March 14, 2022
Special Needs Summer Camps 2022
By: Amy Chu, Bethany Gilchrist, LLMSW, Christin Sammons, M.A., Ben Flanagan, MSW, Rachel Piper, LMSW & Suzi Naguib, Psy.D.
IT’S SUMMER 2022…. 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 a 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 Midicha
Fenton, MI. (810) 629-9622 – Multiple overnight programs – Individuals with diabetes – Ages 5 to 17, depending on the program. First session starts on June 19th. Financial aid available.
Fenton, MI. (810) 742-5404 – 2 sessions of week-long day programs – Individuals with ASD and peer mentors – Ages 7 to 18, young adults with lower levels of functional independence. July 11-14 or July 18-21.
HILLSDALE COUNTY
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – Multiple day and overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 8 to 25+, depending on the program. Camp session starts from June 12th to August 14th.
KENT COUNTY
Pine Ridge Bible Camp- Freddy’s Friends
Cedar Springs, MI (616) 696-8675 – Christian-focused camp that offers multiple day and overnight programs – Adults with developmental disabilities. Session one starts on June 7th. Scholarships available.
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 sensory therapies – In person – Ages 1 to 14. June 21st – August 4th.
Rockford, MI. (616) 866-3066 – Day camp that includes therapeutic horseback riding lessons – All ability levels and for children who need special assistance – Ages 8+. First session starts June 13th to 17th.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Howell, MI. (734) 249 -8094 – Traditional overnight summer camp, main camp and siblings programs – Individuals with ASD and their siblings – Ages 7 to 17, depending on the program. From August 7th -12th. Scholarships available.
Brighton, MI (810) 225-3417. Five day intensive therapy program – Children with Selective Mutism – Ages 4 to 12, children younger or older will be considered on an individual basis. Sessions start from July 25th to July 29th.
Pinckney, MI. (734) 680-8744 – In-person Day Camp – Individuals with a variety of medical diagnosis, siblings may attend depending on available space – Ages 7 to 15, depending on the program. Offer sessions from June 26 to July 22. Programs are all free of charge.
MECOSTA COUNTY
Cran Hill Ranch- Friendship Camp
Rodney, MI. (231) 796-7669 – Multiple Christian-focused sessions– 4 night/5 day overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 15+ – First session starts June 20th, and last session starts on August 15th.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – First session starts June 5th. Scholarships available.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Clarkston, MI. (248) 623-4314 – 5-week day program – Individuals with special needs, including ASD, cognitive or behavioral impairments, and physical disabilities – Ages 3 to 40 – Starts from June 27th to August 3rd with the week of July 4th off.
Farmington Hills, MI. (877) 388-8315 – At-home activities and family outings – Children with cancer and rare blood disorders – Under 18.
Summer Fun Camps for Special Needs Kids
Highland, MI. (248) 684-9610 – Multiple 5-day programs – Children with special needs – Ages 4 to 14 – One session per month in July and August.
West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 788-7878 – In person day and overnight camp programs, overnight camps in North Star Reach, Livingston County– Individuals with special needs – Ages 4 +, depending on the program. First session starts on June 20, offering several sessions till August 8th. Scholarships available.
West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 433-0885 – 5-week long day program – Individuals with disabilities, including visually, cognitively, physically and other impairments, and ASD – Ages 3 to 26. First day is June 28th, and the last day is July 28th – Scholarships available.
Ortonville, MI. (248) 432-5578 – Multiple Jewish focused, adventure camps, independent living skills, and job skills day camps – Individuals with special needs – Grades K to 28.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
The Adventure Learning Center at Eagle Village
Hersey, MI. (231) 305-6561 – Multiple week-long day and overnight programs, and numerous retreat options – Children and teens with past trauma and emotional difficulties – Ages 6 to 17, depending on the program. First session starts June 14th. Scholarships available.
Evart, MI. (231) 734-2616 – Multiple day and overnight programs, day camps are held in various countries in Michigan and overnight camps are held in Evart – Children with special needs – Grades K-12, depending on the program.
OTTAWA COUNTY
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 677-5251 – Six day five nights overnight programs – In person – Individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities – ages 7 to 17 and 18+, depending on the program. First session starts on June 5th and ends on August 7th. Scholarships available.
Newaygo, MI., West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – First session starts June 28th. Scholarships available.
TUSCOLA COUNTY
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 and brain injuries – Ages 6 to 30, depending on the program. First session starts May 28th.
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
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 971-6355 – Week-long day program – Teens and adults with moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 13 to 30. Session starts from August 8th to 12th. Registration starts on March 15th, $30 fee.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 660-5108 – 7 individual weeks of full-day and half-day camps. Adventure and enrichment camp options recommended for high functioning ASD kids – K through 8th grade. Registration deadline on March 6th. Half-day camp fees from $155-$195, full-day camp fees from $295-$340.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 476-5153 – Week-long day program – Individuals with a range of special needs – Ages 8 to adult. August 15th to 19th, $275 per session.
Therapeutic Riding Incorporated
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 677-0303 – Multiple day programs that provide therapeutic horseback riding – Children and adults with disabilities, ASD, down syndrome and more – Ages 4 to 80+.
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+
Sunfield Summer camp
WAYNE COUNTY
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5360 – 8 weeks long day camps with field trips held on Mondays, Thursday, and Fridays – Youth with developmental, emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities – Ages 8 to 14. From June 20th – August 12th. Scholarships available.
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5360 – 8 weeks long day camps with field trips held on Tuesdays and Thursdays – Individuals with special needs – Ages 15+. From June 22th – August 10th.
LAPEER COUNTY
Skyline Camp and Retreat Center
Almont, MI. (810) 798-8240 – Multiple overnight in-person programs – Teens and adults with special needs – Ages 13 to 28+, depending on the program. First session starts June 12th. Tiered pricing.
Recommended OUT OF STATE MICHIGAN Camps
Vermont. (866) 680-4744 – 3-week overnight camps and 1-week family camp – For neurodiverse children, including ASD, Asperger’s and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) – Grades 3-12, depending on the program. First session starts on June 25th and the last session ends on August 16th.