Special needs camps and special need summer camps are for kids, teens and adults with learning disabilities and developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, brain injury, and neurological disorders. To be precise they are camps for physically, mentally & emotionally disabled people.

The special needs camps including day and overnight special needs camps include ADHD camps, Autism camps, Aspergers Camps, Asthma Camps, At-Risk Children Camps, Behavioral Issues Camps, Blood Disorders Camps, Burn Camps, Cerebral Palsy Camps, Developmental Disabilities Camps, Diabetes Camps, Eating Disorders Camps, Enuresis/Encropresis Camps, Epilepsy Camps, Hearing/Speech Impaired Camps, HIV/AIDS Camps, Learning Disabilities Camps, Cystic Fibrosis camp, Multiple Sclerosis Camps, Muscular Dystrophy Camps, Nutritional Camps, Oncology Camps, Physical Disabilities Camps, Visually Impaired Camps, Weight Loss Camps, and other Special Needs Camps.

Now there are more camp choices for kids with special needs from highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids. There are lots and lots of centers in different parts of US offering special needs camps. The special needs camp provides disabled kids/adults with the benefits such as increased confidence and independence, activity and exercise, the opportunity to interact with other kids, develop friendships, and build relationships, positive role modeling by adults and a chance for parents to have a likely much-needed break .

Independence is the main benefit that this camp can provide. An overnight camp can give a special-needs child the chance to be without parents, doctors, or physical therapists allowing the child to do more things for themselves. Children can learn to be assertive in problem-solving and communicating needs. Also, the camp provides the physical benefits of increased activity as well. The camp offers a variety of activities such as swimming, wheelchair racing, dancing, tennis, or golf. These give immediate recreation and health benefits in terms of improved cardiovascular fitness.

In addition, many camps combine learning environments with these physical activities, giving kids with behavioral or learning problems the chance to develop, or catch up needed skills. The camp includes activities at Recreation Center, as well as field trips and outings to locations like pools and parks.You must figure out the apt special needs camp for your child taking into consideration the factors such as type of camp, caretaking priorities, camp duration, philosophy, and cost factors. Also consider your child's choice and specific special need. Make sure whether your child is ready for one day camp or a residential camp.


After deciding the camp type, make your research. Many online listing of special-needs camps are available. You can also call local disability organizations to find out the camps available in your area. Check the local newspapers and monthly parenting magazines to find a special-needs camp fair in your area. You can even apply for scholarships to pay for your child's camp fee. You can contact some charitable organizations, fraternal organizations, religious or ethnic charities for the scholarships. These organizations send the scholarship money to the camp in the child's name, not to the parents directly.

Interview the director and some staff members of the selected camp centers to get a feel of the place. Ask them to describe the physical layout and the kinds of activities your child will do there. You can also verify it with other families whose children have attended the camp. Finally try to figure out the best camp.Parents can share information regarding your child with the Camp Staff, and write letters to deal with anxiety and homesickness of the kids attending the camp.