When spring begins knocking at nature's door, families start thinking about summer camp. The most important question on everyone's mind is "will they understand and take good care of my child?" This can be answered by lengthy conversations with camp personnel or the director. If a camp is too busy to return your phone calls, or take the time to talk at length with you, you may want to consider if they will they be too busy for your child as well. Find a camp that will give you and your child the time and attention that you both deserve.
Another important decision is whether to send your child to a specialized camp for children with disabilities or to a neighborhood or interest specific camp. With the increase of parents and professionals advocating for the inclusion of all children in the regular classroom, inclusion at camp exists as a logical extension of community participation.
When looking for a camp, look for one that has built programs on the philosophy that says: "all children benefit from services that value and recognize the importance of diversity."
To find a community camp you can start by contacting or exploring:
At the request of many folks, we have begun to list camps in Maryland that focus on children with disabilities. The list is not exhaustive, and does not include the numerous options for interest specific community camps.
The inclusion or exclusion of any camp in the following listing does not imply endorsement or disapproval of Family NET Works.
Camp Attaway
Camp Attaway is a camp for children ages 7-13 with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Camp Fairlee Manor
Camp Fairlee Manor offers children, teens and adults with disabilities a variety of camping programs and activities.
Camp Glencoe
Camp Glencoe is an academic residential program for bright children with dyslexia ages 9-13.
Camp Glyndon
Lions Camp Merrick is home to the Glyndon Diabetes Program located in Charles County, Maryland along the shores of the Potomac River. ADA supported and ACA accredited, Camp Glyndon is specifically geared to fit the needs of diabetic youth.
Camp Greentop
The League at Camp Greentop is a traditional summer camp for youth and adults with disabilities in Thurmont, Maryland.
Camp JCC
Camp JCC is an inclusive day camp for youths ages 2 to 15. Also offered is a camp for youths, ages 13-21, with severe disabilities.
Camp Jemicy
Camp Jemicy, a co-ed day camp for elementary age students (ages 6 – 11), is run by the Jemicy School, a leader in the field of dyslexic education.
Camp Littlefoot
Camp Littlefoot provides a Therapeutic Speech and Language Program as well as a Sensory Integration/Occupational Therapy Program for children ages 3-12.
Camp Milldale
A Jewish Day Camp that provides campers ages 5 to 15 an inclusive camping experience.
Camp Sunrise
Camp Sunrise is a residential camping program for children with cancer.
Camp Superkids
Camp Superkids is an annual residential week-long camp for children (sponsored by the American Lung Association of Maryland) with asthma ages 7 1/2 - 12 who reside in Maryland.
Camps for Children with Diabetes
Children's Oncoloby Camping Association
Diabetes Education and Camping Association
Kamp A-Kom-Plish
Kamp A-Kom-Plish is a mainstream residential camp for youths ages 8-16.
Lions Camp Merrick
The Lions Camp offers a camp, serving children who are diabetic, hard of hearing, deaf or blind.
Melwood Access Adventures
Access Adventures, a travel service for adults, offers supported vacations for over 500 travelers throughout the year as well as a residential camp for ages 14 to 99.
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