Believe it or not, despite the winter temperatures, summer is a few short months away and many camp registrations are open! Summer camps provide a unique opportunity for children with special needs to experience traditional summer fun in a safe and supported environment. The chance to build confidence, try new activities, build lasting friendships are closer than you think.
Below is a list of some of our favorite camps that come personally recommended by Katie, Kate, and Jennifer, as well as our clients and the special needs community at large. If your child has had a great summer camp experience, let us know so we can spread the word!
Our Favorite Summer Camps
- PALS Programs. PALS’s mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for individuals with and without Down syndrome. PALS offers several overnight inclusive camp programs ranging from 4 – 7 nights. The PALS Summer 2025 application is now open. https://www.palsprograms.org/
- Keshet Summer Camps. Keshet summer camps provides inclusive camp programs (day camp and overnight camps) where campers with disabilities participate to the greatest possible extent in the full camp experience. Each camp site has a Keshet site director who works closely with the staff to make sure each camper’s individual needs are met. Registration for Summer 2025 is now open. https://keshet.org/our-programs/camps/
- Camp Courageous. Year-round respite, recreational, and travel opportunities for those with disabilities and their families. Based in Iowa, but conducts trips and camps for all ages, abilities, and medical needs. http://campcourageous.org
- Camp Summit. Barrier-free residential outdoor overnight camp experience for children and adults with disabilities, based in Texas. http://campsummit.org
- Summit Camp & Travel. A therapeutically designed sleepaway summer camp and (or) travel program. Travel programs include both domestic and international options, as well as cruises for those with disabilities who need support to participate. www.summitcamp.com
- Camp Chi. Camp Chi is an overnight camp based in Wisconsin and most of its campers are typical – however an inclusion program helps campers with intellectual, social and physical disabilities participate with the support necessary to access all outdoor activities.
- SOAR. For over 45 years, SOAR Summer Camps have provided outdoor adventure activities for children with ADHD and Learning Disabilities for ages 8 to 25. There are over 20 summer options; SOAR camps are currently located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Florida Keys, and Wyoming. https://soarnc.org/
- Local Special Recreation Day Camps. Don’t forget your local special recreation associations like WSDRA, NDSRA, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, and many more (depending on where you live). These local programs provide community based social and recreational programs for individuals of all ages with special needs. Summer camps include athletics, adapted sports, music, dance, Special Olympics, social clubs, and theater.
- Willow Friends Productions. Willow Friends is an inclusive ministry for children with intellectual disabilities and their peers. Each year, this ministry puts on a full musical starring kids with intellectual disabilities and their peer mentors. Willow Friends has been putting this performance on for 12 years. https://www.willowcreek.org/locations/south-barrington/willow-friends-production/
- Glen Ellyn Gators Inclusive Swim Program. The Glen Ellyn Gators is a swim team program through the Glen Ellyn Park District that started an inclusive swim program last summer. This program allows kids of all abilities to experience the fun, team spirit, and friendship that comes with participating in the Glen Ellyn Gators. The program provides a modified practice schedule, smaller groups, and one-to-one coaching. https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/recilgeg/page/home
