Special Needs Summer Camps
General/Multiple Disability
Camp Burnt Gin – Aerie Experiences – Camp Spearhead – Super Summer Camp – Becoming Super Stars – Glenforest Schools Summer Camps – Camps Sunshine - Columbia – Camp Sunshine – Camp Hope – Pattison's Academy Summer Camp – PAALS Doggone Days Camp – Victory Junction – Courage Camps
Asthma
Camp Puff 'n Stuff
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Camp Puzzle Palooza – Camp Good Times – Camp T.A.L.K – ESP Camp – Camp Caglewood –
AASC Summer Camp
Vision and/or Hearing Impairment
Rocky Bottom Retreat Summer Camp – Camp Lion's Den – Camp Sertoma – SCSDB William W. All Adventure Camp – Bay Cliff Summer Therapy Camp SCSDB Outreach Services
Brain Injury
Camp To Be Independent
AAC/Communication
Camp Chatterbox – Camp Communicate
Summer Camps in SC
Camp Burnt Gin
Date: Early June to mid August
Where: Wedgefield, SC (Sumter County)
Cost: No charge
Participants: Four six day sessions for children 7 – 15 years old, two six day sessions for teenagers 16 – 20 years old, and a four day session for young adults, 21 – 25 years old.
Description: Camp Burnt Gin is a residential summer camping program. Activities include arts and crafts, nature study, drama, dance, sports, games, swimming and boating. All activities are adapted so that every child can participate. CBG offers children who have special needs the chance to meet new friends, learn recreational skills, improve their self esteem and independence.
Camp Burnt Gin is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Contact:For more information contact the Camp Director, Marie Aimone (803-898-0455 or aimonemi@dhec.sc.gov) or go to the camp's website: www.scdhec.gov/campburntgin
Aerie Experiences
Date: June - August
Where: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee
Cost: Contact for details
Participants: Children, ages 8-17, diagnosed with Neurobiological Disorders, Aspergers, Learning Disabilities, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delays and/or ADHD.
Description: The summer camp is designed to offer wilderness and outdoor camp experiences to the “nontraditional” camper. Campers will spend eight days and seven nights exploring the south east’s scenic wilderness and their own infinite potentials.
Special Offerings:
- Equine Expedition - Campers will experience life on a working horse ranch, explore the Cumberland Plateau, and take a three day trail ride through Big South Fork National Park. Limit 12 campers, ages 13+
- Mountain Expedition - This exciting mountain expedition will allow campers to hike, camp, paddle and climb in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina. Limit 12 campers, ages 13+
- Coastal Expedition - Campers will kayak, camp and discover the wonders of Sapilo Island and the Satilla River, exploring the forested uplands, the vast salt marshes and the complex beach and dunes systems. Limit 12 campers, ages 13+
- Llama Trek - A truly unique experience! Campers will hike, camp and explore Pisgah National Forest with a new best friend by their side - their own personal llama. Their llama will carry each camper's supplies in exchange for the camper's constant companionship and daily care. Limit 7 campers, ages 8-13
Contact:
Matthew Weneta
mdweneta@aerieexperiences.com
404-285-0467
Website: www.aerieexperiences.com
Camp Spearhead
Date: Various 5 day camps running from June - August, 2011
Where: Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, Marietta, SC
Cost: $290/week – Greenville County residents; $350/week – residents of other counties; $540/week – residents of other States
Participants: Ages 8 years old & up; Children & adults with disabilities; Camp Spearhead reserves the right to determine eligibility of potential campers. Eligibility is determined through application forms and, if necessary, through interviews with potential camper and parent, guardian, or caregiver.
Description: Camp Spearhead, founded in 1968 and located in the foothills of upstate SC, is a residential special needs camp for children (8 and up) and adults with special needs. Each summer Spearhead serves nearly 600 campers over the course of the eight week season. During the school-year Spearhead offers continued social and recreational opportunities through the popular Weekend Program.
Website: http://greenvillerec.com/activities-and-programs/camp-spearhead-temp
Camp Puzzle Palooza
Date: June 6th to 10th, 2011
Where: Cedar Creek Church, Aiken, SC
Cost: $15 per camper/sibling
Participants: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families
Description: Camp Puzzle Palooza is a multi-faceted event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Classes are lead by certified teachers and volunteers. Activities include a themed story, arts/crafts, obstacle course, age-appropriate instruction, and facilitated playtime. We will incorporate hands-on learning for an experience that is fun and has real-world meaning. There is also a “Mom’s Brunch” during camp hours.
Contact: Camp Puzzle Palooza website
Super Summer Camp
Date: Seven week-long camps from June 6 to July 29, 2011
Where: Irmo, with trips to Greenville, Florence, Charleston, and Charlotte
Cost: $125R/$165NR per week
Participants: Children with special needs between the ages of 8 and 21 who are moderately independent in all activites of daily living.
Description: The camp consists of indoor and outdoor activities such as crafts and games. There will be two field trips per week and a visit to a local park every Friday for a picnic. Each week follows a different theme, outlined below:
- Week 1 - Splash into Summer
- Otter Creek Water Park (Greenville, SC)
- Lynches River Splash Pad (Florence, SC)
- Week 2 - Planes, Train & Automobiles
- Carolina Aviation Museum (Charlotte, NC)
- Aiken Railroad Museum
- Week 3 - Wild Things
- Lazy 5 Ranch (Charlotte, NC)
- Roper Mountain Science Center
- Week 4 - Myths, Monster & Fairytales
- Little Mermaid Puppet Show
- Bowling
- Week 5 - Dog Days of Summer
- Animal Shelter
- Canoeing for Kids
- Week 6 - HighTide at Seaside
- Fish Hatchery
- Beachwalker Park (Charleston, SC)
- Week 7 - Space Academy
- Challenger Center
- Planetarium in Aiken
Contact: Julie Edmond, Therapeutic Recreation Coodinator
Becoming Super Stars
Date: Session 1 - June 8 to July 6, 2011; Session 2 - July 13 to August 10, 2011
Where: Columbia, SC
Cost: $15 per session or $65 for full 5 week sign-up
Participants: Children ages 8 and up
Description: Becoming Super Stars is two sessions of five week, 45 minute music therapy groups that will focus on positive group music making, social skills, musicianship, songwriting, and self expression. Participants will learn not only about music, but themselves and their peers. Social opportunities will include group drumming, songwriting, and a variety of musical activites designed to enable learning of and practice of social skills. Topics will include, but are not limited to: personal identity, bullying, peer pressure, parents and siblings, and coping skills.
Contact: Key Changes Music Therapy website
Rocky Bottom Retreat Summer Camp
Date: June 12-18, 2011
Where: Sunset, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Legally blind children ages 6 through 15.
Description: Children are taught skills to cope with blindness and that it is respectable to be blind. Utilizing blind counselors to act as role models, Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind provides all the experiences of any Retreat including swimming, mountain hiking, arts & crafts, cookouts, fishing and field trips. Limited transportation is also available.
DEADLINE: May 31, 2011
Contact: Vicki Black, Children's Camp Director
Glenforest School Summer Camps
The mission of Glenforest School is to provide educational opportunities for students in Grades 1 through 12 who are experiencing difficulties in other educational settings due to learning differences. They have several camps throughout the summer. You can read about them below or download the Glenforest School Summer Camps flyer (PDF).
Contact: Glenforest School website
Camp Skillz
Date: June
13 –
August
1
/
9am –
1pm
/
(Mondays &
Wednesdays
only)
Where: Glenforest
School,
1041
Harbor
Drive,
West
Columbia,
SC
Cost: $250
Participants: Students
ages
5 –
16
(see below)
Description: Camp Skillz is an inclusive day camp for students ages 5 to 16 seeking social skills and social interaction skills development. Skillz
is
ideal
for
kids
with
Autism
Spectrum
disorders
or
other
unique
learning
needs,
including
Asperger’s,
ADHD/ADD,
dyslexia
and
other
LDs. “Skillz”
provides
a
variety
of
fun,
practical
ways
for
students
who
are
challenged
by
social
skills
to
enjoy
experiencing
independence,
group
interaction
and
increased
self‐esteem.
It
provides
direct
social
skills
instruction
for
real-life
social
situations
within
a
safe
and
secure
environment.
The
program
takes
place
on
Mondays
and
Wednesdays
all
summer
long
and
features
a
variety
of
off‐site
field
trips
and
diverse
assortment
of
activities
focused
on
improving
social
skills.
Lango Cultural Camp
Date: June 20 – July 1 / 9am – 3pm / (before & after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School, 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: Group A - $179 + materials fee / Group B - $129 + materials fee
Participants: Group A - ages 6 - 11 / Group B - ages 12 - 14
Description: Lango’s new Cultural Camp at Glenforest School is an exciting, entertaining, education‐driven culture and language camp directed by Guillermo Ramis that provides campers an exciting introduction to foreign cultures from around the globe. Different from Lango’s usual language immersion camps (which focus on one language), cultural camp delivers a broad view of diverse world languages and traditions through inspiring activities, music, games, art, cooking and language classes and so much more! The activities and countries follow a rotating schedule-one day campers have a class on French songs, a typical Mexican snack, and a Mandarin Lango class, while the next day the language class may be in Spanish, the music in Mandarin, and the snack in French. Cultural Camp’s goal is to help create interest in, awareness of, and appreciation for global diversity by exposing kids to a variety of cultures in new and interesting ways.
Extreme Weather Camp
Date: July 25 – 29 / 9am – 2pm / (before & after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $225
Participants: Students in grades K–8 who learn differently and “traditionally”
Description: What do you really want to know about weather? Ever wondered how weather predictions are made? Find out this summer at Glenforest School’s Weather Camp. During this weeklong camp kids learn all about numerous aspects of weather, changing weather patterns and even explore extreme weather conditions like tornados and hurricanes. Through hands‐on experiences, A/V technologies, and multi‐media activities kids will investigate the many ways weather affects us and influences our daily lives. They will also discover the actual processes involved in making weather forecasts and predictions. Finally, at the end of the week, campers will get to test their skills as a meteorologist by making and videoing their own weather forecast with a green screen! And there may even be a surprise guest appearance by a famous local meteorologist.
Robotics Camp
Date: July 18 – 22 / 9am – 2pm (before & after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School ‐ 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $225
Participants: Students in grades 6–8 who learn differently and traditionally
Description: Robotics Camp is an exciting, entertaining, education-driven weeklong camp that provides an amazing, fantastical robotic experience that kids (and their parents) will love. Students will enjoy building remote controlled robots of their very own. They will also construct mindboggling obstacle courses to amuse the robots and to let them roam around. While delighting in tons of robot fun, campers will exercise and develop math and science skills through this thrilling new hands‐on summer experience.
Artshack Art-Fun-Camps
Date: June 13 – July 29 / 9am – 12pm (before and after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $185
Participants: Students grades K‐12 (some restrictions apply)
Description: This summer, ArtShack Studios in partnership with Glenforest School presents 4 weeks of artistically entertaining and amazing summer‐art‐fun! Artist, illustrator and Glenforest art instructor Paula Bowers will engage and enthrall creative kids of all ages all summer long.
All art supplies are included during each weeklong session. Each week explores a new artful theme and features a whole host of inspired activities that will help campers develop and expand their artistic talents. Art‐Fun‐Camps are conveniently divided into 4 individual weeklong sessions featuring an amazing assortment of activities including fabric printing, tie-dye, silkscreen, ceramic sculpture, acrylic painting, pottery and much more! Campers can enroll for single or multiple weekly sessions of their choosing. (Week 1: June 13‐17: Fabric Frenzy; Week 2: June 20‐24: Paris Craft Creatures; Week 3: July 18‐24: FUN‐damentals of Drawing; Week 4: July 25-29: Acrylic Painting for Beginners)
Camp Island Adventure
Date: July 11 – 15 / 9am – 2pm (before & after-care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $225
Participants: Students in grades 6 – 8
Description: At Camp Island Adventure campers receive the opportunity of a lifetime – creating a tropical paradise that they can call their own. Students will discover just “what it takes” to establish, build, own, operate and expand the dream island that they have envisioned. At the same time they will exercise their knowledge of geography and social sciences, and develop computer skills and social skills through fun hands‐on activities all focused on “growing” their island societies, such as promoting it to tourists, selling real‐estate, attracting investors and developers, creating pamphlets and flyers, inventing a national anthem and creating their island laws.
Camp Musical Masterpieces
Date: July 13 – 17 / 9am – 2pm (before and after‐care available)
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $225
Participants: Grades 1 – 6
Description: Camp Musical Masterpieces is designed for elementary-age students of all levels and musical backgrounds, to help them discover the joy of music through amazing hands‐on activities. Kids will have fun by the score developing their talents while exploring musical instruments, cultures, styles and sounds from all around the globe. During this fun-filled week, while studying music from every angle, campers will each handcraft an instrument of their own (that really work and they can play). Campers will also learn a musical number using their marvelous melodic creations that they will perform for family and friends at the camp’s finale.
"Coyote Steals the Summer" - Center Stage & Glenforest School Drama Camp
Date: June 20 – July 1/ Session A: 9:00am - 11:30am / Session B: 12:30pm ‐ 3:00pm
Where: Glenforest School ‐ 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $150
Participants: Students in grades K-12
Description: This section of Center Stage Drama Camp at Glenforest School is designed especially for K-12 students. Lead by Center Stage Director and Glenforest Drama Teacher Susan Scaccia, campers will work together to create their own performance of the musical, “Coyote Steals the Summer." This play tells the story of the legend of how Coyote brings summer to the world and earns his famous gift of trickery as a reward. While rehearsing scenes and songs and designing sets and costumes for the production, campers
will have opportunities to enhance purposeful listening, characterization, cooperative learning and other important acting and social skills, and on the last day of camp will present a fully staged version of the play to family and friends!
“A Year With Frog & Toad” ‐ Center Stage & Glenforest School Drama Camp
Date: July 5 – July 15 / Session A: 9:00am - 11:30am / Session B: 12:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $150
Participants: Students in grades 3 - 6
Description: This section of Center Stage at Glenforst Drama Camp is designed especially for students in grades 3‐6. Lead by Center Stage Director and Glenforest Drama Teacher Susan Scaccia, campers will work together to create a fully staged, musical version of Arnold Lobel's well-loved story, "A Year with Frog and Toad." While rehearsing scenes and songs and designing sets and costumes for the production, campers will have opportunities to enhance purposeful listening, characterization, cooperative learning and other important acting and social skills, and on the last day of camp will present a fully staged version of the play to family and friends.
“Fables and Folktales” - Center Stage & Glenforest School Drama Camp
Date: July 18 – 29 / 9am – 3pm
Where: Glenforest School - 1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC
Cost: $300
Participants: Students in grades 7 - 12
Description: This section of Center Stage at Glenforest Drama Camp is designed especially for students in middle and high school. Lead by Center Stage Director and Glenforest drama teacher Susan Scaccia, campers will work together creating a fully staged production of Fables and Folk Tales. Students will choose scripts, rehearse, and design scenery, costumes and props. They will work together to transform the school theatre classroom into a fully functional studio theatre where they will hold a performance for family, friends and the public on the last day of camp.
Camp Sunshine - Columbia
Date: June 13 through July 1, 2011
Where: Columbia, SC
Cost: $400
Participants: Children and young adults with disabilities
Description: Camp Sunshine is available in two, three–week sessions for from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM every weekday during the summer. Activities provided by the staff of the Richland County Recreation Commission’s Adaptive Recreation Department include arts and crafts, drama, basketball, soccer, and usually a weekly field trip.
Contact: Andrew Scott, Adaptive Recreation Manager - (803)754-6720 Ext. 203 or 214
Camp Good Times
Date: Mondays - Thursdays; 8:30am - 3:00pm, weeks of June 13th, 20th, 27th, 2011
Where: Ladson Elementary School, Charleston, SC
Cost: $300 for campers ($175 for their peers); half-day program for 3 and 4-year-old campers is $175; All Teen Adventure Camp campers are $375
Participants: Campers with autism and friends ages 3-20
Description: Camp Good Times provides the only camp in the Lowcountry devoted exclusively to children with autism and their friends. Our counselors are trained in the field and design programs to promote socialization, opportunities for children to explore their community during planned outings, and for two weeks a year - just be kids.
Typical camp activities include swimming, field trips, sports, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, playing instruments and talent shows. A recreation specialist is on staff to plan outdoor activities. Each year Camp Good Times offers a "sensory room" equipped with a platform swing, body sox, beanbags, a bounce pillow, ball pit, tactile walking path, and other soothing items for campers to enjoy. All programs are specially designed to promote socialization and to explore interaction within the community.
Contact: Camp Good Times website
Camp Hope
Date: Four sessions (three one-week camps, one two-week camp) throughout the summer, each accepting a different age group. The one-week camps begin June 19, June 26, and July 3, and the two-week camp is from July 17-29. See Clemson Outdoor Lab Dates and Rates page for more details.
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC
Cost: Minumum $370 for SC residentes, $500 for residents of other states. See Clemson Outdoor Lab Dates and Rates page for more details.
Participants: Individuals with developmental disabilities
Description: Jaycee Camp Hope is a statewide residential camp for mentally challenged citizens. Its purposes are to give the camper helpful experiences in an outdoor environment, develop the ability to work and play as a group, and provide new experiences unique to a camp setting. The SC Junior Chamber of Commerce has provided financial support for every camper attending Jaycee Camp Hope since 1969. Individuals participating in Camp Hope are ages 8 and older. Campers are grouped according to age, level of functioning, and previous camp and social experience.
Contact: cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu
Camp Sertoma
Date: One-week camps from June 19 - July 29, 2011
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Ages 7 – 13 years old who are underprivileged or have speech/hearing impairments
Description: Sponsored by the Sertoma clubs of South Carolina, this program serves children between the ages of 7-13 who are either underprivileged or who have speech/hearing impairments. Children are placed in groups with seven other children according to age and previous camp experience with two counselors. The program offers opportunities for fun, skills development and education in an outdoor environment. Because of the support of Sertoma Clubs across the state, there is no fee to attend.
Application: Children are first selected from various schools by the Sertoma Clubs spread across the state. Applicants to the camp are put on a list. If there are cancellations or openings after this selection, then those on the list are offered the chance to attend.
Contact: Camp Sertoma website
SCSDB William W. All Adventure Camp
Date: June 19-25, 2011
Where: Spartanburg, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children between 6 and 14 with either a hearing or vision loss that affects learning (there are separate camps for hearing loss and vision loss). They must also be a Sourth Carolina resistent, toilet-trained, have the physical, mental and behavioral capabilities to benefit from the programs offered during the camp, and not have attended SCSDB during the 2010-2011 school year.
Description: The Adventure Camp is divided into separate camps for hearing loss and vision loss. Each camp has special activities for their respective campers, like Braille lessons for the visually impaired and special cochlear implant activities for those with hearing loss. In addition, both camps offer field trips,confidence-building activities, independent living skills activities, skits/camp songs, swimming, horseback riding, and scuba diving.
DEADLINE: June 1, 2011
Contact: SC School for the Deaf and Blind Summer Camps website
Camp Puff n' Stuff
Date: June 20-24, 2011
Where: College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Cost: $50
Participants: Children ages 8 to 11 who are on daily asthma medication and under a doctor's care are eligible to attend.
Description: Camp Puff 'n Stuff provides asthmatic children with an opportunity to experience camp activities they may otherwise be denied due to their condition. It was designed specifically for children with asthma. Through educational activities, campers learn to understand and manage their illness while improving their self esteem.
Pattison’s Academy Summer Day Camp
Date: 5 weeks from June 20 - July 22, 2011; Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Where: 2014 Bees Ferry Road, North Charleston, SC (Rutledge Baptist Church)
Cost: $150 Weekly. Costs include snacks, field trips, crafts and therapy services (as long as therapists are able to bill Medicaid or private insurance.) Pattison’s has never turned a child away because of a family’s inability to pay. Additional funding resources may be available.
Participants: Children ages 1-15 years old who have multiple and\or severe disabilities (Physical impairments, visual, hearing, cognitive impairments). Note: They cannot accept children whose primary diagnosis is autism or behavioral disorders because they will not have the staffing to provided the constant one on one supervision that many of these children deserve.
Description: Pattison's Academy Summer Camp provides therapy, enrichment and FUN for the children and a nice break for the care givers of these children. In 2009, 44 children from around the Lowcountry participated in very active days of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and field trips for 5 weeks.
Contact: Patterson's Academy Summer Day Camp website or 843-849-6707
Camp T.A.L.K.
Date: Session 1 - June 21, 23, 28, and 30; Session 2 - July 12, 14, 19, and 21
Where: Willow Ridge Church, Lexington, SC
Cost: $75 per session or $150 for both
Participants: Children ages 9-15 primarily with a diagnosis of Asperger's or PDD-NOS, but diagnoses other than an Autism Spectrum Disorder such as ADHD are admissable.
Description: Camp Teaching Advocacy and Life-skills to Kids (TALK) is an inclusive social skills day camp for kids. One day each week is designated as a field trip day for going out into the community to try new things and practice social skills. The other day each week focuses on guest speakers from around the community, social learning, and team building activities. The staff includes teachers, therapists, and parents of children from across the spectrum. We also have a large junior staff who act as peer mentors/junior counselors from area high schools.
Contact: Camp TALK site
Camp Leo
Date: July 10-16, 2011
Where: Hilton Head, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children ages 7-16 who are legally blind
Description: Camp Leo provides a camping experience where participants live and play together in a dormitory setting. It provides the children an opportunity for recreational activities not available at home as well as learning experiences (crafts, nature walks, dances, etc.). The camp is sponsosred by the Hilton Head and Sun City Lion's Clubs of Scouth Carolina and many local businesses and individuals.
DEADLINE: May 30, 2011
Contact: Camp Leo overview and contact info
Camp Lion's Den
Date: July 10 - 16, 2011
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children with visual impairments, ages 7 - 17
Description: Serving the visually handicapped children of South Carolina, this program is sponsored by the Mid-Day Lions Club of Anderson, SC and the South Carolina Lions, Inc. Any child with a visual impairment between the ages of 7 and 17 may attend. Because of the dedication and support of SC Lions Clubs, there is no fee for attendance.
DEADLINE: June 10, 2011
Contact: cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu
Website: http://www.sclions.org/programs/camp-lions-den.html
PAALS Doggone Days of Summer Camp
Date: August 1-5 for Beginner Camp; August 8-12 for Advanced Camp (returnees)
Time: Beginner Camp: 8:30am - 12:30pm; Advanced Camp: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Where: Denny Terrace Community Center, Columbia, SC
Cost: $175 for Beginner Camp if paid by May 1, otherwise $200;
$250 for Advanced Camp
if paid by May 1, otherwise $275
Participants: Beginner Camp: Ages 11-14 for on target youth and ages 11- 19 for special needs; Advanced Camp: Ages 12-16 for returnees who attended previous camp and/or volunteer with dog programs
Description:
- Beginner Camp: Learn the basics of service dog training, community service ethics, and work side by side with other youth and special needs individuals, all while pairing up totrain a service dog candidate
- Advanced Camp: Building on Beginner’s camp junior trainers will get more advanced service dog behaviors to practice and more responsibility of the dogs.
Contact: Jen Rogers at (803)788-7063 or Angie Helt at (803)754-6720 ext. 209
Website: PAALS Doggone Days of Summer Camp website
AASC Summer Camp
Date: August 6 - 11, 2011
Where: Lake Marion in Summerton, SC
Cost: $800 for one camper. $660 for second child and $440 each additional child. Deposit of $200 due on registration.
Participants: Children with ASD and their siblings, ages 7 ‐17. Children with ASD are accepted with or without sibling enrollment. Every effort is made to accommodate the unique needs of each child we serve.
Description: Based at Camp Bob Cooper on Lake Marion in Summerton, the AASC Summer Camp is a partnership between the Autism Academy of South Carolina (AASC) and Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute. It offers enhanced life experiences, personal development, and a time of respite for parents and caregivers. Activities are designed to promote independence and confidence, as well as inspire social skills development through carefully planned, developmentally appropriate experiences.
Contact: AASC Summer Camp flyer (PDF)
Camp Sunshine - Clemson
Date: October 14 - 16 and November 18 - 20, 2011
Where: Clemson Outdoor Lab, 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, SC
Cost: $40 application fee
Participants: Children & adults who have severe & profound special needs
Description: This weekend camp programs serves children and adults who have severe and profound special needs. Designed to provide a respite to the caregivers and families, participants also benefit from the program designed to offer fun and fellowship. Camp Sunshine is funded through the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is offered six weekends throughout the fall and spring. Campers enjoy pontoon boat rides, archery, crafts, campfire programs, hayrides and many other special events throughout the weekend. Clemson University students and former summer staff members serve as counselors for the program.
Contact: cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu
SC School for the Deaf and Blind Outreach Services
While not a summer camp, the School for the Deaf and Blind does offer special programs during the summer for children who are sensory disabled. You can find more details and contact information on the SCSDB Outreach Services page.
Summer Camps outside of South Carolina
Extra Special People (ESP) Summer Camp
NOTE: All camp weeks are full, but you can be put on a waiting list.
Date: Seven week-long camps from June 5 - July 29, 2011
Where: Watkinsville, GA
Cost:
- $65 - One-time registration and summer camp activity fee
- $200 - Each week of day camp ($100 if 100 Parent Involvement Credits are earned by 4/15/11)
- $250 - “No Kids Allowed” for ages 16+ (Week 3)
- $250 - Residential Week at Camp Twin Lakes (Week 6)
Participants: All individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability, starting at age 4.
Description: A seven week program that provides continuous learning as well as social and recreational opportunities for young people with disabilities. Camp runs 9:00am- 3:00pm. Before/after care can be arranged with individual staff for extra charges. Day camp is split into 4 units by age: Youngest, Younger-Middle, Older-Middle, and Oldest units.
Contact: Extra Special People Summer Camp website
Victory Junction
Date: Various themed weeks from June 12 - August 12 for the Summer with separately scheduled weekends. See the full Victory Junction schedule for more details.
Where: Randleman, NC
Cost: Free
Participants: Children between 6 and 16 with a diagnosis in accordance with one of the many accepted conditions. The camp also has a page with eligibility requirements.
Description: Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Located in Randleman, NC, Victory Junction is built upon 84 beautiful acres donated by Richard and Lynda Petty. Themed around NASCAR racing, the camp is echoes the sights, sounds, and feel of a real racetrack.
Contact: The Victory Junction Contact page has a number of different e-mail addresses parents can use, each addressing a different concern. There is also a toll-free number: 877-VJG-CAMP
Camp Caglewood
Date: Various weekend camps starting June 17, 2011
Where: Flowery Branch, GA
Cost: All summer programs are $200
Participants: Children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, PDD, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
Description: Caglewood is a Special Needs Camping Program that serves individuals with developmental disabilities through active programming that provides enhanced life experiences, personal development, and respite opportunities. They have several weekend camps available for the summer:
- Spelunking
June 17-19, 2011
Campers will travel to Chattanooga for Caglewood's first outing trip to explore underground caves and caverns. Campers will stay in a cabin in Chattanooga and will explore caves all day on Saturday with a tour-guide. They will also enjoy arts and crafts, games, a Friday night movie, and much more. - White Water Rafting
July 22-24, 2011
Campers will stay in a bunk house near Bryson City, NC and will raft with Wildwater LLC on Saturday down the Nantahala River. There will also be hiking, site-seeing, arts and crafts, and much more. - Amicalola Falls
September 9-11, 2011
Amicalola Falls State Park offers campers some beautiful scenery. There will be wonderful waterfalls and education outdoor hikes where we may even be able to meet a few snakes and birds. There will also be cooking over a camp fire, arts and crafts, games, and much more.
Contact: Camp Caglewood website
Bay Cliff Summer Therapy Camp
Date: A seven week-long program starting June 18, 2011
Where: Big Bay, MI
Cost: $3,500
Participants: Children, age 3-17, who move, speak, hear and/or see in a way that is different from their peers, due to a physical impairment, health issue or communication impairment.
Description: Bay Cliff provides a therapy-rich environment for children with physical impairments. Each camper receives an individualized plan, based on their needs, of one or more of the therapies listed below:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Theraphy
- Hearing
- Vision
- Music Therapy
- Recreation Therapy
Contact: Bay Cliff Summer Therapy Camp website
Camp To Be Independent
Date: July 17 - 22, 2011
Where: Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, GA
Cost: Free
Participants: Children and adults ages 8 – 21 with traumatic brain injury. The camp usually hosts between 35 and 40 kids.
Description: Camp TBI offers parents/caregivers a respite while their children enjoy the fully accessible facilities at Camp Twin Lakes. Children will enjoy fishing, archery, arts and crafts, a zip line, bicycling, swimming, dancing, karaoke and talent nights in the care of counselors provided by the Medical College of Georgia Occupational Therapy School.
Contact: Call 706-826-5809 or email alsalley@wrh.org for registration information.
Scroll to the bottom of Outreach Programs webpage for more info and application details: http://www.wrh.org/community_outreach_programs.cfm
Camp Chatterbox
Date: August 21 to 27, 2011
Where: Outdoor Center at Happiness is Camping, 62 Sunset Lake Road, Hardwick, NJ
Cost: The cost of attending Camp Chatterbox is $900 for a child and parent. This includes a $550 Therapy fee and a $400 Camp fee. (A significant portion of the actual camp cost for each family is subsidized by grant funding or other forms of charitable contributions.) Additional family members may attend Camp for an added fee.
Participants: Children ages 5-15 who are nonspeaking or severely speech impaired and functionally use synthesized Augmentative & Alternative Communication devices
Description: Camp Chatterbox, founded by Joan Bruno in 1992, is an intensive therapy camp for children, ages 5 -15, who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and a training program for their parents. It is sponsored by the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ.
Contact: Camp Chatterbox website
Camp Communicate
Date: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28, 2011
Where: Pine Tree Camp, Rome, ME
Cost: $375. This fee includes the programming, meals and accommodations for one camper and one parent/caregiver. For information on additional caregiver costs – please see the website.
Participants: Ages 8-20; use a high tech communication device; be accompanied by a caregiver. There are two programs, one for ages 8-14 and another for ages 15-20. Each program has a limit of 10 participants.
Description: Camp Communicate is an innovative weekend designed specifically for non-verbal children who use computerized devices, known as augmentative communication, to communicate. Each camper attends Camp Communicate along with a parent/caregiver. Parents will have the opportunity to attend workshops and share information and strategies in a supportive environment. Learning opportunities for parents will support more effective augmentative communication device use at home and will foster more proficient use in school.
Contact: Camp Communicate website
Courage Camps
Date: Various from June 19 until August 6
Where: Maple Lake, MN
Cost: Varies. Camp offers scholarships for campers who need financial assistance. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants: Varies depending on camp; See website for more information
Description: There are a very large variety of camps for people with disabilities organized by the Courage Camps. Below are only a couple of them. Please visit the website for a wealth of camps provided. Since 1955, Courage Camps offer safe, accessible, natural environments where children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory and language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses discover abilities they never knew they had or they thought they had lost. Campers make new friends, and are often introduced to sports or hobbies they develop further at home or at school.
Contact: Courage Camps website
Some of the camps offered:
- Literacy Session
June 19-24, 2011 - Ages 12 to 18This unique session is for campers who are struggling readers. Campers' reading skills range from beginning readers to reading several years behind grade level. In addition to enjoying the many fun recreational activities offered, campers work daily with educational specialists on literacy-related activities. The session is under the direction of national literacy experts Drs. David Koppenhaver and Karen Erickson. Informal descriptive reports of literacy assessments and interventions are provided to families and campers to take back to their home schools. Campers attending this session should be independent in their personal care needs and have a means of communication, which may include an AAC(augmentative communication) system.
Full Cost: $800
- Youth Session
July 18-23, 2011 - Ages 7 to 12Designed for campers with a physical disability or visual impairment, this session provides opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities ranging from swimming and horseback riding to sailing and crafts. As part of this experience, youth increase self-confidence, learn responsibility and develop essential leadership skills.
Full Cost: $800
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Teen Session
July 18-23, 2011 - Ages 13 to 17This session is designed for teens with a physical disability or visual impairment. Enjoy a fun-filled week of traditional camp activities such as sailing, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, digital photography, nature and environmental studies, arts and crafts, and overnight camping. In addition to having fun, campers learn social and leadership skills and gain independence in a safe environment. Campers select activities based on their individual interests.
Full Cost: $800
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Communication Disorders
July 31-Aug. 6, 2011 - Ages 7 to 14Help your child maintain valuable speech skills over the long summer break. Geared for youngsters who have a primary diagnosis of a speech, language or hearing disorder. Counselors and program staff reinforce camper language and communication skills throughout the day in activities ranging from swimming and boating to horseback riding and crafts.
Full Cost: $800
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5th annual National Power Soccer Family Camp
Aug. 8-13, 2011Join us for six days of power soccer training and camp fun. Top power soccer coaches and players from across the United States teach you the latest drills and training methods to make you the best power soccer player ever! If you are a first timer or a current player, come and learn the latest techniques and drills from the experts! Families are welcome to participate.
Full Cost: $600-Athletes
$500-Family Members -
Summer Sampler for Youth
July 20-23, 2011The Summer Sampler is a special session for youth with a physical disability or visual impairment. The session offers campers an opportunity to try out overnight camp for the first time! During this three-day experience, campers will enjoy cabin life, make new friends and participate in many traditional camp activities. This is a wonderful introduction to the unique experience that overnight camp provides.
Full Cost: $400
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Teen Leadership Session
July 31 - Aug. 6, 2011 - Ages 13-17Designed for teens with a physical disability or sensory impairment. The Teen Leadership Session offers eight days of intensive leadership and life skills. Training while engaged in a variety of traditional outdoor camp activities. Each camper has the opportunity to develop a personal leadership style, as well as learn about communication styles and conflict resolution. Campers develop self-confidence, foster independence and improve community identity.
Full Cost: $800
- Camp Discovery 1 & 2
Co-sponsored with the Autism Society of Minnesota at Camp Courage
Session 1 June 26-July 1, 2011
Session 2 July 3-8, 2011Two, five day sessions for children with Asperger’s Syndrome. For more information and an application, call the Autism Society of Minnesota at 651.647.1083.
- Hemophilia Session
Co-sponsored by the Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota and Dakotas
July 10-16, 2011Geared for children who have hemophilia and other related bleeding disorders. Campers take advantage of the safe facilities and great outdoor settings to explore their interests. Applications can be requested from the Courage Center Camps office at 763.520.0504 or camping@couragecenter.org
- Oncology/Blood Disorder Session
Co-sponsored by Children’s Hospitals and Clinics - Minneapolis and The Miracles of Mitch Foundation
July 25-29, 2011Campers, ages 7 to 17, who have or had leukemia or other blood disorders, brain tumors and other forms of cancer, or get to know their peers in a safe, healthy, recreational setting. Siblings can participate in a special program that focuses on living with a brother or sister with cancer. Activities range from crafts and nature study to photography, swimming, horseback riding and more. Link to Oncology/Blood Disorders/Siblings Camp Application.
Links
To search for more special needs camps, you can try this site:
Very Special Camps - http://www.veryspecialcamps.com/