There are a growing number of camps in our area that specialize in serving children with special needs. We’ve included a few of our favorites.
CAMP DONNENBECK AT THE KILDONAN SCHOOL. A camp where students with dyslexia or language based learning difference build the reading and language skills they need in a fun camp environment. 425 Morse Hill Road, Amenia. 845-373-2012. kildonan.org.
CAMP HUNTINGTON. A camp for children with developmental disabilities including autism, Down Syndrome and other related disabilities. Therapeutic recreational programs. 56 Bruceville Road, High Falls. 855-707-2267. camphintington.com
CAMP NORTHWOOD. Provides quality programming to a coed population of 165 learning challenged and high functioning autistic children. Non-competitive recreational programming with a focus on social skill development. 132 State Rte. 365, Remsen. 315-831-3621. nwood.com
EASTER SEALS CAMP MERRY HEART. A 123-acre facility offering year-round fun and recreation to individuals of all ages and all levels of special needs and abilities. 21 O’Brien Road, Hackettstown, New jersey. 908-852-3896. eastersealsnj.org/camp
OUR VICTORY DAY CAMP. Oriented toward children ages 5 to 12 with learning challenges and/or attention difficulties in need of a structural and supportive environment. A full-day camping program is modified to meet camper’s needs. Groups of nine, utilizing professional staff and a 3:1 camper to counselor ratio, provides a high level of individualization and support. 600 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry. 914-674-4841. ourvictory.com
NYU SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS. A seven-week, all day, therapeutic program exclusively for children ages 7 to 11 with ADHD and behavior disorders. Program focuses on building self-esteem and developing attention, organizational and friendship skills. Clinical psychologists and highly qualified teachers supervise undergraduate and graduate-level counselors. Enrollment is limited. 516-358-1811. www.nyulangone.org/csc.
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT, VERMONT. Adaptive program provides therapeutic recreation for children and adults of all abilities. Inclusion program with ski and snowboard classes. Family resort with programs, even 1:1 assistance, for families with special needs. 800-419-4615. www.smuggs.com
SUMMITT CAMP. Offering summer overnight camp, teen travel programs and school year weekendsers for children and teens with attention issues and social concerns. Office: 322 Rte. 46 West, Suite 210, Persippany, New Jersey. 973-732-3230. summitcamp.com
WAGON ROAD CAMP. Overnight respite program servicing children ages 7 to 17 with physical and developmental disabilities. Open weekends and school holidays October to May and for one week in August. They offer arts, crafts, athletics, nature, cooking, horseback riding, music and drama. The Children’s Aid Society, Chappaqua. 238-4761. childrensaidsociety.org
AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION. acacamps.org (click on “find a camp”) or call 212-391-5208 for an annual directory.
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Order a directory of camps and summer programs for youths with special needs in the Metro New York area for approximately $25. Lists more than 300 programs: Resources For Children With Special Needs, Publications/Department B, 116 E. 16th St. 5th Floor New York, NY 10003.
