19 Special Needs Summer Camps in Kansas City
Fun summer camps & programs are a part of childhood. They provide fun things to do in the Summer, as well as lasting memories. Special needs camps for kids are no different.
It’s important that children with special needs also get the opportunity to go to summer camp. So, we created a guide to summer camps for children with special needs – each designed to meet the specific needs of your children.
Explore the best summer camps for special needs kids below!
Special Needs Summer Camps
Some of the best special needs summer camps are right here in Kansas City! You can find day camps, overnight camps, week-long camps & more.
Most programs integrate traditional camp activities in addition to courses & academic programs. There are also special provisions available at many of these camps for health needs, physical handicaps or developmental disabilities. If you are looking for camps that focus specifically on autism or other needs, you can find autism camps & specialists in the details below.
We also included some summer camps and programs that are further away, but well-known for their long-standing programs & fun activities for kids…
Camp Barnabas
Camp Length: Different options available – by week
Ages of Campers: 7 years old into adulthood
Location: Teas Trail in Purdy, MO
This Christian summer camp for special needs and chronically ill children also accepts siblings! There is great care taken to match camps with individuals and groups within the camp that will support them throughout their experience.
Campers have access to round-the-clock medical care (24/7), as well as trained staff. They welcome all diagnoses & children with disabilities.
Each week of summer camp focuses on a different age range. You can find a full list of camp weeks and programs to find the best fit for your camper.
Camp Kymel
Camp Length: One week in June and one week in July/August.
Ages of Campers: 5 – 17 years old
Location: Camp Hope in Claflin, KS, and Camp SIBsational in Emporia, KS.
These overnight summer camps are for children with cancer or children that have had cancer in the past. There is the on-site medical staff that can help round the clock.
Children enjoy traditional camp activities like horseback riding, swimming, fishing, basketball & tons of fun! Camp SIBsational is an additional camp that allows siblings to enjoy the summer camp experience with their siblings that have or have had cancer.
Camp Encourage
Camp Length: 4-day or 2-day options available.
Ages of Campers: 10-18 years old
Location: Kansas City, MO
This fun summer camp offers programs for children on the autism spectrum, Asperger’s, or PPD. According to Camp Encourage, they offer direct social instruction, positive behavior support, and sensory & visual strategies to help enhance their campers’ experiences.
Children will enjoy swimming, campfires, horseback riding, fishing & many other traditional camp activities that build friendships, self-esteem, and independence. There are nurses, specialists, and autism experts on staff to help in any situation.
Camp Quality
Camp Length: 7 days
Ages of Campers: 5-17 years old
Location: Excelsior Springs, MO, and virtual.
Camp Quality is an overnight camp for children with any form of cancer & their siblings. They can enjoy a variety of activities including crafts, dancing, swimming, archery, and more. There will also be interactive camp sessions with live streams. They also have programs in Northwest Missouri & Ozarks.
Horizon Academy Summer Program
Camp Length: Day camp
Ages of Campers: Programs for 1st grade through High School
Location: Roeland Park, KS
While this is a year-round school for kids with learning disabilities, they also offer special summer programs for children attending public school as well. There are programs or special tutoring sessions available.
Camp Hickory Hill
Camp Length: 2 different sessions July 9th-15th (7-12 years old) and June 25th-July 7th (13-17 years old)
Ages of Campers: 7-17 years old
Location: Columbia, Mo
This summer camp is for children living with Type 1 Diabetes. This year Camp Hickory Hill will be back in person. Campers will challenge themselves, make new friends, and learn cool life skills all while connecting with friends and counselors.
Mission Creek Camp
Camp Length: 1 week
Ages of Campers: Children of all ages
Location: Flint Hills, KS
This special needs overnight camp is open to those with disabilities and those without disabilities. It’s not a camp specifically dedicated to special needs, but children with special needs are welcome. However, they are not able to accommodate children in wheelchairs currently. They are working towards making the necessary changes to be able to accommodate. You can call 785-256-6357 to discuss your child’s specific needs.
They offer sports activities, waterfront activities like canoeing & peddle boating, and outdoor activities like horseback riding & hiking.
Camp Tekawitha Family Camp
Camp Length: 3 days
Ages of Campers: Families (ages 2+)
Location: Williamsburg, KS
This family camp is open to families with special needs. Parents have an opportunity to connect with other special needs parents, while children and siblings can connect with each other. There will be traditional camp activities, in addition to faith-based activities. There are modifications available, depending on each child’s needs.
Other Special Needs Summer Activities:
Blue Valley Recreation
Camp Length: Programs year-round
Ages of Campers: any age
Location: Overland Park, KS
There are year-round activities for special needs of all ages, as well as Special Olympics opportunities. Activities include bowling, swimming lessons & other fun programs to engage with the community. You can call 913-685-6000 for more information or to pre-register, which is required to attend events.
Brain Balance Centers
With locations in Lee’s Summit, Overland Park & Kansas City, families with special needs can find a variety of programs and resources. Their staff will help your child overcome challenges by building a plan specific to your child’s needs. They will be doing things they’re never done before!
“My Day” with Life Unlimited
This day program is flexible to each participant’s needs. Participants can do activities at their locations, or participate in community activities, such as visiting a soup kitchen.
Their 2 Northland locations in Kansas City are open daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. There is no age limit or restriction.
The organization also offers vocational camps & sports programs.
Poss-Abilities Children’s Therapy Group
You can find therapy groups, kids’ activities & more. There are insurance options available, as well as a free intake evaluation.
REACH
This adaptive horse riding program teaches children ages 5 years & older to ride horses. Children with emotional, cognitive and mental disabilities are welcome, as well as physically challenged individuals.
The programs are open to all ages, regardless of disabilities. There are independent riding options, as well as programs that involve volunteers to assist with riding.
Camp Lee Mar (Pennsylvania)
Camp Length: 7 weeks
Ages of Campers: 7-21 years old
Location: Lackawaxen, PA
This summer camp for children with special needs is over 50 years old! They have extensive experience with incorporating fun & educational things to do in a structured environment.
Joshua Center Camp
Camp Length: 2-5 days, depending on the camp session
Ages of Campers: 3rd grade to 8th grade
Location: Rotary Youth Camp in Lee’s Summit, MO
This summer camp offers 4 different sessions based on your child’s needs. There are 2 sessions for children with autism, one for children with Tourette Syndrome & a Young Adults summer camp program. Children with Asperger’s syndrome or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are also welcome at sessions.
Camp MITIOG
Camp Length: 1 week
Ages of Campers: 7-16 years old
Location: Excelsior Springs, MO
This specialty summer camp offers children with Spina Bifida an opportunity to go to summer camp! Traditional activities like swimming, fishing, nature excursions & canoeing are included, as well as special activities like evening campfires & medical classes.
Parents can rest easy knowing Camp MITIOG is always staffed with trained nurses (24/7) and one camper per staff member, so there is always top-notch care available.
Camp ChiMer
Camp Length: 2-day camp
Ages of Campers: 9-18 years old
Location: Kansas City, MO
This specialty summer camp is for children who have had a renal transplant, kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis, or hemodialysis. Campers will participate in summing, rock climbing, ropes courses, archery, fishing, scavenger hunts, Paddle boating & more summer fun.
Cheley / Children’s Hospital Burn Camp
Camp Length: 5-8 days depending on the camp
Ages of Campers: 8-18 years old. Families welcome
Location: Estes Park, CO
This Colorado summer camp is specifically for children & families dealing with burn trauma or hospitalization. They welcome families from across the country to experience a traditional camp program.
Children will enjoy camping, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, archery, mountain biking & tons of fun.
Midnight Farms Camp
Camp Length: Depends on the program
Ages of Campers: any age
Location: Baldwin City, KS
Children will get the traditional day camp experience with hiking, arts & crafts, and more. These camp programs are for children with a variety of special needs.
There is a significant consideration for your child’s specific needs, comfortability with different topics & functioning level. Children with learning disabilities, down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, developmental challenges, social challenges & disorders, Prader-Willi Syndrome & others are eligible for the camp. Know of another special needs summer camp that we should add? Please email us the details!
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