For many kids, with summer comes summer camp—it’s a childhood rite of passage. For kids with special needs, deciding on the right one can be more of a challenge. Luckily, there are a number of area summer programs available specifically for children with special needs—giving them the adventure, friendship and shenanigans of camp with the resources they need to succeed.
Summer may have already started, but these are some of the camps and programs still taking applications. It’s not too late to get your kids signed up!
Camp Aristotle
Starting in July, the Baltimore campus of the Auburn School offers weeklong full- and half-day camps for students in grades K-9 who have issues with peer relationships or impulse control caused by Asperger’s Syndrome, anxiety, ADHD or other disorders. With themes like “Lego Invasion,” “Minecraft Mania” and “Medieval Mischief,” there’s sure to be a good fit for all students.
To apply: The deadline was May 20, but the camp accepts applications as long as there are spots open. Go to www.theauburnschool.com, or call 410-617-0418
Baltimore County Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Baltimore County offers a Performing Arts Summer Camp for kids aged 6-13 with and without disabilities in Dundalk. The program operates during the week for five weeks starting in July, with a big performance at the end of the five weeks. Perfect for that burgeoning theater enthusiast.
To apply: Registration is open through June, until full. To register, email [email protected] or call 410-887-5370.
Summer Sensations Day Camp
For 4-12-year-old kids with sensory processing disorders, Columbia’s Children’s Therapy Center offers Summer Sensations Day Camp, a full-day camp held for four weeks—though kids are only required to be enrolled for two—starting in July. The camp includes music, art, games and other activities aimed at improving processing, fine motor skills, self-regulation and self-expression. There’s even specialized bike-riding instruction and water play, ensuring your child is getting the most out of her summer.
To apply: Go to www.summersensationsdaycamp.com/enrollment-info.html to download an application.
Deaf Camps, Inc.
Having a hearing impairment doesn’t have to be a barrier to the full summer camp experience. Deaf Camps, Inc. hosts several different options over the course of the summer, including weeklong residential camps at Manidokan Camp in Knoxville, M.D. Campers range in age from 7-19 and all activities—which include swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, as well as some religious education—are conducted in American Sign Language.
To apply: Go to deafcampsinc.wordpress.com to apply online or print a registration form. There are also financial scholarships available.
Easter Seals Camp Fairlee
This camp is located right along the Eastern Shore and offers all the joys of wilderness with the support and resources needed to help your child enjoy them. With options for all ages above 6-years-old, and choices of regular, wilderness and daily adventure camps (which includes daily field trips to places like the beach or amusement park), there’s sure to be something for all types of kids.
To apply: Go to www.easterseals.com/de to register online or print registration forms.
Camp Attaway
This Columbia-based day camp runs for three weeks in late June and early July, and caters to kids, aged 7-13, with emotional and behavioral disorders. Activities range from rock climbing, swimming and sports to arts and crafts and dramatics. There’s even a parent support group, so it’s beneficial for the whole family.
To apply: Go to www.campattaway.org or call 410-730-2633. Registration is open until spots are filled.
Camp Sunrise
Camp Sunrise, sponsored by Johns Hopkins University and located in Annapolis, is a free-of-charge weeklong summer camp for kids who have or have had cancer. With full medical care at camp, kids can have fun while parents can feel assured they are in safe hands. Activities include nature hikes, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and, of course, campfire songs and s’mores.
To apply: Go to www.hopkinsmedicine.org/campsunrise for more information on how to register.
Mary Salkever Inclusive Computer Arts Camp
Maybe your child isn’t so much the wilderness type? Well, the Mary Salkever Inclusive Computer Arts Camp is a perfect solution for kids aged 7-21, both with and without disabilities—a weeklong day camp with field trips, activities designed to promote creativity and independent thinking, and daily interaction with technology like cameras, iPads and camcorders. With individualized learning plans, each child is guaranteed to come away more knowledgeable than they started.
To apply: Go to www.v-linc.org/services/computer-arts-summer-camp to register online, or print out a registration form. Some scholarships are available.
Camp Greentop
Run by the League for People with Disabilities, Camp Greentop welcomes all ranges of abilities, both physical and mental, and offers traditional weeklong camps and shorter weekend getaways. Located about 70 miles northeast of Baltimore, Camp Greentop provides the full rustic camp experience, but with support and resources to fulfill campers’ particular needs.
To apply: Go to www.leagueforpeople.org/programs-services/camping-recreation to register online.
In addition to these, many city and county parks and recreation departments have summer programs for children with special needs, so it never hurts to do some checking. Happy camping! BC
