Camps (Overnight) Disability Specific: Learning Disabilities
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National
State Listings: AL / CO / CT / FL / IA / IL / IN / MA / MD / MI / MN / NH / NE / NJ / NY / NC / OH / OR / PA / TN / WI (Official USPS State Abbreviations)
Country Listings: Canada
National
ADHD Camp Directory: 2015 ADDitude's directory of summer camps for children, teens and adults with ADHD, learning differences or high functioning autism with more resources for parents and a camp checklist on questions parents should ask about camp. This directory also includes a blog with more suggestions from areas throughout the U.S. offering more suggested camps. Learning Disabilities Camps And ADHD Camps and Programs If your child has difficulty paying attention and focusing and has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or dyslexia, he or she may enjoy attending ADD camp. Here, he or she can become immersed in fun activities and leadership programs designed especially for kids.State Listings
Alabama
Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults with disability. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for
children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round.
Located in Alabama on Lake Martin,
Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities.
Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a "splash pad," outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. Camp ASCCA's mission is to help eligible individuals with disabilities and/or health impairments achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence. This is to be accomplished through a safe and quality program of camping, therapeutic recreation, and education in a year-round barrier-free environment. ASCCA's goal is to serve those who can derive maximum benefit from the resident camp experience and provide a healthier, happier, longer, and more productive life for children and adults of all abilities. Find out what campers think about this camp at the Camper Blog.
Or contact them at their mailing address at:
P.O. Box 21 5278 Camp ASCCA
Dr Jacksons Gap,
AL 36861
Phone at:
256-825-9226
fax:
256-825-8332
or by email at: info@campascca.org
Colorado
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Wilderness Adventure Camps for children with sensory processing disorders, developmental disabilities and visual impairments.
Program Emphasis Gender Type Of Stay Location, Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Vision Impairments, Coed Resident Camp. Average cost less than $700 (week), financial
assistance available. Age Range 12 - 16.
Session Information:
Camp Big Tree (autism)
Wilderness Camp (developmental
disabilities)
Out of Sight Adventure Camp (Visually Impaired)
The camps are designed for various
ages and feature adventure activities adapted to the abilities and maturity of the group. Staff ratio is 1:3. Activities & Features: Outdoor Activities, Ropes Course,
Hiking, Rock Climbing, Water Sports, Canoeing and Rafting.
For more information contact them by mail at:
PO Box 697
Breckenridge, CO, 80424 USA
or by phone at:
970 453-6422 (tel.)
or email them at: wildassist@boec.org
Summer Camping Experience for Ages 8 through Senior Adult for individuals who are:
*Visually Impaired
*Hearing Impaired
*Down Syndrome
*Developmentally Delayed
*Autism
*Aspergers Syndrome
*ADD/ADHD
*Mentally and Physically Challenged
The Colorado Lions Camp is now able to accept individuals in wheelchairs (please see camp application for eligibility requirements).
The camp is a year round facility providing summer programs for those with special needs and winter programs are available for larger and smaller groups. The camp is nestled at 8,500 feet in the mountains of Pike National Forest just west of Colorado Springs and four miles north of Woodland Park on Highway 67N.
If you are interested in learning more about the Colorado Lions Camp or have any questions, please contact them at:
719-687-2087, or email them at:
clcoffice@coloradolionscamp.org.
Connecticut
Glenholme School is a specialized boarding school that provides a therapeutic program and exceptional learning environment to address varying levels of academic, social, and emotional development in boys and girls ages 10 to 18. The goal is to prepare graduates
for continued education in traditional schools, boarding schools, colleges, and universities.
The Glenholme School provides a treatment milieu designed to build competence socially and academically. They offer a therapeutic learning environment that supports and enhances the success of students with Asperger’s, ADHD, PDD, OCD, Tourette’s, depression, anxiety, and various learning differences. Using effective individualized services, they apply a positive behavior support model focused on developing social skills and lifelong strategies for success. The school’s milieu therapy addresses the varying special needs of all students and is present in every aspect of student life.
Florida
Camp Challenge Easter Seals' mission is to provide safe, fun
and fair recreational activities for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities in an outdoor environment. Camp Challenge
recently celebrated its 50th anniversary! Florida Easter Seals has its headquarters in Orlando, Florida and has been in business since 1948. Easter Seals Florida has five statewide offices providing developmental preschool, child care services and adult day services. Located in The Keys, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Southwest Florida.
Easter Seals Locations in Florida:
Easter Seals Florida serving Central Florida Orlando Area, 2010 Mizell Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32792 (407) 629-7881Easter Seals Florida serving Tampa Bay, 2403 E. Henry Ave. Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 988-7633
Easter Seals Florida serving The Florida Keys, 3718 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Suite F Key West, FL 33040 (305) 294-1089 phone (305) 296-1530 fax
Easter Seals Florida serving Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Area, 1650 Medical Lane, Suite 1 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 (239) 277-9818 phone (239) 277-9289 fax
Easter Seals Florida serving Palm Beach, Martin & St. Lucie Counties, 213 South Congress Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 471-1688
Easter Seals Florida serving Palm Bay Space Coast Area, 6050 Babcock Street SE, Suite 18 Palm Bay, FL 32909 (321) 723-4474 phone (321) 676-3843 fax
Iowa
Camp Albrecht Acres
mission is
"Providing a unique environment for people with special needs."
Founded in 1975,
this 40 acres of wooded land,
private, not for profit organization, operates exclusively on donations, fundraisers, camp fees and grants.
Admission to all regardless of ability to pay, disability, race, color, creed, sex, religion or political affiliation
Staff is internationally recruited, nursing services are available 24 hours a day during camping season
and the camper to counselor ratio is 3 to 1 and 1 to 1 when needed.
Activities include,
Nature Study,
Crafts,
Fishing,
Swimming,
Cookouts,
Dances,
Awards Ceremony,
Camping in an authentic teepee,
Exploring the woods on almost 2 miles of nature trails,
Hay wagon ride,s
Volleyball, and
Frisbee Golf.
For more information, contact them by Phone:
(563) 552-1771, By Fax:
(563) 552-2732, By Mail:
Camp Albrecht Acres,
PO Box 50,
Sherrill, IA 52073, or
In Person:
Camp Albrecht Acres,
14837 Sherrill Rd.,
Sherrill, IA 52073.
By Email: General Information info@albrechtacres.org
Camp Courageous is a year-round therapeudic camp located in Monticello for Iowa-area people of all ages with various disabilities.
Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. All people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportunities found in the world around them. Individuals with disabilities, as well as their families, should experience year-round recreational and respite care activities in a camp setting. Camp Courageous of Iowa provides this needed service to all. The camp provides opportunities for social and personal growth within a supportive environment. Campers learn to try a variety of creative and challenging activities and experience success. Campers develop enhanced self-esteem which carries over to work, home, or school environments.
The camp is open year-round, has over 150 acres (0.61 km2) of land with 14 buildings, and annually serves over 5,000 campers, ranging in age from 1 to 105.
Camp Courageous was built and continues to operate on donations, without government assistance, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fund-raisers.
Camp Courageous is located about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Monticello, Iowa. The camp occupies about 80 acres (320,000 m2) of land adjacent to the Pictured Rocks County Park in Jones County, Iowa.
Easter Seals of Iowa Camp Sunnyside
Children and adults with and without disabilities enjoy all Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside has to offer including canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, archery, nature trails, the Variety Club Rec Center, an accessible indoor pool and the Meredith Tree House. At night campers sleep in new, air conditioned lodges. Sessions are held at Camp Sunnyside for campers age five and older. Week-long and day camps are offered during the summer. Camp Sunnyside is located at 401 NE 66th Ave. in Des Moines, IA 50313. Contact them at the above address or PHONE: 515-289-1933 | TTY: 515-289-4069.
Illinois
Camp Little Giant is a program of Southern Illinois University located at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, a 3300 acre outdoor education site in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. CLG provides six- and twelve-day camp sessions to campers ages 8-80 with a wide range of disabilities. They emphasize participation, cooperation, self-expression, achievement, mutual appreciation, and FUN among campers and staff alike. Their staff is comprised of mostly college age students specializing is areas such as Special education, therapeutic recreation, outdoor education, rehabilitation, nursing, and other related fields.
Accommodating
Special Needs,
Attention Deficit Disorder,
Asthma,
Behavior Disorde,r
Cancer,
Cystic Fibrosis,
Diabetes,
Learning Disability,
Multiple Sclerosis,
and Physical Disability.
Outdoor Activities include
General Outdoors,
Backpacking,
Hiking,
Performing Arts,
General Performing Arts,
Dance,
Drama,
Music,
Health and Nutrition,
Vegetarian,
Horseback Riding,
General Horseback Riding,
Western
Individual Sports,
General Individual Sports,Team Sports,
General Water Sports, Arts
and Crafts
and many Other Activities.
For more information contact:
Camp Address Winter Address
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
SIUC Mailcode 6888
Carbondale IL, 62901-6888 USA
618-453-1121 ext.231 (tel.)
618-453-1188 (fax.)
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
SIUC Mailcode 6888
Camp Red Leaf in Ingleside, IL is an independent program of Camp Nageela Midwest welcoming individuals diagnosed with a wide variety of developmental disabilities, including those with additional chronic healthcare needs and functioning limitations, such as self-care, learning, receptive and expressive language, mobility, and self-direction. Camp Red Leaf has many respite programs in the summer and throughout the year. For more information please contact Angela McNeal at (847)740-5010 and email angela@campnageelamidwest.org
Camp Red Leaf on the grounds of Camp Henry Horner
26710 W. Nippersink Rd
Ingleside, Illinois 60041
Indiana
Jameson Camp, Indianapolis, Indiana.
For over 80 years, Jameson Camp has been impacting the lives of young people through award winning, camp experience designed to develop self respect and confidence, and respect for others and the world around us.
Jameson Camp's mission is to enrich the lives of Indiana youth by inspiring them to discover their strengths.
Located on the far west side of Indianapolis, Jameson Camp offers:
- A fully accredited residential summer camp for youth ages 7-17
- A year-round youth leadership program for teens focused on service learning and leadership skills
- Outdoor educational programs and field trips for school and youth groups
- Unique facilities available for rental for special events and meetings
- A low and high ropes challenge course and 40' climbing wall for team and trust building activities.
For more information, contact them at
2001 Bridgeport Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46231 or Phone:
317.241.2661 or FAX
317.241.2760.
Massachussetts
Berkshire Hills Music Academy, South Hadley, MA
The summer Music Therapy Program Ages 7 - 13 for parent and child offers a chance for children who enjoy making music to experience a wide variety of instruments and styles of music. Board-certified music therapists work with children in both group and individual settings focusing on:
•Encouraging musical growth•Social skills and friendship
•Attentiveness
•Movement skills in a fun and motivating environment
•Networking with other families
This program is intended for children with learning and developmental disabilities who have a high interest in exploring music. In addition to having an interest in music, applicants must have basic self-care skills, display consistently positive social behavior and exhibit manageable group behavior skills. All dorms are located on the second floor of our facility and one parent and their child will stay together in dorm rooms. Each dorm has a modern dormitory-style bathroom. Nutritious meals are served family style in the Academy’s dining room. Tuition includes one parent and child, and both parents are welcome to attend for an additional fee. For more information, contact: Berkshire Hills Music Academy • 48 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075 • 1-413-540-9720 • F 1-413-534-3875
4-H Camp Howe, Goshen, MA ,
provides day, overnight and weekly camping programs for persons of all ages with a primary focus on creating a community in which everyone is included and has a sense of belonging. The camping experience is tailored to accommodate the skill level and changing needs of individuals for the purpose of enhancing their experiences, skills, and abilities in a totally inclusive manner. Camp Howe promotes respect for and appreciation of the religious, racial, ethnic, social, family structure, ability, sexual orientation and economic diversity by reflecting that diversity in its membership, leadership, and program and by eliminating institutional discrimination in summer camp. The camp program is designed to foster understanding and appreciation of individual differences, group cooperation, and understanding of differing cultural values of the campers and staff.
Gender: Coed
Camp Type: Day, Overnight
Activities: Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing & Kayaking, Arts and Crafts, Drama, Dance, Fishing, Zipline, Swimming, Archery, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball.
For more information contact:
4-H Camp Howe P.O. Box 326 Goshen, MA 01032 or phone:
413-549-3969.
Maryland
Camp Fairlee Manor offers summer camp and weekend respite sessions for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Summer residential camp runs from June to August in week-long sessions designated by age and disability. Respite sessions are offered 2 weekends/month from October through May. Family Camps are offered for families referred by service agencies. Services for the general public include Adventure Education Programs ropes courses and team building sessions can be scheduled for school groups, nonprofits, businesses, etc. Facilities, when not in use, are available for rent. Facilities include cottages, dining hall, dormitory, bathhouse, pool, tennis and basketball courts.
Camp Fairlee Manor is fully accredited by the American Camping Association, and licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 22242 Bay Shore Rd.
Chestertown MD, 21620 USA
410-778-0566 (tel.)
Camp Greentop is a leader in providing a quality camping program for children, youth and adults with cognitive, physical, emotional, and multiple disabilities. Camp Greentop is a program of Camping & Therapeutic Recreation department at The League for People with Disabilities, a Baltimore based non-profit that offers vocational, recreational, medical day and wellness services to people of all abilities. For more information contact them at 15001 Park Central Road Sabillasville, MD 21780
Michigan
Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning's mission is to respect the individual gifts of each participant and to enhance their personal growth & independence through outdoor adventures & activities by providing opportunities for learning. Fowler Center is dedicated to offering a flexible program that can be enjoyed by all people, especially those with developmental disabilities and other special needs. Our emphasis is on the out of doors, learning to care for and protect the environment, personal growth, and plenty of fun and friendship. It is the goal that each camper has an enjoyable, stimulating, supportive away-from-home experience at The Fowler Center, 2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville, MI 48744, Phone: (989) 673-2050, Fax: (989) 673-6355 or send them an email through their form on their website. GreatStartTuscola.org: Ensuring a great start for Tuscola's children. CaroChamber.org: The Caro Chamber of Commerce. MayvilleMI.com: The Mayville area Chamber of Commerce. Contact Us 2315 Harmon Lake Road Mayville, MI 48744 Tel: (989) 673-2050 Fax: (989) 673-6355 Email: info@thefowlercenter.org
Minnesota
True Friends Camps offer a variety of residential camping programs and services as well as conference and retreat services. For more than 50 years, True Friends Camps have provided camping programs for people of all ages and all physical abilities.
They are accredited by the American Camp Association. For more than 35 years, the camps have met or exceeded camping industry standards for excellence in programs, staff and facilities. Discover the uniqueness of True Friends Camps. There's something for everyone!True Friends Camps Locations:
Camp Courage - lies on 305 acres of beautiful lakeshore, woods and fields near Maple Lake, Minn. (about 50 miles west of the Twin Cities).
Camp Friendship is located on 115 acres of scenic woodlands and is on Clearwater Lake just 60 miles northwest of the Twin Cities near Annandale, Minn. The fully accessible camp offers modern cabins and facilities, dining hall, arts and crafts building, recreational hall, nature building, gymnasium, indoor pool, climbing wall, ropes course and more.
Camp Eden Wood is a fully accessible camp tucked in the woods on Birch Island Lake just west of where I-494 meets Highway 62 in Eden Prairie, Minn. Campers enjoy the modern cabins, waterfront, hiking trails, basketball court, ropes course, dining hall and numerous other activities.
Camp Courage North is located in the beautiful Paul Bunyan State Forest area near Itasca State Park. Situated on Lake George, this fully accessible camp adds that “up north” feeling to everything you do there – and if you like the outdoors, there’s a lot you can do!
Camp New Hope is located on the edge of the Savannah State Forest and Park near McGregor, Minn. The accessible location offers modern lodging and the chance to enjoy water activities on Glacier Lake.
Nebraska
Easter Seals Nebraska Camp, Respite & Recreation, offers fun healthy programs for children, adults, and caregivers to relax, connect with friends, and engage in constructive activities - all so necessary to living the best life possible. Easter Seals Nebraska offers an Overnight Summer Camp held at Boy Scout Camp Eagle in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska as well as an Overnight Weekend Camp held at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center in Gretna, Nebraska during the rest of the year for campers with any disability. For camp dates and links to register visit the website above or for questions, send email to Jami Biodrowski, jbiodrowski@ne.easterseals.com or Phone 402-930-4053.New Hampshire
Camp Starfish - Residential program in Rindge, New Hampshire for children ages 7 to 14 with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. Includes application materials, activities, session dates, photos, and daily schedule. Camp Starfish fosters the success and growth of children with emotional, learning and behavioral problems by providing individualized attention as part of structured, nurturing, and fun group programs. Welcome to Camp Starfish, a unique place where children find success, friendship, role-models and safety...sometimes for the first time. They invite you to browse their website and learn more about this program, the children and families they serve, and how you can help Starfish continue to fulfill its incredibly important mission of changing lives. To learn more about our philosophy, structure and program and their most recent summer photos on their website
Camp Allen
welcomes about 600 campers each summer of all ages with special needs and extraordinary challenges, including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The week or two campers spend at Camp Allen focuses on enjoying the outdoors, making new friends, and having fun.
Kids and adults take part in games, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, swimming, and S'mores around the campfire. They gain the satisfaction of mastering new skills and the joy of making new friends. They share a beautiful place where they truly belong.
Camp Allen is unique in the camping world. Counselors arrive from across the world to provide their campers with a lot of attention, support, and encouragement. All campers benefit from a 1:2 counselor to camper ratio, with a 1:1 ratio available to campers who may need more extensive attention.
Camp Allen is not just a camp! Other opportunities for individuals include vocational training programs: Peer Work for young adults with disabilities transitioning from school to work and Shoot for the Moon, a program for youth at risk of dropping out of school, in partnership with NH Jobs for America's Graduates at Manchester West High School. Another exciting opportunity is Life Camp, a week long session for those young adults who want to experience living more independently. This is an incredibly fun and educational experience for young adults and is limited to not more than 10 campers a session.
You may be interested in the Kids and Sibs program, an affordable week or two at camp with a sibling, friend, or other family member.
To contact Camp Allen,
56 Camp Road,
Bedford, NH
03110-6606,
Phone: (603) 622-8471,
Fax: (603) 626-4295 or send email to: Mary Constance, Executive Director: mary@campallennh.org
Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo , Easter Seals
NH and the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America work together at this nationally-recognized, residential camp program, sponsored by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association to create a life-changing experience for campers.
Located in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH, children and young adults with disabilities and special needs, ages 11-21, can inclusively participate alongside Boy Scouts in a wide variety of activities including water sports, team sports, hiking, archery, a ropes course and crafts.
Offering Safety and Reassurance many of our campers have special medical and nutritional needs. Care and welfare of our campers is a priority. Fully-trained medical personnel is on-staff 24 hours a day as well as a year-round camp director with over 15 years of experience.
Campers sleep in traditional two-camper platform tents. If needed, campers may also stay in our lodge with handicap-accessible rooms.
Sno-Mo staff comes from many countries around the world. They bring their culture and share their enthusiasm. They receive extensive training on therapeutic crisis intervention, medical/water safety and first aid/CPR, ensuring our campers enjoy a safe and meaningful camp experience.
Activities Available at Camp Sno Mo
Archery
Swimming
Sailing
Rifelry
Woodcarving
Ropes course high/low elements
Canoeing
Hiking
Ecology
Arts and Crafts
For more information, reach Easter Seals NH by regular mail at:
555 Auburn Street,
Manchester, NH 03103, Phone (800) 870-8728 (toll-free) or
(603) 625-1148 (fax).
Wediko's Summer Program
has served thousands of children and teens in Windsor, New Hampshire.
The intensive therapeutic setting provides an opportunity for children to challenge themselves in social, emotional, and academic areas.
Please visit What You Will Do at Wediko for more details about our treatment model.
Summer Program features:
45-day residential school for up to 150 boys and girls, ages 6-18
450-acre, wooded campus, with well-equipped, modern facilities (View Slideshow)
Variety of activities, including academics, arts, team sports, water sports
Daily group therapy, experiential education, and family therapy
Collaborative relationships with the family, sending school, and community agencies
Challenging and high-risk behaviors
Social skills deficits
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADD & ADHD)
Depression & Bi-polar Disorders
Asperger’s Disorder
Loss and trauma
Behavior problems
Learning disabilities
Anxiety
Atypical development
Attachment disorders including Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Measures of success
Our success is measured by the success of our alumni. Teachers and parents often report the following changes in their students and children:
Improved ability to make and keep friends
Increased capacity for accurate self-observation & emotion regulation
Greater understanding of the impact of actions on others
Increased problem-solving skills & improved ability to compromise
Enhanced capacity to follow other’s expectations & to pursue goals
Our staff
One of our greatest strengths is the diversity and experience of our staff. We are psychologists, social workers, teachers, nurses, musicians, artists, and more.
College & graduate students receive intensive training before children arrive.
Over 130 staff are employed each summer, providing a 1:2 staff/student ratio.
Program directors, with up to 40 years of Wediko experience, live on site and work directly with children and their clinical teams.
Nurses, psychologists, social workers, special education teachers, and a consulting psychiatrist provide highly skilled care.
Wediko, Windsor, NH
New Jersey
Camp Merry Heart, in Hackettstown, New Jersey offers a Summer Day Camp with trips for children with disabilities. For more information contact: Alex Humanick, Director Camping and Recreation,
Phone: (908) 852-3896,
Fax: (908) 852-9263 or send e-mail to: camp@nj.easterseals.com
Camp Excel - Summer day program in Howell, New Jersey for kids with social skills challenges and mild learning disabilities. Includes staff, program, pre-approval information, and FAQs. Camp Excel is a camp that focuses on developing social skills for ADHD and working on social awareness needed for better relationships with other children and adults. Camp Excel also teaches children to work on problem solving well and to work on building their self esteem. They have a comprehensive program that has academics to help with their growth and to avoid going backwards during the summer months.
New York
Camp Ramapo - Therapeutic summer programs for kids and teens with emotional and learning problems. Includes age-specific program details, FAQ, and application form.
Ramapo for Children, founded in 1922, is a nationally recognized, non-profit residential program which annually serves over 1,700 special needs and at-risk children from early childhood through adolescence.
Camp Ramapo , is consistent with Ramapo for Children’s overall mission: to serve children with a range of emotional and learning problems in a natural, outdoor environment. It provides educational and recreational experiences which promote social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. Three summer camp programs Children, aged four to sixteen, are referred by parents, teachers, and mental health professionals and we offer the following programs:
- • Early Adventure (ages 4-6)
- • Summer Adventure (ages 7-14)
- • Teen Leadership (ages 14-16)
- • A safe, predictable and highly structured environment
- • Campers live in rustic bunks with an average of six children in each group.
- • There is a one-to-one staff-to-camper ratio.
- • The atmosphere is warm and supportive.
- • All activities are carefully supervised.
- • The 250-acre grounds are attractive and well-tended.
Sunshine Campus(Sunshine Camp) Rush, New York. For 90 years, Rochester Rotary’s summer camping program for young people with disabilities, called Sunshine Camp, has been spreading sunshine to thousands of campers in the Rochester community. The Campus was established in 1922 to meet the needs of children with physical disabilities. This premier facility was relocated in 1973 to its current site on 157 beautifully wooded acres in Rush, New York, is completely accessible to people with disabilities.
What makes the Sunshine Campus so unique is that it was originally developed so that children with physical disabilities just get to be kids during their stay. No disability is too severe to keep children from being children, whether they visit during Rochester Rotary’s summer camping program known as Sunshine Camp, or at other times throughout the year.
Sunshine Campus:
809 Five Points Road,
Rush, New York 14543,
Phone: 585-533-2080 or visit Sunshine Campus
Contact
Tracey Dreisbach,
Executive Director, Phone 585.546.7435 x215 or send e-mail to tdreisbach@rochesterrotary.org
or contact
Brandi Koch,
Sunshine Campus Partner Director, Phone:
585.546.7435 x210 or send e-mail to brandi@rochesterrotary.org
Camp Huntington - Three summer recreation programs in High Falls, New York for kids and teens with learning and developmental disabilities. Information for each program, schedule, forms, and FAQ. This camp is located in three places in New Jersey: Mommouth-Allenwood, NJ, Bergen County- Ramsey, NJ, & the business office in Toms River, New Jersey. Camp Huntington is a co-ed residential program for children and young adults-who have special learning and developmental needs. It is designed to maximize a child's potential to locate and develop their strengths and hidden abilities. Children will enjoy the fun-filled days of summer camp while learning practical social and life skills. It is an approach that adapts therapeutic recreations with combined key elements that encourages progress and nurturing care.
Camp Kodiak is integrated summer camp for children and teens with and without learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Non-competitive environment with over 50 sports and activities. Social Skills Program, Academic Program. 2-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio. Camp Kodiak-A Place to Grow- A Unique, integrated, non competitive program for children and teens with and without ADHD, LD, NLD @ Asperger syndrome. It has:
*Social skills program *2 to 1 camper/Staff ratio *Professional staff *Small cabin groups *Over 50 activities *L.I.T. Programs for 16-18 year olds.
The primary reasons for our success are the quality of our staff and our low camper-to-staff ratio. We have one staff member for every two campers. Each of our cabins has 9 campers with a minimum of three counselors per cabin. The head counselor in each cabin is a trained professional person, a teacher, psychologist, social worker or child & youth worker. The other two are university or college students or recent graduates.
All camp activities are planned with a view to teaching skills, building confidence and improving self-esteem. They achieve this by carefully structuring all of our activities to ensure success. Teaching is done by skilled instructors who break tasks down into manageable chunks and present them in a logical sequence. In this way they can be sure that our campers will be successful. They acknowledge every accomplishment, and never miss the opportunity to provide positive feedback and recognition. Our athletic instructors de-emphasize competition, stress co-operation and sportsmanship and model appropriate attitudes and behavior
Camp Northwood - Non-competitive summer camp, in Remsen, New York, for children ages 8 to 18 with learning challenges and/or attention deficit disorders. This camp ncludes program, activities, health services, and request form. Since 1976, Camp Northwood & Northwood Center have been providing quality programming to a cpopulation of 165 learning challenged children in need of structure and individual attention.
Camp Ramapo, Rhinebeck, New York provides a traditional summer camp experience for children who have difficulty building and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults and who would struggle in a less supportive setting. The program is carefully structured to help children with special needs learn to live within a group, form healthy friendships, make good choices, develop self-confidence, and experience success.
Kids learn, grow, and have fun while they:
Improve peer relationships,
Increase communication skills,
Feel more confident and self-reliant,
Become more independen, and
Try new things and experience success,
Clover Patch Camp, will be closed for 2024 but looks forward to opening again in 2025, Glenville, New York is a summer camp for individuals with disabilities where each camper is encouraged to reach his or her fullest potential. Since 1965, Clover Patch Camp has provided individuals with disabilities opportunities to make new friends, create everlasting memories, and experience a genuine camp setting.
Clover Patch Camp is operated by the Center for Disability Services, a not-for-profit organization consisting of a wide variety of programs designed to serve individuals with disabilities. Camp is located 30 minutes northwest of Albany, New York, in the town of Glenville. Serenaded by the constant trickle of the Alplaus Creek, it is home to nature trails, rustic cabins, and a heated swimming pool; all fully accessible.
Contact: Christopher Schelin – (518) 384-3080 or
Laura Taylor – (518) 384-3081,
Fax: (518) 384-3001, send mail to Clover Patch Camp, 55 Helping Hand Lane, Glenville, NY 12302 or send e-mail to: cloverpatchcamp@cfdsny.org
Camp HASC, Parksville, NY is unique in its synthesis of academic and recreational programming. At HASC they seek to maximize the development of each individual's potential by providing special education, speech, physical, occupational and music therapies as well as computer instruction, adaptive physical education and adaptive aquatics. Hand in hand with their academic program the campers are able to participate in the full range of recreational activities including (but not limited to) sports, swimming, field trips, night activities, roller skating, carnivals, concerts and mainstream social programs with other camps.
As result, these special youngsters and adults gain skills beyond the scope of parental expectations while enjoying normalizing activities in a stress free social environment.
There is no doubt that the real secret behind the success of Camp HASC is the tremendous effort of the over 200 young men and women who function as counselors in camp. Living with the campers 24 hours a day, with their determination and love, these counselors are able to drive home lessons learned in the classroom as well as on the playground, providing a total nurturing environment in which the campers can thrive. No wonder that many visitors to Camp HASC use the word "magical" in describing what they see! It really is a special place for special people.
If you would like to find out more information about Camp HASC or to inquire how your son or daughter can register to be campers, please feel free to call 718-686-5930 to request an application.
Contact:
Camp HASC Office:
5902 14th Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11219,
Tel: (718) 686-5930,
Fax: (718) 686-5935,
Contact Camp HASC, Summer Office,
361 Parksville Rd.,
Parksville, New York 12768,
(845) 292-6821 (summer only) or
Fax: (845) 292-9492.
North Carolina
Success Oriented Achievement Realized of North Carolina
features success-oriented, high adventure program for preteens, teens and adults with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD). Emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence, social skills, problem-solving techniques, a willingness to attempt new challenges and the motivation which comes through successful goal orientation.
SOAR is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to:
LD and AD/HD Services (National)
Providing adventure based wilderness programs and experiential education services to individuals and families dealing with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders.
For more information contact:
SOAR
NC Base Camp,
P.O. Box 388, Balsam, NC 28707 or Phone: (828) 456-3435 or send e-mail to evr@soarnc.org
Talisman Programs offers a summer camp for young people ages 8-22, a year-round boarding school for students grades 7-12, and a transitions program for young adults ages 18-24 who have learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and high-functioning autism. With our limited enrollment Talisman is able to maintain close personal contact with families from the admissions process throughout the summer and into the school year. Campers develop meaningful bonds with their counselors, and parents are kept informed by weekly phone contact and written summaries at the end of the summer. Many campers build on those relationships by returning year after year, strengthening our community as they continue to grow and benefit from it. Talisman Camps is permitted by the United States Forest Service to operate in Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. For more information, visit Talisman Programs, 64 Gap Creek Road, Zirconia, North Carolina 28790, Phone: 855.588.8254.
Ohio
Camp Nuhop - Residential program, in Perrysville, Ohio, for ages 6 to 16 with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, or attention deficit disorders and includes facilities, enrollment information, and programs. Camp Nuhop—located in southern Ashland County, Ohio—is a residential summer camp for all children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders. What started out as a one-week program years ago with eight counselors serving 27 children has blossomed into a camp that serves 560 children during six weeks, with a waiting list of 50. The camp has grown to 45 staff members and five directors. Camp Courageous, Whitehouse, OH
has spent over forty years building a solid reputation and recognizing the continual need for expansion of services, upgrading the facility and proactively responding to participant feedback. Because of this community commitment, Camp Courageous, Inc. is positioned to respond to the increasing needs and growth of opportunities presented within the community.
To date, it remains the only camp with the qualitative focus and commitment to ensure comprehensive outdoor recreational experiences for this special community in north west Ohio and south east Michigan. The camp provides developmentally appropriate activities for all ability levels. Programs and activities are age appropriate and allow for full exploration of one’s own abilities, interests and goals.
Contact:
Camp Courageous, Inc.,
12701 Waterville-Swanton Road,
Whitehouse, OH 43571,
phone: 419.875.6828 or send e-mail to stevek@campcourageous.com
Camp Echoing Hills, Warsaw, OH
For over 45 years, Echoing Hills Village has supported thousands of families, friends and neighbors through outreach to people with disabilities. They believe in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and assisting them in reaching their fullest potential, and serve special needs persons all over Ohio and internationally with camping, travel, residential and healthcare services.
Their services all support their belief that all individuals can live purposeful lives with dignity and respect.
Check out their website and see how you can become involved or if see how they can serve you or a family member through their recreational or residential services.
Contact:
Echoing Hills Village, Inc.,
36272 County Road 79,
Warsaw, Ohio 43844, Phone:
800.419.6513 or
740.327.6371 fax.
Camp Nuhop Perrysville,
located in southern Ashland County, Ohio—is a residential summer camp for all children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders. What started out as a one-week program years ago with eight counselors serving 27 children has blossomed into a camp that serves 560 children during six weeks, with a waiting list of 50. The camp has grown to 45 staff members and five directors.
Jerry and Terrie Dunlap founded Camp Nuhop in 1974 and have been actively providing the Nuhop experience since the program’s inception. Jerry holds a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the Ohio State University and was a high school guidance counselor for 27 years. Terrie is a graduate of Ashland University and has taught in special and regular education classrooms for 26 years. Both are retired from public education and have enjoyed watching the program change the lives of staff and campers.
Camp Nuhop is located at
1077 Hanover Twp. Rd. 2916,
Perrysville, OH 44864.
Camp Phone/Fax: (419) 938-7151
Office Address for registration, payments, and correspondence:
Camp Nuhop,
404 Hillcrest Dr.
Ashland, OH 4480
Oregon
Meadowood Springs, Weston, OR
mission is to improve the lives of people who have communication difficulties and related disorders by providing service, education, training and research.”
This camp experience provides kids with an intensive schedule of individualized speech-language therapy combined with relaxing communication sessions linked to various camp activities (arts and crafts, sports, nature and aquatics activities are the typical daily activities). The seven-day residential camp provides up to 28 hours of individual therapy which has a significant impact on the development of a child's communication skills. Meadowood also offers a three-day day camp for kids are unable to attend the residential camp. Campers in the three-day day camp receive up to 12 hours of therapy.
Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp – Office
316-A SE Emigrant
or
PO Box 1025,
Pendleton, OR 97801,
Phone: (541) 276-2752,
Fax: (541) 276-7227
or send
Email to: info@meadowoodsprings.org
Upward Bound, Stayton, OR
mission is to provide on-going Christian based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with disabilities, twelve years of age and over in an environment that presents opportunities for growth outside the individual’s usual routine or habitat. Upward Bound supports the belief that every person is important, created by God, worthy of love and caring service. Camp gives every person the opportunity to realize and share their gifts and individual special abilities.
Contact Upward Bound Camp at:
Upward Bound Camp,
P.O. Box C,
Stayton, OR, 97383,
Phone: 503-897-2447 or send Email to: camp@upwardboundcamp.org
Pennsylvania
Camp Lee Mar - Eastern Pennsylvania camp for kids and young adults with developmental and learning disabilities. Includes traditional and educational activities, request form, staff, and gear list.
Camp Lee Mar is a private residential special needs camp for children and young adults with mild to moderate learning and developmental challenges, including but not limited to the following: mental retardation, developmental disabilities, down syndrome, autism, learning disabilities, Williams Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, Prader Willi, and ADHD. A structured environment, individual attention and guidance are emphasized at all times. Campers enjoy traditional camp and recreation activities PLUS academics, speech and language therapy, music and art therapy, daily living skills, sensory-motor-perceptual training, and computers. We also have therapeutic horseback riding and overnight trips. Our unique program includes an outdoor heated pool, modern facilities and air-conditioned buildings (including bunks). Camp Lee Mar is led by two directors with over 75 years experience in the field of special needs, Ari Segal, M.S.W, L.S.W. and Lee Morrone, M.A., M.S.
Beacon Lodge Camp, Mount Union, Pennsylvania,
is made up of 583 acres of beautiful mountain woodland, but the camp also has the facilities and accommodations to make it a great place for people with special needs to camp in comfort and safety.
Beacon Lodge is made up of two camps, the Children's Village for campers age 6-17, and the Adult Camp for those age 18 to the golden years.
The Children's Village has 12 well-ventilated, screened cabins complete with bathroom facilities and individual storage cabinets for personal items. Each cabin accommodates 6 children and one or two counselors. We feel that the "cabin group" is one of the most important elements of a successful camp experience. The cabin counselor's enthusiasm and interest in each camper contributes greatly to the success of a camper's summer. The Children's Village also houses its own dining hall, infirmary, art room, nature center, laundry facility, and activity room complete with weight lifting and other exercise equipment.
In the Adult Camp is the Main Lodge which houses a large dining room, kitchen, living room, library, sun porch, and guest rooms (cabins). The Adult Camp is complete with a canteen, activity room/art room, infirmary, dorms/cabins for both men and women, and a married couples' building.
The newly constructed heated pool. Fully handicapped accessible and capable of use by those in a wheelchair. Both camps share the many activity areas at Beacon Lodge Camp: A large outdoor pavilion, playground, outdoor bowling alleys, outdoor heated pool (newly reconstructed in 2005), boat dock, Charles E. Marsh Lake, which is stocked with trout, the Braille Trail and other nature trails, ropes course, outdoor camping facilities, miniature golf course, archery/rifle range, and mountain/tandem bike hut. There are so many things to enjoy here at Beacon Lodge, it's no wonder that about 98% of our campers are returnees from previous years.
Here at Beacon Lodge, we strive to make every aspect of a camper's stay a comfortable and enjoyable one. Meal times and medical needs are two very important elements in achieving that goal. Camp meals are nutritious and well-balanced, with special diets upon a physician's recommendation. A doctor is available within 10 minutes of camp, and registered nurses are on duty 24 hours a day in each of the well-equipped infirmaries. Qualified lifeguards are on duty during all swim periods and special instruction is given to those learning how to swim. All camp activities are well-planned and properly staffed and supervised with much consideration given to the specific needs and abilities of each camper.
Summit Camp and Travel, Honesdale, Pennsylvania
is a summer sleepaway camp for boys and girls, ages 8-19, with issues of attention. These may include Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD and/or ADHD), Aspergers syndrome, HFA, awkward social skills, verbal or non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD), and/or mild social or emotional concerns. Some of our campers may also have Tourette's syndrome, O.C.D., and /or mild mood issues. Summit Travel works with teens, ages 15-19, who have similar issues. The Weekender program offers school year weekends designed to foster peer relationships and enhance social skills.
Contact: Send Email: info@summitcamp.com
Phone Toll-Free (USA & Canada): +1-800-323-9908
Winter Office,
322 Route 46 West, Suite 210, Parsippany, NJ 07054,
Phone: +1-973-732-3230,
Fax: +1-973-732-3226.
Summer Office
168 Duck Harbor Road, Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: +1-570-253-4381
Fax: +1-570-253-2937
Variety Camp, Worcester, Pennsylvania
The Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center offers year round camping experiences for children with mild to moderate developmental or physical disabilities.
Their mission is to build independence and self-confidence in children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities by engaging them in recreational, social and educational enrichment activities, while connecting families to resources
Created by Synergema
Philadelphia Headquarters, 1520 Locust Street, 2nd Floor,
Philadephia, PA 19102,
Phone: (215) 735-0803,
Toll Free: (800) 553-7806.
Camp Office:
Variety Club Camp & Developmental Center, PO Box 609,
Worcester, PA 19490, or
Phone: (610) 584 4366.
Tennessee
Easter Seals TN Camp, Nashville, TN
“Creating Solutions Changing Lives since 1959” is carved in the Easter Seals sign that was recently erected at Camp
Widjiwagan.
Easter Seals is the largest provider of recreation and camping services for people with disabilities in the country. A
camp experience increases skills and enhances self-confidence while giving families a much needed respite from the
hard work and responsibility that they face each day.
They offer three two-week sessions of youth day camp and three one-week sessions of overnight camp. Our day
campers will be able to ride a brand new air conditioned Camp Widjiwagan bus back and forth to camp each day if
they choose.
Please consider the lifelong impact a summer camp experience can have for your child and let them join us at Easter Seals Camp this year.
Contact:
Easter Seals Tennessee Camp, 3011 Armory Drive, Suite 100,Nashville, TN 37204,
Phone: (615) 292-6640 ext. 147, (615) 251-0994 (fax), or send email to: www.eastersealstn.com,
Wisconsin
Camp Glacier Hollow
offers Resident, Day and Teen Adventure Camps. Specialty programs include: Nature Quest, Girls Camp, Camp for Children with Learning Disabilities, and Rock Climbing. Join them for an Experience of a Lifetime! For more information, write to
Pete Matthai, Camp Director or
Stevens Point Area YMCA - Camp Glacier Hollow
1000 Division Street,
Stevens Point, WI 54481, or
Phone: (715) 342-2980 ext. 308 or
Fax: (715) 342-2987.
Country Listings
Canada
Camp Tamarack - Summer programs for children and teens with learning disabilities, offering academic instruction and traditional camp activities. Located in Saskatchewan, Canada. Mission, programs, and forms for campers and staff. Call 306-975-0855 [Forms require Microsoft Word 6.0/95 or higher.]
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