November 23, 2006

Special Needs Therapy and Respite Camps for Kids

Compiled below is a list of special needs camps. If you know of one that isn’t here please let us know so I can update and share with other families looking for camps for their children with cerebral palsy or other special needs.

Connecticut

  • Kris’ Camp
  • Camp Horizons provides winter weekend get-a-ways, a week long holiday event, and 8 weeks of residential summer camp for children and adults who are mild to moderately mentally handicapped. In South Windham, CT.
  • Camp Hemlocks, in Hebron, is a rustic, barrier-free, year-round camping facility which provides recreational, educational and social programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
  • Time for Life
    Holds a summer camp in Martha’s Vineyard for kids with cancer and their families.

Delaware

  • Camp Fairlee provides recreational camping for children and adults with disabilities, and respite for caregivers, in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
  • Atlantic Coast Special Educational Services provides full time, summer & respite residential services for people with learning related disabilities (Ocean View, DE).
  • PECS Two Week Intensive Summer Program is designed to enhance the lives of children (2yr-6yr) with autism and related developmental disabilities.
  • Summer at the Cedars, Bridgeview, DE. Please call 302/337-3200 for more info [ADHD/ADD focus].

District of Columbia

  • Summer Adventure Camp, Washington, DC. Sensory integration, ages 4-9. (202) 986-9896.
  • Washington Parent Summer Camp Guide lists all types of summer camps.

Maine

  • Camp Sunshine, in Casco, provides a respite for children with life threatening illnesses and their families.

Maryland

  • Camp Fairlee provides recreational camping for children and adults with disabilities, and respite for caregivers, in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
  • National Speech/Language Therapy Center, Bethesda. Speech, OT.
  • Therapeutic Summer Camp, in Silver Springs, is operated by The Boys’ & Girls’ Homes and Community Services, Inc.
  • Camp Greentop, Physical and multiple disabilities, Ages 7+.
  • Capital Camps, Rockville, MD. Jewish Program. Special needs, ages 9-13. (301) 468-CAMP.
  • Life Horse, in Frederick, helps terminally and chronically ill children under the age of 21 find happiness and companionship through emotional and spiritual healing using horses.
  • Kamp Akomplish, in southern Maryland, has a camp and also provides respite services. 301-870-3226.

Massachusetts

  • Camp Starfish serves emotionally, behaviorally, and learning disabled children by providing a safe therapeutic milieu in a natural camp setting. By providing a one-to-one camper to staff ratio the unique demands of each camper may be met while forging individual trusting relationships. Camp Starfish is located on 12 private acres in Brewster, MA.
  • Camp New Connections is a Pragmatic Language Group program that serves children and adolescents who are high functioning, but struggling with the social deficits associated with Asperger’s Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and other Developmental Disorders.
  • YouthCare runs a therapeutic summer camp for children with asperger’s, PDD and ADHD Associated with Massachusetts General Hospital in Charlestown.
  • Camp Arrowhead, on Lake Cochituate, is a day and residential camp that serves children and adults with disabilities.
  • Handi-Kids, in Bridgewater, provides recreational and therapy services for mentally and physically challenged children.
  • Camp Safe Haven, children with AIDS, in Vineyard Haven, MA.
  • Autism Treatment center of America’s Sonrise Program for families with special children (Option Institute, Sheffield, MA).
  • Camp Echo Bridge, Newton, integrates children with special needs with more typical children, and serves kids ages 3-15.
  • Time for Life holds a summer camp in Martha’s Vineyard for kids with cancer and their families.
  • Camp Carole, in West Roxbury, is a camp for children with cancer.
  • Camp S.T.A.R. is for children ages 5 through 22 with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, and/or multiple disabilities. For more information, please call the YMCA of the North Shore at 978-922-0990, ext 129.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Here is a listing of other web sites that list camps.

New Hampshire

New Jersey

  • PECS Two Week Intensive Summer Program, designed to enhance the lives of children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities.
  • Camp Merry Hearts focuses on respite for families, achievement in challenges, building of self-esteem in a safe environment, opportunities to have friends and to get along with others.
  • Harbor Haven, in West Orange, is a 7-week, co-ed day camp for children ages 3-15 with mild special needs.
  • Round Lake Camp/New Jersey YM-YWHA Camps, Fairfield, NJ. Please call 973.575.3333 ext 122 for more info [focus on ADD/Learning Disabilities].
  • Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside runs both summer camps and day camps.
  • Camp Oakhurst serves physically challenged adults and children in Oakhurst, NJ.
  • Summer Learning Programs, provides alternative education for students with Attention Deficit Disorder and behavioral concerns. It is run by the Windsor Schools in Morristown, Patterson, and Pompton.
  • Camp Star, in Rahway, is a day camp for special needs kids 8-21.
  • Camp Excel, in Howell, is a specialized day camp for children ages 5-17 with ADHD and others with Social Skills Challenges.
  • Camp Nejeda, in Stillwater, is a residential summer camp for children with diabetes with an emphasis on providing diabetes self management and nutrition education in a traditional camp setting.
  • New Jersey Elks Camp Moore is a recreational camp for handicapped children in the Ramapo Mountains. Email Easter Seals Camp, in Mt. Juliet Tennessee, offers several summer sessions for various disabilities as well as some integrated camp experiences. Easter Seals, TN also holds Respite Weekends throughout the year.
  • Camp Mockingbird is a free summer camp for blind youth, ages 7-17, of the Mid-South. Full camping activities are offered for one week in late July or early August. Supervision with qualified teachers and counselors. A resident doctor is provided. Sponsored by Memphis/White Station Lions Club. For more info: 901-767-3896 or 1-800-767-9752.

Louisiana

  • Med Camps of Louisiana offers a 3 day
    camp for children with autism.
  • The
    BREC    , in Baton Rouge,
    runs several day camps, each of which is open to children with challenges.
    Camp
    Sunshine     is
    a day camp specifically for children with challenges.
  • Camp Quality is a
    summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
    cancer.

Mississippi

  • Kamp
    Kaleidoscope     is a one week summer camp for children with an autism
    spectrum disorder and their neuro-typical peers.

North
Carolina

  • The Autism Society of North
    Carolina sponsors two Summer Camps,
    Camp Royall, in Chatham
    County, and Montain Adventure, in
    Black Type
    Mountain. Each is a residential
    summer camp for individuals with autism, ages 4 to adult, and you can
    learn more about both camps at the link above.
  • SIGHT is
    a two-week outdoor residential program for children and adolescents with
    autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s
    Syndrome. SIGHT is one of the Talisman Summer
    Programs     which also serve ADHD and other populations.
  • Camp G.R.A.C.E, in City
    Raleigh, is a day
    camp for kids with autism aged 6-13.
  • Camp Free Spirit, in
    Gibsonville, N.C., offers day camp throughout the summer for kids with and
    without disabilities, ages 5 years and up.
  • SOAR (success oriented achievement realized) is a non-profit therapeutic
    adventure program for AD/HD and LD youth in Balsam, N.C.
  • White Harvest Camp, in
    Jefferson, is an inter-denominational Christian
    camp/summer camp for children with special needs.
  • Camp Timberwolf,
    in Hendersonville,
    serves children diagnosed with LD, ADD/ADHD, OCD, and similar behavioral
    challenges.
  • Type
    Camp Name
    Sky     Ranch
    in Blowing Rock, N.C. 828-264-8600 Write to: Jack and Betty Sharpe, address
    515 Hobbs Road, City
    Greensboro, NC PostalCode
    27403
  • The Goldsboro Parks
    & Recreation Dept.     offers a two week camp for children with
    special needs. This camp is no cost to the participants, and kids will
    learn social skills, bond with friendship old and new. 919-739-7489
    or email Lorice
    Smith    , Special Population’s Program Leader.
  • Camp
    Dogwood     is owned and
    operated by the North Carolina Lions Foundation, Inc. NCLF serves as a
    wide resource for the blind and visually impaired residents of State
    North Carolina. For
    more information, please call 1-(800) 662-7401.

South
Carolina

Tennessee

  • The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
    is an Internet based community for persons seeking disability resources.
    Click on the Recreation and Summer Camps building.
  • For the Middle Tennessee
    region you might try the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital’s Summer Camp directory.
  • Camp Discovery, located on the
    Flynn’s Creek area of Cordell Hull Lake in Jackson County, provides summer camping opportunities for people with special needs.
  • River’s Way, in Bluff City, provides opportunities for youth of all abilities to work, learn and have fun together in educational and outdoor adventure settings.
  • The ARC of
    the mid-south     sponsors one-week residential camp in Memphis for
    campers with developmental disabilities, age 8 years and older.
  • UCP of Memphis holds
    Camp Name
    Livitup, an eight-week day camp for persons ages 5-18 with any
    disability.
  • The Speech and Name
    Hearing Center
    in Chattanooga
    holds a summer
    day camp     for deaf children and their siblings from 3 to16 years of
    age.

Virginia

  • Camp
    Holiday Trails    , in Charlottesville,
    believes that all children with special health needs should be given an
    opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience.
  • Camp
    Easter Seals East & West    , in
    Virginia.
  • Bright
    Moments     is a camp in Virginia
    that is designed to offer children living with sickle
    cell disorders the opportunity to enjoy physically challenging
    tasks in a supportive and cooperative atmosphere.
  • Camp Baker, Chesterfield,
    VA., is run by the Richmond ARC
    and serves mild to severe MR/autism/ADD/ADHD/ED/LD. Ages 6+. (804)
    748-4789 or CampBaker at RichmondARC
    dot org.
  • Burgundy Farm
    Summer Day Camp    , Alexandria.
    Ages 3¾ to 15, mild disabilities on a case-by-case basis. (703) 329-9495.
  • George
    Mason University
    Compu-Play/Compu-Write,
    Fairfax, State
    VA. Severe disabilities. (703)
    993-3670.
  • Camp Sunshine YMCA,
    Stafford, State
    VA. Special needs. Ages 8-21. (540)
    371-9622.
  • Good Beginnings,
    Falls Church, State
    VA. Sensory Integration group classes,
    ages 3-8. (703) 536-1817.
  • Kellar
    Camp and Challenge Camp    , Fairfax,
    VA. ADD and ADHD, ages 6-16.
    (703) 218-8523.
  • New Directions
    Â?Quality vacationsÂ? for people with
    DD. (805) 967-2841.
  • Parent
    Educational Advocacy
    Training Center
    maintains a list of summer
    camps     in the Virginia
    area.

Camps in the Midwest USA

Illinois

  • The Association for Individual
    Development    , in Aurora,
    runs a one week residential camp for children with disabilities. Phone
    Laura McNeece at 630.844.5040, xt203.
  • The Illinois Tourette
    Camp     is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camping
    opportunities for children with Tourette
    Syndrome (TS) and its associated disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    (OCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD).
  • Camp Quality, in City
    Frankfort, is a
    summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
    cancer.
  • Camp Little Giant is a
    summer camp for individuals with disabilities run by the Touch of Nature
    Environmental Center of Southern Illinois University in
    Carbondale.
  • Touch of Nature’s
    Therapeutic Recreation Program is designed to help individuals
    experiencing physical and developmental disabilities, visual and hearing
    impairments, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, and traumatic
    brain injuries. It is run by the Touch of Nature Environmental Center of
    Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
  • Easter Seals Camp in Hudson, Illinois serves kids with disabilities. 309/365-8021; Rr 2 Box, Hudson, IL PostalCode 61748.

Indiana

  • Bradford Woods, City
    Martinsville, Indiana
    runs a number of summer camps including a residential camp for persons
    with disabilities.
  • Camp Isanogel
    is a summer camp and year round program serving children and adults ages
    5-70+ years of age. Located in Muncie,
    Indiana.
  • Red Cedar in
    Fort Wayne, IN,
    is a therapeutic horse back riding camp.
  • Camp Awareness, in
    Noblesville, IN,
    is a unique camp experience for children on the autism spectrum.
  • Camp Millhouse,
    in South Bend,
    holds eight 1-week camps from June -August. Serves campers with moderate
    to severe disabilities, ages 4+, coed. For more information send email to campmillhouse@MSN.com or at
    574-233-2202.
  • CHAMP City
    Camp P.O. Box PostalCode 40407,
    Indianapolis, IN 46240, 317/875-9496, holds
    a one-week summer session for “medically fragile” kids (the camp
    is held at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley,
    OH).
  • Anderson Woods
    provides 4 day summer camp experiences for developmentally disabled children and
    adults. For more information, call Judy Colby at (812)357-2325.

Iowa

  • Camp Courageous, State
    Monticello Iowa
    (319/465-5916). Thousands of campers with disabilities attend CourageousU recreational and respite facilities
    annually.
  • Camp Albrecht Acres,
    in Sherrill, State
    Iowa, is a Camp for the mentally and
    physically disabled and ages range from 2-Unlimited. They have run summer
    sessions since 1975 (serving 400-600 campers per summer), but plan to go
    year round starting in 2000.
  • Easter
    Seals Camp Sunnyside     serves any Iowan 4 years and older with any type
    of disability, either mental or physical.
  • Amanda the Panda
    provides support to grieving children and their families through a variety
    of services. It is located in Des
    Moines, IA.
  • Camp Hertko Hollow, in City
    Boone, IA,
    is a camp for children with diabetes.
  • Camp Quality Heartland
    is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
    with cancer.
  • Easter Seals Camp
    Sunnyside    , address PO Box
    4002, Des Moines, State
    IA PostalCode 50333,
    Phone: 515/289-1933, extension 207. Programs: Adventure Camping
    (year-round), Residential Camping (summer), Day Camp (summer), Respite and
    Supported Community Living Services (year-round).
  • Camp Wesley Woods
    515/961-4523, Indianola,
    Iowa counducts
    an Exceptional Persons Camp for adults with mental handicaps–I do not
    know whether they also have a camp for kids.

Michigan

  • The Autistic Children’s Treatment
    Network    , in Bingham Farms, is a day camp for children with autism
    spectrum disorders (ASD).
  • Horizons Developmental Remediation
    Center    , in Caledonia, has summer
    programs for children with autism and related impairments.
  • Grand Haven Attention
    Camp     is a day-treatment camp for families with school age children
    with adhd.
  • Camp Quality has
    several camping experiences as well as a year-round support program for
    children with cancer.
  • Life Horse for the Kids,
    in Ortonville, helps terminally and chronically ill children under the age
    of 21 find happiness and companionship through emotional and spiritual
    healing using the horse.
  • Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp, in East Lansing, is a day camp for all persons with special needs and their siblings.
  • Learning on the Log, in City
    Traverse City, runs a summer camp program, as well as after school and Saturday programs. They strive to increase children’s expressive and receptive relationship to the world around them. Everyone needs these elements to reach their maximum potential as equal participants in the world.
  • Camp Fowler has year round
    programs for handicapped children, teens, and adults starting at a long
    weekend to two weeks long. Contact: The Fowler Center, 2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville, MI
    PostalCode 48744. Phone:
    (517) 673-2050.
  • Able Abe’s Summer Camp - day camp for children with special needs ages 4 - 10 years in Birmingham, MI (suburb of Detroit). Small, therapeutic environment with physical, occupational, and speech therapists on staff. Can register for one to six weeks. For more information call 248-855-0030.
  • The Abilities Center
    also sponsors summer intensive therapy services for people who come to the
    Birmingham
    area from out of town. A few days to 2 week stays can be arranged with an
    individualized therapy program established based on the needs of the child
    and family. Family education an integral part of the program. Specially
    trained in NDT, Sensory Integration, Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic
    Listening, Craniosacral Therapy, Fast Forward, and more. Call for information 248-855-0030.

Minnesota

  • Camp Buckskin, in Ely, has been
    meeting the needs of youth with academic and/or social skill difficulties
    - particularly those with AD/HD and Learning Disabilities - for over forty
    years.
  • Friendship Ventures runs two
    residential
    summer camps     for anyone age 5 and older who has developmental and (or)
    physical disability, and also runs a year round weekend respite program. Camp
    Friendship is in Annandale,
    and Eden Name
    Wood Center
    is in Eden Prarie.
  • Camp
    Courage    , Minnesota. Includes camping
    sessions for children suffering from Asthma, Deafness, Cancer, Hemophilia and Sickle cell anemia.
  • Camp Odayin,
    at Camp Name
    Knutson in Crosslake, provides a
    residential camping experience for young people with heart disease.
  • Twin Cities Autism
    Society     runs a summer camp for AS, autistic, and PDD kids. Voice:
    651/647-1083; address 970 Raymond
    Ave., # 101, St. Paul, State
    MN PostalCode 55114-1146.

Missouri

  • Camp
    Determination     is held at
    Tall Oaks
    Conference Center
    in Linwood, and is one of only a very few camps in the country-region
    United States
    designed specifically for children and youth with autism spectrum
    disorders. Go to Autism Asperger Resource Center and then click on the
    Camp Name
    Determination link.
  • Wonderland Camp, A Special Camp for Special Friends On the
    Lake of the Ozarks.
  • Camp Black Hawk,
    north of Rolla, is a special needs summer camp for children and adults
    with developmental disabilities.
  • Camp Carpe Diem,
    north of Rolla, is also a special needs summer camp for children and adults
    with developmental disabilities.
  • Camp Barnabus, near
    Springfield, was created so that
    children with special needs can do the things they might normally feel
    left out of. The camp has counselors, doctors and nurses, and cooks on
    staff at the camp. For more information, 417-476-2565.
  • Camp Quality Kansas City is a
    summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
    cancer.
  • Camp Quality Northwest Missouri
    is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
    with cancer.
  • Camp Quality Central
    Missouri     is a summer camping experience and year-round support program
    for children with cancer.
  • Camp Quality Ozark
    is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children
    with cancer.
  • Building the Road to
    Independence    , in Webster
    Groves, is a sports day camp for kids with
    cerebral palsy. It is directed by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s
    Carol and Paul Hatfield Cerebral Palsy Sports and Name
    Rehabilitation Center.
    Download the application at www.stlchildrenshospital.org
    under the Parents & Kids section, or call 314-454-2604 for more
    information.

Nebraska

  • Camp
    Without Barriers     is a summer camp that
    provides week long getaways for children and adults with disabilities. It
    is run by Easter Seals Nebraska.
  • Camp Kindle, children with AIDS, in
    Hordville,
    NE.
  • Camp Quality Heartland is a
    summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with
    cancer.

Ohio

  • Camp NuHop, in
    Ashland, OH,
    is a summer residential program for any youngster from 6 to 16 with a
    learning disability, behavior disorder, or attention deficit disorder.
  • Camp Silver Lake,
    in New Carlisle, is a day camp that provides children with 30 hours of
    structured activities to meet their individual needs for movement,
    creativity and various sensory experiences.
  • Sky Ranch is to
    serve the disabled population as a test bed of the most innovative
    adaptive equipment for all types of working, living and recreational
    activities. Located in northern Ohio.
  • Camp Echoing
    Hills     is a coed residential bible camp and special needs program in
    Warsaw, OH.
    Specific services available for the emotionally challenged,
    developmentally challenged, hearing impaired, learning disabled,
    physically challenged, and visually impaired, ages: 7-70. The Tri-Village
    Lions Club offers financial support
    to campers.
  • Akron Rotary Camp
    for Special Needs Children     is a camp run by the YMCA in
    Northeast Ohio.
  • Stepping Stones,
    in Cincinnatti, offers a day camp program for
    children with challenges and a residential camp for people of all ages
    with challenges.
  • Camp Quality
    Ohio     is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for
    children with cancer.
  • Recreation Unlimited
    in Ashley, Ohio holds a number of residential camps for youths and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. They also hold weekend respite retreats throughout the year. 740/548-7006, or write them at address 7700 Piper Rd, Ashley,
    OH, PostalCode 43003-9741.
  • Camp Cheerful,
    Ohio,
    (440) 238-6200. A residential camp for children with Aspbergers
    Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified.
    They also have a residental camp for children
    and adults that have physical disabilities.
  • Adventure Camp,
    sponsored by the Kidney Foundation of Ohio and the Epilepsy Foundation of
    Northeast Ohio, will be held at Camp
    Cheerful in
    Strongsville from July 8 - 13, 2001.
    This experience will be as close to a “typical” camp as
    possible. Medical staff will be there to provide for the needs of the
    campers. The cost per camper is $315, but financial aid is available for
    those who require it. For further information, call Kathy Lawry (Kidney
    Foundation) at (216)771-1700 or Marsha Collins (Epilepsy Foundation) at
    (216)579-1330.

Oklahoma

  • SUMMIT Physical Therapy & Rehab,
    in Claremore, runs a sensorimotor camp for kids
    with Aspberger’s/Autism. For information on the
    camp please (918) 341-4343.

Wisconsin

  • Respite Camp,
    in in the Dells, is run by the Wisconsin Elks
    and Easter Seals.
  • Wisconsin Badger Camp, in
    Platteville, has been serving the developmentally challenged children and
    adults for over 30 years.
  • Easter Seals Camp
    Wawbeek    , in the Dells, provides camping
    experiences for hundreds of children and adults with physical disabilities
    each year.
  • Adventures for Life runs day and
    residential camps for people with developmental challenges who are 12 or
    older. The Milwaukee Center for
    Independence     sponsors the camp.
  • Easter Seals Southeastern
    Wisconsin offers a Summer
    Respite Program     for individuals age 7-21 with disabilities.
  • Wisconsin Lions Camp, in
    Rosholt, is a summer camp for children with Visual, Hearing or
    Mild/Borderline Cognitive Disabilities.
  • Camp Heartland, Inc., children
    with AIDS, in Cudahy, State
    WI.
  • Special Touch Ministries, in Waupuca, offers the Summer Get Away program. It
    features separate recreation and chapel services that are functionally
    appropriate for people with physical disabilities and for people with
    mental disabilities.
  • RESPITE CARE provided for
    parents with children or adults with disabilities. Tender Loving Care in a
    Christian home on a dairy farm in Southwest Wisconsin.
    For more information e-mail: Jane.

Camps in the Southwest USA

New Mexico

  • Camp Rising Sun, in the
    mountains east of Albuquerque, is a summer camp
    for children with autism spectrum disorder Ages 8 - 13.
  • Apple Dumplin
    Camp     is a new (1999) camp in New Mexico that
    serves handicapped children in a Christian environment.

Texas

  • Children’s Association for Maximum
    Potential     (C.A.M.P.) Camp, Texas Hill Country at City
    Center Point, Texas
    (210/292-3566). Residential camping, day-care, respite, rehabilitation for
    children with severe medical, physical or mental disabilities. Large
    medical staff enables nation-wide acceptance of children with severe
    problems..
  • Camp For All,
    in Burton,
    is a unique camping and retreat facility that works in partnership with
    special needs groups to enrich the lives of people with chronic illnesses
    and disabilities.
  • The Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for
    Children    , in Temple,
    seeks to serve chronically ill and special needs children.
  • Camp Summit, a year round
    camp for children with brachial plexus injuries and their families near
    Dallas, TX.
  • United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston
    has day and overnight camps for kids with disabilities, in-home respite
    for parents, and other respite programs.
  • Star Ranch Summer Camp
    Ingram, Texas.
  • The Marbridge
    Foundation     holds a unique summer camp designed for young men and
    women, 16 years or older, who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities or other
    cognitive challenges. Located in Manchaca,
    TX.
  • The Monarch School,
    Houston, TX,
    is dedicated to providing an innovative, therapeutic education for
    children. It also offers a summer day camp for LD, ADD, AHDH, tourettes, and aspergers
    kids.
  • Camp Quality is a summer camping
    experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
  • Dallas
    Therapy     offers an intensive speech therapy camp for 2-7 years olds.
  • Camp Hope,
    children with AIDS, Houston,
    TX, 713/623-6796, send email.
  • Camp Wenoweez is a week-long residential camp held at
    Camp for All in Burton
    for children ages 7-12 with asthma. It is sponsored by the American Lung
    Association of Texas.

Camps in the Western USA

Alaska

Arizona

California

  • Camp Rubber Soul, Mendocino, California.
  • Kris’ Camp, Idyllwild, California.
  • Surfer’s Healing runs surfing camps for autistic children in Malibu, San Diego, and San Onofre.
  • Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation in Los Angeles, CA operates an annual summer camp for children with sickle cell disease between the ages of 8-14.
  • PRC, Inc. runs a free day camp for handicapped children in San Francisco. 415/665-4100.
  • Camping Unlimited (Camp Krem), in Boulder Creek, California (90 min. south of San Francisco), provides summer and year-round recreational activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Camp Harmon is a resident, co-educational camp for disabled children and adults in Boulder Creek, California.
  • Easter Seals of Central California sponsors several camps for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Camp Laurel, children with AIDS, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Ability First in Hollywood, CA runs daycamps and residential camps.
  • Camp LotsaFun, Lake Tahoe, is n innovative summer camping program for children and adults qith developmental disabilities from throughout the states of Nevada and California.
  • Success Oriented Achievement Realized (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD, ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several locations, including California.
  • Pilgrim Pines is a nondenominational camp that has been running residential camps for challenged adults since the 1970s. They are expanding to include middle school children and teens in 2000. Located in Oak Glen/Yucaipa, CA.
  • New Horizons is a year round, community based, socialization-recreation program designed to expand the horizons of developmentally disabled adolescents and adults in Orange County, CA.
  • Camp Del Corazon in Santa Catalina Island, is a free camp specializing in children with heart disease or with a history of heart disease.
  • Happy Adventure Summer Camp is a day program for severely developmentally disabled youth 5-18 from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, & Ventura, California.
  • Camp Costanoan, in Cupertino, serves disabled children and adults.
  • The Quest Day Camp is a therapy day camp in Huntington Beach for kids ages 6 to 14. Campers may have diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, or self-esteem problems. Children with more complex problems are not appropriate for Quest.
  • Christian Berets, in the Sierras, is a Christian camp that serves the disabled.
  • Enchanted Hills Camp, in
    Napa Valley, has sessions for children, adults and seniors who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Jay Nolan Camp, in Wrightwood, is an inclusive camp for children with and without developmental disabilities/autism.
  • RESPITE: licenced family daycare provider, listed with the regional center, does out-of-home respite in Antioch, CA area. For more information email Bonnchie@AOL.com.

Colorado

  • Adam’s Camp ,
    Denver, State
    Colorado.
  • Camp Nuhop, Divide, Colordao,
    focuses on kids 6-16 with learning disabilities.
  • Easter Seals Colorado is
    putting on their first national Roundtable called Outdoors
    for All    . One of the Roundtables is called Camps for Adults and
    Children. The Roundtable will discuss how to meet the needs of campers
    with disabilities. It is an opportunity for camp staff to ask questions
    from experts.
  • Rocky
    Mountain Village     (Easter Seals) provides camping and respite for
    children and adults with disabilities in Empire, CO.
  • The
    National Sports Center for the Disabled     in
    Winter Park has several camps and other
    activities throughout the year.
  • Success Oriented Achievement Realized
    (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
    ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
    locations, including Colorado.
  • Children’s Hospital,
    Denver, State
    Colorado offers several camps for kids.
    Their # is: 303/861-8888.
  • Boulder Valley
    Schools    , Boulder,
    Colorado puts out a list
    every Spring through their Special Education
    Dept. of Summer Camps. Call Kathleen Anker at
    303/447-1010, ext. 5155.
  • Adventure Peaks Expeditions for Kids,
    in Beuna Vista, is not geared toward kids with
    special needs, but they are happy to accommodate special needs campers.
    They are not scheduling camps for 2004, but check back for 2005 and
    beyond.

Hawaii

Idaho

  • Mikylar’s
    World     is a way of life and a rural residential choice for people with disabilities.
    The focus is to expand their world and experiences, helping them maximize
    their potential to lead more fulfilling lives.

New
Mexico

  • “Horse and Duck Camp” is for bi-polar children to come with a parent, for therapy involving horses and other animals, principally ducks, at a small ranch in northern New Mexico (Abiquiu). The children sleep in tipis and tents and the camp has a staff of three. One
    session each summer. For more information, email Guil or at 505.685.4629.

Oregon

  • Camp Quality, in Eugene, is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
  • Mother Oak’s child,
    a program of Willamette Valley Hospice,
    provides opportunities for children and families to learn about the
    grieving process and teaches children the tools for coping with loss, all
    in a comfortable and fun outdoor environment. For more information call:
    Kim Bickler at 503.763.2324.

Utah

  • Easter
    Seal’s Utah     runs a summer day camp for kids 5-21 of all abilities.
    They also conduct a school-year day camp in
    Salt Lake on alternating Saturdays
    and between Christmas and New Years Days.

Washington

Wyoming

  • Success Oriented Achievement Realized
    (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
    ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
    locations, including Wyoming.

Camps in Canada

Alberta

  • Camp
    Bonaventure     (aka Camp “B”) is part
    of the Between Friends Club
    which provides quality social and recreational opportunities in an
    accepting environment, focusing on children and young adults with
    disabilities.

British
Columbia

  • Zajac Ranch
    runs a variety of camps for kids with challenges and life threatening
    illnesses.
  • The British Coumbia Lions Society
    sponsors three free camps for children with disabilities ages 6 - 18, who
    live in British Columbia: Camp Shawnigan(Vancouver
    Island), Camp
    Squamish     (outside of Vancouver) and Camp Winfield
    (in the Okanagan Valley). They have a number of
    different week long sessions available,
    registration begins in the beginning of April. Contact info@lionsbc.ca, or phone
    1-888-868-2822, for more information.

Ontario

  • Check out the Ontario Camping Association’s page
    for Special Needs Camps
    for a listing of camps in Ontario
    (too many to list here).
  • Ability Camp is a year round,
    residential therapy camp.
  • Camp Winston supports individuals
    with neurological disorders. Located on Sparrow
    Lake in
    Ontario.
  • Muskoka
    Respite     provides respite for special needs kids in the Muskoka region.
  • Shadow Lake Centre, in Stouffville, provides summer camping and year round
    weekend respite for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • Camp Kennebec,
    in Arden,
    is an integrated summer residence for children with ADD, ADHD, learning
    disabilities, behavioural needs, and mainstream
    campers.
  • Camp Kodiak offers a unique,
    integrated, non-competitive program for LD, ADD/ADHD & mainstream kids
    and teens.
  • Camp Kiatou
    offers wilderness therapy and emotional growth therapy for at-risk teens.
  • The Tim Horton
    Children Foundation     sponsors several camps for special needs children
    in several locations throughout
    Canada. them at 905 854
    1999, or write them at 10206 Guelphi,
    Campbellville,
    Ontario, Canada
    L0P1B0.

Prince
Edward Island

  • Camp
    Gencheff
    is a camp for children, teens and adults with physical and developmental
    disabilities in Prince Edward Island, country-region
    Canada.
    For more information, email
    Jodi    , or phone: (902)569-2669.

Camps in Central America

Belize

  • Success Oriented Achievement Realized
    (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
    ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
    locations, including Belize.

Costa Rica

  • Success Oriented Achievement Realized
    (SOAR) features success-oriented, high adventure camp programs for LD,
    ADHD and ADD preteens, teens and adults. They hold programs in several
    locations, including Costa
    Rica.

Camps in Greece

  • Therapeutic Holidays, is a charitable organisation
    providing healing holidays to people with mental or physical
    disabilities/disorders in Crete.
    Therapeutic Riding, Animal Care, Trekking and Ergotherapy
    are just a few of the activities the holidaymakers are getting involved.

Potentially Useful Links

The information above has been republished from http://wmoore.net/therapy.html in accordance with Creative Commons License .

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Cerebral Palsy Recreation and Physical Education, Cerebral Palsy: Camps, Programs and Activities, Fun and Games for Kids

Special Needs Tricycle- Amtryke Tricycle for Special Needs Kids

These are definitely pricey, however I know moms that have bought them for their kids and swear by them. They are “trikes” that have been developed especially for special needs kids and kids with cerebral palsy, and are suitable for ages 2-13.

The bikes can be made to almost any specifications. There are all kinds of modifications that can be made depending on need or abilities.
There are three different models and the aim of each bike is to build self esteem and sense of freedom of mobility while also increasing strength.

http://www.adaptivemall.com/amspecneedtr.html

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Cerebral Palsy Recreation and Physical Education, Special Needs Equipment

November 21, 2006

Make or Convert a Toy for Special Needs Kids- Make Your Own Adaptive Toys

Here an engineer and programmer, Brad Whaley, offers advice on how to adapt commercial toys for adaptive use - he states on his site that any toy that uses a battery can be converted to using a switch for special needs use.

Adaptive switches can be activated to set off the toy. On Brad’s web site, Science Shareware, he gives instructions on adapting a battery operated Bob the Builder Toy and pedal for electric train.

You do need a working knowledge of electronics- I have limited knowledge and found the instructions easy to follow. If you get stuck or need help he invites people to email him with questions.

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Fun and Games for Kids, Special Needs Equipment

Ketogenic Diet and Cerebral Palsy

Seizures are common with children with cerebral palsy, in fact half of children with cerebral palsy are also affected with seizures, brain injuries allow abnormal impulses to occur. If drugs don’t work in treating the seizures, many families turn to alternative treatments such as a ketogenic diet, the most popular diet used to prevent seizures in children.
Known for reducing seizures in children with epilepsy, the ketogenic diet is high in fat and restricted carbohydrates, the diet ketosis: as fat is burned to compensate for reduced glucose (low-carbohydrates), by-products (ketones) build in the blood and inhibit seizures. The diet is more effective in children than adults, particularly when anticonvulsant drug therapy is ineffective.
The diet provides 3-4 grams of fat for every 1 gram of carbohydrate, calling for such foods as high-triglyceride dairy products (such as butter and cream) peanut butter. Carbohydrates, found in breads and starches, are eliminated from the diet, and liquid intake is often restricted as well in order to aid ketone accumulation.
The diet is typically supplemented with calcium, vitamin D, iron, and folic acid.

When the diet works, the response is often rapid and dramatic.

Please consult your doctor before implementing this diet.

More info on Ketogenic Diets:
Epilepsy Action: The Ketogenic Diet
Johns Hopkins : Ketogenic Diet

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Health and Nutrition

Cerebral Palsy: Vaccinations and Reactions to Vaccines

This is a very moving, interesting and insightful testimony of a mother with a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy and that had a severe reaction to the DPT vaccine. The DPT vaccine is a combination of three vaccines to immunize against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
Severe problems after DPT immunization do happen. These include a serious allergic reaction, prolonged seizures, a decrease in consciousness, lasting brain disease, or even death. Such severe neurologic events occur after approximately 1 in 140,000 doses of the DPT vaccine (0.0007%). Most of the reactions to DPT injection are attributed to the pertussis (also known as whooping cough) vaccine.
The key information in the story is that no child with a possible history or signs of neurological damage or child weighing less than 10lbs should be given the vaccine.

Dear Dr. J. Thomas Megerian,

My name is Krista Thompson and I am the mother of a child damaged by the DPT
vaccine at 2 months of age and I am a litigation lawyer, non practising at
the moment, with 6 years of legal research and writing background. I have
read your recent letter to MS. Winkler and feel that I have some information
to share that you need to hear.

I do not propose to argue all of the points in your letter. I will
highlight a few and start by sharing my daughter, Kaisha’s story.

We adopted Kaisha at birth. She was pronounced healthy, but had minor
tremours in her legs. At 10 days old our family doctor saw Kaisha for the
first time and suggested we get a paediatric consult regarding the tremours
and the prolonged crying spells (which the family doctor suspected were
‘colic’ type spells). She stated that we may need to see a neurologist, but
would start with the paediatrician. The paediatrician suspected the birth
mother may have used drugs (unconfirmed) or drugs used during labour could
have been inducing the tremours and crying. He suggested we wait and see
what happened. At 7 weeks the tremours and crying had virtually disappeared
and the paediatrician recommended vaccination.

To read the entire article, please go here:

http://whale.to/vaccines/thompson.html

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News

“In the Picture” Campaign- Promoting the Inclusion of Disabled Children in Early Years’ Picture Books

“In the Picture” Campaign: to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years’ picture books.
A laudable campaign begun in the United Kingdom, I don’t know of anything similar here in the States.
It’s about putting disabled children literally ‘in the picture’ - including them in illustrations and storylines alongside non-disabled children. Currently, they are virtually invisible in mainstream childrens books,
Quentin Blake, renowned illustrator children’s widely known for his work with author Roald Dahl donates 3 of his works to the cause.

For more info on the campaign, please visit http://www.childreninthepicture.org.uk/

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News

Setting up a Special Needs Trust for Special Needs Children

Parents of children with special needs, such as those with cerebral palsy should visit a lawyer set up a Special Needs Trust. A special needs trust is set up to allow use of property for the beneficiary without losing access to essential government services and benefits.

As it stands now a person who is disabled cannot inherit more than $2,000- it will interrupt his or her government benefits. Especially important are long-term care and nursing home benefits under the Medicaid welfare program.

Government benefit programs are now recognizing that family contributions can only improve a disabled person’s life. As long as the family’s contributions are supplementary and do not duplicate government benefit programs, they are allowed. Some current government benefit programs do let the family to provide some supplementary income and resources to the person with a disability. However, government regulations are very strict, and they are carefully monitored.

Special Needs Trusts are frequently used as a way to receive an inheritance or personal injury settlement proceeds on behalf of a disabled person in order to allow the person to qualify for Medicaid benefits.

A special needs trust can be used to buy such things as:

  • Out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses
  • Eyeglasses
  • Transportation (including vehicle purchase)
  • Maintenance of vehicles
  • Insurance (including payment of premiums)
  • Athletic training or competitions
  • Personal care attendant or escort
  • Rehabilitation
  • Essential dietary needs
  • Purchase materials for a hobby or recreation activity
  • Purchase a computer or other electronic equipment
  • Pay for trips or vacations, pay for entertainment like going to a movie, a ballgame, concert, etc.
  • Purchase of goods and services that add pleasure and quality to life: videos, furniture, or a television

It is strongly advised if you are a parent of a special needs child that you speak with an attorney regarding the set up of a special needs trust.

For more info on Special Needs Trusts:
http://thearc.org/misc/futplan.html
Kid Source
Trust Funds & Care Giver Support
Michigan Trust Fund

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Cerebral Palsy Resources, Cerebral Palsy: Financial Help and Grants

Traveling for Medical Treatment: Hosts for Hospitals May Be Able to Help

The purpose of Hosts for Hospitals is to provide lodging and support at volunteer homes for families traveling to the Philadelphia area for specialized medical care.

Many times families or a parent traveling with their child cannot afford or find anywhere to stay when their child is hospitalized. Michael Aichenbaum and his network of volunteer host families help parents and families in just this predicament. Beginning in 2000 HOSTS for HOSPITALS arranges lodging at low cost or no cost for parents who need somewhere to stay.

Thousands of families travel to the Philadelphia area for specialized medical treatment. Local hospitals specialize in helping children with cerebral palsy and other chronic conditions.

The aim is to not only provide a place to stay, but a supportive caring environment so when a mom or dad returns to the hospital each day they are refreshed and strengthened, better able to help their child or loved one.

HOSTS for HOSPITALS is open to families regardless of race, faiths or nationality. Requirements to be a guest in HOST for HOSPITALS home are:
• lives so far from the hospital that commuting is difficult or impossible
• has a permanent home to return to;
• is an important support person for a patient receiving medical care at a Philadelphia area hospital; and ,
• is unlikely to put the host family at risk in any manner.
Cost to stay in a host home is minimal or zero. Most families charge you nothing to stay in their home. Some families may charge a small fee of 15.00 each night and 5.00 for each additional guest per night but this is rare and you will be placed in a home where payment is required only if you agree in advance.
If able you make a donation to host family or to the hospital.
For more information or to apply to be a host family or guest please visit HOSTS for HOSPITALS.

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Cerebral Palsy: Financial Help and Grants

Help with Travel: Free Airline Tickets for Families Seeking Medical Treatment and Therapy

Many families struggle dealing with never ending finances of cross country travel when trying to get the best possible medical care for their children with cerebral palsy and other types of brain injury. There are several organizations set up to these families.

This terrific organization, http://www.patienttravel.org/, helps families make long distance travel arrangements and provides a variety of services to those seeking a way to travel long-distances for specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

PatientTravel.org is a continuation of the original National Patient Air Travel HELPLINE (NPATH) site which has been serving patients since 1998. This site now receives more than 4,000 visits per month.

Their web site is a service of the National Patient Travel Center, the facility housing all the programs of Mercy Medical Airlift, a national charity. The Center is in Virginia Beach, Virginia and offers services to people looking to travel long distances. Typically you would receive an airline ticket for your child and caregiver.

The National Patient Travel HELPLINE can be reached on 1-800-296-1217. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information on their website, www.patienttravel.org will also help you understand the availability of resources that help patients in time of transportation need.

If you would like to donate money or time to this wonderful organization please visit http://www.patienttravel.org/giving.htm


The Air Care Alliance site lists humanitarian flying organizations whose volunteer pilots are dedicated to community service. This ACA site will introduce you to all the groups we list whose volunteers perform public benefit flying for health care, patient transport, disaster relief, environmental support, and other missions of public service.

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy News, Cerebral Palsy: Financial Help and Grants

November 20, 2006

Computers and Computer Hardware for Special Needs Kids

Surfing the internet or playing video game opens up a whole world for children who normally have trouble communicating or being understood.

Kids who struggle to turn the page of a book can learn to use a keyboard or mouse with widely available adaptive hardware. These tools not only open a world of discovery and communication but empower kids in the process. Playing an online video game or talking over the Internet can do wonders for children’s self esteem.

There are several types of hardware tools that will enhance computer use for children with physical disabilities.

One Handed Keyboards:
Keys will typically be curved for ease of use when only using one hand to type. They are available for both right and left-handed use. The keys are arranged to minimize movement and maximum comfort.

Touch-Free Switch:
Uses a video camera and movement to activate computer mouse. You can “train” the camera to recognize different movements and it turn operates a computer mouse.

Touch Screen Monitors
Monitors that respond to touch. Touch the screen for an action to take place. The aim is to have the child feel “successful” while using the computer and not frustrated.

Some brands include:
Touch Window

Discover:Switch USB is assistive technology that enables people with disabilities to control their computer by simply clicking a switch. Now people with severe motor impairments can perform all keyboard and mouse functions by clicking on the large surface of this switch or by plugging in alternative switches into the switch ports of this device.

A popular brand is BigKeys PLUS, which can be found here: http://atestore.enablemart.com/productDetail.aspx?pid=182&dept=24&store=10

There are many types of “switches” that look like Giant buttons and will take over tasks of mouse or control keys. There are relatively inexpensive and very popular.
Some example of switches can be found here:

http://enablingdevices.com/home.aspx

Filed under: Cerebral Palsy Every Day Living, Cerebral Palsy News

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