Special Needs Summer Camps 2021

IT’S SUMMER 2021…. Almost.

Summertime is right around the corner and it can be incredibly helpful to start exploring some new and exciting summer camp opportunities. With your child’s school year winding down, summer camp can be the perfect transition into a new routine filled with fun, socializing and unique learning experiences.

Between work and taking care of your family, we know how difficult it can be to find the time it takes to do extensive summer camp research; which is why we did it for you! Below, you will find a comprehensive list of special needs summer camp opportunities within the state of Michigan, organized by county. Before looking through our list, we encourage you to review a few tips to make sure you find the perfect summer camp to fit your child’s specific needs.

Specialized Accommodations

All of the listed summer camps provide accommodations for their campers. That being said, some camps cater to the needs of specific populations, and thus it is important to make sure their accommodations will suit your child’s needs. Among the list are camps intended for individuals with physical disabilities, medical diagnoses, emotional challenges, foster children, intellectual impairment and developmental disabilities including Autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

Program Specifics

These summer camps vary in terms of their specifics, allowing you to find a camp that is appropriate considering your child’s history of experience and interests. Most of the summer camps offer either drop-in, day or overnight programs, although some offer all of the above. The drop-in programs are very convenient, as they can be planned around your schedule. They also make for a great introduction into the summer camp scene if your child has no previous experience. The day programs provide more structured routine for your child’s summer camp experience, as well as increased exposure to other campers for more of a social experience. Day programs also serve as a great introduction for campers who are not quite ready to spend the night away from home. Campers can have an amazing experience at Overnight programs allowing them to spend more time on site with other kids. Provided specially trained camp organizers and staff are equipped to attend to your child’s individual needs, you can try to put your worries aside and enjoy some well deserved time off from parenting!

Among the summer camps listed are some pretty unique programs that might cater to your child’s current interests, or provide them with new learning experiences including bike lessons, horseback riding, tennis, ice skating and siblings camp. All of the active sports-themed camps are therapeutic and tailored for individuals with special needs. The siblings camps provide a unique experience for siblings of children with a disability. In most cases, these camps are offered on the same site as the accommodating programs, but in a different space, allowing for exclusive and personal experiences. If interested in siblings camp, check out Camp Tall Tree, North Star Reach Camp, and O.U.R. Camp.

Lastly, most of the camp programs have specialized accommodations and learning programs for very specific age ranges. Double check the specific age range for each program you are interested in.

Program Date and Duration

Summer camp day and overnight programs can range from days, to weeks and vary in daily or weekly frequency. Make sure to check the camp’s website in order to review their specific dates to see whether they will fit your schedule. Furthermore, look for the registration date as soon as possible, as some camps are already open for registration, while others will open very soon!

Finances

Summer camp can be FREE, or it can be expensive. The price depends on the particular camp, and can range from no cost at all to over a thousand dollars. However, many summer camps offer scholarships, which can seriously alleviate any potential financial burdens. We recommend that for any camp you are interested in, look up the price, and definitely look for scholarship opportunities. If unsure, contact the camp and ask!

You Have Options

All of the summer camps compiled are located within a 3-hour radius of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Every camp has something unique to offer, so we encourage you to research every camp within your county, and even those in adjacent counties. We hope that you find these tips helpful, and can successfully find the perfect fit for your child.

GENESEE COUNTY

Camp Tall Tree
Fenton, MI. (734) 657-0057 – Aug 3-7, all virtual activities, peer mentor and siblings programs – Individuals with ASD, 22Q Deletion syndrome and their siblings, peer mentors – Ages 7 to mid 20’s, depending on the program. Scholarships available. 

Speech and Language Learning Camp
Flint, MI. (810) 733-3911 email: info@sllcenter.net – Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy – Day camp options that include speech, language, and social skills programs – Ages 2 to 16. Classes available from July 6th to August 19th. 

Camp Midicha
Fenton, MI. (810) 629-9622 – Multiple overnight programs – Individuals with diabetes – Ages 8 to 17, depending on the program. First session starts August 1st. 

P.O.W.E.R. Camp
Fenton, MI. (810) 742-5404 – 2 sessions of week-long in person day programs – Individuals with ASD and peer mentors – Ages 7 to 18, young adults with lower levels of functional independence. July 12-15 or July 19-22. 

HILLSDALE COUNTY

St. Francis Camp
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – Multiple day and overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 8 to 26+, depending on the program. First Session starts June 13th

KALKASKA COUNTY

Friendship Circle
Kalkaska, MI (248) 788-7878 West Bloomfield, MI (248) 788-8600 – Day and overnight camp programs, in person, baseball league and bike lessons – Individuals with special needs – Ages 5 to 18, depending on the program. Scholarships available. 

KENT COUNTY

Pine Ridge Bible Camp- Freddy’s Friends
Cedar Springs, MI (616) 696-8675 – Christian-focused camp that offers multiple overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities ages 14+. Session 1 starts June 16th. 

Indian Trails Camp
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 677-5251 – Day, overnight and drop-in programs – In person – Individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities – ages 7+, depending on the program. First session starts June 2nd. 

Comprehensive Summer Therapy Fun
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 559-1054 – Fun therapy sessions offered 3 days/weeks – Individuals that would benefit from speech-language, occupational and/or physical therapies – In person and virtual options – Ages 1 to 14. June 22nd – August 5th. 

Horsemanship Camp
Rockford, MI. (616) 866-3066 – Multiple day camps that include therapeutic horseback riding lessons – All ability levels – Ages 8+. First session starts June 14th. 

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Confident Kids Camp 
Brighton, MI (734) 433-5100. Week long day camp – Children diagnosed with Selective Mutism.

North Star Reach Camps
Pinckney, MI. (734) 680-8744 – Virtual Day Camp – Individuals with a variety of medical diagnoses – Ages infancy, to 17, depending on the program. First session starts April 30th. 

MECOSTA COUNTY

Cran Hill Ranch- Friendship Camp
Rodney, MI. (231) 796-7669 – Multiple Christian-focused – 1-week overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 15+ – First session starts June 21st! 

NEWAYGO COUNTY

Camp Sunshine
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Overnight camp is postponed to 2022 summer – Virtual Day events & craft program – Individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 12 to 50.

OAKLAND COUNTY

Skyline Camp and Retreat Center
Birmingham, MI. (248) 644-2043 – Multiple 5-day overnight in-person programs – Teens and adults with special needs – Ages 13 to 30+, depending on the program.

Clarkston SCAMP
Clarkston, MI. (248) 623-4314 – 5-week day program – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 3+. Applications due May 14th! 

Camp Casey
Farmington Hills, MI. (877) 388-8315 – At-home activities, overnight camp and group outings – Children with cancer and rare blood disorders – Under 18.

Summer Fun Camps for Special Needs Kids
Highland, MI. (248) 684-9610 – Multiple week-long day programs – Children with special needs – Ages 4 to 14.

Friendship Circle
Kalkaska, MI., West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 788-7878, (248) 788-8600 – Day and overnight camp programs, baseball league and bike lessons – Individuals with special needs – Ages 5 to 18, depending on the program.

Bloomfield SCAMP
West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 433-0885 – 5-week long day program – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 3 to 26. First day is June 29th

Tamarack Camps
Ortonville, MI. (248) 432-5578 – Jewish focused, adventure camps, independent living skills, job site skills– Individuals with disabilities – Ages 3 to 26.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

The Adventure Learning Center at Eagle Village
Hersey, MI. (231) 832-2234 – Multiple week-long overnight programs, and numerous retreat options – Children and teens with past trauma and emotional difficulties – Ages 9 to 17, depending on the program.

OTTAWA COUNTY

Camp Sunshine
Newaygo, MI., West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Camp Sunshine is not hosting an overnight camp due to COVID-19, but is offering a virtual community with various activities – Individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 12 to 50.

TUSCOLA COUNTY

The Fowler Center
Mayville, MI. (989) 673-2050 – Multiple specialized and themed day and overnight programs that accomodate for a wide range of abilities – Individuals with developmental disabilities including ASD, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome – Ages 6 to 30, depending on the program.

WASHTENAW COUNTY

Summer Fun at the Ann Arbor Academy
Ann Arbor, MI, (734) 747-6641 – Multiple week-long day programs that focus on academic enrichment and support – Children with learning challenges- Ages 8-18

Camp Big Heart
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 971-6355 – Week-long day program – Teens and adults with moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 13 to 30.

Emerson School
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 665-5662 – Adventure and enrichment camp options recommended for high functioning ASD kids – Preschool aged through 8th grade.

Know Obstacles Music Camp
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 476-5153 – Week-long day program – Individuals with a range of special needs – Ages 8 to adult.

Therapeutic Riding Incorporated
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 677-0303 – Multiple day programs that provide therapeutic horseback riding – Children and adults with disabilities – Ages 4 to 80+.

PEAC Summer Cycling Program
Ann Arbor, MI., Dexter, MI., Saline, MI. 734-484-2758 – 7-week program that meets once to twice a week and provides bike lessons – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 5+

WAYNE COUNTY

Camp A.B.L.E.
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5367 – 8 week long drop-in summer day camp with field trips held on Mondays, Thursday, and Fridays  – Ages 8 to 14.

Camp Leisure Club
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5367 – 8 week long drop-in summer day camp with field trips held on Tuesdays and Thursdays- Individuals with special needs – Ages 15+.