With the end of the school year fast approaching, now is the golden hour to get summer camps booked. After all, it’s only a matter of time before the kids are home for good. For families with autistic children, finalizing summer plans can be an extra challenge, especially when it comes to finding programs that are just as fun as they are supportive. Luckily, the Hudson Valley and Westchester are packed to the brim with options. Browse through our list to find the perfect fit for your little one this summer.
Camp Hidden Valley
Camp Hidden Valley, a division of the Fresh Air Fund, hosts a combined program for boys and girls with and without special needs at its Hudson Highlands site. Children ages 8 to 12 can find commonalities as they create art, explore nature, and experience the great outdoors.
Fishkill; 800.367.0003
Type: Residential
Length: 9 or 12 days
Camp Huntington
This High Falls camp runs week-long programs that center around kid-friendly themes. Campers can enter the wizarding world for Harry Potter week, sing their hearts out for Jukebox week, or explore the galaxy for Space week. The camp operates on a therapeutic programming model to positively challenge students and promote trust and cooperation.
High Falls; 855.707.2267
Type: Residential
Length: 1 week
Camp Mahican
Coarc, the Columbia County disabilities support program, holds its summer fun camp out of a new pavilion space in Copake. Children ages 5 to 16 can celebrate a theme, which changes every year, while playing board games, crafting, or tossing around a basketball. In order to participate, youngsters must live in Columbia County, have an Individual Education Plan, and be eligible for developmental disabilities funded services.
Copake; 518.672.4451
Type: Commuter
Length: 4 weeks
Camp Ramapo
Kids can roam free across Camp Ramapo’s 250-acre campus in Rhinebeck. Open to little ones between the ages of 6 and 16, Ramapo works with children affected by social, emotional, and learning challenges to build relationships, improve self-confidence, and have fun. Uniquely, the camp maintains a 1:1 staff to camper ratio, which means each child gets hands-on attention.
Rhinebeck; 845.876.8403
Type: Residential
Length: Varied, 1-9 week session options
Related: Outdoor Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained
Camp Warwick
Camp Sunrise, Camp Warwick’s programming for individuals with special needs, caters to people ages 8 to 55. Each session runs for a week in June or July. During that time, campers test out a variety of community activities, such as hiking, bowling, and dancing.
Warwick; 845.986.1164
Type: Residential
Length: 1 week
Clover Patch Camp
Since 1965, Clover Patch Camp has made a name for itself as a summer hub for individuals with disabilities. The Glenville site includes trails, cabin lodging, and a heated swimming pool to help campers make the most of their days. Clover Patch also offers Camp Spectacular, a day camp option for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Glenville; 518.384.3042
Type: Residential and commuter
Length: 6 days for residential session or 4 days for commuter session
Club Aspire
As part of Greystone Programs autism support initiatives, Club Aspire extends its afterschool support into a summer break event for kids ages 6 to 21. Youths in Ulster and Orange counties can spend the dog days of summer having the time of their lives. Arts and crafts, dancing, cooking, and music are all on the agenda for 2018.
Warwick; 845.469.3760
Type: Commuter
Length: 1 week
Club COOL
The Dutchess County branch of Greystone Programs offers its summer break extension for boys and girls ages 6 to 21. Children receive individualized assistance and learn about self-care, safety, and social skills.
Wappingers Falls; 845.297.5282
Type: Commuter
Length: 1 week
Hudson Valley Renegades Disability, Dream and Do / Think Differently Baseball Camp
Sports fans will love this engaging camp in collaboration with the Hudson Valley Renegades. Attendees can learn the art of the game from local players while family members stand by or participate at their leisure. With no charge for the camp and no age limit for attendees, the event is open for everyone.
Wappingers Falls; 845.838.0094
Type: Commuter
Length: Saturday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
JCC of Mid-Westchester
The “Toward Tomorrow” program at the JCC of Mid-Westchester caters to young learners with developmental needs ages 3 to 5. Parents can choose between half-day and full-day options based upon their child’s needs. School district approval is required in order for a child to be accepted into the program.
Scarsdale; 914.472.3300
Type: Commuter
Length: 3.5 weeks or 7 weeks
The Kelberman Center
The Utica space hosts not one, but three summer camps for children and teens on the autism spectrum. The Teen Camp, Overnight Camp, and Awesome Summer Days Camp run throughout the month of July. While the programs vary in length, all are designed to support young learners with ASD.
Utica; 315.797.6241
Type: Commuter
Length: Awesome Summer Days Camp – 4 weeks, ages 5 to 13; Teen Camp – 2 weeks, ages 14 to 21; Overnight Camp – 3 weeks, ages 16 and up
Related: 5 Healthy Ways to Fuel Your Child at Snacktime
Marist Brothers Center Special Kids Camps
Every summer, the Marist Brothers Center at Esopus hosts the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp series. The “Special Kids I” camp is designed for children ages 4 to 15 with moderate to severe special needs, while the “Special Kids II” camp is for both young adults and adults ages 15 to 30 with physical and developmental disabilities.
Esopus; 845.384.6620
Type: Residential
Length: 1 week
North East Westchester Special Recreation
Open to children and teens ages 4 to 20, the North East Westchester Special Recreation Summer Day Camp divides campers into supportive groups based on independence levels. The days are divided into four activity sessions in the morning, followed by breaks for lunch, swimming, and one afternoon activity.
Briarcliff Manor; 914.347.4409
Type: Commuter
Length: Six weeks
Our Victory Day Camp
This day camp in Dobbs Ferry is a great pick for little ones who want to have fun during the day and relax at home at night. With a 3:1 camper to counselor ratio and a balanced medley of non-competitive education and entertainment programs, students can enjoy themselves in a stress-free environment.
Dobbs Ferry; 914.674.4841
Type: Commuter
Length: 7 weeks
