March 3, 2020
Special Needs Summer Camps 2020
By: Ben Flanagan MSW, Christin DeWit TLLP, Bethany Gilchrist MSW, Rachel Piper LLMSW, Suzi Naguib Psy.D
IT’S SUMMER 2020…. 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
Fenton, MI. (734) 657-0057 – Week-long, overnight, 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.
Speech and Language Learning Camp
Flint, MI. (810) 733-3911 – Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy – Day camp options that include speech, language, and social skills programs – Ages 2 to 16.
Fenton, MI. (248) 433-3830 – Multiple overnight programs – Individuals with diabetes – Ages 8 to 16, depending on the program.
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.
HILLSDALE COUNTY
Jerome, MI. (517) 688-9212 – Multiple day and overnight programs – Individuals with developmental disabilities – Ages 8 to 26+, depending on the program.
KALKASKA COUNTY
Kalkaska, MI (248) 788-7878 West Bloomfield, MI (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.
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 – Youth and Adults.
Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 677-5251 – Day, overnight and drop-in programs – Individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities – 5+, depending on the program.
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 – Ages 1 to 14.
Rockford, MI. (616) 866-3066 – Multiple day camps that include therapeutic horseback riding lessons – All ability levels – Ages 8+.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Brighton, Mi (810) 225-3417. Week long day camp – Children diagnosed with Selective Mutism.
Pinckney, MI. (734) 680-8744 – Multiple overnight programs, including family camp and siblings camp – Individuals with a variety of medical diagnoses – Ages infancy, to 17, depending on the program.
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+
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Newaygo, MI & West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple 4-day sessions in two different locations – 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 programs – Teens and adults with special needs – Ages 13 to 30+, depending on the program.
Clarkston, MI. (248) 623-4314 – 5-week long day program – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 3+.
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.
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.
West Bloomfield, MI. (248) 433-0885 – 5-week long day program – Individuals with disabilities – Ages 3 to 26.
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
Newaygo, MI., West Olive, MI. (616) 994-9897 – Multiple 4-day sessions in two different locations – Individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 12 to 50.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
Burtchville Township, MI. (313) 962-8242 – Multiple overnight, week-long programs – Individuals with physical and/or mental challenges – Ages 7 to 16.
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, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome – Ages 6 to 30, depending on the program.
WASHTENAW COUNTY
Ann Arbor, MI (734) 252-6522 – ABA Insight is providing a number of summer camp opportunities for individuals with special needs.
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.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 971-6355 – Week-long day program – Teens and adults with moderate cognitive impairment – Ages 13 to 30.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 678-1698 – Adapted physical activity for youth and young adults diagnosed with ASD – special needs – adults.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 665-5662 – Adventure and enrichment camp options recommended for high functioning ASD kids – Preschool aged through 8th grade.
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+.
Ann Arbor, MI. (734) 660-4442 – 7-week program that meets once a week for therapeutic skating lessons – Individuals with special needs – Children and teens.
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
WAYNE COUNTY
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.
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+.
Canton, MI. (313) 405-7041 – Day, overnight, cooking and fitness programs – Individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ASD, ADHD and emotional, physical and developmental disabilities – Ages 16+.
Northville, MI. (734) 516-0488, (248) 880-2567 – Multiple 2 to 3-week day programs, also available for siblings – Children with special needs – Ages 3 to 13.