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Summer 2023 Camp GuideThis list is intended to be a general guide to camps appropriate for children on the autism spectrum, based on the recommendations of our xMinds community. This is not an endorsement by xMinds. Parents/guardians and students are expected to review organization(s) and opportunities with due care, to determine if they are appropriate and safe for their children. For additional camps for students with disabilities, please see the Summer Camps guide produced by the MCPS Transition Services Unit for Summer 2021. While some information in the MCPS guide is outdated, families may still find some useful resources. We encourage xMinds members to provide their feedback about their experiences with these camps on our Google Group. The information below is subject to change. Please verify session dates, requirements, and costs with the individual camps. And check back because we will update the information as camps firm up their plans for summer 2023. Updated June 28, 2023 CAMP TYPE: Day Camps | Overnight Camps Day CampsAlliance PediatricsClub Alliance Summer Program Location: TBD, Gaithersburg or Rockville Contact: Melody Britton; Club@alliancepediatrics.com; 240-252-4105; Interest form: https://forms.gle/iMYBkLBBL2EdyHnC8 Website: https://alliancepediatrics.com/summer-program/ Ages: 8–12Dates: TBD, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (aftercare available); 1-week sessions and 3-week sessions available. Empowering kids to face fears, manage emotions, and become social rock stars! This is a summer camp that helps children accept difficult emotions while learning ways to feel calm and become socially confident. We offer an emotional component that includes regulation strategies, identifying and handling unhelpful thoughts, and more. Our social component includes conversation skills, dealing with teasing, social problem solving, and more. Supplemental lessons teach campers about the different factors that impact our social emotional health, like nutrition, sleep, and daily gratitude. Our #1 goal is for kids to enjoy themselves (while learning life skills). Children learn best when they are engaged! Once we know our enrolled participants, we like to incorporate their interests into the social enrichment and emotion regulation curriculum. ArtStreamLocation: 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20855 Contact: 301-565-4567, info@art-stream.org Website: https://www.art-stream.org/ Ages: 18 and up Dates: Programming for 2023 has not been finalized. The Auburn School
Location: 9115 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: Amanda Sickel, 301-588-8048; amanda.sickel@theauburnschool.org Website: https://www.theauburnschool.org/summer-programs/camp-aristotle-silver-spring-campus/ Ages: Kindergarten–9th Grade Dates: Four weeks: Monday, July 10–Friday, August 4 Camp Aristotle at the Silver Spring Campus offers both half-day and full-day options. Our summer program is designed with engaging and exciting activities, projects, and visitors relating to our 2023 camp theme: Animal Conservation. Our model integrates social thinking and learning support throughout the day so campers can build friendships, explore, and most importantly, have fun! Basic ConceptsBasic Concepts Therapeutic Camp Location: St. Elizabeth's School; 917 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: Katy Whidden, M.A. CCC- SLP, 240-447-8013, katywhidden@gmail.com Website: https://basicconcepts.org/classes Ages: Preschool (age 3)–Grade 5 Dates: Session 1: Monday, June 26–Friday, July 7; Session 2: Monday, July 10–Friday, July 28 Basic Concepts offers a variety of classes for children, preschool through middle school. We utilize numerous therapeutic interventions (sensory, play, music, social, and behavioral) throughout all of our daily activities for maximum achievement. Our summer programs are intended for children who have mild to moderate deficits in speech, language, play, sensory, and socialization. Children participate in both small and whole group activities to ensure that their individual goals are met. Speech-language pathologists and special educators provide services in all our classrooms. All college counselors are intensively trained and have extensive background in working with children with special needs. Bender JCC of Greater WashingtonLessans Camp JCC Location: 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: campjcc@benderjccgw.org, 301-348-3883 Website: https://www.benderjccgw.org/camp-jcc/ Ages: 4–21 Dates: June 20–August 25 We open our doors to everyone, including people of all backgrounds, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations. Inclusion is belonging. Built on ruach (spirit) and kehilla (community), Camp JCC builds strong Jewish identities, fosters lasting friendships, and creates memories that last a lifetime! Youth and teens with special needs are embraced in a warm, caring, and supportive environment at the Bender JCC through inclusive, innovative programming that enlightens, educates, and boosts self-esteem. Note: The Inclusion Program for campers who need extra support is full for 2023. For future summers, please note that enrollment starts in November for returning campers and in December for new campers. Brendan Sailing Summer Sailing Programs Location: Annapolis, MD, and St. Mary's City, MD Contact: (443) 995-6375; info@brendansailing.org Website: https://www.brendansailing.org/ Ages: 11–18 (Day Camp), 14–18 (Overnight Camp) Dates: Annapolis Day Camp: June 19–June 30 and July 3–14, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; St. Mary's Overnight Camp: July 16–22 and July 23–29 Since 2005, Brendan Sailing has been helping children with learning differences to realize success. Our programs are led by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning styles. The Brendan Sailing Curriculum covers an introduction to the sport of sailing including the parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Our instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with emphasis on building self-confidence and social skills, while developing basic sailing skills. Overnight session campers will have the opportunity to stay on-site in St. Mary's College student housing, take meals in the dining hall, and build confidence through the independence they experience while staying on campus. No sailing or boating experience is necessary for either the day or overnight sessions. Scholarships available. BSC Buddy Camp Free Soccer Camp for Children with Physical and Developmental Disabilities Location: Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20850 Contact: Hale Lieberman; halelieberman@gmail.com Website: BSCBuddyCamp.org Ages: 8–18 Dates: Tues., June 20 – Fri., June 23, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM At BSC Buddy Camp, children of all skill levels take advantage of expert coaching and guidance to advance their soccer abilities. With travel soccer players from Bethesda Soccer Club as their "buddies," our campers navigate drills and games designed to provide exposure to the sport of soccer while simultaneously encouraging teamwork and social connection. Our stress-free environment emphasizes a strong 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio and permits us to accommodate children of all ability levels. BSC Buddy Camp is run by volunteers and is free to those attending! Campers must have a parent present for the entire session. This is not a drop-off/pick-up program. CREATE Arts CenterCAMP CREATE! Location: 914 Silver Spring Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: (301) 588-2787; lisa@createartscenter.org Website: https://createartscenter.org/programs/camp-create/ Ages: 8–12 Dates: July 10–14 and July 17–21, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Campers are strongly encouraged to attend both weeks. CAMP CREATE! is an onsite summer camp designed for youth with minor to moderate behavioral, emotional, and functioning differences who will benefit from extra attention and support. Campers who have anxiety, learning delays, minor behavioral concerns or social and emotional difficulties are welcome. CAMP CREATE! is designed to teach campers everyday life skills, such as mindfulness techniques, flexible thinking habits, healthy expression of emotions, improved social interactions, and positive self-image through artistic expression. We strive to create a camp environment where your child is understood and properly supported by our art therapists and teaching artists. DC PeersCreek Weeks Location: Rock Creek Park Picnic Area #1, Tilden St. NW & Beach Dr. NW, Washington, DC 20010 Contact: leandra@dcpeers.org Website: https://director-dc-peers.jumbula.com/Summer2023/CreekWeeks Ages: 11–15 Dates: Weeklong sessions: July 10–14, July 17–21, July 24–28, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Join us for a week of outdoor fun in Rock Creek Park! Geared toward neurodiverse tweens and teens. We'll be crafting, making, and playing together all week long. Activities include tie dye, kite-making, wind chimes, sun catchers, bubble painting, sun prints, salt dough creations, pot painting, as well as frisbee, badminton, bocce, and geocaching. The covered pavilion will be our homebase for protection from the elements. In case of extreme weather, watch for alternate location message by 8am Diener SchoolDiener Summer Camp: Owl Program and Owlett Program Location: 11701 Danville Drive, North Bethesda, MD 20852 Contact: camp@thedienerschool.org; (301) 299-4602 Website: https://thedienerschool.org/summer-camp/ Ages: Owlett Program for Elementary School (entering grades K-5); Owl Program for Middle School (entering grades 5-8) Dates: 5 weeks: June 26–July 28; M–Th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, F 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Both elementary and middle school age groups have thematic weeks with multisensory activities and field trips; speech therapy and occupational therapy are integrated into the program along with academic skills review, musical, and visual art activities for the Owls and gross motor activities for the Owletts. Programming is provided by Diener School staff, with the aim of fostering a greater sense of independence and self-esteem. Edlavitch DC Jewish Community CenterSummer of Service Location: Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 Contact: Maura Schmidt; mschmidt@edcjcc.org; 202-777-3267 Website: DC JCC Registration Ages: 7th graders–age 21 Spend your summer making the world a better place with our inclusive Summer of Service Camps. Teens of all abilities work directly with community non-profits, learning and reflecting on social responsibility. This summer, middle and high school teens will spend their week earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours through activities like packaging kits for the Ronald McDonald house, assisting volunteers at A Wider Circle, and much more. We will follow a hybrid approach: some activities will be done on campus, and others will take place at various sites. Combine that with all the fun of a typical camp day and you have a recipe for a rewarding summer. Fitness for Health and the Center for Communication and LearningB–Social Therapeutic Summer Program Fitness for Health and the Center for Communication and Learning are offering a summer therapeutic program for students with ADHD, Social Communication Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The B-Social Therapeutic Summer Program integrates social cognitive thinking with motor activities and introduces social concepts in a fun and motivating way to encourage participants to explore and improve both their Social Thinking® skills and motor development. A 4:1 Student to Professional Staff (speech-language pathologist and fitness specialists) ratio makes the B-Social program especially beneficial for students with social challenges. Our specially trained staff guide children with social communication challenges to develop connections and assist them in navigating their social world. Great and SmallLocation: 17320 Moore Road, Boyds, MD 20841 Contact: Lisa Gatons; LGatons@greatandsmallride.org; (301) 349-0075 Website: https://www.greatandsmallride.org/programs Kids Inclusive Camp Ages: 5–10 Dates: June 26–June 30, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Kids Inclusive Camp offers a safe environment for participants to learn how to ride and care for their equine partners. Participants will spend their mornings engaged in daily riding lessons with our therapeutic riding instructors and in daily unmounted equine learning lessons where they may learn how to groom their horse, how to care for their horse, and much more! Afternoons will be spent on the ground with arts and crafts time, social skills activities, and games. This inclusive camp is designed for participants of all abilities, friends and siblings are welcome. Kids Inclusive Camp 2023 is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Program Director Lisa Gatons at LGatons@Greatandsmallride.org. Occupational Therapy Summer Camp Ages: 5–12 Dates: Ages 9–12: July 10–14; Ages 5–8: July 17–21 (both camps meet 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Occupational Therapy Summer Camp will include three days of equine movement along with many other activities. Campers will participate in unmounted outdoor equine and non-equine related activities focusing on social skills, fine motor skills, bi-lateral integration gross motor skills, sensory integration, emotional regulation, attention, and direction following. Campers will participate in games, outdoor activities, and water and sensory play in a fun novel environment. Imagination StageLocations: Bethesda, Rockville, and Northwest DC Contact: info@imaginationstage.org; 301-961-6060 Website: https://imaginationstage.org/camps/ Ages: 3–18 Imagination Stage offers camps in acting and musical theater, dance, filmmaking, and more. Imagination Stage is committed to serving children of all abilities and endeavors to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Contact access@imaginationstage.org prior to enrollment to discuss reasonable and respectful accommodations and support strategies to ensure a successful experience. Learning EssentialsBrain Camp Location: Online Contact: Info@LearningEssentialsEDU.com; 240-249-8492 Website: https://learningessentialsedu.com/brain-camp/ Ages: 7th–12th grade Is your child ready to level up with study skills? This innovative, experiential program is proven to help students achieve their full learning potential through a series of 10 one-hour appointments. Brain Camp is offered online only. By the end of Brain Camp your student will gain: an easy-to-implement system for studying, a step-by-step approach to better academic achievement, proven strategies to organize time and assignments, the know-how to study and prepare for tests and other assignments, and newfound confidence! Everyone on the team at Learning Essentials holds either a master's or doctorate in special education and is state-certified as a special educator; some additionally have certification as reading specialists and one as an educational therapist. Montgomery College Summer Youth Programs: Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) Website: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth Ages: Grades 1–12 Montgomery College Youth Programs offers a wide variety of programs in everything from art to technology to writing. Some offerings are approved for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Montgomery College Youth Programs is committed to providing accessible education and a supportive learning environment for all students. The college offers support through the WDCE Disability Support Services Office. See the Summer 2023 guide for a full listing of offerings. Montgomery Parks Program Access Montgomery Parks offers a variety of summer camps, which are listed in their 2023 Summer Camp Guide. These include SENSE-sational Summers at Meadowside (ages 6–8; June 26–June 30), a program intentionally designed for campers with different abilities. During the week, campers will go on hikes, learn about ecosystems and habitats, meet the nature center animals, explore Rock Creek, and make crafts. Program Access within the Montgomery County Department of Parks welcomes individuals with all abilities to participate in recreational programs and activities of their choice. Reasonable modifications are provided, as needed. Some minimum eligibility requirements (age, level of participation) must be met in order to participate. Don’t forget to request support when registering your child for each program. Montgomery County Department of Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Camps and General Recreation Camps The Montgomery County Department of Recreation offers a variety of summer camps for a wide range of interests and ages. All camps offer an inclusion model for students with a disability; families can request support for inclusion. The recreation department also offers Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Camps, which are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and focus on campers' unique abilities. Instructors are trained to facilitate structured activities. These camps generally have a 1:4 staff to camper ratio. TR programs are offered at Earle B. Wood Middle School, Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, and Upper County Community Recreation Center. Check out the Montgomery County Camps Summer 2023 guide. Reach Every VoiceSummer Institute Contact: info@reacheveryvoice.org Summer Institute is a student-driven learning experience for students who spell and type to communicate. The three-hour session is broken into three 45-minute chunks with 15-minute breaks in between: a group game, a lesson (themes chosen by students), and structured social hour. Rooted: Nature Occupational Therapy for Kids in DCNature Occupational Therapy Summer Camp Contact: mya@rootedindc.com; 202-930-3965 We help kids with neurodivergence and social challenges build connections, coordination, and confidence. Some kids thrive in smaller settings with the right balance of structure and free play with the expertise of pediatric occupational therapists to facilitate positive socialization. Rockville Recreation and ParksCity of Rockville CampsLocation: Various locations Contact: (240) 314-8620; camps@rockvillemd.gov Website: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/359/Summer-Camps Ages: Various ages, 5–16, depending on the camp The City of Rockville encourages individuals with disabilities to register and participate in Rockville recreation programs. To adequately plan for a successful and rewarding experience, contact the office at the above number to secure auxiliary services and aides. More than 60 camps are available, including single-week and multi-week camps. Favorites with xMinds families include Croydon Creek Nature Center Camps and Way Off Broadway Camp. The City of Rockville 2022 Camp guide will be available to view on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Registration begins Wednesday, February 15, at 8:30 a.m. Social Grace LLCGet Out of the House Camp Location: 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 Contact: (703) 829-6394; Schedule a phone consultation by clicking here. Website: socialgracellc.com/camp Ages: Ages 11–18 Dates: Week 1: July 10–14, Week 2: July 17–21, Week 3: July 24–28, Week 4: July 31– August 4, Week 5: August 7–11, Week 6: August 14–18; 10 AM –3 PM, Monday–Friday Our camp is designed to be a fun adventure each day! We teach critical social competencies and life skills while having fun, making friends, and eating good food! Other skills we practice: building confidence and self-esteem, communication, compromise, flexibility, perspective taking, self-advocacy, teamwork, and trying new things. Surfers HealingSurfing Camp Location: Ocean City, MD; Virginia Beach, VA Contact: (877) 966-SURF Website: surfershealing.org Dates: Ocean City, MD: August 16; Virginia Beach, VA: August 18, 19 This one-day free camp offers kids with autism an opportunity to go surfing. The program is offered in various cities, and will be in Ocean City, MD, on August 16 and in Virginia Beach, VA, on August 18 and 19. The volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism a chance to ride the waves, to challenge themselves, and to try something new. Ocean City registration is open April 24–28. Virginia Beach registration is open May 1–5. The Treatment and Learning CentersLittle Friends Camp The focus of Little Friends is on building communication, reciprocity, and engagement skills as well as addressing areas of sensory processing and motor planning through interactive summer themes, active play, and use of three sensory gyms. Groups are led each day by both a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist. Friends Together CampLocation: The Katherine Thomas School, 9975 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850 Contact: 301-424-5202; SummerCamps@TTLC.org Website: https://ttlc.org/services/summer-programs/ Ages: 5-7 Dates: June 26–August 11, Monday to Friday. Offers a morning session (9:00 AM – 12:00 noon), afternoon session (12:30 PM – 3:30 PM), and full-day programming (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.) Friends Together focuses on building communication, reciprocity, and engagement skills as well as addressing areas of sensory processing and motor planning through interactive summer themes, active play, and use of three sensory gyms. Groups are led each day by both a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist. Overnight CampsBrainy Camp, a subsidiary of Children's National Camp Connect ASD Location: Blue Ridge School, 273 Mayo Dr., St. George, VA 22935 Contact: brainycamps@childrensnational.org Website: https://www.brainycamps.com/ Ages: 10–21 Dates: June 29–July 3 Camp Connect ASD offers children and teens diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder five days and four nights of summer fun and social connections. Children experience all the fun and adventure of a sleepaway camp with medical staff close at hand. For five days, the children do not have to worry about how they are seen or what others think; they simply have fun. They participate in a myriad of activities, learning team-building skills through sports, skits, and Camp Olympics. Formal and informal support groups allow campers to practice appropriate social and communication skills and encourage the discussion of meaningful topics, including how to handle bullying, what to do when teased, and how to make friends. The Department of Neurology of Children’s National provides the medical management of Camp Connect. Summer Sailing Programs Location: Annapolis, MD, and St. Mary's City, MD Contact: (443) 995-6375; info@brendansailing.org Website: https://www.brendansailing.org/ Ages: 11–18 (Day Camp), 14–18 (Overnight Camp) Dates: Annapolis Day Camp: June 19–June 30 and July 3–14, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; St. Mary's Overnight Camp: July 16–22 and July 23–29 Since 2005, Brendan Sailing has been helping children with learning differences to realize success. Our programs are led by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning styles. The Brendan Sailing Curriculum covers an introduction to the sport of sailing including the parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Our instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with emphasis on building self-confidence and social skills, while developing basic sailing skills. Overnight session campers will have the opportunity to stay on-site in St. Mary's College student housing, take meals in the dining hall, and build confidence through the independence they experience while staying on campus. No sailing or boating experience is necessary for either the day or overnight Sessions. Scholarships available. Camp Ramah in the PoconosThe Tikvah Program Camp Ramah in the Poconos offers children and young adults with special needs and their families a continuum of experiences and opportunities for growth in the areas of Jewish identity, socialization, independence, and much more. The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos is an integral part of our camp and enhances the entire community. Currently serving campers with a wide range of needs, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences, and neurological impairments, we are continuously innovating to develop new opportunities and experiences for our campers and their families. Camp SequoiaLocation: Pennsburg, PA Contact: (215) 671-6944; office@camp-sequoia.com Website: https://www.camp-sequoia.com/ Ages: Boys 7–17, Girls 10–16Dates: Boys: First Session, June 25–July 15; Second Session, July 16–August 5; Full Season, June 25–August 5; Girls: June24–July 22 The mission of Sequoia is to help campers have a great time while developing their social cognition (how to think in a social context and apply socially related skills.) Camp Sequoia is designed for children and teenagers with ADHD and other similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows our campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience. Easterseals Camp FairleeLocation: 22242 Bay Shore Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620 Contact: (410) 778-0566 ; fairlee@esdel.org Website: https://www.campfairlee.com/ Ages: Two age groups: 6-21; 21 and overDates: June 25–30; July 2–13; July 16–21; July 23–August 3; August 6–11; August 13–18; August 20–27 Camp Fairlee provides a traditional camp experience for campers of all abilities to experience adventures! Daily schedules include activities such as arts & crafts, music, sports, games, swimming, hiking, canoeing, hayrides, campfires, and more. Session themes include Super Heroes, Going to the Grammy's, and Around the World. Camp Fairlee offers the option of a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio or a 1:1 ratio. The Maryland Autism Waiver can be used as a funding source, if certain criteria are met. Maryland Youth Leadership ForumLocation: Towson University, Towson, MD Contact: Danielle Bustos, dbustos@innow.org, 240-898-2189.Website: https://www.innow.org/mdylf/ Ages: Students in their final two years of high school. Must be a Maryland resident and have a disability Dates: June 26–June 28 Thirty high school delegates from across Maryland are invited to participate in this free three-day leadership forum. While living on campus, students learn about leadership and the active roles they can play in their communities to become our leaders of tomorrow. Topics include self-advocacy, leadership skills, and the history of the disability and civil rights movements. Participants also meet leaders with disabilities from across the state and learn how to prepare and present legislative testimony. About half the applicants are youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.Application due March 3, 2023. MelwoodCamp Accomplish Contact: 301-870-3226; RecreationCenter@melwood.org Kids with and without disabilities learn, play, connect, explore and discover together. Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities, including swimming, horseback riding, creative and performing arts, climbing wall, adventure courses, sports. Campers share comfortable, air-conditioned cabins and our small camper groups are staffed based on each camper’s individual abilities. Overnight camp is a great place for campers to gain independence, make lasting friendships, and explore new opportunities! Summit CampLocation: Honesdale, PA Contact: 570-253-4381; info@summitcamp.comWebsite: https://summitcamp.com/camp/ Ages: Ages 8–21 Dates: First Session: June 25–July 22; Second Session: July 23–August 12; Full Season: June 25–August 12; Mini Camp: August 13–26 Summit Camp & Travel is a therapeutically designed sleepaway summer camp and travel program organized to meet the needs of campers who have social and emotional learning challenges and who have difficulty sustaining friendships. The camp serves children of average to above average intelligence who have a variety of social, emotional, and learning issues. Campers have diagnoses that often include Asperger syndrome, ADD/ADHD, verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities, HFA (including PDD-NOS), speech and language issues, and sensory integration issues. Summit's mission is to provide children with a safe, happy and enriching experience while offering their families a secure respite. If you have a question or suggestion about this guide, please email info@xminds.org. |