Mikey's Guide to Summer Camps and Activities for Children with Disabilities
Below you will find a sampling of listings contained in Mikey's Guide.
The Guide is updated every two years and has expanded to contain information on adult activities, sports & recreational activities, private schools and respite programs in the Houston area.
All-Star Martial Arts
The goal at All-Star is “inspiring individuals with physical, developmental or emotional challenges to empower themselves to develop their full potential through the study and practice of martial arts and other adapted practices.” “We are proud to present our new Samurai class for those with physical, developmental or emotional challenges.” This new special needs class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Arc of Greater Houston
The Arc is “a non-profit organization formed nationally in 1950 to advocate the inclusion of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in all aspects of society and is established at the national, state, and local levels. The Arc of Greater Houston works in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to facilitate the development of a wide array of options available to individuals and their families in our community. The Arc of Greater Houston works to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.” Membership fees to the Arc range from $25 for an individual to $250 for “Partner of the Arc.”
The Arc’s summer day camp opportunities are as follows:
Day Camp: “A one-week session of activities for individuals, ages 4-14, with or without disabilities for individuals who would benefit from the ‘summer camp’ experience. These individuals include those who have the ability to enjoy being around others, including large groups; who work well in group settings, enjoy spending time away from home and are able to follow directions and instructions; for individuals who enjoy group activities, such as swimming, arts & crafts, games, etc.” Day camp is an opportunity to increase self-esteem and independence; a place to meet new friends, have fun and learn new skills.”
Sports Camp: “A one-week session of activities for individuals, ages 12-25 with or without disabilities who DO NOT require one-on-one assistance (campers are divided into age appropriate groups); for individuals who would benefit from team sports, including those who have the ability to enjoy being around others, including large groups and who work well in group settings, enjoy spending time away from home and are able to follow directions and instructions; for individuals who enjoy group activities, such as swimming, bowling, teams sports, etc.” Sports camp provides “an opportunity to increase self-esteem and independence; a place to meet new friends, have fun and learn new skills.”
Life Skills Camp: “A one-week session of activities for individuals, ages 12-25 with disabilities (campers are divided into age appropriate groups). For individuals who would benefit from one-on-one assistance.” Life Skills Camp provides “an opportunity to increase self-esteem and independence and a place to meet new friends, have fun and learn new skills.”
The Arc offers a five night residential camp experience:
Camp Champions
Phone 713-957-1600, Bethanne Rollins Arafat
Overnight Summer Vacations
Phone 713-957-1600, Bethanne Rollins Arafat
Bridging Lives – Summer Social Skills and Recreation Camp
“Bridging Lives is a for-profit program of Bridges & Associates dedicated to the recreational and leisure needs of teenage males with developmental disabilities (autism, ADHD, PDD, mild MR, etc.).”
“Bridging Lives is offering their innovative and exciting summer social skills and recreation camp to assist elementary and secondary students with developmental disabilities to engage in meaningful, appropriate activities and recreation.” “Activities include: community outings and tours, peer interaction (one-on-one and group), sports activities (swimming and bowling), picnics in the park, backyard barbecues, movies and music, board games and enhancing self-help skills.”
Elementary Age Campers
The Elementary Age Day Camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Secondary Age Campers
There are two camp options for secondary age campers:
Overnight campers: Monday 9:00 a.m. – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Day campers: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Camp A.O.K. (Anderson’s Older Kids)
“Camp A.O.K. is an overnight, week-long camp for more than 50 adolescent patients and their siblings, ages 13-18 years of age.” “Patients gain independence and interact with other teens in an accepting environment. Camp activities include horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, tennis, swimming, archery, team sports, arts and crafts, cooking, dancing and more. Each night is full of activities as well including bowling, Casino Night, game and skit night, and the camp week closer, Prom Night. Prom dresses and tuxes are provided and altered to fit each camper while hair stylists cut and style each camper’s hair before the formal dinner and dance. It’s a memorable week for everyone!” FREE camp funded by Children’s Art Project and Children’s Cancer Hospital at M.D. Anderson.
Camp Aranzazu
“Camp Aranzazu is a not-for-profit, year-round camp facility specially designed to serve the needs of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. The barrier-free facility features paved walkways to assist wheelchair travel, specialized equipment to enable maximum participation in water sports and other physical activities, as well as a medical facility for campers requiring daily medications.” “Camp Aranzazu is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities by providing unique camping, environmental studies and retreat experiences to groups with special needs.” Activities include SCUBA, kayaking, fishing, ropes course, arts and crafts, nature education/hikes, swimming and archery.
“Camp Aranzazu welcomes organizations that sponsor camps for children and young adults ages 5-21 with conditions such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, head and spinal cord injuries, heart defects, and cerebral palsy to name a few. Adult special needs groups are also being included during the non-summer months.” Accredited by the American Camping Association.
Camp CAMP (Children’s Association for Maximum Potential)
“CAMP provides a fun-filled recreational camping for individuals with special needs aged 5-45 in a medically-safe environment. CAMP is a private, non-profit agency that operates a 55-acre camping facility in Center Point, TX (about halfway between Comfort and Kerrville). Administrative offices are located in San Antonio which is also the site for Respite programs held throughout the school year. Founded in 1979, CAMP is accredited by the American Camp Association and is certified by the Texas Youth Camp Association.
“Camp CAMP offers a series of five-day residential camping sessions for individuals who may not be able to attend traditional camps due to the severity of their disability or medical condition.” Camper disabilities include developmental disabilities like autism spectrum disorders; Down Syndrome and mental retardation; physical disabilities like Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy; and extremely medically-fragile individuals with ventilators and feeding tubes. The non-disabled siblings of campers aged 5-13 years may attend to give parents a complete break from their child-care duties. An 11-bed, fully staffed infirmary is available for campers who require constant nursing care or supervision. Medical staff is on-site depending on the needs of the campers in each particular session. Campers sleep in large, wheelchair-accessible, climate-controlled cabins along with their counselors.” Campers are assigned to a “tribe” based on their age and gender while also striving for a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:1. CAMP activities include archery, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, petting zoo, and recreational music.
Fees for CAMP are based on income using a sliding scale and may also be paid by waiver programs that provide for respite services. “Camperships” are available for those who qualify. CAMP makes every effort to provide services to everyone, regardless of their disability or ability to pay. Camping weekends are available once per month during the school year.
Camp Dermadillo
Overnight camp for kids with various chronic skin conditions including chronic eczema. Sponsored by the Texas Children’s Dermatology Clinic and organized and lead by nurses. “Camp Dermadillo offers something for everyone—canoeing, fishing, a challenge course, art, crafts, baking and even a beauty parlor adapted for sensitive skin.” “Youngsters can talk to each other about their problems and realize that they’re not the only ones with skin conditions. They return home with new friends and newfound confidence.”
Camp Discovery
This is a residential camp for kids with cancer who aren’t eligible for other Texas cancer camps. This camp is offered by the American Cancer Society and is held at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, TX. SEE ALSO Texas Lions Camp listing. Accredited by the American Camping Association.
Camp Easy Breathers
“Camp Easy Breathers is a specialty day camp for children 7 to 12 years of age with asthma. At camp, children learn about their airway and changes that happen in the airway when asthma flares up. Children practice asthma management skills in swimming, art & crafts, and other activities. Camp teaches children the importance of asthma and preventing attacks.”
Camp For All
A barrier-free campsite in Burton, TX designed specifically for children with disabilities. Many organizations, hospitals and schools reserve spots for their summer camp offerings at this campsite. This “facility provides weeklong camps, weekend retreats and day programs for more than 55 different special needs groups. The camp’s specially trained staff plans and implements an array of individualized, fun and therapeutic activities for each group. User groups attending Camp for All recruit volunteers and medical staff for their groups while at camp. Camp for All works in partnership with these organizations and covers half the cost of their attendance.” Check their online calendar for events year-round. Accredited by American Camping Association.
Visit Camp for All on April 29, 2007 for their annual Family Day. “Hot dogs, Blue Bell® ice cream, door prizes, a train ride, fishing and arts and crafts are just a few of the highlights of this annual event. Camp tours, a petting zoo, face painting and other fun activities are planned. Free and open to the public. No reservations needed.”
Camp Janus
“Camp Janus is an annual 3 ½ day camping experience for children from the ages of 5 to 18 years old who have survived a serious burn injury. The camp is staffed by volunteers from the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, the Hermann Burn Center, the Houston Fire Department, the Shriners Burn Hospital, Adult Burn Survivors and others with special humanitarian interests selected and approved by the Camp Janus Board.” Established in 1986, Camp Janus provides children an opportunity “to socialize with their peers in a pleasant outdoor camp environment where both their physical and psychosocial recovery is enhanced significantly.” Activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, canoeing, and much more.
Kamp Kaleidoscope®
“A week-long, residential summer camping program for teenagers with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy.” Offered FREE of charge by the Epilepsy Foundation® of Southeast Texas. “Held in the piney woods at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, Kamp Kaleidoscope® offers teens a unique camping experience, while surrounded by a caring and well-trained staff. On site for the week of camp are a pediatric neurologist and a team of nurses. Kampers must be between the ages of 15-19 and have been on an anti-epileptic therapy within the last 12 months. Activities include: ROPES course, blobbing, swimming, soccer, basketball and more.”
Camp Sweeney
“Camp Sweeney teaches children with diabetes how to recognize and treat the early warning signs of dangerously high and low blood sugar levels and is a place for a youngster to have fun, make friends, experience outdoor life and learn about diabetes. Camp Sweeney is unique in that it offers a lifestyle enhancing program designed to help a child become a responsible adult while having fun at camp. The only requirement to attend is that a camper has diabetes. No camper has ever been turned away from Camp Sweeney because of race, religion, color, nationality or who has demonstrated financial need.” Camp Sweeney has served children with diabetes for over 55 years and also offers Spring Fling Family Weekend Camp and a Winter Session. Owned and operated by the Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Charis Hills Summer Camp
“Located in the Texas Hill Country, Charis Hills is a Christian Recreational and Educational Summer Camp for Children with Learning Differences [ADD, ADHD, LD & ED] where we seek to glorify God and serve campers through what His Word teaches. Campers discover a highly personalized, fun filled and nurturing environment while filling their heart’s desire to be accepted and succeed in new activities.” Activities include swimming, sign language, archery, drama/film, dancing, photography, art, nature studies, fishing, music, softball, computers, soccer, basketball, animal care and much more.
Great Gluten Escape Camp (Celiac Disease)
“The Great Gluten Escape will provide each camper with an opportunity to participate in all camp activities without concern for the gluten content of the food provided. The camp will provide an environment that encourages peer support and escape from the daily peer pressure of the ‘I can’t have that’ syndrome. The camp comes with all the normal camp events and activities. Each camper will experience all of the excitement of a summer resident camp, including s’mores by the campfire!”
Heart of Sailing
“Heart of Sailing teaches sailing to special needs children as a form of recreational therapy. Sailing encourages abstract thought and teamwork, develops problem-solving skills and ultimately helps one learn patience and self-respect. The experience of sailing is not limited to the physical, although for many participants, it is their first opportunity to enjoy the unique sensations associated with sailing: the feel of the wind, the movement of the waves, the sounds as the boat moves through the water, all of which are stimulating and exhilarating.” “Heart of Sailing operates its Daysail Program in more than 10 locations worldwide.” Participants must be accompanied by parent or caregiver; lunch served on the boat picnic style giving participants an important opportunity for social interaction. Each child receives a medal and commemorative certificate, along with photos opportunities in recognition of their service as crewmembers. Daysails are offered in May, June, July and August from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
K2 Academy of Kids Sports
“SOAR (Success and Opportunity Achieved thru Recreation) is an adaptive gymnastics program created for children with disabilities. This program has been created to be all-inclusive and provide a recreation outlet for children who enjoy being active and participating in new activities. We encourage being active, having fun, and social skills through this program. Program goals include: providing a safe and fun environment for children with disabilities to participate in gymnastics; making gymnastics and exercise an enjoyable and regular part of therapy for children with disabilities; aiding children with disabilities in developing physically, emotionally, and socially while in an environment which is caring and supportive; increasing strength, range of motion, balance, and improving sensory processing, motor skill development and organizational behavior.” Children must participate in an assessment and will be accepted on a case by case basis. Four different class types offered year-round: one on one instruction, small group classes, integrated class with an assistant, and fully integrated class with no assistant.
Little League® Baseball-Challenger Division
“The Challenger Division is a baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-18, or until completion of high school, who have physical or mental disabilities. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play, regardless of limitations. More than 22,000 players participate in the Little League® Challenger Division nationwide. The program also helps establish strong bonds of friendship and understanding between Little Leaguers from other programs and Challenger children in an atmosphere of sharing and caring. Junior high and high school “baseball buddies” help their challenged partner by acting as guides for blind children or pushing wheelchair-bound children around the base paths. This interaction has proven to be a positive experience for all the children involved as Challenger players enjoy the thrill of participation and their “buddies” experience first-hand the challenges these children face in their daily lives.” “The season consists of 7-8 games and culminates with a trophy presentation and BBQ for all of the Challenger Division players and “buddies.” Team and individual pictures will also be taken prior to start of season’s play.
Muscular Dystrophy Association® Summer Camp
For children, teens and young adults ages 6-21 with muscular dystrophy. Campers must be registered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Camp activities include: swimming, challenge course, archery, target paintball, arts and crafts, fishing, canoeing, and a small animal farm. For more information about summer camps in this area, contact the Health Care Service Coordinator at 713-522-3941.
The River Performing and Visual Arts Center
“The River’s mission is to provide an accessible, affordable, fine arts education for special children, ages 2-19 who have disabilities, chronic illnesses or are economically disadvantaged. Siblings are welcome.” Licensed nurse provided during camp. The River also offers spring and fall semesters of various art classes including music, art, keyboard and dance.
SIRE
Houston’s therapeutic equestrian center offers its clients three locations for hippotherapy, developmental or riding skills classes. Classes are held in Fall semester (13 weeks); Spring semester (13 weeks); and one 6-week Summer Session. “The mission of SIRE is to improve the quality of life for people for with disabilities through horseback riding and related therapeutic activities. Using the movement and spirit of the horse and the teamwork of the rider, instructor or therapist, and up to three volunteers, provides amazingly positive results while operating in a safe and friendly environment. Individuals with almost any mental, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from equine-facilitated activities which include horseback riding, hippotherapy, carriage driving and vaulting.” Physician release and medical history forms required.
Special Olympics – Texas
“Special Olympics believes that every person with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) who is at least 8 years old should have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from sports training and competition. Special Olympics also permits individual programs to accept children from 6-7 for training, but these children may not participate in official Special Olympics competitions. A new program Special Olympics started last year (2006) incorporates children ages 2-7. The Young Athletes™Program is an innovative sports play program designed to introduce the young athletes to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8.” The Special Olympics – Texas first began in Waco in 1969 and has grown steadily over the years. Over 23,000 athletes compete year-round in 20 different sports. These athletes “have earned respect and achieved dignity through their athletic accomplishments and have demonstrated love, courage, joy and friendship.”
