If you’re looking for engaging summer activities, we’d love to introduce you to dozens of classes, camps and programs designed specifically for children, teens and young adults with disabilities, chronic medical conditions or unique needs. The abundant benefits of summer camp are for everyone, so don’t let worry prevent you from registering loved ones for camp. These programs offer extra care and support with trained staff at camps for individuals and families. Find more information by visiting each website—and prepare for an unforgettable summer adventure!
FEATURED CLASSES & PROGRAMS
Aqua Pros
Aqua Pros and Autism Society San Diego partner to provide private swim lessons for those with Autism.
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego
858-715-0678
Fleet Science Center
Join Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet on the third Saturday of every month. Enjoy exhibit galleries in a quieter setting an hour before regular public hours, and a modified documentary film screening with house lights on and lower soundtrack volume. Stay and enjoy the Fleet all day.
1875 El Prado, San Diego (Balboa Park)
619-238-1233
Game Gen
Game Gen helps video game players become video game developers, offering online classes for kids, teens and adults in coding, animation and design.
9655 Granite Ridge Dr. #200, San Diego
833-426-3436
Play My Way
An inclusive, accessible recreation center opening in May. Art and music classes and open gym sessions for kids with disabilities, featuring adaptive swinging, jumping and climbing, sensory activities, a quiet area to unwind, and a parent and caregiver lounge.
7540 Metropolitan Dr. #103, San Diego
619-916-8156
Resounding Joy
Resounding Joy is a nonprofit music therapy organization that enhances well-being for all ages and abilities through the power of music. Now a San Diego Regional Center vendor.
11300 Sorrento Valley Rd. #104, San Diego
858-457-2200
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Join SDCDM for Sensory Friendly Mornings every Sunday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and enjoy a comfortable and quiet environment for you and your child to explore, imagine and experiment at the Museum.
320 N Broadway, Escondido
760-233-7755
SUMMER CAMPS (DAY AND OVERNIGHT CAMPS)
AWARE-Adults with Autism Recreation Experience
Fun, summer day camp for young adults (18+) on the Autism Spectrum allows socialization with peers and community-based activities. Camper or family member must be a current Autism Society of San Diego member.
Various locations; 858-715-0678; www.autismsocietysandiego.org/aware.html
Camp Able at Coronado
Provides children and adults with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience aquatic activities like kayaking, sailing and swimming in the ocean.
858-254-0944; www.campableatcoronado.org
Camp Beyond the Scars Burn Institute
Traditional summer camp for burn-injured kids ages 8–17 with professional support for addressing their unique physical and emotional challenges. Counselors include off-duty firefighters, medical staff and adult burn survivors.
858-541-2277; www.burninstitute.org/camp-beyond-the-scars
Camp del Corazon
Three programs for kids and families with congenital heart disease: P.A.C.E. (Progressive Adult Cardiac Experience) for ages 18–25, summer camp for ages 7–17, and the annual Happy Heart Festival symposium.
North Hollywood,CA; 818-754-0312; www.campdelcorazon.org
Camp Grizzly
Located in the Sierra Foothills and run by mentors of the NorCal Center, this camp offers Deaf, Hard of Hearing and KODA youth a supportive environment to study Indigenous American history, and local plant and animal life.
TTY: 916-349-7500; VP: 916-993-3048; www.campgrizzly.org
Camp Harmon
ACA-accredited camp for ages 8–65 with developmental or physical disabilities. Run by Easterseals with a 3:1 camper/counselor ratio, health center, heated cabins, arts & crafts, accessible swimming pool, putting green, gardening and animal farm.
Boulder Creek, CA; 831-338-3383; www.campharmon.org
Camp I CAN
The Autism Society and YMCA offer 1:1 instruction at this camp for kids with Autism. Register early—it fills up every year! www.autismsocietysandiego.org
Camp Ivey
Summer horse camp dedicated to encouraging interaction of disabled and able-bodied children of all ages. Day camp for ages 7–17 with therapeutic horseback riding and horse grooming program.
110 Rancho del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057
760-722-4839; www.iveyranch.com
Camp Jaycee
Inclusive, ACA-accredited camp for ages 18 mos. to 12th grade offers traditional activities, sports, Spanish-immersion, theater and more. Scholarships available.
4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037
858-362-1132; www.campjaycee.com
Camp Let Loose
Week-long summer program for kids with special needs. Paired 1:1 with a teen counselor, campers enjoy field trips such as Fleet Science Center, Coastal Roots Farm, Petco Park and more.
441 Saxony Rd., Encinitas, CA 92024
858-633-7328; www.friendshipcirclesd.org
Camp Oty’Okwa Special Care Camp
Residential camp in Ohio for ages 6–14 with Learning Disabilities, ADD/ ADHD, behavior disorders or Autism. Campers are integrated into routine camp activities, and participate in groups with campers of similar diagnoses.
740-385-5279
www.campotyokwa.org/summer-camp-2
Camp Paivika
Overnight camp near Big Bear for ages 5–22 with developmental and physical disabilities. Includes horseback riding, fine arts, adaptive sports, swimming, cookouts and campfires and nature hikes.
909-338-1102 x5003; www.camppaivika.org
Camp Ramah
Jewish children with special needs (ages 10–17) enjoy therapeutic programs with behavior specialists in Ojai, CA. Individual counselors for each family.
www.ramah.org/event/programs/special-needs-family-camp
Camp Stevens
Inclusive, traditional, outdoor overnight camp for kids ages 8–15. Discuss the needs of your child with ASD, ADD/ADHD, and mild delay with counselors. Focus on interpersonal skills during archery, swimming, crafts, campfires, etc.
Julian, CA; 760-765-0028; www.campstevens.org
Camp Wamp
Wilderness camp located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for ages 8–18 with physical disabilities. Founded by local climbing legend Stephen Wampler.
Soda Springs, CA; 800-381-6891; www.campwamp.org
CIP (College Internship Program) Summer Program
Two-week college experience for ages 18–26 with ASD, ADHD and other learning differences. College is not just about academics; it’s about fostering connections, learning skills to succeed and having fun.
877-566-9247; www.cipworldwide.org
City of Chula Vista Day Camps
Students with disabilities are encouraged to attend all day camps. Two-week notice is required to complete an assessment and to assign an aide, if needed.
www.chulavistaca.gov
ConnectMed
Inclusive, community-building events and activities for children with physical differences and disabilities. Psychosocial programs include weekend camps, online meet-ups, family outings, equine therapy and caregiver support groups.
619-800-5869; www.connectmed.org
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Family Camp
Provides an opportunity for children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing and their families to come together in a positive environment.
www.cahandsandvoices.org/family-camps/southern-california
Easterseals Camp Oakes
Resident camp in the San Bernardino Mountains serves children and adults with disabilities. Activities include crafts, hayrides, talent shows, dances, swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking and a ropes course.
Big Bear, CA; 951-264-4855; www.easterseals.com
Joni & Friends
Nationwide retreats for families living with disability. Fun, accessible, Christ-centered experience with worship, indoor and outdoor activities and more; build lasting memories and friendships with others who understand.
Agoura Hills, CA; 818-707-5664; www.joniandfriends.org
Junior Adaptive Sports Camp
An opportunity for kids ages 4–18 with physical impairments to participate in about 15 different sport rotations over five days. Volunteers and counselors help athletes learn fundamentals of games and activities.
424-286-4227; www.angelcitysports.org/camp
KODAWest Camp
Kids of Deaf Adults ages 8–17 enjoy traditional camp experiences at Camp Edwards in Angelus Oaks, CA and explore their identities as bicultural individuals. Registration opens every January.
818-265-9700 VP; www.kodawest.com
The Painted Turtle
Summer camp and year-round programs for ages 7–16 with various medical conditions. Medical staff onsite 24/7. Special foods available for dietary needs.
Lake Hughes, CA; 661-724-1550; www.thepaintedturtle.org
Rancho Family YMCA Camps
Exciting, inclusive camps offered to kids of all abilities. Assessment provided to determine support needed. Financial aid available.
9410 Fairgrove Ln., Rancho Peñasquitos (San Diego)
858-484-8788; www.ymcasd.org
San Diego Parks & Rec Therapeutic Recreation Services
Inclusive summer and winter day camps offered to children of all abilities. Schedules online.
619-525-8247; www.sandiego.gov/TherapeuticRecreationServices
Surf Camp
The Autism Society San Diego surf camp for persons (ages 5+) with Autism.
858-715-0678; www.autismsocietysandiego.org/surf-camp.html
Surfin Fire Surf Camp
Year-round surf lessons and camps in Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas for all ages and most abilities by an Encinitas firefighter with swift water rescue certification and his trained staff. Surfboards and wetsuits provided.
760-438-0538
www.surfinfire.com
Surfing Madonna
Summer surf camp for kids with special needs in Encinitas and Oceanside. Free to all participants June to September. www.surfingmadonna.org/surf-camp
Wishing Well Equestrian
Therapeutic riding and small group camps for people with and without special needs at Deer Springs Equestrian Center.
140 Deer Springs Rd., San Marcos; 619-770-8765
www.facebook.com/nancymcnaryequine
Whispering Winds Family Camp
Families with a child with developmental disabilities enjoy a retreat of respite, support, fun and prayer in Julian, CA. www.whisperingwinds.org/camps-retreats/special-needs-family-camp
YMCA of San Diego County
Summer day camps, overnight camps, swim lessons and sports leagues for children preschool and up. Children with special needs are always welcome.
3708 Ruffin Rd., San Diego; 858-292-9622; www.ymcasd.org
MORE CLASSES & PROGRAMS
The Coder School
Inclusive, afterschool coding program for kids 7–18 develops logic skills, breaking down complex problems, and teamwork. Roblox and Minecraft camps, AP computer science support and more.
9879 Carmel Mountain Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos (San Diego)
858-859-3330; www.thecoderschool.com/locations/northsandiego
Outside the Lens - Media Makers
Training in digital media, filmmaking and photography.
125 14th St., San Diego; 619-292-8295; www.outsidethelens.org
Find tons of resources for families with special needs, including our annual publication, Flourishing Families, at https://specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com.
See San Diego Family's 2025 Spring/Summer Camp listings HERE.
