There are many local summer camp options for kids with disabilities. Here are some to get you started.
Every quintessential summer includes summer camp. It’s where kids make loud, messy, lifelong memories. But for those with disabilities, there is more to consider in ensuring a safe, enriching camp experience.
Luckily Orange County is home to an abundance of great options, ranging from weeklong overnight camps to daytime camps that run all summer long. Some focus on inclusion while others focus on providing individualized therapy.
So how do parents choose the best camp for their child?
Dr. Jodie Knott, director of Quest Therapeutic Camps, says finding a good fit largely depends on the type of experience a parent wants them to have. “Is the focus just to have a positive summer experience or actual treatment? There’s a place for all those things.”
She and other experts weighed in to offer ParentingOC the key components for a great camp and we gathered some that fit the bill. Each of these has highly trained staff and medical personnel; strong counselor-to-camper ratios; safe facilities and accommodations; and a positive communication strategy with campers and their families. Some are also American Camp Association-accredited, which Knott says adds an extra layer of peace for many parents knowing the camp has met its high standards.
Overnight Camps
RAD Camp (Rising Above Disabilities)
Location: Van Guard University, Costa Mesa
Ideal for: Kids and adults with disabilities, ages 5+
What makes it great: RAD Camp (adults 22+) and RAD Jr. Camp (kids and young adults 5-21) are week-long camps founded on the philosophy that everyone should feel valued for their individuality. Each year features an exciting theme with jam-packed fun. Campers are paired 1:1 with a counselor which Co-Founder and Director of Development Meghan Clemm, says is what makes RAD Camp so special. “[RAD] creates incredible moments of friendship, connectedness and bonds between the camper and counselor that truly last a lifetime.”
Website: radcamp.org
Easterseals Southern California
Location: YMCA Camp Oaks in Big Bear
Ideal for: Kids and young adults with disabilities, ages 14+. Must have some communication skills and be comfortable at high elevations.
What makes it great: For the true summer camp experience, look no further. Easterseals hosts a week-long camp for kids with a wide range of disabilities at an ACA-accredited campground in a beautiful mountain setting. With a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 at most, campers get to enjoy camp activities like craft-making, hayrides, talent shows, dances, canoeing, archery and more.
Website: easterseals.com
Day Camps
Camp James
Location: Newport Dunes
Ideal for: Ages 4-13
What makes it great: With a philosophy of “Be Kind,” Camp James is a great place for parents seeking inclusion opportunities. Its 10-week-long day camp allows families to choose what fits their schedule. While Camp James does not provide care for kids with disabilities, it can accommodate personal aides as needed. Its team is comprised of psychologists, ABA therapists and educators — including those with special education credentials. This camp is most suitable for kids who are comfortable with walking and playing in sand and water.
Website: campjames.com
Special Camp
Location: St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano
Ideal for: Kids and young adults with disabilities, ages 6-21
What makes it great: Another great camp with a 1:1 ratio, Special Camp “provides the framework for peer relationships to develop in a safe and meaningful environment,” says Lindsay Eres, executive director of Special Camp. Campers enjoy a range of activities including field trips to places like Knott’s Berry Farm and Adventure City.
Website: specialcamp.org
Summer C.A.M.P.
Location: Yorba Linda and Irvine
Ideal for: People with mild to moderate disabilities, ages 4+
What makes it great: C.A.M.P., which stands for Clinically Advanced Multimodality Program, is built on seven objectives — four group goals and three individual goals. Prior to camp, campers will meet with trained staff who determine personal objectives for the sessions, which they’ll work on through a variety of engaging activities like swimming, yoga, kickboxing, art and drama.
Website: steppingforwardcounselingcenter.com
The Shea Center
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Ideal for: Kids with disabilities, ages 5 to 17
What makes it great: Shea Center provides therapeutic services to individuals representing over 75 different disabilities in a serene setting. Its summer camp gives kids of all levels, ages and abilities a rewarding experience through exposure to horses, riding, crafts and more. Campers learn body awareness, sequencing and judgement skills, attention span, cause and effect, motor coordination, spatial awareness and early learning skills. Parents need to provide their child’s own aide and should contact the center before applying in order to ensure the best experience.
Website: sheacenter.org
Quest Therapeutic Camps of Southern California
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Complex
Ideal for: Ages 6-18
What makes it great: Quest is all about play with a purpose — fun and interactive games build skills and create an engaging experience for its campers. Kids participate in a minimum of four weeks, enjoying activities such as STEM, theater and Olympic games. Knott says, “[Quest’s] model is focused on providing individualized goals and feedback every hour of the program for each child.” The camp provides a 6:1 camper-to-counselor ratio for kids over age 7, and 4:1 for younger kids. Their team is comprised of psychologists, occupational therapists and behavior analysts, and assessments are carried out before camp begins.
Website: questcampsofsocal.com
Studio D
Location: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
Ideal for: Kids 4+
What makes it great: Studio D is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for artistic exploration, according to Chloe Saalsaa, manager of Studio D. Its staff is made up of professional teaching artists and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists who all share the common goal of helping “[kids] build confidence and forge connections within a community that celebrates diversity and joy.” Class size is approximately 18-20 kids per class.
Website: scfta.org
Karate For All
Location: Tustin
Ideal for: Kids 3 ½ through young adult
Website: karateforall.org
Classes are offered year-round in an inclusive martial arts training environment taught by occupational therapists.
Website: karateforall.org
By Danielle Encinas
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