2024 Social Skills Summer Camps and Classes: Los Angeles Area

Website
2512 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 583-7134
Clinical Director: Dr. Katie Enney

Format: In-person day camp

Blast Camp is a safe learning space where children develop coping skills for stressful environments such as school. During Blast Camp, therapy takes place during social play. Campers will participate in developmentally appropriate activities and practice verbalizing their feelings, dealing with frustration, following instructions, and building impulse control.

Dates and times: June 10–July 26, 2024, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. There are half-day and full-day options available. There’s also extended care available 8:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Ages: 5–14 years old

Cost: $150 for full days and $75 for half-days. Blast is vendored through Lanterman Regional Center, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, and the Self-Determination Program.

Registration: To sign up, email Clinical Director Dr. Katie Enney.

Website
10323 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suites 102, 103, & 106
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 421-CARE
info@care-la.com

Format: In-person therapeutic classes

CARE-LA offers in-person weekly social skills classes featuring play-based activities led by Dr. Erin Cantwell. These groups are small in size and peer-matched for similar skill levels and goals. The groups are also individualized to address each group member's specific needs. Participants will practice taking turns and sharing, listening to one another, recognizing social cues, and focusing on mindfulness.

Ages: 4–12 years old

Dates: Sessions are 60–75 minutes weekly depending on the age of participants.

• Ages 4–6: Wednesdays 4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
• Ages 6–8 (girls only): Saturdays 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
• Ages 7–9: Fridays 3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Ages 10–12: Fridays 5:15 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Registration: Email info@care-la.com for more information and to register.

Cost: Inquire for rates and availability. They will provide a superbill.

Website
11000 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Format: In-person day camp

Friendship Island is an opportunity for kids who have trouble making and keeping friends to build social skills in a fun environment. Counselors will help campers approach others, read social cues, regulate their emotions, and negotiate conflicts during daily activities and role-plays. Children will be grouped by age at a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Counselors are experienced therapists who have received advanced training and supervision with a licensed psychologist. Dr. Erika Rich is a trusted psychologist who offers summer social skills programs for kids. Contact her at (310) 749-6427 or erika@socialskillsgroup.com.

Dates for 2024:

• June 17–21
• June 24–28
• July 8–12
• August 5–9

Ages: 5 years old through the end of middle school

Hours: 8:45 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Cost:

• $995 per week. A full nonrefundable payment is required to reserve a spot.
• Early bird discounts are available for families who sign up before April 15.
• Superbills can be provided for reimbursement.

Registration: For more information about registration and a link to register, visit this webpage.

Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199

Format: In-person day camps

The LA Speech & Language Therapy Center has been providing comprehensive treatment and other services to kids with autism and other disabilities since it was founded in 1979. During the summer, they host three different summer camps, each of which is intended to help participants with speech and language development in a fun, social setting.

Say ‘n’ Play Summer Camp: This summer camp is an intense speech program led exclusively by licensed speech-language pathologists. The camp is for kids with speech and language delays, autism, and other developmental delays resulting in communication deficits. AAC users are encouraged to attend.

• Dates: Check back on the website later in the spring for information about the 2024 camp dates.
• Age range: 3–16 years old

• Cost: Funding may be provided by Regional Center. Out-of-pocket cost for the course is $5,000.

  Drama Kings & Queens: This summer social skills program is offered as a six-week summer intensive. During the program, participants will engage in social, emotional, and speech and language development while building confidence in a theatrical setting. At the end of camp, kids will put on a performance in a professional theatrical venue.

• Dates: Check back on the website later in the spring for information about the 2024 camp dates.
• Age range: 5–15 years old
• Cost: Funding may be provided by Regional Center. Out-of-pocket cost for the course is $5,000.

Teens in Motion: Also a six-week program, Teens in Motion is for older kids who are ready for more independence and community integration. While at camp, teens will participate in yoga, confidence-building exercises, and daily outings to various locations in the greater Los Angeles area.

• Dates: Check back on the website later in the spring for information about the 2024 camp dates.
• Age range: 14–18 years old
• Cost: Funding may be provided by Regional Center. Out-of-pocket cost for the course is $5,000.

Registration: To sign up for a 2024 camp, visit their website and select the program you are interested in.

Website
The Help Group Autism Center
13164 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
(818) 779-5103
Contact: Dr. Laurie Stephens

Format: In-person day camp

The Help Group offers in-person summer enrichment camps for kids with autism and other social challenges. In 2024, they’re hosting three different camps in Sherman Oaks. The camps provide a fun, safe, and stimulating environment specially designed to promote social skills development and stress reduction. Campers can make new friends as well. The camps are staffed with experienced counselors who incorporate evidence-based practices into the daily schedule. Camp activities include social skills, fun and fitness, engaging games, science experiments, arts and crafts, and field trips.

Village Glen Camp: A specialized enrichment camp for kids with learning, language, attention, social, and/or sensory challenges. This program is designed to encourage personal development and foster new friendships through themed activities.

• Dates:
  • June 10–14
  • June 17–21
  • June 24–28
  • July 1–3
• Staff-to-camper ratio: 1:5
• Cost: $675 per week. Village Glen Camp is vendored with several Regional Centers and accepts Self-Determination funds.
• Ages: 6–16 years old

Camp Sunshine: This camp is for kids with autism who need a bit more support. Campers will participate in themed activities that help them build new skills and confidence.

• Dates:
  • June 10–14
  • June 17–21
  • June 24–28
  • July 1–3
• Staff-to-camper ratio: 1:3
• Cost: $675 per week. Camp Sunshine is vendored with several Regional Centers and accepts Self Determination funds.
• Ages: 6–16 years old

Teens on the Go: This camp is designed for teenage participants with sensory, attention, and learning challenges with low support needs who want to practice their social skills. Campers will go on trips and tours and participate in activities with peers throughout Los Angeles.

• Dates:
  • June 10–14
  • June 17–21
  • June 24–28
  • July 1–3
• Cost: $725 per week
• Ages: 14– 17 years old

Registration: Create an account and apply online. After you apply, a staff member will be in touch to set up an interview with you.

Website
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
admin@themiracleproject.org

Format: In-person and online programs

The Miracle Project offers inclusive programming in theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts for both speaking and non-speaking people with autism and other disabilities. Their goal is to foster community and help participants develop social skills and build self-esteem. In addition to their improvisation-based social skills groups, the Miracle Project has classes focused on acting and musical theater. Families may reach out to the Miracle Project staff to get more information about different classes.

Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the class you choose

Dates:

• While they do not currently have their schedule and dates for summer Expressive Arts classes, they typically last around 15 weeks over the summer term.
• The Social Skills classes, called "Improv for Interaction," operate on a rolling basis; they will continue throughout the summer and can be joined at any time.

Location: Beverly Hills and online

Programs:

• "Improv for Interaction" Social Skills: The Miracle Project social skills classes use improv, theater games, and role-play to practice skills for positive social interaction. All social skills classes are ongoing, and there are different classes for students ages 5 and up.

• Express Yourself: An 11-week online Expressive Arts class specifically designed for non-speakers and those who use AAC. Participants should be 16 and older.

• I Can Do That: Professional Acting Training for Film & TV: An online, professional-level acting class for film and television open to those of all abilities and experience. There are two options for this class—one for participants 16 and older and another for participants 12–16 years old.

• Triple Threat: A musical theater performance-focused class for individuals of all abilities and experiences. Participants should be 13 and up.

  Registration: For social skills groups, choose one from the list and fill out the accompanying form. After that, the Program Director and Clinical Supervisor, Hannah Warren, will reach out to you to schedule a trial class, so you can get a feel for the group and proceed with enrollment. If you’re interested in signing up for expressive arts classes, check back on the website in the spring for summer options.

Cost:

• Expressive arts classes cost approximately $35 each. Social skills classes are $65 per class and are covered for Regional Center clients.
• Partial scholarships are available.

Website
3524 Torrance Blvd. Suite 105
Torrance, CA 90503
(310)540-1655, extension 204
maria.g@pediatricminds.com

Format: In-person programs

Pediatric Minds Summer Camp offers weekly camps throughout the summer that include activities to promote opportunities for the campers to socialize with one another, such as art, creative play, and sports. Camp activities allow campers to work on their flexibility as well as their conversing and listening skills. Pediatric Minds requests that families sign up for a minimum of three weeks. Children who are non-speaking are welcome and encouraged to bring their AAC device or visual PEC board. Campers must be able to maintain attention to activities for at least 10 minutes, follow group instructions, not elope, and present non-aggressive behaviors. The camp ratio is 1 staff member for every 3 campers.

Ages: 3–10 years old

Dates: Mid-June to mid-August, Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Location: Torrance

Registration: Contact Maria Gonzalez by email or phone to fill out the application.

Cost: Varies depending on the week camper is attending.

Website
2716 Ocean Park Blvd. Suite 1065
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 869-4025
suzanne@socialfoundationsla.com

Format: In-person programs

Social Foundations provides meaningful, practical, and in-depth social development for kids as well as substantive education for parents. It’s a supportive social learning community that helps students develop the skills they need to build and keep healthy connections. In addition to their summer camp, they offer ongoing weekly Social Skills Groups for kids ages 5–14. Those groups are split based on age and gender.

Summer Camp: Social Foundations’ summer camp in Culver City provides a positive experience for kids and teens who need some support with social learning. Campers will practice social skills such as flexible thinking, social problem-solving, managing feelings and reactions, and responding to social cues in a fun, activity-filled environment. 1:1 aides are allowed.

Dates for 2024:

• June 17–21
• June 24–28
• July 8–12
• July 15–19
• July 22–26
• July 29–August 2

Age range: 5–15 years old

Hours: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Cost: $120 per day or $600 per week. You can sign up by the day or for the whole week.

Registration: Complete this online form to register. There is limited enrollment, so sign up early to ensure the best camp groupings.

Website
13034 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 958-3882
info@etta.org

Format: In-person programs

Summer@ETTA is a social skills program for teens and adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities. By participating in Summer@Etta, individuals can improve their self-esteem, practice life skills, and make new friends. Last year’s programming included a movie day, a carnival day, and several field trips to attractions like Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Dates: The 2024 Summer@Etta calendar hasn’t been released yet. Check back online later this spring for summer dates.

Age range: 13–18 years old

Cost: Contact ETTA staff for accurate information about 2024 costs.

Registration: Complete an online application to register. For more information about Summer@Etta, you can also contact Leah Schachter.

Website
760 Westwood Plaza, Room 27-384
Los Angeles, CA 90095
socialskills@mednet.ucla.edu
Clinic Coordinator: Shriya Nayyar

Format: Virtual programs

The UCLA Children’s Friendship Program assists elementary school children who have difficulty making or keeping friends through skill-building group sessions led by licensed psychologists. The program will be offered virtually in summer 2024 with an early June start date. It runs for 12 weeks. During that time, kids meet once a week on Wednesday evenings, and parents meet on Tuesday evenings.

Ages: Second to fifth grade

• First grade policy: 7-year-old first graders can be accepted into the program starting April of their first grade year.

Hours: 2024 session times are as follows:

• Parent session (for second and third graders): Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
• Child session (for second and third graders): Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Parent session (for fourth and fifth graders): Tuesdays 7:00 p.m.–8:15 p.m.
• Child session (for fourth and fifth graders): Wednesdays 6:45 p.m.–7:45 p.m.

Registration: Download and complete the Children’s Friendship Application and submit via email or mail to the address above.

Cost:

• Rates for the intake appointments and group therapy sessions:
  • Child intake appointment: $683
  • Parent intake appointment: $683
  • Child group session: $144 per session (12 sessions total)
  • Parent group session: $155 per session (12 sessions total)
• Insurance: This program accepts some insurance, but they cannot guarantee services will be covered by any particular health insurance program. Before signing up, you should contact your insurance provider and obtain pre-authorization. The Clinic Coordinator can provide you with the necessary CPT codes and other relevant information you might need during that call with your insurance provider.
• Regional Center: They are currently a vendor with Westside Regional Center.

Website
760 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 267-3377
peersclinic@ucla.edu

Format: In-person and virtual programs

UCLA offers a social skills training program known as the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS). The PEERS program is “world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems.” UCLA offers a wide range of PEERS programs for all ages. In addition to the year-round social skills sessions, UCLA also offers boot camps held on weekends for such topics as conversations, dating, friendship, and handling bullying, all hosted at the UCLA campus. They also offer an online PEERS Virtual Boot Camp, open to all ages, which include 35 pre-recorded episodes covering all PEERS skills. Parent participation is a key component to the success of the PEERS programs. There are both in-person and Zoom options for 16-week programs as well as boot camps.

Ages:

• PEERS for Preschoolers: 4–6 years old
• PEERS for Adolescents: middle and high school students
• PEERS for Young Adults: 18–35 years old

Hours: Varies based on the program.

Registration: To find more information about registering for a PEERS program, contact their office at (310) 267-3377 or email peersclinic@ucla.edu. Parents must complete a 15-minute phone screening with a member of their staff before receiving an enrollment packet. After submitting your enrollment packet, you’ll also have a 1.5-hour intake appointment with a PEERS clinician.

Cost:

• Contact PEERS directly for accurate information about 2024 costs.
• Insurance options: They do not accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Kaiser, but most insurance companies have offered coverage with a co-pay each week. Before committing, you can provide UCLA with your insurance information, and they will send you a breakdown of all costs in advance. If your insurance company does not cover the program, they offer a reduced self-pay fee (30% discount) for the intake appointment and weekly group sessions rates.
• Regional Center: The program is not vendored with Regional Center, but clients have been able to get reimbursed. UCLA will speak to your service coordinator to discuss it further. Billing is generally every two weeks, and you can pay through those statements and then send a receipt for reimbursement to the Regional Center.