March 10, 2023
Special Needs Summer Camps 2023
By: Jacob Lentz and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
IT’S SUMMER 2023…. 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, socialization 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, and 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 or North Star Reach 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 alleviate 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 Michigan based 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
Fenton, MI. (248) 433-3830 – Two overnight sessions and one day camp – Individuals with diabetes – Ages 5 to 17, depending on the program. First overnight session starts on June 18th, day camp starts on June 26th. Financial aid available.
Owosso, MI. (989) 723-7377 – Day camp three days a week – Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – Ages 13+. Sessions typically run weekly starting in June. No specific dates listed yet for 2023.
Fenton, MI. (810) 742-5404 – one session of week-long day programs – Individuals with ASD and peer mentors – Ages 7 to 18 and young adults with lower levels of functional independence. From July 10-13.
HILLSDALE COUNTY
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – Overnight camp with day camp optionality – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 8 to 26+, depending on the program. Sessions run weekly from June 11th to August 13th. Financial aid available.
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 – Freddy’s Friends program is for adults ages 16-70 with developmental disabilities. Session one starts on June 6th, session two starts on July 5th. Scholarships available.
Comprehensive Summer Therapy & Fun
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 559-1054 – Fun therapy sessions offered 3 days/week for 7 weeks – Individuals that would benefit from speech-language, occupational and/or sensory therapies – In person – Ages 3 to 14.
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 12th.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Howell, MI. (517) 546-0249 – Traditional overnight summer camp, main camp and siblings programs – Individuals with ASD and their siblings – Ages 7 to 26, depending on the program. First session starts July 9th. Scholarships available.
Brighton, MI (810) 225-3417. Five day intensive therapy program – Children with Selective Mutism – Ages 4 to 18. From July 24th to July 28th.
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 19th.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – First session starts June 3rd. 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 26th to August 2nd with the week of July 4th off. Applications will open April 15th
Farmington Hills, MI. (877) 388-8315 – At-home activities and family outings – Children with cancer and rare blood disorders – Children under age 18. No dates listed yet for 2023.
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. No dates listed yet for 2023.
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. Scholarships available. No dates listed yet for 2023.
West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 433-0885 – 5-week long day program – Individuals with disabilities, including visual, cognitive, physical, and other impairments, as well as ASD – Ages 3 to 26. First day is June 27th, and the last day is July 27th – Scholarships available.
Ortonville, MI. (248) 432-5578 – Multiple Jewish focused, adventure camps, independent living skills, and job skills day camps – Individuals with special needs – Ages 5 to 28. First session starts in June.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
The Adventure Learning Center at Eagle Village
Hersey, MI. (231) 305-6730 – Multiple week-long day and overnight programs – Children and teens with past trauma and emotional difficulties – Ages 9 to 17, depending on the program. First session starts June 19th. Scholarships available.
Evart, MI. (231) 734-2616 – Multiple day and overnight Christian focused programs – Day camps are held in various counties in Michigan and overnight camps are held in Evart – Neurodiverse and neurotypical children – Grades K-12, depending on the program. First session starts June 12th. Scholarships available.
OTTAWA COUNTY
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 677-5251 – Six day five nights overnight programs – Individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities – ages 7 to 17 and 18+, depending on the program. First session starts on June 4th. Scholarships available.
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – First session starts June 3rd. Scholarships available..
TUSCOLA COUNTY
Mayville, MI. (989) 673-2050 – Multiple specialized and themed day and overnight programs that accommodate for a wide range of abilities – Individuals with developmental disabilities including ASD and brain injuries – Ages 6-26+, depending on the program. First session starts May 27th. Scholarships available.
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. First session starts on June 26th.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 971-6355 – Week-long day camp program – Teens and adults with moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 13 to 30. No dates listed yet for 2023.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 665-5662 – 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. First session starts on June 19th.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 476-5153 – Week-long day program – Individuals with a range of special needs – Ages 8 to adult. August 14th to 18th. Scholarships available.
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+. Dates for 2023 are TBD.
WAYNE COUNTY
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5460 – 8 week long day camps with field trips held on Tuesdays and Thursdays – Youth with developmental, emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities – Ages 8 to 14. From June 19th – August 11th. Scholarships available.
Canton, MI. (734) 394-5460 – 8 weeks long day camps with field trips held on Tuesdays and Thursdays – Individuals with special needs – Ages 15+. From June 19th – August 11th. Scholarships available.
LAPEER COUNTY
Lapeer, MI. (810) 245-0726 – Week long overnight camp sessions – Blind and visually impaired youth, youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, and youth with juvenile diabetes. First session starts July 9th. Scholarships available.
Recommended OUT OF STATE MICHIGAN Camps
Vermont. (610) 660-0300 – 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 June 24th. Scholarships available.
Ontario, Canada. (905) 569-7595 – 3, 4, and 7-week overnight camps – For children and teens with and without ASD and other learning disabilities – Ages 6 to 18, depending on the program. First session starts July 2nd.