Special Needs Summer Camps
General/Multiple Disability
Aerie Experiences – All Star Gymnastics – ARTS ACCESS SC Summer Camp – Bridges at the Therapy Place – Camp Adam Fisher – Camp Building Dreams – Camp Burnt Gin – Camp Can Do – Camp Discovery – Camp Good Times – Camp Hope – Camp Independence – Camp Spearhead – Camp Sun Fun – Camp Sunshine - Columbia – Camp Treasure Chest – Challenge Camp – Courage Camps – Glenforest Schools Summer Camps – Irmo/Chapin Recreation Commission – MDA Summer Camps – PAALS Doggone Days Camp – Pattison's Academy Summer Camp – SOAR Camps – Summer Music Groups – Super Stars Super Summer Camp – Teen Buddies – Victory Junction
Asthma
Camp Breathe Easy
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Camp Caglewood – Camp Good Times – Camp Lakey Gap – Camp Puzzle Palooza – Camp T.A.L.K – ESP Camp – SC Autism Society Summer Events – Talisman Summer Camps
Vision and/or Hearing Impairment
All Adventure Camp – Rocky Bottom Retreat Summer Camp – Camp Leo – Camp Lion's Den – Camp Sertoma – SCSDB William W. Bay Cliff Summer Therapy Camp – SCSDB Outreach Services – Camp Wonderhands – Summer Teen Program
Brain Injury
Camp To Be Independent
Cancer and Blood Disorders
Camps of Courage and Friendship – Camp Debbie Lou – Camp Happy Days – Camp Kemo
AAC/Communication
Camp Chatterbox – Camp Communicate
Mental Health
Camp ARC
Summer Camps in SC
General/Multiple Disability
Aerie Experiences
Date: Various camps from June 2 - August 4
Where: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee
Cost: $2100
Participants: Children, ages 8-17, diagnosed with Neurobiological Disorders, Aspergers, Learning Disabilities, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delays and/or ADHD.
Description: The summer camp is designed to offer wilderness and outdoor camp experiences to the “nontraditional” camper. Campers will spend eight days and seven nights exploring the southeast’s scenic wilderness.
Special Offerings:
- June 2-8: Llama Adventure Base Camp
Campers will set up base camp and from there will hike, camp and explore Pisgah National Forest with their own personal llama. Their llama will carry each camper's supplies in exchange for the camper's constant companionship and daily care. Limit 7 campers, ages 8-13. Learn more - June 15-22: Coastal Expedition and Sail Cam
Campers will kayak, camp and sail through the wonders of Sapelo Island and the Satilla River, exploring the forested uplands, the vast salt marshes and the complex beach and dunes systems. Limit 8 campers, ages 10-14+. Learn more - June 30-July 6: Horse Ranch Adventure Camp
Campers will experience life on a working horse ranch, explore the Cumberland Plateau, and trail ride through Big South Fork National Park. Limit 12 campers, ages 8-14. Learn more - July 14-20: Llama Trek Expedition
our Llama Trek Expedition is a lot like our Llama Adventure Base Camp, but on the go! Instead of forming a central base camp, campers will hike with their llamas to new camp locations throughout the week. Llamas will carry each camper's supplies in exchange for the camper's constant companionship and daily care. Limit 7 campers, ages 13-18. Learn more - July 28-August 4: Equine, Arts & Adventure Family Camp
Aerie’s Equine, Arts and Adventure Family Camp is intended to be fun for all. It is an opportunity for your family to play and adventure together in an environment that caters to the unique needs of your family, a family vacation for the whole family. It is an opportunity to identify and reinforce individual and family strengths both through shared experiences and separate programming for children and parents. Learn more.
Contact:
Matthew Weneta
mdweneta@aerieexperiences.com
404-285-0467
Website: www.aerieexperiences.com
All Star Gymnastics
Dates: Check website for dates
Where: All Star Gymnastics, 4046-D Fernandina Rd., Columbia, SC
Cost: $10 for summer vacation
Participants: Children ages 4 and up with special needs
Description: All Star Gymnastics' aim is to encourage the individual student, regardless of athletic ability, to set goals and develop life skills that lead to personal success. They promote self-confidence and healthy development in a wholesome enviroment to produce a well rounded child. The special needs sessions will be on Saturdays from 12:15pm-1:30 pm. You must RSVP by Wednesday to secure your child a spot for the upcoming Saturday. They cannot take children unless they have a spot reserved due to safety and staff numbers.
Contact: All Star Gymnastics special needs classes webpage
ARTS ACCESS SC Summer Camp
Dates: June 10-28, July 8-28
Where: Production Hall at the old naval base, North Charleston, SC
Cost: $100 per week
Participants: Middle school and high school students with disabilities, if they have had at least one session of Batik with Arianne King Cromer, Master Batik Artist
Description: ARTS ACCESS South Carolina (formerly Very Special Arts South Carolina) hosts two three week sessions to teach art to children with disabilities. Artists from different parts of the state, sometimes with disabilities themselves, are brought in to mentor the children. The camp is inclusive, so sometimes children without disabilities are brought in, as well.
Contact: Julia Brown at 803-603-4450 or jbrown@arts.sc.gov
Website: ARTS ACCESS SC Website (formerly VSA SC) or Facebook page or ARTS ACCESS SC
Bridges at the Therapy Place
Dates: Five 2-week sessions from June 4 - August 10
Where: The Therapy Place,
3620 Covenant Road, Columbia, SC
Cost: $300 per session
Participants: Children ages 2-8 who require physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Description: Bridges at The Therapy Place is a holistic therapeutic approach to child development. It employs the skills and expertise of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as educators, parents, and other staff. The main goal of Bridges is to encourage independence, cognitive development, and socialization. In also uses a transdisciplinary approach to meet the individual needs of the whole child.
Contact: Bridges at the Therapy Place website
Camp Adam Fisher
Date: June 8 - 15
Where: Camp Bob Cooper, Summerton, SC
Cost: $595 (+$100 late fee)
Participants: Children with diabetes ages 6-17
Description: Camp Adam Fisher is an annual summer born in 1968 out of a father's
wish for his daughter. They offer all the experiences, lessons benefits of summer camp to children with diabetes, while teaching them how to live longer and healthier lives. They do so in a safe, well-monitored
environment where professional attention can be afforded to each camper's individual needs.
NOTE: Application deadline of April 15
Website: Camp Adam Fisher webpage
Camp Building Dreams
Date: June 17th – June 20th and July 22nd – July 25th (9am to 1pm, Monday - Thursday)
Where: Laurens, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children ages 3-7
Description: The Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board provides summer day camps for children and young adults with special needs that live in Laurens County. We offer two camps based on the age of the participant. Camp Building Dreams supports children ages 3-7, while Camp Good Times supports individuals ages 8-21. The camps are offered at no charge to the participants. Both camps include opportunities for swimming, music, crafts, games and field trips.
Website: Laurens County DDSN Board website
Camp Burnt Gin
Date: Early June to late July
Where: Wedgefield, SC (Sumter County)
Cost: No charge
Participants: Four six day sessions for children 7 – 15 years old, two six day sessions for teenagers 16 – 20 years old, and a four day session for young adults, 21 – 25 years old.
Description: Camp Burnt Gin is a residential summer camping program. Activities include arts and crafts, nature study, drama, dance, sports, games, swimming and boating. All activities are adapted so that every child can participate. CBG offers children who have special needs the chance to meet new friends, learn recreational skills, improve their self esteem and independence.
Camp Burnt Gin is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Contact:For more information contact the Camp Director, Marie Aimone (803-898-0455 or aimonemi@dhec.sc.gov) or go to the camp's website: www.scdhec.gov/campburntgin
Camp 'Can Do'
Date: June 29 - July 3
Where: MUSC, Charleston, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children ages 6-17 who have been treated for serious burn injuries.
Description: Camp ‘Can’ Do provides a safe, supportive, fun outdoor environment and a variety of social, recreational, and educational activities for campers. Camp activities may include fishing, swimming, boating and canoeing, games, ropes courses, arts and crafts, entertainment, a dance party, field trips, firefighter relay games, and much more. Camp ‘Can’ Do provides opportunities for personal growth, increased self-esteem, and development of leadership skills.
Website: Camp 'Can Do' webpage
Camp Discovery
Date: Contact to for availibility
Where: Blythewood, SC
Cost: Contact for price
Participants: Children with emotional and self perception issues, mental or physical challenges,or learning differences
Description: Camp Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing therapeutic recreation and experiential learning programs in a natural setting. Situated among 100 acres of trails, woodlands, pastures, and creeks in Blythewood, SC, our programs take full advantage of this beautiful landscape and provide a safe, accepting emotional environment where children, youth and young adults can learn, heal and grow.
Camp Discovery has provided a guideline to setting up a therapeutic recreation course if you are interested.
Website: Camp Discovery website
Camp Good Times
Date: June 24 – July 18 (9am to 3pm, Monday - Thursday)
Where: Laurens, SC
Cost:Free
Participants: Children ages 8-21
Description: The Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board provides summer day camps for children and young adults with special needs that live in Laurens County. We offer two camps based on the age of the participant. Camp Building Dreams supports children ages 3-7, while Camp Good Times supports individuals ages 8-21. The camps are offered at no charge to the participants. Both camps include opportunities for swimming, music, crafts, games and field trips.
Website: Laurens County DDSN board website
Camp Hope
Date: Four sessions (three one-week camps, one two-week camp) throughout the summer, each accepting a different age group. The one-week camps begin June 16, June 23, and June 30, and the two-week camp is from July 14-26. See Clemson Outdoor Lab Dates and Rates page for more details.
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC
Cost: Minumum $385 for SC residentes, $530 for residents of other states. See Clemson Outdoor Lab Dates and Rates page for more details.
Participants: Individuals age 8 and over with developmental disabilities
Description: Jaycee Camp Hope is a statewide residential camp for mentally challenged citizens. Its purposes are to give the camper helpful experiences in an outdoor environment, develop the ability to work and play as a group, and provide new experiences unique to a camp setting. The SC Junior Chamber of Commerce has provided financial support for every camper attending Jaycee Camp Hope since 1969. Individuals participating in Camp Hope are ages 8 and older. Campers are grouped according to age, level of functioning, and previous camp and social experience.
Contact: cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu
Camp Independence
Date: July 23 - July 26
Where: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost: Non-refundable deposit of $20,
remaining camp fee of $80
Participants: Children 6-16 years or their siblings and friends with diabetes
Description: Camp Independence is designed and operated by the American Diabetes Association and takes place at Furman University in Greenville,SC. Doctors, Nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators, and Dieticians staff the camp on a volunteer basis. We welcome children who have diabetes along with their siblings and friends. Camp Independence is organized to provide an environment for children with diabetes where they can learn about the disease, its care and management as well as interact with others who have diabetes. Camp Independence is a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to learn more about diabetes and to meet others who are sharing the same experiences.
Contact: kmartin@diabetes.org
Camp Spearhead
Date: Various 5 day camps running from May - July
Where: Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, Marietta, SC
Cost: $310/week – within District residents; $345/week – Greenville County residents; $385/week – residents of other counties; $650/week – residents of other States
Participants: Ages 8 years old & up; Children & adults with disabilities; Camp Spearhead reserves the right to determine eligibility of potential campers. Eligibility is determined through application forms and, if necessary, through interviews with potential camper and parent, guardian, or caregiver.
Description: Camp Spearhead, founded in 1968 and located in the foothills of upstate SC, is a residential special needs camp for children (8 and up) and adults with special needs. Each summer Spearhead serves nearly 600 campers over the course of the eight week season. During the school-year Spearhead offers continued social and recreational opportunities through the popular Weekend Program.
Website: Camp Spearhead website
Camp Sunshine
Date: June 10 - 18 and July 1 - 19
Where: Denny Terrace Community Center,
6429 Bishop Ave., Columbia, SC
Cost: $250 per session or $450 for both
Participants: Children and young adults with disabilities
Description: Camp Sunshine is available in two, three–week sessions for from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM every weekday during the summer. Activities provided by the staff of the Richland County Recreation Commission’s Adaptive Recreation Department include arts and crafts, drama, basketball, soccer, and usually a weekly field trip.
Contact: Richland County Recreation Commission website or call (803)754-6720, extension 252
Camp Sun Fun
Dates: July 1 - 12
Where: Kershaw County Recreation Department Gym, 1042 W. DeKalb St., Kershaw, SC
Cost: $40 for one week session, $75 for two week
Pre-registration Required by June 14
Participants: Ages 6-21 with developmental disabilities
Description: Each year the Recreation Department and the United Way of Kershaw County sponsors a day-camp for the developmentally disabled ages 6 to 21. Activities include arts and crafts, nature study, active and passive games, swimming, dance and rhythm, field trips and more. Free lunches are provided by the United Way and the USDA Summer Food Program. Anyone interested in participating, call the Recreation Department for more details.
Contact: Kershaw County Recreation Department Summer Camps webpage
Camp Treasure Chest
Dates:
Session 1: June 17 – July 5
Session 2: July 8 – July 26
Where: Hilton Head, SC
Cost: $50 per session
Participants:
Session 1: Special needs children ages 6-12
Session 2: Special needs teens and young adults ages 13-21
Description: Camp Treasure Chest offers music therapy, safety awareness, arts and crafts, bowling, swimming, and much more for children with special needs in and around Hilton Head. Applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis and the applicant must be DDSN eligible. Check the SC DDSN page to find out if a child or young adult is eligible.
Contact: Erin Womack, camp director - (843)255-6292
Challenge Camp
Dates: June 10 -27
Where: Island Recreation Center, Hilton Head, SC
Cost: $30/week on top of regular Summer Camp registration fee (Yearly registration fee $50/per family or $30/for one child; Camp fee of $130/per child per week including field trips or $30/per day)
Participants: Children in the Hilton Head area ages 4-15 with special motor, social, or cognitive needs
Description: The Challenge Camp at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center is a special needs service incorporated into the Center's primary Summer Camp. The Summer Camp's daily activities include arts & crafts, swimming and games, theatrical activities including skits, improvisation, karaoke, charades, storytelling, puppetry, and more. There are also weekly theme-based field trips. Campers must provide their own lunch, swimsuit and towel. Two snacks are provided throughout the day.
Contact: Island Recreation Center Summer Camp webpage
Glenforest School Summer Camps
The mission of Glenforest School is to provide educational opportunities for students in Grades 1 through 12 who are experiencing difficulties in other educational settings due to learning differences. They have several camps throughout the summer.
Contact: Glenforest School website
Angry Birds
Date: June 11 – 15th / 1pm – 4pm / (before & after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School, 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $300
Participants: Students in grades 6 - 12
Description: Angry Birds LIVE!! The High-Flying Physics Camp offers students the unique experience of seeing the popular Angry Birds game come to life, while
at the same time gaining an understanding of the fascinating math and physics
phenomena that lie behind the game. Students will collectively design build an
apparatus to launch their very own Angry Birds at those pesky pigs! Through this
thrilling new hands-on summer experience students will exercise and develop math and science skills while having tons of fun! This fun and engaging, education-
driven summer program is ideal for students who learn “traditionally" as well as for
students who learn differently or with unique learning needs.
Camp Skillz
Date: June
11 –
28th
/
9am –
1pm
/
(Mon - Thurs)
Where: Glenforest
School,
1041
Harbor
Drive,
West
Columbia,
SC
Cost: $300
Participants: Students
ages
5 –
16
(see below)
Description: Camp Skillz is an inclusive day camp for students ages 5 to 16 seeking social skills and social interaction skills development. Skillz
is
ideal
for
kids
with
Autism
Spectrum
disorders
or
other
unique
learning
needs,
including
Asperger’s,
ADHD/ADD,
dyslexia
and
other
LDs. “Skillz”
provides
a
variety
of
fun,
practical
ways
for
students
who
are
challenged
by
social
skills
to
enjoy
experiencing
independence,
group
interaction
and
increased
self‐esteem.
It
provides
direct
social
skills
instruction
for
real-life
social
situations
within
a
safe
and
secure
environment.
The
program
takes
place
on
Mondays
and
Wednesdays
all
summer
long
and
features
a
variety
of
off‐site
field
trips
and
diverse
assortment
of
activities
focused
on
improving
social
skills.
Reading Discovery Camp
Date: June 18 – 22nd / 1pm – 4pm / (before & after-care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $250
Participants: Students in grades 2-6
Description: Reading Discovery Camp allows students to become better readers through fun, exciting and interactive exploration between the pages of their favorite books. Students will practice reading skills and experience reading through personalized book and story choices, special guests, puppets, and games. In addition, campers will enjoy the unique chance of animating a story of their very own using iPads! This fun and engaging, education-driven summer program is ideal for students who learn “traditionally” as well as for students who learn differently or with unique learning needs.
Math, Laughs & Video Games
Date: June 25 – 29 / 1pm – 4pm / (before & after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $250
Participants: Students in grades 6-12
Description: Math, Laughs & Video Games Camp explores the world of math through
an electrifying assortment of popular video games and consoles. Did you know there is a
world of math knowledge in every video game?? Students will join in exploring a new and
different videogame console each day of camp! At Math, Laughs & Video Games Camp
new math topics will be introduced throughout the program in addition to supporting
math fundamentals; at the same time, campers will be having so much fun they may not
even realize how much they are actually learning! This fun and engaging, education-driven
summer program is ideal for students who learn "traditionally" as well as for students who
learn differently or with unique learning needs.
Irmo/Chapin Recreation Commission Activities
The Irmo/Chaping Recreation Commission has many events and throughout the summer for special needs individuals. Some are listed here. You can find the full list on the Irmo/Chapin Acitivity Calendar.
Camp YOUniversity
Dates: Mon.-Thurs., Jul. 29, 10:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.
Age: Adults
Price: $65 Refundable/$83 Non-Refundable
Location: See description
Description: This camp gives young adults with special needs opportunities to
socialize through lunch and a small town tour each day. Campers
will visit the Lexington County Museum/Harbor Inn, Batesburg
Leesville Peach Tree Rock/Shealy’s BBQ, Newberry’s Wells Japanese
Garden/Zaxby’s and North Augusta’s Brick Yard Park/McDonalds.
MDA Summer Camps
Date, Time, Location: Contact the local MDA for details, as it varies by state
Cost: Free
Participants: Children with muscular dystrophy.
Description: Since 1955, MDA has built bridges and knocked down barriers for youngsters with muscular dystrophy and related diseases by providing a week-long summer camp. MDA supports nearly 80 summer camps across the country. MDA camps is offer a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. Although structured, camp programs are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence.
Website: MDA Summer Camp website
PAALS Doggone Days of Summer Camp
Date: July 17-21, 24-28
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Where: Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School, Columbia, SC
Cost: $275 ($225 before May 15)
Participants: Ages 11-14 years old (11- 19 for youth with disabilities)
Description: Learn the basics of service dog training, how to help people in the community, and work side by side with other youth and individuals with disabilites, all while pairing up to train a service dog candidate.
Contact: Jen Rogers at (803)788-7063
Website: PAALS website
Pattison’s Academy Summer Day Camp
Date:4 weeks from June 17 - July 12; Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Where: 2014 Bees Ferry Road, North Charleston, SC (Grace on the Ashley Baptist Church)
Cost: $150 Weekly. Costs include snacks, field trips, crafts and therapy services (as long as therapists are able to bill Medicaid or private insurance.) Pattison’s has never turned a child away because of a family’s inability to pay. Additional funding resources may be available.
Participants: Children ages 1-15 years old who have multiple and\or severe disabilities (Physical impairments, visual, hearing, cognitive impairments). Note: They cannot accept children whose primary diagnosis is autism or behavioral disorders because they will not have the staffing to provided the constant one on one supervision that many of these children deserve.
Description: Pattison's Academy Summer Camp provides therapy, enrichment and FUN for the children and a nice break for the care givers of these children. In 2009, 44 children from around the Lowcountry participated in very active days of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and field trips for 5 weeks.
Contact: Patterson's Academy Summer Day Camp website or 843-849-6707
SOAR Camps
Dates: Various camps from late May to mid-August
Where: SOAR North Carolina Base Camp, Balsam, NC
Cost: Varies by program.
Participants: Youth to adults with LD/ADHD. Varies by program. See SOAR Summer Course Availability for details.
Description: Success Oriented Achievement Realized 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.
Contact: SOAR website
Summer Music Groups
Date: June 3 - 25; July 8 - 29
Where: Columbia, SC
Cost: $125 for 8 weeks or $18 for individual group
Participants: Children of all needs from toddlers to age 10 (depending on group)
Description: The Key Changes Music Therapy summer music groups are will focus on positive group music making, social skills, musicianship, songwriting, and self expression. Participants will learn not only about music, but themselves and their peers. Social opportunities will include group drumming, songwriting, and a variety of musical activites designed to enable learning of and practice of social skills.
There are three different groups available:
- Sensational Summer
Infants and toddlers, Thursdays from 9:00 to 9:45 AM - Calliope Carnival Circus
3 - 6 year olds, Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM - Journey Around the World
7 - 10 year olds, Tuesdays from 6:15 to 7:00 PM
Contact: Key Changes Music Therapy blog
Super Summer Camp
Date: Six week long sessions in June and July
Where: Irmo, with trips to Greenville, Florence, Charleston, and Charlotte
Cost: $125 (refundable) / $143 (non-refundable) per week
Participants: Children with special needs between the ages of 8 and 21 who are moderately independent in all activites of daily living.
Description: The camp consists of indoor and outdoor activities such as crafts, games, canoeing, and field trips. There will be two field trips per week and a visit to a local park every Friday for a picnic. Camp includes two field trips per week and a picnic at a local park every Friday. Bring a bag lunch each day. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Staff to child ratio is 1:5. If closer supervision is needed for your child, a personal assistant will need to be provided for attendance.
Contact: Julie Edmond, Therapeutic Recreation Coodinator
Website: Irmo/Chapin Recreation Commission summer schedule
Teen Buddies
Date: June 24 - 28
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Where: R.L. Jones Center, 391 Egypt Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Cost: $140 resident/$154 non-resident
Participants: Middle and high school students with and without disabilities
Description: TEEN BUDDIES will be offered as a summer camp focusing on teens with differing abilities and handicapping conditions. Teens requiring one-on-one assistance will be required to provide his/her own helper to assist them this year (helper must pay his/her own way). We also welcome teens without disabilities to join us. Swimming, games, daily field trips, and friendships will encircle all teens involved. Teens need to bring a bag lunch, change of clothing, swimsuit, and towel daily.
Website: Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department website
Asthma
Date: May 18
Where: Burke High School at the Rhett Building,
244 President Street, Charleston, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children ages 7 to 14 with asthma and their parents
Description: Children will attend an educational session, during which they learn asthma management techniques. Parents will also attend the American Lung Association’s Asthma 101 program. Asthma experts will be on hand to answer any questions about asthma, and parents will also take home an Asthma 101 Resource booklet. There will also be fun activities for children and adults.
Contact: Camp Breathe Easy website
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Date:
Mondays - Thursdays; 8:30am - 3:00pm, weeks of June 17th, 27th
Tuesday-Thursday, June 11 -13
Where: Hunley Park Elementary School, Charleston, SC
Cost: Price varies by age and condition. See camp application for details
Participants: Campers with autism and friends ages 3-19
Description: Camp Good Times provides the only camp in the Lowcountry devoted exclusively to children with autism and their friends. Our counselors are trained in the field and design programs to promote socialization, opportunities for children to explore their community during planned outings, and for two weeks a year - just be kids.
Typical camp activities include swimming, field trips, sports, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, playing instruments and talent shows. A recreation specialist is on staff to plan outdoor activities. Each year Camp Good Times offers a "sensory room" equipped with a platform swing, body sox, beanbags, a bounce pillow, ball pit, tactile walking path, and other soothing items for campers to enjoy. All programs are specially designed to promote socialization and to explore interaction within the community.
Contact: Camp Good Times website
Date: Seven week-long camps for children of varying ages (and one week for adults 18+).
Date details on the Camp Lakey Gap site.
Where: Christmount Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Cost: $1,725 for one camper.
Participants: Children with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder or a related communication disorder. Must also have manageable behavior and health care needs, to the level of the staff's training. Guardians must live, be vacationing, or have an emergency contact in an 8 hour radius of Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Description: During a week at Camp Lakey Gap (with 1:1 and 1:2 staff support), people with autism develop strong social skills and self esteem by experiencing success with peers, being empowered to take leadership roles, successfully trying new things, and being supported in a positive and loving environment.
Contact: Camp Lakey Gap website
Date: June 10th to 14th
Where: Cedar Creek Church, Aiken, SC
Cost: $55 for children of YMCA members and $75 for non-members
Participants: Special Needs children ages 5 - 12
Description: Puzzle Palooza is a half day summer camp program for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Campers will be integrated with their typical peers in activities like sports, games, swimming, arts and crafts, and equine education. Campers will be paired with a Puzzle Palooza Pal to assist them as much or as little as they need. Alternate or modified activities will also be available when the typical activities are not physically or developmentally appropriate.
Contact: Camp Puzzle Palooza website
Date: Session 1 - June 18, 20, 25 and 27;
Session 2 - July 9, 11, 16 and 18
Where: Willow Ridge Church, Lexington, SC
Cost: $200 per session (campers who sign up for both get a $25 discount)
Participants: Children ages 10 and up primarily with a diagnosis of Asperger's or PDD-NOS, but diagnoses other than an Autism Spectrum Disorder such as ADHD are admissable.
Description: Camp Teaching Advocacy and Life-skills to Kids (TALK) is an inclusive social skills day camp for kids. One day each week is designated as a field trip day for going out into the community to try new things and practice social skills. The other day each week focuses on guest speakers from around the community, social learning, and team building activities. The staff includes teachers, therapists, and parents of children from across the spectrum. We also have a large junior staff who act as peer mentors/junior counselors from area high schools.
Contact: Camp TALK site
Spectrum Family Camp
Date: Four weekends in May, August, October, and November.
Date details on the Spectrum Camp site.
Where: YMCA Camp Greenville, Cedar Mountain, NC
Cost: $310 (includes 4 people)
Participants: Children with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
Description: Spectrum Family Camp offers families with children on the autism spectrum a fun and safe environment, with well-trained staff that truly understand kids on the spectrum. Traditional camp activities include: archery, hiking, crafts, riflery, canoeing (May, August), swimming (August), fishing, songs and campfires. Each family will have a private bathroom (option to share for a reduced price) and sleeping area in a heated cabin. The camp will t ake care of the details like sensory friendly activities, picture charts for easier transitions, and menus designed to accommodate diets (GF/CF or Feingold? Covered!) upon advanced request.
Contact: Spectrum Family Camp website
Talisman Summer Camps
Date: Four weekends in May, August, October, and November.
Where: 140 acre outdoor campus in Zirconia, NC
Cost: Varies by program
Participants: Depending on program, children and young adults with learning disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, or high functioning autism.
Description: Talisman Programs offer summer camp, school, and an independent living program for young people with learning disabilities, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, and high functioning autism. Talisman has been offering summer camp experiences for children ages 8 to 22 since 1980 and is ACA accredited. Talisman’s summer camps provide parents with unique alternatives to ordinary summer camps and offer children with special needs a summer full of fun, adventure, and new learning experiences.
There are currently 10 differently summer programs scheduled for 2013. Please check the Talisman Summer Camps webiste for more details.
Contact: Talisman Summer Camps
Vision and/or Hearing Impairment
Date: Contact for current dates
Where: Hilton Head, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children ages 7-16 who are legally blind
Description: Camp Leo provides a camping experience where participants live and play together in a dormitory setting. It provides the children an opportunity for recreational activities not available at home as well as learning experiences (crafts, nature walks, dances, etc.). The camp is sponsosred by the Hilton Head and Sun City Lion's Clubs of Scouth Carolina and many local businesses and individuals.
Contact: Camp Leo overview and contact info
Date: July 7 - 13
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail,
Pendleton, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children with visual impairments, ages 7 - 17
Description: Serving the visually handicapped children of South Carolina, this program is sponsored by the Mid-Day Lions Club of Anderson, SC and the South Carolina Lions, Inc. Any child with a visual impairment between the ages of 7 and 17 may attend. Because of the dedication and support of SC Lions Clubs, there is no fee for attendance.
Contact: cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu
Website: Clemson Outdoor Lab website
Date: Dates to be decided; check Camp Sertoma website
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail,
Pendleton, SC
Cost: Free, but chosen and sponsored by Sertoma Club members
Participants: Ages 7 – 13 years old who are underprivileged or have speech/hearing impairments
Description: Sponsored by the Sertoma clubs of South Carolina, this program serves children between the ages of 7-13 who are either underprivileged or who have speech/hearing impairments. Children are placed in groups with seven other children according to age and previous camp experience with two counselors. The program offers opportunities for fun, skills development and education in an outdoor environment. Because of the support of Sertoma Clubs across the state, there is no fee to attend.
Application: Children are first selected from various schools by the Sertoma Clubs spread across the state. Applicants to the camp are put on a list. If there are cancellations or openings after this selection, then those on the list are offered the chance to attend.
Contact: Camp Sertoma website
Date: July 21 - 26
Where: Camp Kinard, Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Cost: Free (thanks to scholarships)
Participants: Ages 7 – 15 years old who are deaf or hard of hearing
Applications must be postmarked by April 29
Description: Camp Wonder Hands is a six-day, overnight camp located at Camp Kinard Lutheran Conference Center in the Batesburg-Leesville community of Lexington County South Carolina. This camp offers enriching activities and interaction with positive deaf and hard-of-hearing adult and college aged role models from our community. The Camp Wonder Hands summer camp is unique in that it is the first, and at present, the only opportunity of its kind for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in the Midlands
Contact: Camp Wonderhands website
Rocky Bottom Retreat Summer Camp
Date: Various dates throughout the summer - Call to schedule
Where: Sunset, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Legally blind children ages 6 through 15.
Description: Children are taught skills to cope with blindness and that it is respectable to be blind. Utilizing blind counselors to act as role models, Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind provides all the experiences of any Retreat including swimming, mountain hiking, arts & crafts, cookouts, fishing and field trips. Limited transportation is also available.
Contact: Rocky Bottom Retreat website
SCSDB William W. All Adventure Camp
Date: Dates TBD
Where: Spartanburg, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children between 6 and 14 with either a hearing or vision loss that affects learning (there are separate camps for hearing loss and vision loss). They must also be a Sourth Carolina resistent, toilet-trained, have the physical, mental and behavioral capabilities to benefit from the programs offered during the camp, and not have attended SCSDB during the 2011-2012 school year.
Description: The Adventure Camp is divided into separate camps for hearing loss and vision loss. Each camp has special activities for their respective campers, like Braille lessons for the visually impaired and special cochlear implant activities for those with hearing loss. In addition, both camps offer field trips,confidence-building activities, independent living skills activities, skits/camp songs, swimming, horseback riding, and scuba diving.
Contact: SC School for the Deaf and Blind Summer Camps website
SC School for the Deaf and Blind Outreach Services
While not a summer camp, the School for the Deaf and Blind does offer special programs during the summer for children who are sensory disabled. You can find more details and contact information on the SCSDB Outreach Services page.
Date: Contact for dates
Where: SC Commission for the Blind, Columbia, SC
Cost: Contact for details
Participants: Teens 16years old with sever visual impairments
Description: The Summer Teen Program is designed to provide meaningful work experience and vocational exploration to teens. It also reinforces and expands adjustments to blindness skills and facilitates positive attitudes toward blindness while providing recreational, leisure and cultural experiences.
Contact: SC Commission for the Blind Children's Services webpage
Cancer and Blood Disorders
Date: Various weekends through the summer; contact Camp Courage for more info
Where: Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center, 4232 Highway 11,
Marietta, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children and teens with cancer or blood disorders
Description: At Camp Courage, campers are free to play, laugh, explore, and grow in a normal developmentally appropriate way. Trained counselors and volunteers help to nurture the campers' self-confidence and provide therapeutic opportunities for individual development. The camp provides a number of traditional outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing, wall climbing, and more. Staff of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center, a facility of the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center's Children's Hospital, provides 24 hour medical supervision while children are at camp.
Website: Camp Courage webpage
Date: Two sessions - June 20-23 and June 27-30
Where: Beulah Land Plantation in Latta, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Families with children diagnosed with cancer between ages 4-14.
FAMILIES ARE SELECTED ONLY BY REFERRAL FROM A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Description: Camp Debbie Lou is nestled in the scenic eastern coastal region of South Carolina. The low-country ranch sits on 150 acres in Latta, South Carolina and serves as a retreat for families needing to kick up their heels, share some laughter, and relax by a lakeside gazebo. Kids and parents can spin their wheels on the custom-designed go-cart track, splash around in bumper boats, or take a relaxing walk on the nature trails. There's something for everyone to enjoy including archery, horseshoes, crafts, and games.
Website: Camp Debbie Lou webpage
Date: June 29 - July 6
Where: Camp Bob Cooper, Summerton, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children with cancer and siblings who are between the ages of 4-16 or age 17 if they have never attended Camp Happy Days in the past.
Description: Camp Happy Days is an action-packed week filled with more head-spinning, heart-pounding fun than a child could ever imagine. Each day children have access to waterfront activities like parasailing, swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing, as well as special program areas like woodworking, arts and crafts, painting, sewing, baking, ceramics, a giant climbing wall, high ropes adventure course and team building challenges. At night they will take part in theme dances, a talent show, professional entertainment, and classic camp experiences.
Website: Camp Happy Days webpage
Date: June 10 - 15
Where: Kinard Conference Center,
Leesville, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children who have or have had cancer between the ages of 5 and 18 years and siblings of children with cancer between the ages of 7 and 16 years, who receive their therapy at the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of Children’s Hospital
Description: Camp Kemo is a weeklong summer camp for patients with cancer, ages 5–18, and their siblings. Staffed by physicians, nurses and volunteers, Camp Kemo allows campers to swim, boat, hike, and simply be children. The fun times at Camp Kemo lay important groundwork for future treatment as participants learn to trust, respect and relate to one another.
Website: Camp Kemo webpage
Mental Health
Date: Week-long sessions throughout the Summer
Where: Boyd Hill Recreation Center,
1165 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill, SC
Cost: Contact for current price
Participants: Children and adults with mental disabilities
Description: Camp Arc is a week‐long day camp predominately for children and adults with special needs. Sessions run throughout the summer. This is a mainstreamed camp where children with and without disabilities will enjoy a variety of activities. Sessions include: Children’s Camp, Children with Multiple Handicaps and Adult Camp. Registration is first‐come, first-served. A special event and a t‐shirt are included in the cost.
Contact: Rock Hill Tourism webpage on Camp Arc
Summer Camps outside of South Carolina
Extra Special People (ESP) Summer Camp
Date: Eight week-long camps from June 3 - August 2
Where: Watkinsville, GA
Cost:
- $65 - One-time registration and summer camp activity fee
- $200 - Each week of day camp ($100 if 100 Parent Involvement Credits are earned by4/15)
- $250 - “No Kids Allowed” for ages 16+ (Week 3)
- $250 - Residential Week at Camp Twin Lakes (Week 6)
Participants: All individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability, starting at age 4.
Description: An eight week program that provides continuous learning as well as social and recreational opportunities for young people with disabilities. Camp runs 9:00am- 3:00pm. Before/after care can be arranged with individual staff for extra charges. Day camp is split into 4 units by age: Youngest, Younger-Middle, Older-Middle, and Oldest units.
Contact: Extra Special People Summer Camp website
Victory JunctionDate: Various themed weeks from June 9 - August 8 for the summer with separately scheduled weekends. See the full Victory Junction schedule for more details.
Where: Randleman, NC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children between 6 and 16 with a diagnosis in accordance with one of the many accepted conditions.
Description: Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Located in Randleman, NC, Victory Junction is built upon 84 beautiful acres donated by Richard and Lynda Petty. Themed around NASCAR racing, the camp is echoes the sights, sounds, and feel of a real racetrack.
Contact: Victory Junction website
Camp CaglewoodDate: Various weekend camps starting June 8
Where: Flowery Branch, GA
Cost: All listed summer events are $200
Participants: Children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, PDD, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
Description: Caglewood is a Special Needs Camping Program that serves individuals with developmental disabilities through active programming that provides enhanced life experiences, personal development, and respite opportunities. They offer several weekend camps in addition to special events:
- Hike Inn
April 19 - 21
Campers will enjoy one night at the Hike Inn and one night at the Amicalola Campground. Trek will start on Friday the 19th up to the Hike Inn – a 5 mile moderate to strenuous hike up to the inn. The inn itself has bunkrooms, bathrooms, family style meals, fires, books and games, and educational programs. There will be a hike back down the mountain on Saturday and setting up camp in the campground followed by campfire cooking, crafts, games, tent camping and a waterfall hike. - White Water Rafting
July 21-23
Campers will be heading out on Friday, rafting the Nantahala on Saturday, and heading back on Sunday. Rafting will be with the Wildwater rafting group who has hosted Camp Caglewood for the past 3 years. The Nantahala River is located in Nantahala National Forest and is one of America's favorite whitewater playgrounds. The trip takes over 3 hours and contains numerous class I and II rapids, with a class III at the end. Campers will be staying at the Wildwater bunkhouse.
Contact: Camp Caglewood website
Bay Cliff Summer Therapy CampDate: June 9 - August 4
Where: Big Bay, MI
Cost: E-mail Bay Cliff for price as it changes every year
Participants: Children, age 3-17, who move, speak, hear and/or see in a way that is different from their peers, due to a physical impairment, health issue or communication impairment.
Description: Bay Cliff provides a therapy-rich environment for children with physical impairments. Each camper receives an individualized plan, based on their needs, of one or more of the therapies listed below:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Theraphy
- Hearing
- Vision
- Music Therapy
- Recreation Therapy
Contact: Bay Cliff Summer Therapy Camp website
Camp To Be IndependentDate: July 21 - 26
Where: Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA
Cost: Free
Participants: Children and adults ages 8 – 21 with traumatic brain injury. The camp usually hosts between 35 and 40 kids.
Description: Camp TBI offers parents/caregivers a respite while their children enjoy the fully accessible facilities at Camp Twin Lakes. Children will enjoy fishing, archery, arts and crafts, a zip line, bicycling, swimming, dancing, karaoke and talent nights in the care of counselors provided by the Medical College of Georgia Occupational Therapy School.
Contact: Camp To Be Indpendent website
Camp ChatterboxDate: August 18 - 24
Where: Outdoor Center at Happiness is Camping, 62 Sunset Lake Road, Hardwick, NJ
Cost: The cost of attending Camp Chatterbox is $1,000 for a child and parent. This includes a $550 Therapy fee and a $450 Camp fee.
Participants: Children ages 5-15 who are nonspeaking or severely speech impaired and functionally use synthesized Augmentative & Alternative Communication devices
Description: Camp Chatterbox, founded by Joan Bruno in 1992, is an intensive therapy camp for children, ages 5 -15, who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and a training program for their parents. It is sponsored by the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ.
Contact: Camp Chatterbox website
Camp CommunicateDate: Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25
Where: Pine Tree Camp, Rome, ME
Cost: Contact Linda Bonnar-Ivery for the current Camp Communicate price
Participants: Ages 8-20; use a high tech communication device; be accompanied by a caregiver. There are two programs, one for ages 8-14 and another for ages 15-20. Each program has a limit of 10 participants.
Description: Camp Communicate is an innovative weekend designed specifically for non-verbal children who use computerized devices, known as augmentative communication, to communicate. Each camper attends Camp Communicate along with a parent/caregiver. Parents will have the opportunity to attend workshops and share information and strategies in a supportive environment. Learning opportunities for parents will support more effective augmentative communication device use at home and will foster more proficient use in school.
Contact: Camp Communicate website
Camps of Courage and FriendshipDate: Various sessions throughout the summer, as listed in brochure on website
Where: Maple Lake, MN
Cost: Varies. Camp offers scholarships for campers who need financial assistance. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants: Varies depending on camp; See website for more information
Description: Friendship Ventures and Courage Center Camps have rich histories of providing exceptional and much-needed services. Camp Courage was established in 1955 to serve individuals with physical disabilities. Friendship Ventures was established in 1964, serving participants with developmental disabilities and special needs. Between the two organizations, there are five lakeside camps in Minnesota that offer safe, accessible, natural environments where children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory and language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses discover abilities they never knew they had or they thought they had lost. Campers make new friends, and are often introduced to sports or hobbies they develop further at home or at school.
Contact: Courage Camps website
Links
To search for more special needs camps, you can try this site:
Very Special Camps - http://www.veryspecialcamps.com/