This directory is meant to be used only as a starting point for inquiry into summer camp programs for children with disabilities/medical needs in Massachusetts and nearby states. The inclusion of a camp in this directory does not represent an endorsement by FCSN; does an omission represent any form of disapproval by FCSN.

Summer Planning for Children with Disabilities and/or Complex Medical Needs  

Summer vacation often poses a challenge for parents of children with additional needs. You can find programs that will provide an engaging and enriching environment for your child, but it’s important to start thinking early about what kinds of activities your child would benefit from and what your options are.  

Making it work  

Additional Resources  

Determining your child’s needs  

When choosing a summer program, it’s important to consider your child’s age, interests, and personality. You’ll also want to think about how summer activities can help support your child’s year-round learning. Here are some questions that can help you determine what kinds of summer program would be good for your child:  

• • What would your child enjoy? Many children have a particular passion, such as music or animals. If your child has a special interest like this, look for summer programs that would encourage their passion, such as a zoo program or a music camp. 

• • What skills are they working on? A child who needs help learning to read could benefit from a program that provides specialized reading tutoring. If their IEP focuses on socialization skills, a noncompetitive camp setting with lots of interaction with other children could be a good opportunity to continue learning socially. If they need to acquire skills that will help them find employment in the future, maybe an internship could be a good idea. Think about the goals they have been working toward during the school year and how he could continue making progress over the summer. Your child’s Individualized Education program (IEP) can serve as a guide.  

• • Does your child have difficulty with new or unfamiliar situations? If so, a camp or other program may be challenging. Talk with other parents in your child’s class or your neighborhood to see if your child’s friends or acquaintances could attend together.  

Exploring the Options  

As you explore summer activities and programs in your community, remember that you child’s options aren’t necessarily limited because of their disability. You don’t have to focus your search on programs for children with disabilities or special needs. The law says most providers have to accept your child.  

And with the right resources, some extra planning and good communication with care providers, you can create a positive situation almost anywhere. Discussing possible summer activities with your child’s teachers or with families connected to your district’s SEPAC may give you ideas. 

Here are some options that may be available in your community:  

Local park and community-center recreation programs 

These are often half-day or all-day programs, sometimes focused on special areas like sports or music. In many areas, programs like this cost less than other options, but some have local residency requirements. (ex. Your child has to be a Boston resident to enroll). These programs tend to have limited hours (often 9am to 3pm), but some offer extended-day coverage for an extra fee.  

Day camps 

Many religious organizations, Boys and Girls clubs, YMCAs and certain schools offer day camps. Like recreation programs, they tend to have limited daily hours, but some offer extended-day coverage.  

Expanded after-school programs 

Programs that offer extended hours during the school year at schools, YMCAs or other community agencies sometimes expend to offer full-day care in the summer, even for children who aren’t enrolled during the school year. 

Activity-based programming and workshops 

 Some organizations like museums and nature societies offer short-term activities. These could include language-school programs, theater-sponsored workshops, music studios, or public library summer reading programs.  

Overnight camps 

Overnight camps may offer stays by the week, month or all summer. Some camps are oriented towards specific activities such as sports, nature, boating, or the arts. 

Again, keep in mind that it’s against anti-discrimination laws for a provider to tell you that your child cannot be admitted to a program because of their disability. Also remember that many options could be available for making a situation more accessible. For example, if your child needs one-on-one assistance at a camp, but the camp cannot provide this, your insurance company or state department that oversees children with disabilities may be able to pay for an extra aide or counselor.  

Researching summer programs  

Once you have found a handful of programs, you think might work for your child, it’s time for some in-depth research. Here are some questions you might ask to learn more about each program.  

What is the program philosophy or goals?  

Well-run camps have clearly defined goals and activities. Look for programs that will be a good match with your child’s personality and sense of confidence. Consider whether your child will do better in a competitive environment or one that is cooperative.  

How much training and experience do staff members have? Will they welcome your child or be intimidated by their needs?

Teenagers working a summer job can be wonderfully enthusiastic; in some cases, well-trained adults might provide a better experience for your child. Are staff members prepared to make needed accommodations? Are they open to working closely with your child’s aide? Can they effectively manage your child’s behavior in a way that makes you feel comfortable?  

What is the ratio of staff members to kids?  

A program with one adult for every two children will be quite different from a program with one adult for every ten. If your child will be attending camp, consider the staffing guidelines of the American Camp Association (ACA), which take into consideration the age and special needs of participants. Check the ACA site at www.acacamps.org for more information.  

What medical facilities or professionals are on site?  

Find out if a nurse is available and how medications are dispensed. If your child needs medication or may need other medical care, you will want to ensure that the summer program has good personnel and procedures in place. For example, if your child requires insulin, be sure that there is a designated, safe storage area for the medication. Also make sure that the camp staff is trained to respond to medical emergencies, such as seizures.  

Are the facilities accessible?  

Remember that solutions are available to address accessibility concern, but those solutions will only be successful if the program staff is willing to work with you.  

What are the sleeping, bathing, and eating arrangements?  

If you are considering overnight camp, you will want to be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe, and any additional assistance will be provided. If your child requires a special diet, make sure the camp can provide it.  

How will you communicate with staff members and with your child? 

 If your child attends a day program, find out if you will be able to speak with counselors at drop-off or pick-up times. Will staff members be readily available by phone or email? If your child will be attending an overnight camp, find out how often you will be able to speak with them.  

What do other parents think of the program?  

Ask for references and try to talk to at least three families to get a good idea of what you and your child can expect.  

Paying for your child’s summer program 

Some summer programs, especially those designed specifically for children with disabilities or complex medical conditions, can be expensive. But it’s a mistake to avoid considering these options because of the cost. You may have more options than you think. 

It is possible that some or all of the cost for your child’s program could be covered by the school district. If you can successfully prove that your child will be working on the skills outlined in their IEP at the summer program, the school district may contribute. Be sure to talk with school or district administrators early in the process if you will be asking for the school district to cover costs.  

Certain day camps may have discounts for local families or families that have an existing membership (ie YMCAs). Larger overnight camps could have camp scholarships for families who have greater financial needs.  

Making it work  

Choosing a summer program or activity is only the first step towards creating a fun and enriching summer for your child. You’ll also need to develop a plan to communicate with the staff at the program or camp and take other steps to ensure your child’s experience is a positive one. Here are some tips that can help:  

• Get to know the camp or program staff. Visit the camp or program site and make arrangements to meet as many program staff members as you can. A good relationships with staff members is the best way to ensure your child has a great experience.  

• Ask who should be your main point of contact. It’s a good idea to develop a relationship with one program director or administrator who can answer your ongoing questions and concerns. Make sure your contact person knows how to best communicate with you (texting a cell, calling work numbers, email etc) amd encourage them to call you with any information, negative or positive.  

• Educate staff about your child’s condition or disability. You can provide brochures, fact sheets from online or have your child’s care providers write a letter. In addition to your child’s specific conditions, it’s important that staff learn something about your child personally. Knowing that your child loves music or interacts best with calm, patient people will help everyone best meet your child’s needs.  

• Prepare your child for their camp experience. Do they have the proper attire to spend the day outdoors? Are they prepared for unfamiliar environments socially or sensory-wise? 

• Look for ways to support the program. Volunteering or fund-raising activities will let staff and the community know the value of these summer programs.  

• Thank everyone who worked to make your child’s summer a success. If a staff member was espicially helpful, consider writing a letter and sending a copy to the program director or governing board of the camp. 

Additional Resources  

American Camp Association – The ACA is the national accrediting organization for camps and provides a wealth of information and resources for camps with and without disabilities.  

KidsCamps.com – Online directory of camp across the United States 

Spedchildmass.com – Online listening of activities across Massachusetts for children and youth with disabilities.