Parents, it’s that time of year again — winter break: the season of holiday music, steamy mugs of hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, and, ‘mom, I’m bored!’ And while a few weeks of holiday cheer sounds great in theory, it can also mean three weeks of “home time” for the kids. But guess what? It doesn’t have to! If you’re searching for the answer, winter camps might just save the day.
The holiday break can bring a lot of fun and quality time, but it also comes with that extra layer of “how am I going to keep it all together?” — especially when some of our kids have their own unique needs, quirks, or routines, and not every holiday activity or camp is set up to be inclusive or sensory-friendly.
❄️ Pro tip: snag those spots early! Winter camp options are more limited than summer, especially if you’re looking for therapeutic programs, and spots fill up fast. Now’s the time to secure your spot!
Cozy up to our go-to list of the top virtual and in-person winter day and sleepaway camps across California, handpicked by the Undivided Research Team. These camps offer something for every child’s unique needs — from therapy-based play and social skills building to STEAM activities and adaptive skiing. Enjoy the holidays with peace of mind, knowing there’s a supportive option for your family. (If you’re looking for camps and programs specific to your area, reach out to learn about getting a custom research report.)
Explore our list of accessible winter camps here!
We’ve also put together a helpful guide to take the guesswork out of finding the right camp. Check out our tips here for a list of the questions to ask about the support your child will receive, an overview of what camps are — and aren’t — legally required to provide for kids with disabilities, plus tips on how to fund it all. (If you’re using Regional Center funding to pay for a camp, it’s important to get your request in soon!)
🎒💭 How Undivided can help: school refusal edition
Is your child anxious and reluctant to go to school in the morning? School refusal — also known as school phobia, avoidance, anxiety, or aversion — can leave parents feeling lost, worried, and even isolated. It’s natural to feel unsure about where to start or what steps might help most. Here are some important do’s and don’ts for parents working to support their child through the challenges of school refusal.
Add this goal to your Undivided account to help if your child feels anxious about school, leaves early, or avoids attending altogether. This step-by-step guide will support you in finding solutions alongside your IEP team.
As one parent told Undivided: “You have been such an important piece of this journey! Thank you for everything and all your support this past year. We started at the very beginning and needed so much support navigating those early days. So grateful for you and your wisdom and willingness.”
RSVP now → Undivided and Fusion Academy
We’re excited to partner with Fusion Academy to bring you a virtual event exploring education and public benefits for families with diverse learning needs. Join us for the event Thursday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. PT featuring Lisa Concoff Kronbeck and Lisa Carey, Undivided’s specialists in public benefits and special education, who will share their insights and answer audience questions about personalized learning approaches and public benefits, as well as how to foster collaboration and support for students with diverse needs. Register for the FREE event here→
Expert Office Hours
If you’re an Undivided member, join us for a live Q&A on Wednesday, December 11, at 12:00 p.m PT with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Cronbeck. Lisa will be available to answer your questions directly on Zoom about funding therapies, social rec, and medical supplies through Medi-Cal, insurance, Regional Center, and more! If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for Office Hours!
Undivided Conversations: Navigating the High School Transition, and Beyond
Join Richard L. Rosenberg, PhD, a board member of the California Transition Alliance, in our upcoming Undivided Conversation on Friday, November 15 at 12:00 p.m. PT as he shares key guidance on planning for your child’s future. From navigating the high school transition to preparing for life beyond graduation, this discussion covers what families need to know to support their child’s journey into adulthood. Tune in for stream on our Facebook page!
- How do you pick a good winter camp for your kiddo? Listen to the 5 essentials Undivided checks before recommending camps on our YouTube channel→
- November is National Family Caregivers month, so celebrate by taking a moment for yourself! Check out these self-care tips on our Instagram→
- Do you have a favorite winter camp your child has attended in the past? Share your recommendations in our private Facebook group for parents→
- “At Behavioral Health Tech 2024,” says Undivided CEO Seth Besse, “it was fantastic to see the inclusion of so many companies focused on IDD and autism.” Check it out on our LinkedIn page→
