Summer Camp Guide: Special Needs Day Camps
For a list of other day camps and residential camp options, go toColumbusParent.com/campguide.
Central Ohio Diabetes Association: Kids Camp
Ages served: 3-7
Dates/times: 6/25-6/27; full day (6+ hours)
Description: Little ones learn to manage their diabetes in an outdoor setting. Play, learn and make new friends who are just like you.
Cost: $100
Camp location: Hoover YMCA, 1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne
For more information:Darlene Honigford, dhonigford@diabetesohio.org, 614-884-4400, diabetesohio.org
Central Ohio Diabetes Association: Stepping Stones
Ages served: 8-12
Dates/times: 6/28-6/30; full day (6+ hours)
Description: Discover your child's readiness for overnight camp. For this diabetes camp, we host Thursday as a day camp and Friday as an overnight experience.
Cost: $100
Camp location: Hoover YMCA, 1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne
For more information:Darlene Honigford, dhonigford@diabetesohio.org, 614-884-4400, diabetesohio.org
City of Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation: SNACK (Special Needs Activity Camp for Kids)
Ages served: 6-12
Dates/times: 6/6-7/27; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The Special Needs Activity Camp for Kids joins the Barrington Summer Day Camp Program for activities, field trips and lunch times for an inclusive setting, plus other activities to accommodate campers' needs.
Cost: Pay-as-you-use fee structure, where the registration fee includes the first 10 days of camp, $390 resident, $400 nonresident; $30 per day
Camp location: Barrington Elementary School, 1780 Barrington Road, Columbus
For more information:Matt Leber, mleber@uaoh.net, 614-583-5309, parks.uaoh.net
Healthy Connections: Summer Enrichment Program
Ages served: 10-45
Dates/times: 6/11-8/10; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The mission of Healthy Connections is to provide a summer program to individuals in a comfortable family atmosphere. We believe encouragement, support and respect are keys to success.
Cost: Individual Options Waiver, Level One, Community Respite, Children's First Council and private pay options
Camp location: Healthy Connections, 212 W. Johnstown Road, Gahanna
For more information:Michael Bridgette, healthyconnect@yahoo.com, 614-532-8553, healthyconnectionsoh.com
The Learning Spectrum: Adventure Awaits Camp
Ages served: 3-22
Dates/times: 6/18-7/12; full day (6+ hours)
Description: TLS' Adventure Awaits Camp is a full-day camp Monday through Thursday, centered around educational enrichment through naturalistic programming for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities.
Cost: $2,000, plus a $100 registration fee
Camp location: The Learning Spectrum Central, 125 Dillmont Drive, Columbus; The Learning Spectrum North East, 3060 Johnstown Utica Road, Johnstown; The Learning Spectrum South, 122 Washington St., Suite 401, Canal Winchester
For more information:Samantha Angelas, sangelas@thelearningspectrum.com, 614-844-5433 (Central); Stacie McConnell, smcconnell@thelearningspectrum.com, 740-759-7099 (North East); Audra Milliken, amilliken@thelearningspectrum.com, 614-834-1114 (South); thelearningspectrum.com
The Learning Spectrum Central: Animation Camp
Ages served: 10-18
Dates/times: 7/16-7/26; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The Learning Spectrum Central's Animation Camp is a two-week camp led by nationally known speaker and autism advocate Sondra Williams. Students will spend their time developing storyboarding concepts and learning computer animation software to transition stories from page to screen.
Cost: $650
Camp location: The Learning Spectrum Central, 125 Dillmont Drive, Columbus
For more information:Samantha Angelas, sangelas@thelearningspectrum.com, 614-844-5433, thelearningspectrum.com
The Learning Spectrum Central: Creative Arts Camp
Ages served: 5-18
Dates/times: 6/11-6/14; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The Learning Spectrum's Creative Arts Camp is a fully inclusive one-week camp for students on the autism spectrum that includes classes in art, drama and music.
Cost: $325
Camp location: The Learning Spectrum Central, 125 Dillmont Drive, Columbus
For more information:Samantha Angelas, sangelas@thelearningspectrum.com, 614-844-5433; thelearningspectrum.com
The Learning Spectrum North East: Social Camp with Sondra Williams
Ages served: 10-18
Dates/times: 6/11-6/14; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The Learning Spectrum North East's Social Camp is led by nationally known speaker and autism advocate Sondra Williams. We will focus on social situations for students on the autism spectrum.
Cost: $325
Camp location: The Learning Spectrum North East, 3060 Johnstown Utica Road, Johnstown
For more information:Stacie McConnell, smcconnell@thelearningspectrum.com, 740-759-7099, thelearningspectrum.com
The Learning Spectrum South: Creative Arts Camp
Ages served: 5-18
Dates/times: 7/16-7/19; full day (6+ hours)
Description: The Learning Spectrum's Creative Arts Camp is a fully inclusive one-week camp for students on the autism spectrum that includes classes in art, drama and music.
Cost: $325
Camp location: The Learning Spectrum South, 122 Washington St., Suite 401, Canal Winchester
For more information:Audra Milliken, amilliken@thelearningspectrum.com, 614-834-1114, thelearningspectrum.com
Recreation Unlimited Foundation: Recreation Unlimited
Ages served: 5-22
Dates/times: 7/2-8/3; full day (6+ hours)
Description: Summer Day Camps are open to youth and teens with disabilities as well as their typically developing friends and siblings. This inclusive experience allows students to attend camp together and promotes personal growth.
Cost: $325, $95 with Level One Waiver, Individual Options Waiver or SELF Waiver
Camp location: Recreation Unlimited, 7700 Piper Road, Ashley
For more information:Michelle Higgins, mhiggins@recreationunlimited.org, 740-548-7006, recreationunlimited.org
St. Vincent Family Center: St. Vincent Summer Prep Academy
Ages served: 3-12
Dates/times: 6/4-8/17; full day (6+ hours)
Description: We provide behavioral health care in a small group setting, giving students tools to manage their needs and behaviors. Campers will participate in outdoor fun, team-focused activities and playful, healthy experiences to prepare for a successful school year. Transportation provided.
Cost: Covered by Medicaid or medical insurance
Camp location: St. Vincent Center, 1490 E. Main St., Columbus
For more information:Emily Eckert, eeckert@svfc.org, 614-252-0731, ext. 1161, svfc.org