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
Here is a a great summer opportunity for teens to learn and earn through Vocational Rehabilitation:
VR Summer Career Camp Flyer 2023VR Summer Career Camp Flyer 2023
Jewish Community Centers in Miami Dade County
Please check with the JCC’s for current programming
The Michael Ann Russel Jewish Community Center in Aventura
The Alper Jewish Community Center in Kendall
Miami Beach Jewish Community Center
Friendship Circles in Miami Dade County
Friendship Circle of Miami, Pinecrest
Friendship Circle of Miami Beach and North Dade.
University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM CARD)
Here is a list of summer camps 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 [email protected] 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.
Camp Experts & Teen Summers
Camp Experts & Teen Summers is a FREE referral service matching the needs of your entire family with the best summer experience: sleep away camps, pre-college, travel, community service, special needs, inclusion programs, academic assistance and more. Visit Camp Experts and KarenMeister.com
Contact person – Karen Meister – [email protected] – 305-931-5437.
Your local area recreational center also offers inclusive programming:
Quick Links
