Summer camp is often the stuff dreams are made of. With days full of art and activity, fun and sun, camp is a place to make friends and memories. Finding the right setting can be tougher for kids with illnesses or intellectual or physical disabilities, but these 10 camp providers prove there truly is something for everyone.
Arlington County Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Camps
Arlington county’s vast day camp options include Camp Discovery, a program for campers ages 6-11 who have physical and other disabilities. Running for six sessions, it’s designed for kiddos who need more hands-on help to participate in group activities, such as art, sports and a weekly swim at the Long Bridge Aquatics Center’s indoor pool. Project FIVE, which stands for fun inclusive experiences, welcomes tweens and teens ages 12-21 with disabilities to participate in similar activities. // Camp Discovery, Ashlawn Elementary School, 5950 8th Road N., Arlington, and Project FIVE, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington
Camp Achva
Offered since 1969 by the Pozez Jewish Community Center in Fairfax, this camp is dedicated to providing “fun summer camp experiences based on Jewish values for all children, regardless of their background, identity, abilities or differences.” Parents and caregivers can fill out a Child Profile Form that an inclusion & belonging coordinator will review to ensure that the camp can meet its intention of supporting all campers within the traditional day camp structure. Although Camp Achva does not provide one-on-one support, families may send support staff. Camps run from June 23-Aug. 1 and require a Pozez JCC membership, which is available in year-round and summer-only options. // 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax
Camp Kesher
This program from the Pozez JCC caters to neurodiverse campers who are rising 9th-12th graders or between ages 19-27. Activities include art, sports and games, music, yoga, and daily field trips to fun D.C.-area locations. They include bowling, paddle boating, the National Aquarium, Skyline Caverns and Jake’s Ice Cream to make ice cream. // 8900 Little River Turnpike, FairfaxÂ
Cloverleaf Equine Center
This nonprofit in scenic Clifton offers camps for “individuals with a diagnosis.” Options include the half-day Farm Camp for ages 6-12 from June 18-20, when kids can learn about horse care and farm management. Ponies & Paintbrushes runs July 21-25 for riders ages 6-14. Each day includes a riding lesson, farm activity and art project. A third session, Saddles & Sun, for kiddos ages 8 and older, runs Aug. 4-8. It includes a riding lesson, horsemanship and other activities. // 12933 Popes Head Road, Clifton
Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Camps
Offered at Fairfax County schools in Union Mill, Vienna and Springfield, these camps are open to residents of Fairfax County (including McLean), the City of Falls Church and the city of Fairfax who have developmental, intellectual, emotional, physical and/or learning disabilities or autism spectrum or attention deficit disorders. Each site promises a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:2 to 1:5. Registration opens April 2, and sessions run from June 23-July 31. // Liberty Middle School, 6801 Union Mill Road, Union Mill; Kilmer Middle School, 8100 Wolftrap Road, Vienna; and Key Middle School, 6402 Franconia Road, Springfield
Jill’s House Day Camps
This Christian nonprofit provides short-term respite care to families who have kids and young adults ages 6-22 with intellectual disabilities. On-site nurses can administer medication and respond to emergencies, and direct support professionals are trained in therapeutic care to help campers with the activities of daily life. The day camp meets at the organization’s 42,000-square-foot respite lodge, where campers can participate in arts and crafts, music and pet therapy, and swim in a wheelchair-accessible pool. // 9011 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
LCF Kids Summer Camp
Children ages 5-16 with special needs will enjoy sports such as soccer, tennis, frisbee and volleyball at this camp designed to help build strength, confidence and social skills. Campers also have opportunities to fill leadership roles and practice fundamental skills such as cooperation, team work and following directions. // 150 S. Washington St., Falls Church
Splish S.P.L.O.S.H Summer Program
Hosted by FUNdamentals Pediatric Occupational Therapy Service and Building Blocks Therapy, this four-week summer camp is designed to foster campers’ language, fine motor and sensory motor development skills. Programming emphasizes the development of social skills, regulation and language processing fun. Camp runs from July 7-Aug. 1. // Westover Baptist Church, 1125 Patrick Henry Drive, Arlington (Westover)
Sunrise Day Camp – Greater Washington
With support from the Pozez JCC and donations, this six-week summer day camp is free for children with cancer and their siblings. It’s open to kiddos ages 3.5 to 16 who are within five years of active or follow-up cancer treatment. The camp’s team includes a medical director, onsite nurses and a specially trained staff. A typical day kicks off with camp songs and cheers, morning activities like STEAM and basketball, and an afternoon swim. This year’s camp runs from June 23-Aug. 1. // 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
TIC Summer Camp
Campers ages 7-15 who love technology and team sports can try a little of both at this day camp in McLean. Technophiles will enjoy programming, 3D game design and web development, and then get their choice of three athletic activities. Because of the 4:1 counselor-to-camper ratio, the camp has had success with children who have mild learning and physical disabilities, although the website notes that counselors are not trained in special education. For kids who need extra support, contact the camp about bringing an aid. // The Langley School, 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean