Although traditional summer camping is often out of reach for children with special needs, there are specialized camping programs across the United States that offer kids a variety of memorable experiences. Tailored for kids with specific requirements or those who require around the clock medical care, kids will have fun while gaining valuable coping skills.
Camp Beyond the Scars
Established in 1987, Camp Beyond the Scars is a week long summer camp for children who are experiencing the effects of serious burns, including physical deformities, scarring, and the resulting emotional trauma and social isolation. Located in the foothills of California's San Diego County, Camp Beyond the Scars will provide campers the opportunity to have fun and share positive experiences with other burn survivors. Volunteer counselors include adult burn survivors and off-duty firefighters.
Camp Beyond the Scars
8825 Aero Drive, Suite #200
San Diego, CA 92123
858-541-2277
burninstitute.org
Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp
Pendleton, Oregon's Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp offers children with hearing, speech and language disorders a week of outdoor summer fun while learning to improve their communication skills. Priority is given to children ages 3 to 16 who have diagnosed clinical disorders, who require intensive therapy or those who aren't progressing well in their therapy programs.
Meadowood Springs Speech & Hearing Camp
316-A SE Emigrant
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-276-2752
meadowoodsprings.org
Camp Bon Coeur
Located in Eunice, Louisiana, Camp Bon Coeur (Camp Good Heart), is an opportunity for children with congenital heart defects to make friends and have fun in a traditional camp experience. Two camping sessions tailored for kids age 7 to 11 and 12 to 16 provide plenty of time for sports, art and swimming, as well as classes that will educate children about their particular heart problem and allow time for sharing experiences with other campers.
Camp Bon Coeur, Inc.
P.O. Box 53765
Lafayette, LA 70505
337-233-8437
heartcamp.com
Camp Hodia
Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs sponsors several camps for kids and teens with Type 1 diabetes, including Hodia Shooting Stars Camp for third and fourth graders; Hodia Kid's Camp for fifth through seventh graders; and Hodia Teen Camp for teens in eighth grade through high school. In addition, kids age 12 to 18 can attend Hodia Ski Camp and older kids age 15 to 19 can enjoy Hodia Wilderness Camp. All Hodia camps will help kids learn self-reliance and independence while living with Type 1 diabetes.
Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs
1701 N 12th Ave.
Boise, ID 83702
208-336-6829
hodia.org
Camp Roehr
Located on the campgrounds of Southern Illinois' Père Marquette State Park, Camp Roehr provides a fun camping experience for children diagnosed with epilepsy. Because Camp Roehr has 24-hour nursing coverage and a neurologist on call, kids ages 6 to 18 can enjoy a safe week of swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, bonfires, and other traditional camping activities.
Epilepsy Foundation Greater Southern Illinois
140 Iowa Ave #A
Belleville, IL 62220-3940
618-236-2181
epilepsyfoundation.org
