Best Washington Special Needs Camps Summer 2024-25 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Our campus includes 4 dorm buildings, a recreation building with a two lane bowling alley, kitchen/dining hall, arts & crafts building dance/theatre hall and a multi-purpose conference building. Photos available on our website

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We provide a safe, fun-filled environment where the focus is on individual abilities. We help campers increase self-esteem, learn new skills and lasting friendships while participating in activities of their choice. 2019 marks our 45th anniversary.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Please contact Christina at campdirector[AT]lionscamphorizon.org for information on training programs and current opportunities.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial assistance is available, please email Sharron at vpcamp[AT]lionscamphorizon.org for a CAMPership application

OTHER CAMP INFO: We are an approved DSHS Respite Care provider for the State of Washington. Tours are available; to schedule an appointment, please contact Sharron at
vpcamp[AT]lionscamphorizon.org

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit Our Camp Website Link: www.lionscamphorizon.org for session dates, fees and information on financial assistance.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Interviewing for counselors, Night/Fire Watch and Nursing positions. Email Christina Thomas for information at: campdirector[AT]lionscamphorizon.org,  or apply on-line at Our Camp Website Link: www.lionscamphorizon.org.

CAMP FACILITIES: � Year-round lake view retreat
� 2 lodge bunk rooms (each sleep 20)
� 24 modern cabins (each sleeps 10 � 12)
� Full meal service available
� Multipurpose lodge
� Hiking trails
� Archery
� Meeting areas
� Commercial kitchen
� Climbing tower
� Excellent challenge course

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: A camper�s time at camp is divided between unit time, cabin activities, free-choice time and all-camp events. Each day we have flagpole gatherings, chapel, waterfront activities, cabin clean up, work areas and siesta after lunch. Day and night hikes are extremely popular.

Once a week, weather permitting, each cabin joins with another for a sleep-out. This often includes a long hike (1 � 7 miles) and a night out under the stars. Younger cabins stay close to camp, while older campers explore further away from camp. Backpacks or bags to carry sleeping bags and water bottles are helpful. The two oldest cabins may have the opportunity to bike about 30 miles from camp for their overnight.

We have three campfires with songs and crazy staff skits with a special �sticks� campfire on the last evening. One night is reserved for a carnival and a camp dance. These events conclude around 9:30pm, and lights are out between 10:30 and 11:30pm. Wake up bell is at 8:30am.

Free-choice activities include arts & crafts, archery, climbing, sports, waterfront and wilderness activities. We also offer plenty of new and unique activities each day such as turtle hunts, random parades, stream hikes, boat races and a �Shark Swim� across the lake. This is a great time for campers to be with friends in different cabins.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The Camp Reed Counselor in Training (CIT) two-week program is designed for 15 & 16 year olds that will be entering their sophomore year of high school in Fall 2014. This very popular two week program consists of a Work Week and a Bike Trip. It is designed to provide a comprehensive youth experience where each individual is encouraged to reach his/her full potential.

The philosophy behind the Camp Reed CIT program is founded in an outdoor experience where the participant is challenged physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. It is fun, challenging and life changing!

CIT Leaders are experienced and mature Camp Reed staff who utilize group dynamics to encourage each participant to learn more about themselves and others in the group. They have the opportunity to work as a team as well as to practice leadership and group dynamic skills. This philosophy is the key to maintaining focus throughout the program�s entirety.

In order for the CIT program to accomplish its objective, each participant will be held to a high level of commitment and maturity. The CIT program is a transition for participants from camper to young adult. Expectations are higher in areas of personal responsibility, maturity and accountability. CIT Leaders will therefore treat CITs more like young adults than campers.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Camperships are available for any Camp Reed program - Mini Camp, Traditional Camp, CIT, and JC programs. We advise you to complete the campership process before registering your child for camp, as camperships are not guaranteed. For the complete process, visit: Our Camp Website Link: campreed.org

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Camp Reed Family Camp is a great opportunity to bring the generations of your family together for fun, adventure and memories to last a lifetime. Activities are run by Camp Reed staff but parents are responsible for supervising their children.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: CAMP REED OFFERS RENTALS TO NONPROFIT GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES:
� Year-round lake view retreat
� 2 lodge bunk rooms (each sleep 20)
� 24 modern cabins (each sleeps 10 � 12)
� Full meal service available (not required)
� Multipurpose lodge
� Hiking trails
� Archery
� Meeting areas
� Commercial kitchen
� Climbing tower

RETREATS & CHALLENGE COURSE NOW BOOKING 2014 & 2015 DATES! Contact Nicki Watt at 509 276 5307 or nwatt[AT]ymcaspokane.org.

EXCELLENT CHALLENGE COURSE!
 Improve team communication and motivation
 Create a cohesive and productive team climate
 Build player satisfaction and team trust

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Registration opens December 9, 2013. Visit Our Camp Website Link: campreed.org for more information.

CAMP FACILITIES: Have your child enjoy the beautiful scenery of the foothills of the Eastern Cascades. The lush green oasis of the Lazy F Camp and Retreat is nestled in the crisp golden scenery of Manastash Canyon. Daily visits from deer families add to the peaceful backdrop of trees, fields, ponds, and mountains. To add to the serenity, Manastash Creek innocuously flows through the center of the camp. We have a fishing pond, large dining hall, and cabins to accommodate over 120 campers.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Your child will have the opportunity to learn from world-class musicians, music educators, university professors, and highly experienced camp counselors. We have a large support staff which allows us to have excellent supervision and accommodations. The music faculty is comprised of experienced public school orchestra teachers, youth symphony conductors, symphony conductors, and university professors.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: None available.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit our website at: Our Camp Website Link: www.summerstringacademy.com

2017 Summer schedule has not been determined. It is typically in one of the last two weeks of July; Sunday through Friday.

Normal fee is $595. There is a $50 discount for early bird registration.

CAMP FACILITIES: You will be lodging in a standard or historic cabin based on availability and group size. Our standard cabins are modern, heated and air-conditioned. Our historic cabins have a unique charm and feature the historical construction of our property. Cabins have their own restrooms and showers or are located adjacent to a shared bath house.

Wheelchair accessible facilities are available.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Today, NatureBridge connects over 35,000 students and 600 schools each year to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. We operate in Yosemite National Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California; Olympic National Park in Washington; and Prince William Forest Park in Virginia.

Our professional educators lead explorations of Olympic National Park and Peninsula insider adventures for all ages.

Our staff have a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work and training experience, cleared background checks, CPR certifications, epinephrine auto-injector certifications and Wilderness First Responder certifications (an 80 hour wilderness medicine course). Educators are trained on COVID-19 precautions and well versed in our health and safety plan. Staff carry radios that communicate directly with the National Park Service emergency dispatch.

Your stay includes: Four nights stay in one of our cabins with your cohort, five days of guided activities with one of our educators, breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay and Evening programs facilitated by our education staff.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Olympic Family Camp is coordinated in cooperation with National Park Service and US Public Health Service officials following current CDC guidelines for outdoor camps

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please check our website for more details.

CAMP FACILITIES: Small facility with 2 camper to 1 counselor ratio. All of our horsemanship, lessons and skill building starts in the barn, roundpen, and progresses to our wilderness trails through the week.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Horse Day Camp Four days (Monday-Thursday) Max. 8 campers $225 Ages 5-17* 9:30am-3:30pm 1/2 day PeeWee Camps, $125. Extended hours available.

Learn what it is like to own a horse. Most camps consist of four days (Monday-Thursday), one camp is five days, and one is two days. Equine Science included, beginning horsemanship, skill building riding lessons, trail rides, leather craft, and more. Identify parasites under a microscope, test for sand in the intestines, and much more, from horse identification to digestion. See what a horse is like, inside and out.

Bring a LARGE sack lunch, sunscreen, and water bottle. Dress for the weather and be prepared for hard work and fun!

PeeWee 1/2 Day Horse Camps Ages 5, 6, 7 Max. 8 campers Same as Horse Camp, modified to suit younger campers.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Horsemanship lessons year round.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Girl Scout Program Partner, Boy Scout Merit Badges.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2014 Camp Dates:

June 16-19th
June 23rd-26th

July 7th-10th
July 14-17th

August 4th-8th (5 day camp)
August 11th and 12th (2 day camp)

Please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.thewholehorseplace.com.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: While we only ask parents for 10% of the cost, for a camper to attend a program, we offer partial or full camperships for families who may not be able to afford the tuition for a program.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): We have a Brain Tumor Family Camp that is specifically designed for families with a child with a Brain Tumor diagnosis, and/or a Brain Tumor Survivor.

In addition, we have out "general" Family Camp for families with a child that has a cancer diagnosis, and/or are a survivor.

CAMP FACILITIES: The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes over 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the Red Barn, the original manufacturing facility of The Boeing Co., the original papers of the Wright brothers, and the one-of-a-kind NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, used to train every space shuttle astronaut since the inception of the program.

Among the most popular exhibits at the Museum are the world's first fighter plane, the first jet Air Force One, the prototype Boeing 747, the West Coast's only Concorde, and the world's fastest aircraft, the Blackbird spy plane. More than just an attraction, however, the Museum is a hub of science, technology, engineering, and math education, serving over 150,000 participants each year through on-site and outreach programs and the Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast, holding more than 1.4 million images. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Associations of Museums, and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: The Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE) has exciting programs and activities, caring and knowledgeable staff, and a world-class museum to explore. Only with The Museum of Flight can campers launch rockets, create aircraft, experience microgravity, build robots, and pilot actual airplanes. If you have an inquiring mind and want to have fun this summer exploring aviation and aerospace, ACE is the camp for you. Campers are welcome at ACE regardless of gender, race, national origin, or religious affiliation. Contact the ACE Coordinator concerning campers with special needs or physical restrictions prior to registration. The Museum of Flight strives to accommodate all children within the constraints of our facility and our programs. The Aerospace Camp Experience is the recipient of the ACA Gordie Hamilton Award for Excellence in Camping Programming. The Aerospace Camp Experience is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: ACE Counselors Apprentice Program is a program where participating students will learn about all aspects of a summer camp. Each apprentice will spend time interacting with campers, developing programs, and assisting with other camp-related duties. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to participate in trips during the summer. ACE Counselors in Training must complete one week of training. After completing training, Apprentices must volunteer a minimum of 35 hours during the summer but will be able to create their own volunteer schedule.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: This year we hope to offer an amazing ACE experience to as many campers as possible. Camperships are available thanks to the generous donations from Southcenter Rotary and other supporters of ACE. To apply for financial assistance, download the application from our website or call the ACE Coordinator.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Parents, friends, and family are encouraged to join campers on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. for graduation.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
For 2015 We have eight different programs:

Solar Travelers half day camps for campers going into grades K - 1

Flight Camp for campers going into grades K - 1

Orbital Pioneers for campers going into grades 2 - 3

Aerospace Explorers for campers going into grades 4 - 5

Planetary Voyagers for campers going into grades 6 - 7

Advanced Camp for campers going into grades 7 - 9

ACE Apprentices: a volunteer opportunity for students going into grades 10 - 12

For a listing of camp sessions, dates, times, and fees please visit Our Camp Website Link: www.museumofflight.org

CAMP FACILITIES: Our classes are designed so that students can learn technology skills while engaged in fun and interesting projects. Our goal is to have students learn how to do some amazing things with technology in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Each TechKnowHow® camp features a teaching team of two instructors. Instructors are often school teachers during the year, or professionals who work in the technology field or college students, often majoring in education or computer science. All instructors complete training, both in the specific course work which they will teach, as well as in general student interaction and camp management. Although our staff has varied backgrounds, all share an interest and ability in teaching technology skills to students! Our average camper:staff ratio is 10:1.

OTHER CAMP INFO: We were recently awarded as a "Best Math and Science" and "Best Technology" in Bay Area Parent Magazine 2016. "Best LEGO® Camp" and "Best Science Technology and Digital Arts Summer Camps" in Parents' Press for 2015.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Winter Camps

Week of 12/19 - 12/23
M - F Half-day* (9am-12pm or 12:30-3:30pm): $205/wk.
M - F Full day (9am-3:30pm): $375/wk.
M - F Full day Python® Coding Camps (9am-3:30pm): $425/wk.

Week of 12/27 - 12/30
T - F Half-day* (9am-12pm or 12:30-3:30pm): $165/wk.
T - F Full day (9am-3:30pm): $300/wk.

*View Camps Page to see camps with a half-day option.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Wego is fully committed to developing life and social skills for individuals with special needs ages 14 and up. We believe that our travel trips are a great way to experience independence, improve social skills, and increase self-esteem in a secure, safe and also an exciting environment. Our primary goals are to help travelers build self-esteem, develop better social skills and self-expression, make and maintain friendships, improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and sensory integration.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Wego travels year around.

OTHER CAMP INFO: No Financial aid offered.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Most trips cost $1000 and up

For complete info visit Our Camp Website Link: www.campwego.com

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: All camps are run by Ignite Learning Academy, a fully accredited online private school serving students in preschool through grade 12. Camp leaders include faculty, administration, and external experts in the areas they will be teaching.

Around the World Camp
Art Camp: Arts & Crafts with Found Objects
Art Camp: Drawing
Art Camp: Painting
Cooking Camp
DIY/Pinterest Camp
Hawaiian Hullabaloo Camp
JavaScript Coding Camp
Leading Ladies Camp
LEGO Camp
Mad Science Camp
Outdoor Explorers Camp
Scratch Coding Camp
Wizards & Magic Camp
Storytime & Craft Camp

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit Our Camp Website Link: www.ignitelearningacademy.com to view the dates associated with each individual camp.

CAMP FACILITIES: The camps will be held in New Castle County schools in their computer lab.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: This program can also be delivered through our TUTORING service by appointment during the summer.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
$235.00 for Monday-Friday Camp
Choose the A.M. OR P.M. camp for this fee

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Seeking part-time technology coaches to assist with the summer camp hours.