Is your child interested in surfing, horseback riding, tennis, baseball, or another sport? These summer camps and sports programs are all either designed specifically for kids with disabilities, or they provide accommodations so that kids can participate in recreation with their typically developing peers. Check out all these camps in the greater Los Angeles area, compiled by the Undivided Research Team, to see if one or more works for your family!
Remember that if your child is a Regional Center client, you may be able to use social-recreational funding to cover part or all of the camp. Check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for more information.
Website
Recreational Activities and Therapeutic Facility
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Info@AdriansPlaceSM.com
Format: In-person programs
Please note: As of February 2024, the summer camps page has not been updated for summer 2024. Please check back frequently for 2024’s dates and registration information.
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Sessions, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, Bollypop Indian Dance, Adaptive Ballet & Creative Moment, Mommy & Me Dance, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops. All disabilities welcome.
Website
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-0404
Format: In-person day camp
Established in 1955, Cali Camp gives participants a chance to experience the outdoors while taking part in a variety of activities. Campers can play games, try out new sports, participate in drama, make crafts, dance, and hike. Since campers swim every day, it is recommended campers show up to camp already wearing bathing suits. Kids should also bring water bottles, wear close-toed shoes, and wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty.
Cali Camp believes in providing an inclusive camp experience for all kids, including those who have physical challenges, emotional needs, or learning differences. The staff puts kids in groups based on grade, age, and accessibility needs. To help you navigate whether this camp is a good fit for your child, Cali Camp has an Inclusion Coordinator. If you indicate that your child has extra support needs when you register, you may need to fill out this Inclusion Questionnaire and work with the Inclusion Coordinator to see how Cali Camp can best serve your child.
Disabilities served: Cali Camp prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere. Contact them for more information.
Dates and times:
Location: Topanga (Santa Monica Mountains)
Register:
Cost:
Ages: 4–15 years old
1:1 aides: If your child needs a 1:1 aide, make that clear on your enrollment form and discuss it with the Inclusion Coordinator.
Website
South Pasadena Area Coordinator: Annika Easterby
Founder, Co-Director: Luke Aloe
Adult Contact, Supervisor: Noelle Aloe
Format: In-person day camp
Please note: As of February 2024, the summer camps page has not been updated for summer 2024. Please check back frequently for 2024’s dates and registration information.
Club Moai, run by Luke Aloe and Ziko Elkobaitry, is designed as a social group for teens with disabilities. They founded Club Moai in middle school and have held monthly social groups with around 15 teenagers since. Club Moai is entirely run and organized by Pasadena-area high schoolers and overseen by adults. They meet monthly and give teens a place where they can socialize and participate in games and crafts.
In past summers, supported by the Dragon Kim Foundation, Luke and Ziko have run a summer camp named Camp Moai to “give 35 teenagers with special needs a social and adventurous experience.” Camp activities have included arts and crafts, bowling, rock climbing, hiking, swimming, music day, beach day, surfing, ropes course, prom night, and outdoor movie night.
Dates and times: Check back on the website for Camp Moai 2024 dates later this spring. Last year, registration was open until June 1. Camp was previously held Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Register: If you are interested in registering a camper, check back on the website later this spring for a registration form. You may also email the founder and co-director, Luke Aloe, directly.
Ages: Open to all Pasadena-area teenagers ages 12 and up with disabilities.
Cost: All of Club Moai’s programs and camps are completely free because they are funded through private donations and community grants.
Website
Several locations in Los Angeles, including Culver City, Pacific Palisades, and Westchester
(310) 779-1952
Owner/Director: Marc Weiss
Format: In-person day camp
The Iverbe Sports Camp Program gives kids a chance to try out a variety of sports and activities in a positive and supportive environment regardless of their ability levels. The staff works closely with campers to make sure they get personalized attention. In addition to playing sports, campers can engage in indoor activities like Legos and yoga or try out other outdoor activities like water play. Activities include: Sports, Games, Arts and Crafts, Special Event Days, Water Days, Tournament Days, and Field Trips (fourth to eighth grade only). They also offer a CIT (Counselor and Training Volunteer) program for incoming ninth and tenth graders
Dates and times:
Location: Location varies depending on the program you enroll in. Camps take place at Palisades High School in Los Angeles, The Willows Community School in Culver City, and St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey.
Ages: 4–13 years old. Age range varies based on the camp you sign up for, so make sure to double-check the range for the program you’re interested in.
Cost: $425-$450 per week (lunch included). Refund policy: Any cancellations prior to May 1, 2024, is a 25% of session fee. There are no refunds after May 1 for summer 2024.
Register: Register on the Iverbe website.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are permitted.
Website
1024 Hanley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 472-7474
Owner/Director: Andy Kimmelman
Format: In-person day camp
For more than 65 years, Tumbleweed Day Camp has provided a place for kids to explore, play, and be unplugged from technology. The camp is located on over a hundred acres and gives kids a chance to participate in activities like archery, theater, swimming, field games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. The camp keeps their ratio of campers to counselors small at 5:1 to make sure your child gets personalized attention. Transportation is also included in their summer programs, so campers can take a bus from a meeting point to the Tumbleweed camp site. Check out where buses might be this summer.
There are two-day camp options at Tumbleweed based on the camper’s age. Tumbleweed South is designed for campers entering Pre-K, first grade, or second grade. (All these 2024 camp sessions are full, but you can join the waitlist.) Tumbleweed North is for campers entering third through eighth grade.
Dates: Week-long sessions from June 17 to August 16, 2024.
Location: Los Angeles
Register: You can register now on the Tumbleweed Day Camp website. If you would like to tour the camp privately prior to registration, you may sign up to schedule a visit.
Cost: $925 per week. (July 3-7 is only $787 because campers will have July 4 off.)
Ages: Pre-K to eighth grade.
1:1 aides: Tumbleweed often has a handful of campers attending with aides. You can collaborate with staff member Liz Kimmelman to discuss your child’s needs.
Larchmont Charter School
1265 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Adat Ari El
12020 Burbank Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(424) 341-5522
hello@campwildfolk.com
Format: In-person day camp
Camp Wildfolk creates a space for kids to build community through activities and group projects. They offer several different options for campers with different interests, including Wildfolk Classic for campers who want to participate in typical indoor and outdoor camp activities, Adventure Camp for campers who want to go on lots of fields trips, and Robots Hybrid for older campers who want to experiment with activities such as 3-D printing and woodworking.
Dates and times:
Location: Valley Village or West Hollywood
Register: Register for Camp Wildfolk on their website. You can check the availability for each session here; some camps are filling up fast.
Cost: $500-$590 for one week and $1,040-$1,060 for two weeks. There are varying discounts for early registration.
Ages: Pre-K to tenth grade
1:1 aides: The camp is willing to allow a 1:1 aide on a case-by-case basis. Call or email the camp to discuss your child’s needs.
Website
5433 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 302-0035
info@broadwaygym.com
SpecialEducation@BroadwayGym.com
Format: In-person day camp and classes
Please note: As of February 2024, the summer camps page has not been updated for summer 2024. Please check back frequently for 2024’s dates and registration information.
This expansive gymnastics center near Playa Vista offers special education classes and camps designed for children with developmental disabilities, especially those with autism. In addition to engaging in therapeutic gymnastics (targeting movements that can boost the brain-body connection), the Broadway Gymnastic School camp experience incorporates games, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, fort-building, music-making, and even gardening in the nearby vegetable plot.
Dates and times: TBA, likely mid-June to mid-August. Dates and times for the 2024 summer camp and classes aren’t confirmed yet but should be announced later this spring.
Location: Los Angeles
Register: Keep checking the Broadway Gymnastic School website for updates on 2024 camp dates and registration info.
Cost: In 2023, camp was $616 for a five-day week.
Ages: 3.5-12 years old. Kids younger than 5 years old are in one camp, and kids age 5 and older are in another.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Please call the school to discuss your child’s individual needs.
Website
8640 Hayden Place
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 987-2886
frontoffice@jaggym.com
Format: In-person day camp and classes
The staff at JAG Gym is accustomed to working with kids with varying needs and skills. In addition to teaching gymnastics, their curriculum focuses on playground readiness, general athletic preparation for other sports, and character development. Their character-building program is based on six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. This summer, they’re offering a day camp as well as gymnastic classes. Summer camp participants should bring a water bottle as well as snacks.
Dates and times: JAG is offering 13 weeks of summer camp from June 3 to August 23, 2024. Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Culver City
Register: You can register for the 2024 summer camp on the JAG Gym website.
Cost: $211 per day. Kids can also have pizza for an additional $12 per day.
Ages: 5 years old and up.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides can accompany campers if they need them.
Website
10157 Johanna Ave.
Shadow Hills, CA 91040
(818) 767-6373
info@awhla.org
Format: In-person therapy sessions
The equine therapy program at AHEAD With Horses is focused on vaulting, or gymnastics on horseback, as a tool for improving the lives of kids of all abilities. Thanks to the comfort and companionship provided by horses, children with disabilities are able to reach major physical, mental, and emotional milestones. Many of the children they serve have not seen significant progress in traditional forms of therapy or are not eligible for other services. AHEAD With Horses isn’t taking new clients at the moment, but you can add your family to their waitlist.
Hours:
Location: Shadow Hills and Sullivan Canyon
Register: Currently, the schedule at AHEAD With Horses is completely full. If you want to be added to their waitlist, fill out this intake form.
Cost: $50–$55 for a single lesson.
Ages: 12 years old and under.
Website
34289 Rocking Horse Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 268-8010
hello@carouselranch.org
Executive Director: Denise Redmond
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Carousel Ranch has been offering equestrian therapy and vocational training for children and young adults with disabilities since 1997. They started in a small backyard and are now in a 10-acre ranch. At Carousel Ranch, equestrian therapy takes their students into a new, unexplored world and provides a sense of independence. The exercises performed on the back of the horse challenge their riders in ways that they have seldom been challenged before. Along with equestrian therapy, Carousel offers vocational training for adults with disabilities. They serve 85 children per week in individual therapy sessions as well as young adults with disabilities in their vocational training program.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Location: Santa Clarita
Register: To register, call (661) 268-8010.
Cost:
Ages: Three months and older
Website
1003 W. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90810
(310) 350-1311
Info@dreamcatcherla.com
Founder/Executive Director: Joan Blank
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Center is a Certified Center Member of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International offering equine-assisted activities and therapies. Their mission is “to improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.” Dream Catcher offers a wide range of programs.
Programs:
Hours: Flexible times
Location: Long Beach
Register: To register, call (310) 350-1311 and fill out their application.
Cost:
Ages:
Website
610 Santa Monica Blvd. #217
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 435-3047
Marlenefrantz4@gmail.com
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Marlene Frantz is a Certified Group Psychotherapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association and is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA) as an Equine Therapist. She offers equine therapy at her personal residence in Topanga, specifically “experiential equine therapy” as opposed to riding therapy.
Programs:
Hours: Monday to Friday; hours and weekends are negotiable.
Cost:
Ages: All ages
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 700-2971
401 Ronel Court
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-9078
Contact: Sara@RideOn.org
Format: In-person therapy sessions
The mission of Ride On is to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities through fun, creative equine therapy. Staff members include occupational and physical therapists.
Programs:
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Location: They have two locations. In Conejo Valley, their 13-acre Newbury Park site is operated in partnership with the Conejo Recreation and Park District. In the San Fernando Valley, their Chatsworth location is home to their 3-acre ranch.
Register: The registration packet is located here.
Cost:
Ages: 4 years old and up
Website
50 Narcissa Dr.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-4201
info@ridetofly.org
Executive Director: Gail Grove
Format: In-person therapy sessions
Ride to Fly is a “nonprofit organization committed to offering therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.” Since 1994, Ride to Fly has been a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International member-operating center serving the South Bay area. They have three main programs to choose from, including mounted equine activities/lessons, non-mounted activities/lessons, and equine management training.
Non-mounted activities/lessons:
Hours:
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
Register: To register, fill out this registration form.
Cost:
Ages: Ride to Fly does not specify age ranges, but they do have a 175-pound weight limit for riders to be mounted.
Website
2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-0544
info@aceingautism.org
Director of Program Operations: Justin Belisario, MD, (626) 297-3623
Format: In-person classes
ACEing Autism was founded in the summer of 2008 by Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste as a family-run organization with the support of its volunteers and beneficiaries. Richard became aware that they could greatly enhance the lives of children with autism through tennis. He made a commitment to “dedicate his career to the development and expansion of ACEing Autism.”
Their clinics aim to “develop your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination, build confidence, and improve their general socialization, all within a fun and controlled environment.” Program directors usually have either tennis or autism backgrounds, sometimes both. ACEing Autism is a group tennis program for participants with a 1:2 volunteer-to-participant ratio and a Program Director team that oversees the on-court and off-court organization.
The clinic runs 50 minute-sessions for six weeks. The program is as follows: Introduction, Group Warm-up, Hand-Eye Coordination, Racquet Skills, Tennis Skills, and Games. Participants who use AAC devices are welcome. Volunteers are trained in autism basics only. However, they do encourage children’s RBTs, aides, or therapists to jump on the court to help when possible. In addition, parents are asked to be nearby and may be asked to come on the court if needed.
Dates: Varies by location
Location: ACEing Autism offers more than 80 program locations nationwide, with Southern California having about 13 locations. Programs in Inglewood, MountainGate Country Club (near Getty Center), Echo Park, Burbank, and Long Beach are the closest programs in LA proper. They are always able to expand into areas where demand is high and can work with individuals to start a new location.
Register: You may register for ACEing Autism once you select your location.
Cost: On average, it costs $120 for a six-week session. Scholarships are available.
Ages: 5–18 years old, with a flexible upper limit
Format: In-person classes
AYSO has rebranded its renowned “VIP” Program to EPIC, standing for “Everyone Plays In Our Community.” The AYSO EPIC program offers modified soccer. The goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to offer a quality soccer experience for individuals with physical or mental disabilities who otherwise may find it difficult to participate on mainstream soccer teams. They define successful participation as the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members. The program provides EPIC Buddies who assist during the games, in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends. It's open to everyone from age 5 to adults.
Location: Locations are nationwide. Use the AYSO Region Locator to find a program near you.
Dates: Spring season begins in March, and fall season begins in August.
Register: To register, use the Region Locator and determine if your local organization hosts an EPIC program.
Cost: Ranges from no cost to discounted rates. The average rates are $40-$50 for EPIC programs compared to almost $200 for other programs. (Discounted rates vary by region.)
Ages: 5 years old and up
Website
2358 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 896-8461
info@beyondkarate.org
Format: In-person day camp
Beyond Karate offers inclusive karate classes that are structured for “all ages and abilities, including children with special needs and teens” under the direction of Sensei Mallica Skyler Cooper. Their summer camp offers a variety of fun and creative activities designed for those with autism and other disabilities. Camp activities include karate, dance, music, sports, and arts and crafts. Campers will also be able to participate in field trips to local splash parks.
Dates and times: June 17–August 9, 2024. Each week of camp is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Sign up for camp by filling out this form on their website.
Cost: $630–$810 per week or $162 per half day. Beyond Karate is vendored with Regional Center and takes Self-Determination funds.
Ages: 7 and up. Campers are grouped with their appropriate age range and rotate from one activity to the next scheduled activity.
1:1 aides: If campers need a 1:1 aide or adult support, families are required to provide them. The aide will need to fill out this form.
Website
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-7969
campnugget@csulb.edu
Director: Dr. Melissa Bittner
Format: In-person day camp
Organized by California State University Long Beach, Camp Nugget is a day camp helping participants develop physical skills through small group instruction. These small groups are led by students studying to receive an Adapted Physical Education Teaching Credential, who are supervised by Dr. Melissa Bittner. Throughout the program, campers engage in activities like swimming and exercising to strengthen their perceptual-motor skills, fundamental motor skills, and physical fitness. This also includes cooperative games, dance, and adapted sports.
Dates and times: June 17 - July 12, 2024 (no camp June 19 and July 4); Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Register: You can register for their summer program by filling out this form online.
Ages and disabilities served: 5–12 years old. This camp is open to children with and without disabilities.
Cost: $500 per camper. Siblings get a 50% discount.
1:1 aides: While there are no 1:1 aides provided by the camp, please contact Dr. Bittner if your child wants to bring a 1:1 aide.
Format: In-person classes
Founded in 1989, the Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations, they should do so. The Challenger program offers “buddies,” peer athletes who are in the Little League or Softball programs, to assist the athletes in areas of batting, base running, and defense as needed.
Location: Use the League Finder to locate a Challenger team in your area or email them at challenger@LittleLeague.org.
Dates: Varies depending on league but typically weekends from February to June.
Register: Registration varies by team location.
Cost: Each local Challenger Program sets its own policy with respect to registration fees, so it varies by region; however, most leagues do not charge a fee to participate. No player may be denied the opportunity to participate based on the inability to pay a registration fee. The Beverly Hills league, for instance, is offering free registration to any Challenger buddy baseball players.
Ages: 4–18 years old, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).
Website
1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 502-1100
info@sosc.org
Manager, Sports & Programs: Tracy Belloso
Format: In-person classes
Special Olympics “transform lives through the joy of sport, every day, everywhere.” It is “the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries and millions more volunteers and supporters.” They believe that through participation in sports, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer 12 sports, both individual and team sports, including Athletics (Track and Field), Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Dates:
Location:
Register:
Cost: Programs are free to the athletes and their families.
Ages: 2 years old and up. Programs are available for people with intellectual disability, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that have required specially designed instruction.
Website
Encino, CA
Owner: Kate Polich
(310) 867-9282
Format: In-person classes
Please note: Head Above Water is currently on hold for maternity leave but will be back in early 2024 for lessons. They recommend getting on their waitlist now.
Head Above Water was established in 2002 to provide swim lessons in the privacy and familiarity of a swimmer’s own pool. They have since expanded to provide their services to clients who do not have their own pool. A new location in Encino is coming in 2024 and will be announced here. They specialize in private, 1:1 swim lessons for all ages. There is only one swimmer in the pool at a time. They customize every lesson to each swimmer’s specific needs, and they offer lessons seven days a week. They have experience working with children with autism and other disabilities.
Register: For registration details, visit the Booking page.
Cost: $200 per half-hour lesson.
West LA College
9000 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
Lincoln Middle School
1501 California Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 821-0963
Recreational Services Manager: Shaun Cochran
Format: In-person classes
Leaps n Boundz offers an adaptive aquatics program for children and adults of all ages and abilities. They offer lessons in their year-round outdoor facilities. Leaps n Boundz accommodates and develops a lesson that is tailored to each client. Each swimmer is assessed and given individual swim goals. While a majority of their clients have autism, they do support individuals with a wide range of diagnoses.
Register:
Cost: Contact for out-of-pocket prices. Leaps n Boundz is vendored with Regional Center.
Website
(323) 364-7946
Program director: Kenneth Rippetoe, cell (310) 694-2579
Format: In-person classes
One with the Water! shares that they “live to inspire others to do what inspires them.” They offer children and adults, including those with disabilities, swimming lessons and empower people to be successful in and out of the water. It is their belief that people should continuously challenge themselves in order to fulfill their physical, emotional, and intellectual potential. One with the Water! realizes that many parents struggle to find a swim lesson provider who is the right fit for their child, and they know how important it is for the provider to be qualified, experienced, and compassionate. Their staff has over 35 years of experience teaching individuals of all ages and ability levels, and they have experience working with kids with autism, both speaking and non-speaking. All of their pools are ADA accessible.
Location: Locations throughout California include Berkeley, Burbank, Culver City, Laguna Niguel, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Montecito, and Santa Monica and private homes
Disabilities served: ADHD, anxiety, auditory processing disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, sensory integration issues, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, and other disabilities.
Register: To register for any location, sign up here.
Cost: $295 per month for 30-minute lessons.
Website
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Coach: Cameron Lee, Adaptive Manager
(626) 564-0330 ext 419
Format: In-person classes
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center offers an adaptive swim program for children with disabilities, aiming to give families the highest level of instruction and therapeutic benefits of swimming. Their mission is to provide quality swim lessons and aquatic therapy through inclusion, consistency, and progress. They have instructors and physical therapists who are comfortable working with children with significant support needs. Lessons are conducted in their therapy pool, which is heated year-round and is wheelchair-accessible using a hydraulic-powered chairlift. Instructor-to-swimmer ratio is 1:1 for private lessons, 1:2 for semi-private lessons.
Register: To inquire about registering and booking an initial assessment, contact Coach Cameron Lee at clee@rosebowlaquatics.org.
Cost:
Website
Santa Monica Swim Center
2225 16th St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 625-2974
Head Coach: Michael Flaherty
Format: In-person classes
Swim with Heart, a nonprofit organization, offers “year-round swim instruction and competitive swim team training with a focus on personal connection and the importance of having fun.” Specially trained instructors work with swimmers of all abilities to break through emotional, mental, and physical barriers and open up new possibilities.
Disabilities served: Available to all ages and diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, Fragile X, and Angelman syndrome.
Register: Fill out the registration form here.
Cost:
Website
Program Director: Chris Durian
(323) 622-9468
Format: In-person classes
SwimSCAAPE’s mission is to “give swimmers of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and/or cognitive challenges, the support, confidence, and skills necessary to safely experience the joy and health benefits of swimming.” They offer 1:1 standard and adaptive private lessons and “sensory swim” therapeutic sessions.
Disabilities served: swimmers of all abilities including those with physical and/or cognitive challenges
Location: Multiple locations in Brentwood, Hawthorne, Reseda, Santa Monica, and private homes
Cost:
Website
P.O. Box 1267
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
(877) 966-SURF
Format: Special one-day summer event
Please note: As of February 2024, the summer camps page has not been updated for summer 2024. Please check back frequently for 2024’s dates and registration information.
SURFERS Healing is a nonprofit offering those with autism an opportunity to go surfing together. It was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz for their son, Isaiah, who is autistic. When Isaiah struggled with behaviors and sensory overload, riding the waves with his father calmed him like nothing else. Volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism and their families a fun, engaging day at the beach. They believe that when they help kids get up on a board, they are challenging preconceived notions of capability and empowering individuals to engage with the world.
Disabilities served: Autism
Cost: FREE
Registration: Keep an eye on their webpage for summer 2024 registration links and dates. When you're ready to sign up, click on the event you'd like to attend. Fill out the required information, and wait to see that your request has been processed. After registration closes, you will be notified within 72 hours if you have been selected or if you have been placed on the waitlist.
Website
(619) 292-8970
Contact: Daniel Parsons, MS, CES, CSCS
Format: In-person classes
Surf the Spectrum, run by Kiera and Daniel Parsons, provides activity-based programs to enrich the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Surf the Spectrum offers surf, skate, and fitness programs as opportunities to promote independence, spatial awareness, and whole-person development. In all of their programs, they implement visual learning, communication, and behavior modification strategies. Families may sign up for one or multiple programs. Each client is evaluated by Daniel Parsons before lessons begin. Evaluation components include core stability, gross motor skills (locomotor and object control), posture and gait, balance and proprioception, behavior, and communication.
Dates and times: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura
Register: Reach out directly to book your first session. Sessions are 45–90 minutes depending on the program you choose.
Cost: Cost varies depending on the program you sign up for. Contact Surf the Spectrum directly to get an accurate rate.
Ages: Ages vary depending on the program you choose.
1:1 aides: Participants don’t typically have 1:1 aides, but Parsons works closely with participants to make sure they’re getting the most from the program.
Website
P.O. Box 4063
Malibu, CA 90264
info@therasurf.org
Format: Special one-day event
THERAsurf is a collective of parents and professionals serving the disability community with therapeutic surfing events to instill courage and confidence. THERAsurf providers believe in the life-altering effects of these experiences and the unforgettable memories they provide for the kids and their families. Their team members have extensive experience in the water and experience with a range of disabilities.
Disabilities served: Varying disabilities
Date: April 6, 2024
Cost: TBD
Registration: Fill out their sign-up form to participate in events.
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