xMinds events, resources and services are always FREE |
|
Summer 2026 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. 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. If summer camp isn't your family's thing, be sure to check out the xMinds directory to Local Sensory-Friendly Venues and Events for details on sensory-friendly offerings in our area, as well as our guide to recreational activities. Updated February 11, 2026 CAMP TYPE: Day Camps | Overnight Camps Day CampsAlliance PediatricsClub Alliance Summer Program Location: Gaithersburg, MD Contact: Elizabeth; Club@alliancepediatrics.com; 240-252-4105; Interest form: https://forms.gle/iMYBkLBBL2EdyHnC8 Website: https://alliancepediatrics.com/summer-program/ Ages: 8–15Dates: June 22–July 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (aftercare available); 3-week sessions available and 1-week session. Empowering children and teens to manage emotions and become social rock stars! This is a summer program that helps children accept difficult emotions while learning ways to feel calm and become socially confident. The curriculum encompasses emotional lessons 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 participants about the different factors that impact our social emotional health, like nutrition, sleep, and daily gratitude. Our #1 goal is for children to enjoy themselves (while learning life skills). Children learn best when they are engaged! The Auburn School
Location: 9115 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: Amanda Sickel, 301-588-8048; amanda.sickel@sesischools.com Website: https://www.theauburnschool.org/summer-programs/camp-aristotle-silver-spring-campus/ Ages: Kindergarten–9th Grade Dates: Four one-week sessions: Week 1: July 6-10, Week 2: July 13-17, Week 3: July 20-24, Week 4: July 27- 31 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 2026 camp theme. 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 Summer Program Location: St. Elizabeth's School; 917 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: Heather McIntosh, M.S., CCC- SLP, 301-742-4982, basicconceptstherapy@gmail.com Website: https://basicconcepts.org/classes Ages: Preschool (age 3)–Grade 6 Dates: Session 1: June 29–July 10; Session 2: July 13–July 31 Basic Concepts offers classes for children from preschool through middle school who have mild to moderate speech, language, sensory, play, and social needs. Our programs integrate therapeutic approaches, such as sensory-based activities, play-based learning, music and movement, structured social interaction, social skills training, and behavioral supports, into every part of the day to promote meaningful growth in a natural, engaging environment. Children participate in both small-group and whole-group activities, allowing for individualized support while building confidence and social connections. Speech-language pathologists and special educators provide services in all classrooms. Our college counselors are intensively trained and have experience working with children with diverse learning 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 22 – August 7, 2026 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 additional support is full for 2026. 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 Dates: Annapolis Day Camp: Session A: June 15 - June 19; Session B: June 22 – June 26; Session C: June 29 – July 3; Session D: July 6 - July 10; St. Mary’s College of Maryland, MD: July 20 - July 24 Since 1985, 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, eat 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: Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Dr, Bethesda, MD 20814 Contact: Hale Lieberman; halelieberman@gmail.com Website: BSCBuddyCamp.org Ages: 8–18 Dates: June 22–26, 9–11 a.m. 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: Lisa Pascal, (301) 588-2787; lisa@createartscenter.org Website: https://createartscenter.org/art-camps/camp-create/ Ages: 8–14 Dates: Session 1 (ages 8 –11): July 6-17; Session 2 (ages 11–14): July 20-24; Camp Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. CAMP CREATE! is a therapeutic 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. Session 1 is a two-week camp for children ages 8–10 (rising third, fourth, and fifth graders). Session 2 is a one-week camp for youth ages 11–14 (rising sixth, seventh, and eighth graders). 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. We want your child to be happy at pick-up time, telling you, “I had a great day today!” DC PeersHalf-Day Summer CampLocation: 4709 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20016 Contact: office@dcpeers.org Ages: Rising 6th-8th graders Hours: 10 am.-1 p.m. Join us for six weeks of creativity, connection, and chill vibes in our new Tenleytown space. Whether you're here for one week or the whole summer, you’ll find a community that gets you—and a schedule full of fun, flexible activities like LEGO challenges, improv games, outdoor adventures, 3D printing, art-making, and more. Every week has its own theme, but you can always make it your own. Diener SchoolDiener Summer Camp: Camp Lift Off Location: The Diener School, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 Contact: camp@thedienerschool.org; (301) 299-4602 Website: https://thedienerschool.org/summer-camp/ Dates: 6 weeks: Session 1: Super Heros June 22-July 2; Session 2 World Cup July 6-July 17; Session 3 Back In Time July 20-July 31; M–Th 9 a.m.–3 p.m., F 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Both elementary and middle school age groups have thematic weeks with multisensory activities and field trips. Speech therapy and occupational therapy are integrated into both programs, along with academic skills review. Ages: Owlett Program for Elementary School (entering grades K-5); Owl Program for Middle School (entering grades 5-8) The Owlett program includes an emphasis on gross motor activities that develop body awareness, coordination, strength, balance, stability, and motor planning. The Owl program includes STEM projects and musical and visual art activities, as well as a focus on developing social skills and executive functioning strategies. Fitness for HealthZoning In Summer Camp Fitness for Health is offering a summer therapeutic program for students with ADHD, Social Communication Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Zoning In Summer Program integrates concepts of the zones of regulation and social thinking with motor activities, encouraging campers to explore and improve their social skills and motor development. The heart of our camp is centered around the Zones of Regulation program, a framework that empowers children to understand and manage their emotions and sensory needs effectively. Under the guidance of our skilled occupational therapists, campers will engage in interactive sessions aimed at developing their self-regulation skills, providing them with valuable tools for navigating the world around them. With a low Student to Professional Staff (an occupational therapist and integrated movement specialists) ratio, our Zoning In program is especially beneficial for students with social challenges. Our specially trained staff lead dynamic group activities that not only enhance physical coordination, balance, and strength but also encourage teamwork, communication, and social interaction. Great and SmallKids Inclusive Camp (Therapeutic Riding) Contact: ehanna@greatandsmallride.org; (301) 349-0075 Website: https://www.greatandsmallride.org/programs Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 23-27 and August 17-21; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 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 in daily riding lessons with our therapeutic riding instructors and in daily unmounted equine learning lessons where they may learn how to groom their horses, care for them, 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. iCan Shine (hosted by Howard County Department of Recreation and Camps)iCan Bike Camp Locations: Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville MD 21723 Contact: Registration: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search? ; Questions: Nick Owens at nowens@howardcountymd.gov Website: https://icanshine.org/ Ages: 8+ Children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities learn how to ride a bike without training wheels, building their self-confidence and providing exercise. A parent must attend an informational meeting on Sunday, July 12, at 3:00 PM, and be onsite for the camp. Participants must attend all five days of the camp. Schedule dates and time subject to change per contractor availability. Participant must have a documented disability and be at least 8 years old and may not weigh more than 220 pounds. iCan Swim Camp Location: Cedar Lane School 11630 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton MD 20759 Contact: cscafide@howardcountymd.gov Registration: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search? Dates: July 6-10; July 20-24 iCan Swim is designed to teach children with disabilities to swim independently and achieve their aquatic goals as well as learn valuable water safety skills during the week-long program. iCan Swim is a program coordinated and managed by the Therapeutic Recreation Office in partnership with iCan Shine, Inc. Imagination StageLocations: Bethesda, Rockville and Northwest DC Contact: registration@imaginationstage.org; 301-961-6060 Website: https://imaginationstage.org/camps/ Ages: 4–18 Imagination Stage camps provide fun, accessible, and immersive summer experiences in acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking for young artists ages 4 through 18. Camps range from full scale productions and the making of short films, to classroom settings that explore specialty themes. Younger campers can pick from titles such as Treasure Trunk Theatre or Musical Theatre Magic. Older campers can explore theatrical subjects like Stand-Up Comedy, Playwriting, Improvisation, and Dance. Older campers can be part of our Intensives at both American University and our main Bethesda location. This year’s production titles for campers spanning grades 2-9 include The Aristocats, Shrek KIDS, We are Monsters, Aladdin JR, and Grease. Spend a week with us, or your whole summer – each week brings something new to add to your theatrical toolkit. Imagination Stage provides equitable access to all summer programming with financial aid options as well as added inclusion supports in order to provide the most successful experience for each camper. When registering, please share with us how we can make your child’s experience as accessible as possible. We want your child’s summer with Imagination Stage to be a great one! 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 Location: Montgomery College Rockville Campus, Germantown Campus, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, and East County Educational Center Website: https://montgomerycollege.augusoft.net/ Ages: Grades 1–12 Montgomery College Youth Programs offers an exciting lineup of summer learning opportunities for students of all ages and interests. From hands-on art and technology courses to creative writing workshops and more, our programs are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a love of learning. Students can explore new subjects, strengthen existing skills, and connect with others who share their passions. Many courses also qualify for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, giving participants the chance to grow academically while contributing to their community. See the Summer 2026 guide for a full listing of offerings. Montgomery Parks Program Access Program Access, also referred to as “Inclusion,” is the means by which individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in Montgomery Parks’ recreational programs and activities of their choice. Reasonable modifications are provided, as needed. We will work with parents and caregivers to determine how to meet the needs of each camper. Some minimum eligibility requirements (age, level of participation) must be met in order to participate. You can request support services (support staff, social narratives, sensory tools, adaptive equipment and more) while registering your child for each program. If you are requesting support staff, please be aware that you will be asked to complete a Modification Intake Form which is available in English and Spanish. To help us best prepare for your experience, we kindly ask requests are confirmed and forms are submitted no later than two weeks before the start of the camp. Montgomery County Department of Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Camps and General Recreation Camps Partners for Community Engagement DMV Day Trippers Location: Varies, dropoff in Rockville Contact: info@pcengage.com Website: https://www.pcengage.com/daytrippers Ages: transition-aged youth and young adults Dates: June 22-July 17, four one-week sessions, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Day Trippers program for transition-aged youth and young adults that takes participants to destinations across DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond. Back for its third season, the Day Trippers has an itinerary full of new destinations and unique experiences and activities. Join us as we travel together and build community, foster lasting friendships, practice social skills, and try new things that enrich and encourage personal growth through shared experiences with peers. The Day Trippers promises another amazing summer of community engagement and exploration of our region. We invite you to join us and become a Day Tripper today! Youth Empowerment Skills Program (YES!) Dates: July 20-31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. YES! is our new two week program which engages participants in fun and enriching activities that build skills for success. Participants will receive instruction in community navigation, financial literacy, independent living and career/workplace readiness skills. PCE has partnered with organizations including WMATA, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and SEEC to craft impactful experiences that make YES! unique among other programs in our area. The program is facilitated by special educators with many years of experience designing and delivering quality community-based instruction. YES! is a great opportunity to prepare for the coming school year and other programs that begin in the fall. For more information regarding program details, itinerary and rates, check out this link here. Play on Words Therapeutic Summer Program Locations: Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, and Redeemer Lutheran Church 3799 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Contact: (240) 283-7752; christina@playonwordstherapyllc.com Website: https://www.playonwordstherapyllc.com/pow-summer Ages: 3-7 Dates: July 6 - August 7; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (half-day 9:30-12:30 or 12:30-3:30) The POW Therapeutic Summer Program consists of language groups led by a certified speech-language pathologist and assistants (college and graduate students studying speech therapy). Groups consist of communication development, language-based activities, play therapy, and brief individual or dyad (2-person) sessions. Groups will be limited to 10 participants per session to focus on individual skills and therapeutic support. Toilet training not required for attendance. Reach Every VoiceREV Summer Institute Location: 800 S. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
REV Summer Little Learners Designed specifically for our youngest students, Reach Every Voice Little Learners is for those ages 5-10 years. For 75 minutes each day, we'll practice communication skills, build friendships, and have some fun! Some experience with letterboards/stencils required. REV Summer Co-Op - 2 locations Contact: info@reacheveryvoice.org Gaithersburg Severna Park Location: 877 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd, Ste 313, Severna Park MD 21146 Dates: Mondays & Tuesdays, June 22 - August 14; 10:00 a.m. - noon REV Co-Op is a small group educational program inspired by the REV institute, designed to give students who type, spell, or point to communicate an engaging and enriching learning experience. Co-Op is a 2-hour program that runs 2 days a week. REV Summer Tweens & Teens: Weekly Summer Series - 2 locations Contact: info@reacheveryvoice.org Info & Registration: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org/tweens-and-teens Ages: 11-16 Gaithersburg Location: 800 S. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Dates: Tuesdays, June 22 - August 14; 1-2 p.m. Severna Park Location: 877 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd, Ste 313, Severna Park MD 21146 Dates: Thursdays, June 22 - August 14; 2:30 - 4p.m. The Tween & Teen Collaborative Learning Group is a small-group program designed to support connection, communication, and shared learning for students ages 11–16. Instruction is flexible and guided by student interests to encourage meaningful participation and engagement. Some experience with letterboards/stencils required. REV Summer Tweens & Teens: One Week Intensive Gaithersburg Location: 800 S. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Dates: August 10 - 14 (four days); 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. The Tween & Teen Collaborative Learning Group is a small-group program designed to support connection, communication, and shared learning for students ages 11–16. Instruction is flexible and guided by student interests to encourage meaningful participation and engagement. Some experience with letterboards/stencils required. Rockville Recreation and ParksCity of Rockville CampsLocation: Various locations Contact: (240) 314-8620; camps@rockvillemd.gov Website: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/services/summer-camps/ Ages: Various ages, 5–16, depending on the camp Give your child a summer filled with excitement, discovery, and new friendships! Whether they love sports, art, science, or outdoor adventures, Rockville’s summer camps offer something for every interest and age. Imagine thrilling days filled with swimming, music, theater, robotics, and more! From high-energy sports to hands-on creativity, our camps are designed to spark joy and build lifelong memories. The City of Rockville encourages individuals with disabilities to register and participate in Rockville summer camps. To request a reasonable modification/accommodation, please call 240-314-8611, at least three weeks before your program. The Camp Guide will be available for online viewing January 30! City of Rockville residents will be able to register starting February 10 with general registration on February 12! Social Grace LLCGet Out of the House Summer Group Location: 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 Contact: (703) 829-6394; Schedule a phone consultation by clicking here. Website: https://socialgrace.com/get-out-of-the-house-groups Ages: 11–18 Dates: Week 1: July 6–10; Week 2: July 13–17; Week 3: July 20–24; Week 4: July 27–31; Week 5: August 3–7; Week 6: August 10–14; 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday GET OUT OF THE HOUSE is a fun, community-based summer group where middle and high school teens explore the DMV, connect with peers, and build real-world social and executive function competence and confidence. Through daily adventures, teens practice social communication, teamwork, flexible thinking, problem-solving, and more, while navigating new experiences with support. Summer Sensations Summer Sensations Day Camp Location: 7172 Columbia Gateway Drive Suite B, Columbia, MD 21045 Contact: 410-997-8081 Website: http://www.summersensationscamp.com/ Dates: Session 1: June 22-July 3; Session 2: July 6- July 17; Session 3: July 20- July 31 Summer Sensations is a full-day therapeutic camp carefully designed to support the needs of children with learning differences and sensory processing challenges. Our collaborative design is the foundation of our success. Our unique program blends the expertise and knowledge of professionals from different therapeutic backgrounds to promote camper success. Our program is best suited for campers aged 4-16. Small group size and low camper to staff ratio of 3:1 allows for individualized attention and promotes camper success. Campers receive Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Therapeutic Music, Therapeutic Art, Gross Motor Instruction, Self Regulation Group, Bike Riding Instruction and Social Skills.
Surfers HealingSurfing Camp Location: Ocean City, MD; Virginia Beach, VA (planned) Contact: (877) 966-SURF Website: surfershealing.org Dates: To be announced This one-day free camp offers kids with autism an opportunity to go surfing. The program is offered in various cities. 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. 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 Camp 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 Ridge Location: Blue Ridge School, St. George, VA 22935 Contact: (434) 260-3315; admin@brainyridge.com Website: https://www.brainyridge.com/autism Ages: 9 - 18 Dates: June 27 - July 1 Brainy Ridge’s Autism Spectrum Camp offers children and teens ages 9–18 with autism (Level 1 support needs) five days and four nights of summer fun, personal growth, and meaningful social connection. Campers enjoy the experience of a traditional sleep-away camp, with medical staff available throughout the week. Programming includes a wide range of activities designed to build teamwork and confidence, such as sports, skits, and Camp Olympics. Both formal and informal support groups provide opportunities for campers to practice social and communication skills while engaging in thoughtful discussion around meaningful and relevant topics. In addition, Brainy Ridge offers a Transitional Youth Program that supports young adults ages 18–26 as they develop essential life skills and prepare for greater independence. Brendan Sailing Summer Sailing Programs Location: St. Mary's City, MD Contact: (443) 995-6375; info@brendansailing.org Website: https://www.brendansailing.org/ Ages: 14–18 Dates: July 12 - 18 Since 1985, 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, eat 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 Kodiak Location: 2.5 hours from Toronto (Canada) Contact: (905) 569 7595; info@campkodiak.com Website: https://www.campkodiak.com Ages: 6-18 Dates: June 28-August 16; 2-, 3-, 4- and 7-week sessions available Camp Kodiak is Canada's premier overnight summer camp for children and teens (aged 6 to 18) with and without learning disabilities, ADHD, and ASD Level 1. Some of the elements that set us apart include:
Approximately 30 - 35% of our campers come to us from across the USA. Campers deserve a summer of fun, friends, and success! Camp on Tour Contact: 202-701-3979; theam@campontour.com Website: https://www.campontour.com/ Ages: 14-29 Dates: Prague, Budapest, Vienna, June 27-July 10; Canadian Quest, July 15-28; Italy & Switzerland, August 1-14; Puerto Rico & Caribbean by Cruise, August 19-29 Camp On Tour is a travel-based program for neurodiverse teens and young adults (ages 14-29) designed to build independence, confidence, and social skills through real-world experiences. Participants travel in supported groups with a 1:5 staff to traveler ratio on guided domestic and international trips, practicing daily life skills such as navigating airports, managing schedules, ordering meals, budgeting, executive functioning, and connecting with peers. Each trip is led by trained staff and includes a licensed nurse, ensuring both safety and individualized support while prioritizing fun, friendship, and personal growth. In addition to summer travel, Camp On Tour offers year-round programs that support social connection and independence. Upcoming summer destinations include: two-week tours to Europe, Canada, and Puerto Rico/Cruise. The Northeastern Travel Club provides ongoing social and travel-focused meetups out of NYC, while Social Sundays offer social opportunities in South Florida. The organization also runs SoFl Camp Independence House, a 9-month residential program that helps young adults develop daily living skills and independence in a supportive home environment as they transition into adulthood. 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 RamapoLocation: 107 Camp Ramapo Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Ramapo serves young people who are affected by social, emotional, or learning challenges, including those on the autism spectrum. Ramapo serves a wide range of campers—from nonverbal elementary-age children to teens needing help building essential conflict resolution skills. The camp’s one-to-one staff-to-camper ratio is designed to provide a safe, predictable, and highly structured setting that fosters the development of positive social and learning skills. A typical day at Camp Ramapo might include a morning challenge on the high ropes, a swim in the lake or pool after lunch, an afternoon learning about nature, and an evening campfire. Campers live in rustic bunks with an average of six peers and every camper is encouraged to participate in all educational and recreational activities. Camp SequoiaLocation: 200 Seminary St., Pennsburg, PA Contact: 610-771-0111; info@camp-sequoia.com Website: https://www.camp-sequoia.com/ Ages: Boys 8–18, Girls 8–18 (Travel Program age 12+)Dates: Boys and Girls : Full Season, June 21–August 1; First Session, June 21–July 11; Second Session, July 12–August 1; American Road Trip Adventure August 2-14. Camp Sequoia is a research-based overnight summer camp and travel program for neurodivergent children and teens to experience social skills success in a dynamic and nurturing environment. The mission of Sequoia is to help campers have a great time while developing their social cognition by building and maintaining friendships. Camp Sequoia is designed for individuals with ADHD and 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. Capital Camps and Retreat CenterAtzmai'im Inclusion Program Capital Camps is committed to the concept of "camp for all." We welcome campers of all backgrounds, denominational affiliations, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. We offer an array of supports. A central part of our staff training and mentoring relates to creation of safe spaces for all campers. To accomplish this, we have a Camper Care Coordinator and a team of Yoetzot (licensed social workers, therapists, clinical psychologists, school guidance counselors, and seasoned educators), who oversee the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual health needs of our campers and staff. We also recognize that some campers may need additional support. Our Atzma’im (independence) program provides an increased level of support for campers with additional support needs. We partner with parents and caregivers to determine if we can meet an individual camper’s needs. 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 21-26 | Fairlee Treasure Island; June 28-July 9 | Fourth of July; July 12-17 | Once Upon a Summer; July 19-30 | Olympic Games; August 2-7 | Safari Week; August 9-14 | Color Me Fairlee; August 16-21 | Summer Movie Season; August 23-30 | Around the World Camp Fairlee provides a traditional camp experience for campers of all abilities. Daily schedules include activities such as arts & crafts, music, sports, games, swimming, hiking, canoeing, hayrides, campfires, and more. Camp Fairlee takes pride in being able to accommodate a wide variety of disabilities even for activities like navigating the zip-line and horseback riding. Camp Fairlee offers the option of a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio or a 1:1 ratio. Camp Fairlee offers a 2:1 ratio option for campers. 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, 240-898-2189Website: https://www.innow.org/mdylf/ Ages: 15–21, rising juniors or seniors in high school. Must be a Maryland resident and have a disability Dates: June 25–June 27 The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF) is a summer program for rising juniors and seniors with ANY disability (ages 15-21). MD-YLF invites approximately 30 students from across the state to stay for 3 days in the Towson University dorms. While on campus, students learn about self-advocacy, communication skills, the history of the disability/civil rights movement, and how to create meaningful social interaction with their peers. The students also meet their legislative representatives and learn how to present legislative testimony. Ultimately, the MD-YLF experiences will help guide students to advocate for themselves, learn to live independently, and grow as individuals.Application due February 28, 2026. Melwood and Children's National HospitalCamp Accomplish Contact: 301-870-3226; campaccomplish@melwood.org Website: https://campaccomplish.org/ Dates: Inclusive Day Camp: June 22-26; Camp Imagine 1 (Inclusive I/DD Camp): June 28–July 3; Camp Imagine 2 (Inclusive I/DD Camp): August 9–14; Camp Connect (Autism/TS): August 2-7; Camp Next Horizon (Young Adults 18-60): August 16-21 A collaboration between Melwood and Children's National Hospital, Camp Accomplish serves campers with and without disabilities and chronic health conditions, while promoting fun, safety, challenge, and friendship for everyone. From climbing walls to nature trails to therapeutic riding activities, every child is welcome to explore, learn, and grow. Other activities include swimming, creative and performing arts, sports, kayaking, culinary arts, and STEM. Options include Camp Connect ASD for children and teens with autism; Camp Next Horizon for youth transitioning into adulthood; and a general Inclusive Day Camp. Campers share comfortable, air-conditioned cabins. Summit CampLocation: 168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, PA Contact: 570-253-4381; info@summitcamp.comWebsite: https://summitcamp.com/camp/ Ages: Ages 8–21 Dates: First Half Season (4 Weeks); June 21-July 18; Second Half Season (4 Weeks) July 19-August 15; Mini Camp OR Mini CENTER August 16-26 Summit Camp is a therapeutically designed sleepaway summer camp 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 ASD, ADHD, learning differences, Tourette's, and mood disorders. 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. |