February 14, 2025
Special Needs Summer Camps 2025
By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
Summer is Approaching Fast!
Summertime is right around the corner, which also means that summer camps will be back in session! Summer camps can be a fun and exciting experience for individuals of all ages, in addition to giving them something to do during the summer. Summer camps also present opportunities for individuals to learn social skills, independence, responsibility, resilience, and build self-esteem, among many other benefits (YMCA, 2019). Specifically focusing on children, enrolling your child in a summer camp might be of interest to you, but it can also be a lot of work to research and determine which program is best for your child. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of camps in the area below.
Day Camp vs. Overnight Camp
One factor to consider when choosing a camp is whether to choose a day camp or an overnight camp. A key consideration when determining if your child may or may not be ready for an overnight camp is whether your child expresses an interest in going away to camp (King, 2025). It is also important to assess the skills your child has in order to evaluate their readiness. One important skill is the ability to take care of personal hygiene (King, 2025). While camp counselors may remind children to brush teeth and take a shower, children will need to be able to complete these tasks independently.
Another factor to consider when determining your child’s readiness for an overnight camp is if your child has had successful sleepovers with friends or family, or has had success with being put to bed by babysitters (King, 2025). Talk with your child about how past overnight experiences went to assess their anxiety or worry levels in order to determine their comfortability level with the idea of staying overnight at a camp. Additionally, technology may be restricted at camp, so consider your child’s nighttime routine and their ability to engage with others socially rather than online (King, 2025). Finally, educating your child on the duration and expectations of camp and making the decision collaboratively is the best way to determine your child’s readiness.
Program Specifics
All of the summer camps listed below provide specialized accommodations for their campers. Depending on the camp, some may cater to specific populations. It’s important to ensure that the camp that you choose is right for your child and their unique needs. Populations that have specific camp programs listed below include camps for individuals with physical disabilities, medical diagnoses, intellectual disabilities (including ASD, ADHD and other neurodivergences), as well as emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Additionally, many of these camps offer both day and overnight options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your child’s readiness. The day programs vary in length and time, providing your child the opportunity to engage with peers in structured activities without staying overnight. Campers who are ready to stay overnight can enjoy extended time with other campers.
Some activities offered by camps include bike lessons, horseback riding, siblings camps, and other outdoor and craft activities. All of the active sports-themes camps are tailored to individuals with special needs. The camps also are also organized by age range or grade for specialized accommodations and learning programs.
Camp Dates and Finances
Summer camp days and duration vary depending on the program. Be sure to check the camp’s website to verify the specific dates and duration of the camp that you’re interested in. Additionally, some camps have already opened registration, while others have not yet started for summer 2025. Many camps begin registration in March, so keep an eye on the websites for the registration dates.
When it comes to finances, the cost varies depending on the specific camp, with pricings ranging from no cost to over a thousand dollars. However, many camps offer scholarships and reduced prices to ensure that all kids have access to the opportunity to attend summer camp. Be sure to check the camp’s website for more information on available scholarships or financial aid. If you are unsure about any financial aid, don’t hesitate to call the camp office and ask!
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 8 to 17, depending on the program. Overnight camp dates include June 15-20 and June 22-27. Day Camp dates include June 23-27. Financial aid available.
Owosso, MI. (989) 723-7377 – Day camp three days a week (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) – Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – Ages 13+. Must be a Member of The Arc Shiawassee / Arc of Mid-Michigan. No dates yet for 2025.
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. No dates yet for 2025.
HILLSDALE COUNTY
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – 10 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 1st to August 8th, sessions separated by age groups. 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 runs from June 10-14th, session two runs from June 30th-July 4th. 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 24th to Aug 7th.
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 16th.
LAPEER COUNTY
Lapeer, MI. (810) 245-0726 – Week long overnight camp sessions – Blind and visually impaired youth, and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing. First session starts July 13th. Open to all kids 6 – 16 years old. Scholarships available.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Pickney, MI. (734) 436-1453 – Traditional overnight summer camp, main camp and siblings programs – Individuals with ASD and their siblings – Ages 6 to 17, depending on the program. Camp runs from July 20-25th. Scholarships available.
Brighton, MI. (810) 225-3417. Five day intensive therapy program – Children with Selective Mutism – Ages 4 to 18. From July 28th to August 1st.
Introducing Advanced Camp – Ages 5 to 8. For campers who have made positive progress or have previously attended CKC. Session runs from July 21-23rd.
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 16th.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple overnight camps – Teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities – Age 18 to 60. First session starts May 31st. 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+ – Starts from June 23rd to July 30th with the week of July 1st off. Registration will open April 5th
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 2025.
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 – 4-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 23rd and the last day is July 24th – 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. No dates yet for 2025. Scholarships available.
Bloomfield Township, MI. (248) 647-1100 – Inclusive overnight experience that ranges from 10 to 24 days with trained staff and support and focuses on learning, social and/or communication differences, and job coaching (depending on your age) – Individuals with special needs – Grades 2nd to 9th to be eligible for the Yachad Inclusion Program and Grades 9th to age 30 to be eligible for the Avodah Young Adult Program. First session starts in June. Scholarships and discounts available.
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 July. Scholarships available.
OTTAWA COUNTY
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 677-5251 – Six day five nights overnight programs – Individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities – All ages. No dates yet for 2025. 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 to 35+, 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 6-18. First session starts on June 24th.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 971-6337 – Week-long day camp program – Teens and adults with moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 13 to 30. No dates listed yet for 2025.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 476-5153 – Week-long day program (Half days or Full days) – Individuals with a range of special needs – Ages 5-12. First session starts in June. Scholarships available.
Ypsilanti, MI. (734) 484-2758 – Program provides bike individualized bike lessons – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 5+. No dates yet for 2025.
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 23rd to August 15th.
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 16th – 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 16th – 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 – No dates yet for 2025. Customized registration process and payment plans available.
OUT-OF-STATE
Dubois, WY. (828) 456-3435 – Youth with ADHD and other learning disabilities; archery, caving, fishing, hiking, horse packing and more. Ages 11 to 18.
References
King, E. W. (2025). The Awesome Benefits of Summer Camp for
Neurodivergent Kids. Substack.com; Learn with Dr. Emily. https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/p/the-awesome-benefits-of-summer-camp
YMCA. (2019). 15 Benefits of Summer Camp for Your Kids. Gwrymca.org.