March 8, 2024
Special Needs Summer Camps 2024
By: Shreeja Vachhani, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
As the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, thoughts naturally turn to the promise of summer. For families who have children with special needs, the search for the perfect summer camp experience can be both exciting and daunting. But fear not! We understand the unique challenges and joys that come with finding the ideal summer camp, which is why we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to special needs summer camps across Michigan. From enriching activities to fostering social connections, these camps offer a wealth of opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
Before taking a look at our list of summer camps, we encourage you to take a moment to consider a few essential tips to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your child’s individual needs. Additionally, we’ve highlighted some benefits of summer camp participation, explored different types of camps available, and highlighted key factors to keep in mind when making your selection. This may be especially beneficial for families who are navigating this experience for the first time.
Benefits of Summer Camps
Summer camps offer various benefits beyond just fun in the sun. Engaging in camp activities provides opportunities for the development of social-emotional skills, fostering friendships, and empathy in a supportive environment (American Camp Association, 2023). Through collaborative activities and challenges, children learn valuable lessons in character building, resilience, and teamwork (American Camp Association, 2023). Moreover, living together with other camp children fosters vital community living and service skills, nurturing a sense of responsibility and connection to others (Shafer, 2016). Camps also serve as a playground for exploration, allowing children to discover new interests and hobbies they may not have encountered otherwise (Shafer, 2016). Lastly, camps are a way for children to disconnect from the digital world, encouraging them to unplug and embrace the beauty of the natural world while developing their independence and self-reliance (Shafer, 2016).
Types of Summer Camps
Special needs summer camps come in various formats, each offering distinct benefits to cater to your child’s needs and preferences. Drop-in camps provide greater flexibility and convenience, enabling parents to work around their busy schedules while offering a cost-effective option. These camps also prove less overwhelming for kids, serving as an excellent introduction to the camp experience. On the other hand, day camps offer working parents the convenience of extended care and maintain a structured routine for children. With no overnight stay, they provide a comfortable transition, particularly for children who are new to camp or feel hesitant about being away from home for an extended period of time. Overnight camps, however, take the camp experience to a deeper level by fostering independence and self-confidence. As children spend more time on-site with their peers, they learn adaptability and build deeper relationships under the guidance of specially trained staff. Additionally, most camps provide specialized accommodations and learning programs tailored to very specific age ranges, ensuring each child receives appropriate support and engagement. It’s crucial to double-check the specific age range for each program you’re interested in to guarantee it aligns with your child’s developmental stage and needs. From engaging activities such as bowling and zoo visits to therapeutic creative activities involving games, crafts, and music, these camps offer a diverse range of opportunities for children to explore, grow, and have fun.
Considerations for Choosing a Summer Camp
When selecting a summer camp for your child with special needs, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the best fit. Firstly, take the time to understand the camp’s philosophy and mission statement to ensure that it aligns with your family’s values and educational goals. Consider whether the camp focuses on skill-building, character development, outdoor exploration, or other specific objectives that resonate with your child’s needs. Additionally, it is important to assess the cost of the camp, including tuition, fees, and any additional expenses such as transportation and supplies. Look for camps that offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to make it more affordable for your family. It’s also crucial to consider the location of the camp and the logistics of transportation to and from the campsite. Evaluate factors such as distance, accessibility, and travel time to determine whether the camp is convenient and feasible for your family. You can also research the qualifications, training, and experience of the camp staff and counselors to ensure they can provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for your child. Consider whether the staff-to-camper ratio is adequate to meet the needs of all campers. Finally, involve your child in the decision-making process and consider their preferences, interests, and comfort level when choosing a summer camp. By carefully considering these factors, you can find a summer camp that offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for your child.
List of Special Needs Summer Camps in Michigan by County
GENESEE COUNTY
Fenton, MI. (248) 560-7088 – Two overnight sessions and one day camp – Individuals with diabetes – Ages 5 to 17, depending on the program. Overnight camp dates include June 16-21 and June 23-28. Financial aid available.
Owosso, MI. (989) 723-7377 – Day camp three days a week – Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – Ages 13+. Sessions start in June and end in August. No specific dates listed yet for 2024.
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 8-11.
HILLSDALE COUNTY
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – Overnight camp with day camp optionality – Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – Ages 8 to 35+, depending on the program. Sessions run weekly from June 30th to August 16th, depending on the program. 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 10th, session two starts on July 1st. 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, session runs from June 25th to Aug 8th.
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 10th.
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 June 28th. Open to all kids 5 – 16 years old. Scholarships available.
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 26, depending on the program. Scholarships available.
Brighton, MI (810) 225-3417. Five day intensive therapy program – Children with Selective Mutism – Ages 4 to 18. From July 9th to August 2nd.
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 17th.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – First session starts June 1st. 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 24th to July 31st with the week of July 1st off. Applications will open April 6th
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 2024.
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. Day camp sessions starting June 17th, overnight camp sessions starting July 29th.
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 24th and the last day is July 25th – 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. Camp is held June 24th – August 16th.
OGEMAW COUNTY
West Branch, MI. (734) 436-1453 – Traditional overnight summer camp designed for children with autism and their neurotypical siblings, ages 6-12. Camp dates August 12th – 17th. Scholarships available for all programs.
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 in June. 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 in June. 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 2nd. 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 in June. 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 24th. This year, the camp is excited to offer themed weeks (for the first time)!
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 2024.
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 17th.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 476-5153 – Week-long day program – Individuals with a range of special needs – Ages 8 to adult. June 10th-14th. 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 2024 are TBD.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 994-2636 – Multi-aged, theme-based summer camp program allowing children to attend for the entire summer, specific weeks, or scheduled drop-in days. No specific age range listed. Sessions run from June 24th to August 16th.
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 17th – August 8th. 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 17th – August 8th. Scholarships available.
Living & Learning Enrichment Center
Northville, MI. (248) 308-3592 – 8 weeks long day camp for teens and young adults with disabilities (ages 11 and above); different themes for each week – Camp runs from June 24th – Aug 15th. Customized registration process and payment plans available.
References
Benefits of camp. American Camp Association. (2023). https://www.acacamps.org/parents-families/benefits-camp
Covid-19 – resource center for camps. American Camp Association. (2023, May 24). https://www.acacamps.org/resources/covid-19-resource-center-camps
Sibthorp, J., Wilson, C., Povilaitis, V., & Browne, L. (2020). Active ingredients of learning at summer camp. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 23(1), 21–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-019-00050-6
Shafer, L. (2016, July 1). Lessons from camp. Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/16/07/lessons-camp