SUMMER PROGRAMS
There are so many camp choices for children with disabilities! From highly specialized camps to general inclusion programs, there are options for every child. With thorough research, you should be able to find the right camp for your child.
The American Camp Association makes it easy to find a great camp – they have an online listing of special-needs camps that is categorized by types of camps, cost, length of stay, state/region and age.
“Greet all people with a smile.”
Extended School Year Services (ESY) is an alternative to summer camp. ESY is for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who need additional school days to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and prolonged periods of time off will have a negative impact on them. The summer course work is offered in accordance with the students IEP and at no cost to the parents of the child. It must also meet the standards of the State Educational Authority. ESY usually runs half a day for four weeks.
Need more help in your camp selection? Special Needs Kids Info offers an excellent list of questions to ask during your research!
Interested in finding a Jewish overnight camp, but unsure of where to begin? There are a variety of camp options to explore! Foundation for Jewish Camp serves as an advocate and resource for nonprofit Jewish camps and promotes inclusion but does not provide direct service. Through their advanced search option, you can find information about camps throughout the country that have inclusion opportunities.
Local Resources
Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod at JCC Boca Raton is a premier eight-week summer camp serving children and teens in grades Pre-K through 12th grade with special needs.
JAFCO Camp Kehilla is a summer camp program created for up to 50 children (ages 3 through 22) with a developmental disability. For more information, contact Samantha Sehter at (954) 315-8681 or samantha@jafco.org.
For the full list of the available camp programs contact the 211 special Needs HelpLine.
Overnight Camps:
Camp HASC, https://camphasc.org/. Camp HASC is a unique summer program which provides over 300 children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable camp experience. Camp HASC serves the social, therapeutic, academic, recreational, and medical needs of all its campers with a positive, ‘person first’ approach to care.
Camp Ramah Darom Camp Tikah Support Program, https://www.ramahdarom.org/camp/summer-offerings/tikvah-program/. Tikvah Support Program is designed for campers with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Communication Disorder.
Tamarack Camps, https://tamarackcamps.com/campers/special-needs-inclusion-program/. Avodah Yound Adult Program for young adults entering tenth grade through adults in their twenties.
Yachad, The National Council for Disabilities, https://www.yachad.org/summer. Campers six through young adult for camper, vocational and Israel programs at different locations.
