org
- Challenger Sports League, Helping Kids with Special Needs Participate in Sports, (515) 276-0477 or http://www.challengersports-ia.org/mission.html
- Special Olympics, http://www.soiowa.org
- Link Associates (Soccer), Kids through age 18, any ability level, 515. 262.8888
- The Miracle League – Kiwanis
262.8888
Camp High Hopes – Sioux City, IA
- Due to COVID-19, 2020 Summer Camp programs have been canceled. Please visit the Camp High Hopes website for more information.
- Camp High Hopes offers year-round therapeutic recreation programs and respites in Sioux City, IA designed to enrich the lives of youth and adults with diagnosed disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other special needs.
- For more information call 712-224-2267 or click here!
Career Development Camp – Naperville, IL
- Summer classes in independent living, social communication, and employability at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Classes will be a hybrid learning experience that combines virtual lessons and mock interviews with hands-on employability training from home. Click this link for more information and a one-page flyer with eligibility and cost details, copy of the program description, and student application form. Program is approved to provide instruction across state-lines.
Program is approved to provide instruction across state-lines.Special Needs Summer Camps in Los Angeles 2021
Updated for 2021
Looking for a Summer Camp for your child with Special Needs but are not sure which one? Here are 12 awesome Los Angeles Summer Camps for your children to attend with special accommodations for physical, learning and invisible disabilities. However your child learns and plays, there is sure to be a Camp they’ll love.
Quick Links:
Photo courtesy of Camp Bloomfield
Summer Camps for Kids with Special Needs
Camp Bloomfield
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043
Junior Blind’s Camp Bloomfield is a wonderful program for children and youth who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled to participate in safe outdoor activities. Examples of programs are Horseback riding, swimming, archery, campfires, track & field, fishing & hiking, climbing/ropes course, arts & crafts, music, kayaking, martial arts and more! There are six different camp sessions for children ages 8 to 18+.
Camp dates range from July 1 to August 3 and each program four days long.
Camp Conrad Chinnock
4700 Jenks Lake Road, East Angelus Oaks CA 92305
Camp Conrad Chinnock is a fun outdoor camp for youth, teens and families. Campers will participate in arts & crafts, pool time, canoeing, archery, dances, campfires, mountain biking, hikes, sleeping outdoors, casual and formal discussions of how diabetes impacts lives of youth and more. There is a three tiered cost structure and financial assistance is available. Camps begin as early as June 19 to as late at August 3. Each camp is 3 to 5 days long.
Camp Nugget
1250 Bellflower Blvd Long Beach, CA 90840-7707
Camp Nugget is a low cost summer camp for kids with special needs and disabilities ages 5 to 12. Located on CSU Long Beach’s campus, kids will be able to participate in swimming, sports & games, fitness, relaxation, and breathing exercises. Camp Nugget runs for four weeks at the end of June and meets Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12 pm.
Child Success Center
828 Pico Blvd., Ste. 7, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Child Success Center provides pediatric therapy in a and supportive way. This summer learning academy is designed for children in kindergarten to eighth grade. Each camp program is a single discipline runs for one week. Enroll your child in Kindergarten Enrichment Camp, Friendship Camp, Friendship Club, Handwriting Club, Organization & Executive Functioning Skills or The SPARK Reading & Math Program. All programs are tailored to meet the needs of each child and groups are small to provide each child. Visit their website for more information and what is best for your child.
Dream Street
Dream Street’s tagline says they provide “camping programs for children and young adults with chronic and life threatening illnesses.” Their camps are safe and medically-sound and FREE OF CHARGE. Dream Street offers wonderful activities like horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, sports, archery, go carts, rock wall climbing, ropes course, and more.
Dates for the camp run July 16 to 23 and forms for the camp need to be filled out no later than June 1. This is a wonderful program for kids (ages 4 to 14) to participate in outdoor activities this summer without any tuition costs for families.
Friendship Circle Summer Camp
Marina Park in Newport Beach
An action packed day camp for boys and girls with special needs ages 6 and up, with sports, music, spectacular games, art, entertainment and exciting trips around the Orange County area including Adventure City and the Spectrum. Campers are paired one-on-one with trained teen counselors who provide friendship and support. All staff members and volunteers are handpicked for their experience and dedication in working with individuals with special needs and are specially trained and briefed on each camper to ensure that participants have the safest and most exciting summer possible. Monday, June 25th—Friday, June 29th Sign up for the week or just for the days that work best for you.
Scholarships available.
Kids Like Me (Part of The Help Group)
The Help Group Sherman Oaks | 13164 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
AND
The Help Group West | 4160 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Kids Like Me is a summer camp for children, teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. This camp has four different locations will match each camper to a peer group across the spectrum to ensure safe learning and fun. Campers will participate in a variety of activities like art, sensory play, special events, animal-assisted activities, field trips and more. Check out their site for their 7 different summer sessions and see what is best for your family.
Leaps n Boundz
5301 Beethoven St. Ste. 155 Los Angeles, CA 90066
Leaps n Boundz provides a fun and active camp for kids with special needs. They teach adaptive sports, recreation and social programming in therapeutic and fun environments that promote strength and growth.
The camps blend of physical and sensory movement allows children to build physical and mental strength. Kids grow in their confidence as they while in this program at Leaps n Boundz. See their website for camps days and pricing.
Los Angeles Speech & Learning Center
5761 Buckingham Parkway Culver City, CA 90230
LA Speech & Language Therapy Center offers two summer camps: Say N’ Play and Drama Kings & Queens. Say N’ Play is an intense speech- and language-based program with frequent field trips and adventures. During this camp some children will receive individual or group therapy sessions. There are two Say N’ Play sessions that run from June 12 to July 17 and July 10 to August 4. Tuition runs for $2100 to $2600 per session depending on the staff to student ration. There are various discounts listed on their site, so please check that out. For Drama Kings & Queens, their came runs June 19 to July 28. This camp is to help increase language abilities, social interaction/awareness and build self-confidence.
All campers who attend must audition on April 29 from 1 to 3pm and participate in the final performance.
Pride Learning
Locations Vary: In-Home & On-site
Pride Learning Center is a summer camp for children ages pre-k to grade 12. The Pride system values each individual learning style and creates independent and confident students. Children will learn through their multisensory program (touch, kinetic and auditory elements). Summer camp is 6 weeks long from June 26th to August 4th, 9am to 12pm, Monday through Friday. Pride Learning Center lets you choose when to start and finish during those times! Tuition for weekly sessions is $1125 and the lessons are always one-on-one. Contact Pride Learning today for more information on housing and their flexible schedules for your family.
Reid’s Gift
137 Ruby Dr. Newbury Park, CA 91320
Reid’s Gift is available in two different locations: Newbury Park and Woodland Hills. Camp times and dates differ with each location so please check out their website for more information.
Reid’s gift is designed for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. These summer programs will help campers become more interdependent by collaborating with peers, going on field trips, learning to cook, engaging with the outdoors, and more.
Special Camp for Special Kids
31641 La Novia Ave San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Special camp for special needs is a revolutionary and educational day camp for youth with disabilities. Programs are one-to-one peer relationships where volunteer counselors help enrich youths’ social development, educational objectives, emotional well-being and much more. Special camps increase self-esteem, independence and learning in just a few short weeks. There are four sessions that run this summer and each session is $375 (food, transportation, and activities included). Check out their website for more information on how to enroll your camper this summer.
Speech 4 Kids
1932 14th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404
Speech 4 Kids is located in Santa Monica and has various programs for children with speech and language disabilities.
This facility creates an interactive, child-friendly environment in both group and individual settings. Areas of Specialization include stuttering, language disorders, apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorders, cognitive and other developmental delays, pragmatic/social language disorders, and much more. Schedules and programs depend on the need of your little one, so please contact their office for more information.
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
90,000 Summer Camp for Children with Autism “BigPicture.ru
There is a one-of-a-kind summer camp in the USA for children with autism. It is called “Dragonfly” and has been operating since 2008. In this camp, children with autism feel more confident, here they can do things that they would never have done themselves – climb trees, communicate with their peers, play and just be like everyone else.
(Total 14 photos)
one.Every year, up to 70 children are invited to the camp for a free five-day program. (Mike Belleme) 2. Children are divided into groups by age, and each social worker is responsible for one or two children. (Mike Belleme) 3. Jacob, 12, has a deep love for nature. He wanted to make sure that everything was in order with this snake, who had been caught by his teacher.
“Snakes are very beautiful animals,” he says. (Mike Belleme)
4. The goal of the camp is to create a relaxed atmosphere around children with autism, encouraging them to do things that they themselves would never have done.In the photo: children’s birthday. (Mike Belleme)
5. A typical daily routine is adjusted for each child. Before any kind of activity, teachers explain what needs to be done, how long it will last and what to do if someone does not want to take part in this. (Mike Belleme) 6. Many children with autism have poor muscle tone and need to get more rest during the day. Eight-year-old Vincent decided to relax with his teacher in the gym. (Mike Belleme)
7. Many visitors to the Dragonfly Camp said they felt more confident after completing the rope ladder course.Here is what one of the children said as he passed the rope bridge: “To everyone who laughed at me, I would like to say that I passed this … and I am in the Guinness Book of Records.” (Mike Belleme)
8.
Johnny, 11, looks out the window during his hour of reading. At this time, children are offered several activities to choose from: a potting circle, reading, archery and “stone school”. (Mike Belleme)
9. This girl tried to overcome her fear by climbing the stairs to the rope bridge. “I’ll get in!” She shouted, staying on the stairs for about 20 minutes, until the camp workers managed to force her to get off.(Mike Belleme) 10. Justin, 14 (left), comforts his friend Jenna, 14, who had to leave the camp on the second day. (Mike Belleme)
11. Things in the camp such as swings, games, music and bubbles can help calm children who have had a nervous breakdown or breakdown. (Mike Belleme)
12. 13-year-old Matthew tries to fix his gaze during the game “dead fish”, whose task is to remain motionless for as long as possible. (Mike Belleme) 13. Eight-year-old Mark (in a striped T-shirt) is the youngest camper in this race.In the photo, he, along with his comrades, is waiting for his turn to try his hand at the rope bridge.
(Mike Belleme) 14. Many parents claim that their children return home from camp more confident. “All the games and activities in the camp for children with autism remain the same as for ordinary children,” says the creator of the program, Van Meerten. “We’re just trying to explain to these kids more thoroughly what to do to have fun.” (Mike Belleme)
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90,000 Family camp for children with autism
FAMILY PSYCHOLOGICAL CAMP FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN *
Date: 25.07 -06.08.2014
Specialization of the camp:
correction of delayed psychomotor and psychoverbal development, autism and para-autistic disorders, functional (neurotic and somatoform) disorders.
Objectives:
rest, health improvement, development, psychodiagnostics and psychocorrection of parent-child relationships. Normalization of behavioral and emotional disorders.
Development of adaptive abilities and strengthening of cognitive and affective functions for the development of socialization and adaptation; Providing informational support to parents.
In the camp program:
– child-parent group therapy;
– dance therapy;
– art therapy;
– occupational therapy;
– psychomotor training;
– psychotherapy sessions for parents;
– pool;
Program organizer: Svit Mriy Charitable Foundation
Program manager:
Varga Victoria Stepanovna,
PhD in Psychology, psychologist, gestalt therapist.
Works in the following areas: art therapy, play therapy, dance therapy, gestalt therapy, fairy tale therapy, Rogerian psychotherapy in dealing with psychotrauma.
Location: Manor “Three brothers”
Lviv region, Skole district, with. Grebenev, st. Svyatoslav, 2
http://www.trybraty.com/
How to get there: To the station. Skole by any train of Uzhgorod direction, then by bus, minibus or taxi in the direction of Slavskoe to the village.
Grebenev By car along the road Kiev – Lviv – Chop (E-50), turn towards the village Slavske to the village of Grebenev.
Cost of participation for a family (one adult and a child for 12 days):
I-category 7800 UAH.,
II-category 7000 UAH,
III-category 6000 UAH.
prepayment (at least 50%) before 06/15/2014 *
The cost of participation includes the cost of meals (3 meals a day with a children’s menu), accommodation, a full course of therapy for children and parents, a swimming pool (1 hour per day),
Service not included in the price:
Excursions, Sauna (150 UAH / hour for 6 people), international calls, booking and delivery of tickets.
CHARITY FUND
“SVIT MRII”
Requisites for payment by bank transfer:
Bank name: PAT KB PrivatBank
Account number: 26007052629123 MFO: 320649
EDRPOU: 39179305
Purpose of payment for a charity camp ____________________________
Bank details:
PrivatBank card
5168 7423 2281 5774
Contact phones:
+ 38-050-983-34-17
+ 38-068-687-08-23
Email: svitmrii2014 @ ukr.
net
Facebook: Charitable Foundation “SVIT MRIV”
* Information from our partners
Source https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=665856263488058&set=a.587599414647077.1073741830.100001910720577&type=1&theater
90,000 A camp for children with autism was opened for the first time in the Kuban
A summer camp for children and adolescents with autistic disorders was opened for the first time in the Krasnodar Territory.
They are different from other children. They see and perceive the world differently.It is very difficult for them to find a common language with both adults and peers. But autistic children need communication, play and the participation of those around them no less, and often even more, than ordinary children.
Summer camp for children with autistic disorder is a unique project. In the Kuban, such a health resort was opened for the first time. And immediately families from all over Russia came here – so far there are 25 of them.
But there are much more of those who need such rest-therapy. After all, a special child needs an extraordinary approach. And here, to the heart of every little person, they pick up their own key.
– Who has a monkey? Sasha, who has a monkey?
– At me.
– Well done, you speak well.
The camp has a clear schedule: exercises, breakfast, games and activities – general and individual. It is they who take up most of the day. Without such therapy, autistic children withdraw into themselves. Without communication, without emotional support, trapped in their own world, they do not feel happy. And just to say a few words to a stranger, they need a lot of courage.
– We really like it, a clear push in socialization, in behavior. And then we interact with each other, learn from other parents what we do not know. Vladik, please tell me, do you like it here?
– Like.
– What do you like the most? Play with the guys or swim?
– Swim!
– Sonechka, tell me, what did you play now?
– Lotto, round dance, guitar, drum.
– What did you like the most?
– In the lotto.
– What is your name?
– Ilyusha!
– Do you like it here on the sea?
– I like sailing on the sea.
Already the first days of stay in the camp give noticeable results. What is a standard game for ordinary children is already a big victory for autistic children.
“My child never plays with children. And yesterday he played football with the boys. With the same as him, his age. In his life for eight years, there was simply no such experience. I don’t know where else to find it, because in the Krasnodar Territory, and in Russia in general, it’s a huge problem, ”says Ekaterina Anpilogova.
Parents believe that it is imperative to open a rehabilitation center for such children in the Kuban.There is no other way to solve the problem. But one cannot do without the help of the state in this matter. In the meantime, the camp is based solely on the enthusiasm of the parents.
“The main thing is to turn to this problem and acknowledge it.
Because she’s not even recognized now. Medicine in this matter is not an assistant to us, but social rehabilitation – we do not have specialists who know autists. That is, only the parents remain, who go to power, and the government helps them, ”says Anpilogova.
Camp director Natalya Velikovskaya is also a mother of an autistic child.She is sure that the wall that separates these guys from society is not solid. You can not only break it, but also jump over it.
“In principle, there is no particular difference between autistic and normotypical children. You just need to be a little more flexible, more cunning, to be able to break your stereotypes, then they will stretch. The child must be surprised, enticed, then it is not difficult. You can even establish contact with a non-speaking child, ”she says.
So far only charitable foundations help the camp financially.But here they are not used to despair. Already next year, both parents and educators dream of opening two shifts so that as many difficult children as possible can get here.
And those who are lucky this summer, like ordinary schoolchildren, enjoy the sea, sun and childhood.
Read the material “Kuban 24” “Autism: is there a contact?” here .
Authors: Ekaterina Parakhonyak
90,000 Children with cerebral palsy and autism from Tatarstan will rest in summer camps
2019 May 21 16:42
Natalia Rybakova
For the third year in a row, specialized summer sessions will be held in the camps of the republic, in which 573 special children will now rest.
(Kazan, May 21, Tatar-inform, Natalia Rybakova). For the third year in a row, specialized summer health-improving sessions for special children will be organized in Tatarstan on the instructions of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.
This was announced today at a briefing in Kazan by the Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan Damir Fattakhov.
“Children with disabilities are an important category for us. Since 2017, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, specialized shifts for special children have been organized.This year 573 children will go to the camps, including children with hearing impairments, vision impairments, intellectual impairments, diabetes patients, cerebral palsy and children with autism, ”he said.
The republican summer recreation program retains its social orientation. For 54,831 children from Tatarstan and their families, vacation in the camps in 2019 will be free. In addition, the guys from the republic will go to sunbathe at the sea.
“In five camps on the Black Sea coast this summer 5750 children from Tatarstan will have a rest.This is more than last year. Three camps of the Krasnodar Territory – “Priazovets”, “Vityazevo” and “Druzhba” will accept 3250 children.
On the territory of the Republic of Crimea, recreation will be organized in two camps – “them. Kazakevich ”and“ Radiant ”for 2500 children,” Fattakhov said.
A total of 118 stationary camps, 9 sanatorium-resort organizations, 79 tent-type camps are expected to work within the summer health campaign. On July 1, it is planned to visit 31 health organizations. Early arrivals will host seven camps.
“CITY OF HEROES” – a camp for children with autism
Hello.
My name is Anna Dobretsova. I am the head of the Open the World charity fund to help children and adults with autism.
You can read about our fund on the website out-mir.ru
We have a summer camp project for children with autism. We collect money to pay for the base, food and activities for children (horses, ropes, fire, cooking class). The amount is large. Children are difficult. Questions can and should be asked.Here I will copy the text from planet.ru, the site where we collect funds.
I ask you to support us with reposts, financial participation and questions.
SUPPORT PROJECT
“This is the third Summer with Meaning program of the Open World Foundation. Until last summer, we had regular family shifts for children with autism and their parents since 2005 – already 12 years. Last year, everything changed. Summer, then Winter with meaning, and now we dream that this summer would be special too. ”We called the program the City of Heroes.And that’s why …
A year ago we went to an internship under the Naked Heart Foundation program Summer with meaning. We have learned how to make recreation affordable for children with autism. How to make their life easier, how to give them the opportunity to relax and how to do it without stress for children and with the opportunity to relax for their parents.
How to do it safely, but also fun, just like for ordinary children.
Children with autism are real heroes in our program, because for the first time they leave home for a few days, for the first time they play independently and with friends, have fun and participate in creativity and sports.
They are real heroes, because autism prevents them from doing new things, being flexible, and participating in regular summer activities. But we know how to support them and help them to be happy in an unusual place for them and with new people.
Children with autism find it difficult to rest because the rest is not structured and incomprehensible to children. And what is incomprehensibly so frightening …
We know about support strategies that help children with autism cope in their new environment: using routines, visual support, encouragement, structuring the space, expressive communication, time to process, calming sensory strategies ….. “
There is news on the project’s website and we will write them here. There are lots – for example, a cool calendar for 2018″ Rules of Heroes “with our guys and CDs of the new album with autographs of the BI-2
group will appear soon
https://planeta.ru/campaigns/gorodgeroev1
90,000 UK refused to initiate a case against a Petersburg woman who drove children with autism from the playground
https://www.znak.com/2021-11-19/sk_otkazalsya_vozbuzhdat_delo_protiv_peterburzhenki_vygonyavshey_s_plochadki_deteym_s_s_s_plochadki_deteym_s_s_s_plochadki2_deteym_s_s
1.19
The Investigative Committee refused to initiate a criminal case against the Petersburg woman Natalia Lipskaya, who tried to expel children with autism from the center “What’s the difference” from the playground. Znak.com was told about this at the meeting of the club of St. Petersburg journalists “Autism. Communication + ”, organized by ANO“ Amba ”.
The check did not find in the actions of the woman corpus delicti under Articles 282 (“Incitement to hatred or hostility, as well as humiliation of human dignity”) and 330 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Arbitrariness”).The official response of the Investigation Department for the Krasnoselsky District of the Main Investigation Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for St. Petersburg is at the disposal of the editors.
The center “What’s the difference” did not comment on the refusal to initiate a criminal case.
Let us remind you that the conflict on the playground in the Krasnoselsky district of St. Petersburg took place in the courtyard of the 2nd building at 18 on Admiral Cherokov Street on the morning of July 26. Natalya began to find out on what basis the tutors of the “What’s the Difference” center walk with children with autism on the playground in the courtyard of the house where she lives.The answer that they are tenants of premises in the adjacent building and received permission to walk from the management company did not suit her. “I say, go to your third corps! You frighten our children. Take the children away from here. Sick children should … They scare our children, ”shouted Natalya Lipskaya.
She stated that children with autism scared her child and threatened to evict the center from the rented premises: “You will move out of here! You have your yard, and in your yard we will also find out if you can walk there with children with these characteristics.Organize your site and walk there. You must have your own quarantines, all sorts of crap! ”
Update as of 20:00 Moscow time: As Natalya Denisova, head of the regional branch of the All-Russian Organization of Parents of Disabled Children (VORDI), told Znak.com, she and her colleagues are going to contact the UK for clarification.
Do you want independent media in the country? Support Znak.com
Summer City Camp for children with autism and other developmental disabilities
AUTONOMOUS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION CENTER FOR REHABILITATION OF DISABLED CHILDHOOD “NASH SUNNY WORLD”
On June 1, 2018, the “Summer City Camp for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities” begins its work.
The uniqueness of this program is that along with an intensive course of developmental activities for a child, an intensive parent training program will take place.
Within the framework of the camp, children will be able to receive a full-fledged comprehensive medical, psychological and pedagogical rehabilitation in an intensive course mode according to an individual program for each child.
The program accepts children with a diagnosis of delayed speech development, mental retardation, general speech underdevelopment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders (Down syndrome, Martin-Bell syndrome, etc.) …
The work of the “Summer City Camp for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities” is carried out in two courses:
1. Course for children from 1 to 6 years old.
Duration of the course is 2 weeks.
Course Schedule – 5 days a week (Monday-Friday).
Number of lessons per day:
– three individual lessons;
– one group lesson.
Daily seminars and consultations for parents.
Primary medical consultations – psychiatrist, neurologist, pediatrician.
2. Course for children from 6 to 14 years old.
Course duration – 2 weeks.
Course Schedule – Monday through Friday.
Number of lessons per day:
– four individual lessons;
– two group sessions.
Daily seminars and consultations for parents.
Primary medical consultations – psychiatrist, neurologist, pediatrician.
The camp will run all summer, 6 shifts of 2 weeks are envisaged. In each shift, two age groups of 12 children will be formed.
The course of 2 weeks can be extended up to 4 weeks at the request of the parents, in each case the expediency of such an extension will be decided by the parents together with our specialists.
Parents will be trained in the basic methods of correcting the development of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, learn to apply the basic techniques used in these approaches in classes with their children.Among the methods, the basics of which will be taught to parents of children participating in intensive courses at the Center “Our Solar World” – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), DIR-Flooortime, TEASSN (structured learning), PECS (means of alternative and auxiliary communication), Development ( disinhibition) speech, Formation of voluntary activity by means of play and art therapy, etc.
