Camps for Kids with Mental and Physical Disabilities

Looking for a summer camp where your child can interact with kids with similar abilities? Consider one of these camps for kids with special needs.

Kids with disabilities have been through so much the last couple of years. They’ve had to adjust to online school, break routines and miss important therapies — so they’re probably ready to get out of the house and have some fun at camp this summer.

Here, you’ll find some great summer camps options in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and beyond for kids with mental and physical disabilities. Check them out and sign your child up for a summer camp experience that best fits their needs and interests.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Social Skills Camp 

July 11-14, July 18-21, July 25-28, 2022

Campers will learn what to do in specific social situations by playing games, using role play, having discussions, getting feedback and more. Staff ratio 3:1. 

Bloomfield Hills SCAMP 

June 28-July 28, 2022 (Summer recess July 4-5)

A therapeutic summer program for individuals ages 3-26. Campers will enjoy structured activities that help improve social skill, language and more. They will also experience other camp activities including art, music, swimming and physical education. 

Camp A.B.L.E. 

June 20-Aug. 12, 2022

  • Address: Cherry Hill School, 50440 Cherry Hill Road, Canton
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: $53/day, Tuesday and Thursday: $66/day

Designed for individuals with disabilities ages 8-14. Offers two field trip days per week where campers might visit the zoo, swim at a water park or check out a museum.

Camp Chris Williams

Aug. 7-13, 2022

The camp serves youth ages 11-17 and has a different theme each year. It’s a week-long residential camp for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing. Must register online. 

Camp Fish Tales

June 26-July 1, July 17-22, July 31-Aug. 5, 2022 

  • Address: 2177 E. Erickson Road, Pinconning
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Camper drop off: Sundays between 4-6 p.m. Camper pick up: Fridays between 10-11 a.m.)
  • Cost: $762-$1524 (no deposit required)

A barrier-free camps for people of all ages with disabilities. There are a few options for ages 7-17. Participants will enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, archery, cooking, bowling and more. There will be a different nightly activity each day including a bonfire, game night, drama performances, talent show, karaoke, dance and awards ceremony.

Camp Leisure Club

June 20-Aug. 12, 2022

  • Address: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Cost: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: $53/day, Tuesday and Thursday: $66/day

An adaptive summer camp for teens 15-plus. Each week will offer two field trips and three days of special activities at the camp site.

Camp Stepping Stones at Skyline Camp & Retreat Center

June 26-July 1, 2022

  • Address: 5650 Sandhill Road, Almont
  • Hours: Check in at 2p.m. Sunday. Check out at 2 p.m. Friday 
  • Cost: $620-$1075 (tiered pricing depending on what your family can afford)

A camp for teens 13-plus with special needs to unplug and enjoy some outdoor fun. Campers will enjoy swimming, hiking, archery, fishing, boating, gardening, crafts, hayrides and more. 

Camp Tall Tree

Aug. 7-12, 2022

Offering two camps this year; one for children with autism ages 7-17 and another for siblings of kids who have special needs.

Freddy’s Friends Camp

June 7-10 or July 5-9, 2022

  • Address: Pine Ridge, 8415 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs
  • Hours: Check in 9-10:30 a.m. on the first day of camp; check out is 10:30 a.m. on the last day of camp
  • Cost: $365-$430

A Christian camp for kids with mental, physical and social disabilities. There is a 30-minute interview process to be accepted into the program. Some of the camp activities include group games, go karts, disc golf, rock climbing, laser tag and paddle boating.

Indian Trails Camp

July 10-15 and July 31-Aug. 5, 2022

An overnight camp for kids 7-17 years old. Campers will enjoy adaptive sports, fishing, boating, arts and crafts, ropes challenges, concerts, dances, talent shows and more.

JCC of Metro Detroit 

2022 Dates TBA

KAT: Kids All Together (grades K-9) gives children with special needs the opportunity to participate in typical summer camp activities. With support from an inclusion counselor, every child has the chance to swim, enjoy arts and crafts, and play sports alongside kids of all abilities. 

SNAP: Special Needs Adventure Program (ages 10-28) for kids and young adults who do not require one-on-one support. SNAP combines typical camp fun with off-campus adventures. Campers in this program are encouraged to explore new places and socialize with their peers in a safe environment.

O.U.R. Camp, Inc.

2022 Dates TBA 

  • Address: Located in Northville
  • Hours: Call for details 
  • Cost: $575/session 1, $575/session 2, $400/session 3, $30/application fee

A special needs summer day camp for ages 3-13 years old. In order to qualify for this camp, students must qualify for special education in their school home district.

St. Francis Camp on the Lake

July 3-8, 2022

This youth camp is for ages 8-17 years old. Staff will help campers with independent living, hygiene habits, social skills and decision-making skills. There will also be sports, aquatics, games and more. 

Looking for even more summer camp info? Check out our Virtual Camp Fair Week.

This post was originally published in 2021 and is updated regularly.


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Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Metro Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring metro Detroit with her son.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’d also like to add The Fowler Center which is an amazing place. Rock climbing, ropes course, pontooning on a private lake, etc. Truly a breathtaking place with some of the most caring and dedicated staff I’ve been fortunate to see in action.

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