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.
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? Here is a list of questions to ask while interviewing camps for your child with special needs. It will also get you thinking about expectations.
And here is a resource guide on preparing your child for sleep away camp from Yahalom
“A human being mints many coins from the same mold, and they are all identical. But the holy one, blessed by God, strikes us all from the mold of the first human and each one of us is unique.”
Resources
There are many different day and sleep away options available for children with special needs. These options change and are best searched for within the resource section of this website. Below you will find a few places to start:
The Jewish Community Centers offer inclusion summer camp options, where you can take part in camp activities, with the support you need. Please review the websites as programming changes:
Miami Beach Jewish Community Center offers inclusive summer camp programs.
The Michael Ann Russel Jewish Community Center in Aventura
And the Alper Jewish Community Center in Kendall
Friendship Circle of Miami, Pinecrest
Friendship Circle of Miami Beach and North Dade.
Summer 2024 Here is a list of summer programs in Miami Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties compiled by UM CARD.
The City of Coral Gables hosts a variety of summer camps and has a strong inclusion desk called, Play For All Policy. For more information, or to request services contact the PLAY for All team PlayForAll@coralgables.com or ask for an ADA Request Form at any Coral Gables facility’s registration desk.
Here is a link to the Children’s Trust search of summer camps for children with disabilities
And this flier is for Broward County, compiled by Broward Parks and Recreations.
Quick Links
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
Foundation for Jewish Camp
Jewish Summer Camps for individuals with Special Needs.
