Summer is in full swing! Your child is likely itching to get out and enjoy the sun. What better way to explore and meet new friends than to get involved in a summer camp?
Benefits of Summer Camps for Children with Disabilities
Positive role-modeling shown by camp leaders
Increased independence and self-confidence
Opportunity to interact with and build relationships with others
Opportunity to exercise and participate in activities
A chance to be without parents, physicians, or physical therapists
The health benefits of increased physical activity
A break from the potentially “medicalized” nature of their disability
Educational aspects of certain activities
Exposure to accommodating recreational activities
Opportunity to develop certain skills or interests
Opportunity to explore new skills or interests
Opportunity to practice and develop social and interactive skills
Even more benefits of summer camps for children with disabilities here
We have compiled a list of summer camps which include and focus on children with disabilities in Michigan for your use during this and future summer vacations.
Camp Grace Bentley: For children with various physical and cognitive disabilities aged 7-16. Located in Bloomfield Township, MI.
Bloomfield Hills SCAMP: A summer program for those with disabilities ages 3-26. It focuses on social skills, pre-vocational skills, and language improvement. Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Able Abe’s Summer Camp: A day camp for children ages 4-10 with congenital and acquired developmental delays. Located in West Bloomfield, MI.
Early Intervention Center Programs: Programs that provide year-round Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for children on the autism spectrum ages 18 months - 9 years. Located in Troy, MI.
Friendship Circle Summer Camps: Week-long summer day camps for youth and teens with special needs in Southeast Michigan.
Camp Tall Tree: A traditional summer camp experience for those with Autism, 22q Deletion Syndrome, and other disabilities. It also offers a program for siblings of those with disabilities. Located in Fenton, MI.
Kids in Motion Summer Fun Day Camp: A day camp which includes occupational, physical, speech, and language therapy to children with disabilities. Located in Highland, MI.
Bay Cliff Health Camp: A therapy and wellness camp for those with hearing, vision, speech, and orthopedic disabilities. Located in Big Bay, MI.
Camp Discovery: A camp for children with epilepsy, ages 8-17. It offers a community of others with epilepsy, including campers and counselors, as well as meetings with neurologists on staff. Located in Augusta, MI.
Camp Blue Sky: An outdoor day camp for those with special needs ages 7 and up. Located in Milford, MI.
Camp Zip: Assists young adults (16 and over) with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Located in Canton, MI.
Cran-Hill Ranch Special Needs Camp: An overnight Christian camp for those with developmental disabilities ages 15 and up.Located in Rodney, MI.
Horizons: Social and learning program for children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders, and other developmental or mental health disorders. Located in Caledonia, MI.
Camp Civitan: A camp for those with developmental challenges ages 13 and up. Located in Lansing, MI.
Indian Trails Camp: A camp for those with a variety of disabilities of all ages. They promote sports, nature activities, swimming, boating, dancing, and other camp activities for those with disabilities. Located in Grand Rapids, MI.
Comprehensive Therapy Center: A therapy program for those with special needs ages 1-14 which integrates activities and playtime. Located in Grand Rapids, MI.
Camp Sunshine: A camp experience for those with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairments ages 12-50. Located in Holland, MI.
O.U.R. Camp: A camp for children ages 3-11 who have additional developmental needs. It is designed to develop social and cognitive skills during the summer months. Located in Northville, MI.
St. Francis Camp: A camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Jerome, MI.
The Fowler Center Summer Camp: An outdoor camp experience for those with various special needs ages 6 and up. Located in Mayville, MI.
Eagle Village Programs: Programs which assist young adults facing issues with adoption and foster care or generally struggling with emotional or behavioral problems. Located in Hersey, MI.
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding: A program which offers horseback riding and therapy to those with various mental, physical, and social/emotional challenges. Located in Rockford, MI.
Compassionate Heart Ministries Summer Serve Camp: A camp setting for young adults with disabilities in Zeeland, MI.
Pine Ridge Bible Special Needs Camp: A Christian camp which works specifically with individuals with developmental disabilities. Located in Cedar Springs, MI.
Camp Skyline Special Needs Camps: An overnight camp for individuals with disabilities ages 13 and up. Located in Almont, MI.
Compiled using several resources, including:
Written by Reiter & Walsh
