Summer camps give our kids opportunities to make friends, build skills, and explore their interests. Check out our roundup of summer camps in Orange County for 2024, some of which are designed especially for kids with disabilities, and others welcome kids of all abilities. Our list includes educational and STEM-focused programs as well as camps that specialize in sports, performing arts, therapeutic programming, social skills, and more.
Be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for tips on getting social-rec funding and/or a 1:1 aide through Regional Center!
Website
P.O. Box 81004
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 288-1486
hello@bionerdsllc.com
Format: In-person programs
Bionerds offers a variety of summer camps designed to help kids get excited about science. Each camp focuses on a specific theme, from the ocean to the human body to bioengineering. At each camp, participants do hands-on activities to make biology come to life. Although Bionerds camps are not specifically designed for children with disabilities, some staff members have experience working in special education. If you’re unsure about whether the camp is the best fit for your child, contact them directly to discuss accommodations.
Location: Multiple locations throughout Orange County, including in Irvine, Newport Beach, and Orange. Find the full camp schedule online here.
Dates and times: Dates and times vary based on class and location. There are half-day camps that run 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. as well as full-day camps that run 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Ages: 5–12 years old
Cost: Costs vary depending on the camp you choose.
Registration: To register, choose a camp from the class schedule.
1:1 aides: Contact Bionerds to discuss your child’s needs and the possibility of accommodating aides during camp.
Website
Locations throughout California
(855) 446-4652
Format: In-person programs
Code Ninjas is a nationwide franchise dedicated to providing fun and educational computer programming and tech classes for kids. Summer curriculum has included week-long classes such as 3D Design and Print, Jr. Adventures in Game Design, Stop Motion Animation, Become a YouTuber, Intro to Roblox Development, Jr. STEM Discoveries, Robotics with Lego, Modding With Minecraft, and more. Class availability varies by location.
Location: Multiple locations throughout California. Find a camp near you and check out class schedules with their location finder.
Dates and times: Dates and times vary based on class and location. Most winter camps are half-day sessions, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Ages: 5–15 years old
Cost: Camps range in price based on location. The cost can possibly be covered under social-recreation funding through Regional Center.
Registration: Registration begins by selecting your preferred Code Ninjas facility and class through their website.
1:1 aides: Contact your selected Code Ninjas center to discuss the needs of your child and the possibility of accommodating aides in the classroom.
Website
953 N. Elm St.
Orange, CA 92867
(949) 288-1486
info@destinationscience.org
Format: In-person day camp
Destination Science is a day camp that encourages kids to get curious. Campers will learn scientific concepts while participating in games and outdoor activities. Although Destination Science camps are not specifically designed for children with disabilities, they’ve had campers with disabilities participate in the past. If you’re unsure about whether the camp is the best fit for your child’s specific needs, contact them directly to discuss accommodations.
Location: Multiple locations throughout Orange County, including in Irvine, Brea, Fullerton, Rancho San Margarita, and Tustin. See the full list of locations online here.
Dates and times: Camps take place weekly between June 10 and August 16, 2024, depending on location. Most camps meet Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Ages: 5–11 years old
Cost: Costs vary depending on the camp you choose.
Registration: Select your location and camp to find the registration link.
1:1 aides: Destination Science allows campers to attend with an aide. Read their Policy and Procedure Form for Aides for more information.
Website
Headquarters: 1021 3rd St.
Oakland, CA 94607
(800) 854-3684
Format: In-person programs
Galileo encourages children to think like innovators by creating new crafts, building, or inventing something every week, sparking their curiosity and imagination. This summer, Galileo is offering six week-long themed camps: Theme Park Rides, Dino Excavation, Castles and Catapults, Traveling Circus, Dinosaur Disguises, and Royal Celebration. The curriculum of each camp is adjusted based on the age range of the camper.
Location: The Newport Beach 2024 summer camp will be hosted at the Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School. The Irvine summer camp location hasn’t been confirmed yet, but a camp will be there too.
Dates and times: Both Orange County camps have several weekly sessions, Monday through Friday, from June 17 to July 26, 2024. Camp runs 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Parents can also get extended care 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. for an additional fee. The themes of each session vary by age and location.
Ages: Pre-K to eighth grade
Cost: Camp Galileo pricing varies by location and program; on average, the cost ranges from $375 to $500 per week. Extended care options are available for an additional cost, $40 for 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. and $80 for 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Registration: Registration for summer 2024 camps begins here on their website.
1:1 aides: Aides are generally accepted, subject to approval by Galileo Camps. Camps have a 12:1 camper-to-staff ratio.
Website
Statewide: Huntington Beach and Irvine
Format: In-person programs
At this WASC-accredited, STEM-focused camp, kids can learn more about coding, animation, robotics, and game design while building skills and having fun. Students don’t need any prior experience with these subjects before attending camp. Although Integem isn’t designed specifically for kids with disabilities, their small teacher-to-student ratio and multidisciplinary approach to learning has worked well for campers with autism, ADHD, and some learning disabilities. If you have questions about the camp’s ability to accommodate your child, contact support@integem.com.
Location: Fountain Valley High School in Huntington Beach or AITE Institute in Irvine.
Dates and times: Weekly sessions from July 8 to August 2, 2024, at Fountain Valley High School and June 24 to August 9, 2024, at AITE Institute, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Camps sign up for one week at a time.
Ages: 5–18 years old
Cost: $534–$589 per week depending on the week you’re signing up for.
Registration: To register, start by finding the camp location nearest you.
1:1 aides: Campers are welcome to bring an aide as long as the aide is age 18 or older and passes a background check.
Format: Online programs
Outschool offers over 140,000 class sessions covering a very diverse range of topics, ranging from languages and technology to art, science, and life skills. The classes are broken down by age groups and taught by enthusiastic educators. The setting encourages peer-to-peer interaction.
Dates and times: Classes are ongoing, and hours vary based on the classes you enroll in. See the schedule for details.
Ages: 3–18 years old
Cost: Cost varies based on class. Most classes are $10-$25.
Registration: Register by finding the particular class in which you are interested on their website.
1:1 aides: Outschool is generally fine with aides being present but recommends messaging instructors directly when you find a class in which you are interested to make sure they are open to accommodating. For more information, see Learning With Special Needs at Outschool.
Website
Multiple locations in California
info@planetbravo.com
Format: In-person program
Planet Bravo is considered LA’s leader in K–8 technology education and offers an award-winning summer computer camp for kids. Camps offer opportunities for learning to code, making movies, modding Minecraft, or building robots. Each day, campers have opportunities for fun group activities, indoor learning, and games outdoors. The project-based curriculum is designed to be engaging for all students. Check out their Camp Courses to see all of the offerings by grade level.
Location: Pacific Academy in Irvine
Dates and times: One-week sessions between June 24 and August 2, 2024, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Ages: Kindergarten to ninth grade
Cost: $360-$549 per week. Rates vary by registration dates.
Registration: You can register for the Irvine camps at this webpage.
1:1 aides: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated. Camps have an 8:1 student-to-staff ratio.
Website
Multiple locations in California
(888) 762-6808
Format: In-person programs
A group of aerospace engineers who love robots started Rolling Robots to give all kids the chance to discover their inner scientists. They have multiple locations and offer classes from beginner to advanced to teach children of all backgrounds the core concepts of STEM, robotics, and coding. Each camp lasts one week, and campers will have a different theme to choose from, including Game Design, Python Coding, 3D Design, LEGO Robot Build and Code, Artificial Intelligence, Minecraft MODs, and more.
Location: There are Orange County camps in Irvine, Newport Beach, and Tustin. Find more information about each location online.
Dates and times: Week-long and four-day camp sessions run from June 3, 2024 into August. Morning sessions run 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Afternoon sessions run 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Bootcamp full-day sessions are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Ages: 5–15 years old (classes are divided into appropriate age groups)
Cost: Weekly camps range $329-$475 for half-day sessions. Full-day sessions are $775 per week.
Registration: Check this webpage for information about enrolling in 2024 camps.
1:1 aides: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated. They aim for six to eight students per instructor.
Website
Santa Monica, CA
(424) 835-5324
sam@youngscholarsacademy.org
Format: Online programs
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual enrichment program designed to supplement and enhance neurodiverse students’ learning experience through small-group online courses. This summer, Young Scholars Academy is hosting eight weeks of summer classes. Students can enroll in a single summer class or, for a discount, enroll in an entire week of classes. There are STEM and Humanities tracks of classes that group together course types to make sure each student can enroll in classes that speak to their unique interests.
Dates and times: Summer camp consists of daily sessions Monday through Friday, from June to August. Hours vary depending on the camp you sign up for.
Ages: Fifth to twelfth grade
Cost: $220–$295 per week. They aim to create whole-week experiences where families can bundle camps for a more engaging experience.
Registration: You can see a full list of camp themes and register on their website.
1:1 aides: Aides and parents are welcome to be present during camp sessions. The average teacher-to-student ratio is 1:6.
Website
Artistic Director: Sari Anna Thomas
(949) 478-3224
Format: In-person and virtual programs
While most of their students have Down syndrome, Down for Dance is open to all abilities and has a handful of students who have other intellectual disabilities. Their online and in-person programs include Art Explorations, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Musical Theater. They are very open to students attending with a 1:1 aide for support, and they also have a volunteer program so that there are volunteers in the room for every class.
Location: In Orange County, classes are taught at Hart Academy of Dance in La Habra, Substance Fitness in Los Alamitos, Atomic Ballroom in Irvine, and the Dance Studio of Orange County in Huntington Beach.
Dates and times: The classes are scheduled for six-week sessions, but students are able to join mid-session, and tuition is prorated. Weekday classes are typically held in the afternoons, and Saturday classes are in the mornings, but specific class times vary depending on the class you sign up for.
Ages: Classes are designed for ages 7 and older. If your dancer is almost 7, Down for Dance is happy to consider younger dancers on an individual basis. If your dancer is 2–6 years old and you are interested in future classes for this age group, send Down for Dance a quick email letting them know, and they will reach out as soon as they are back up and running!
Cost: Prices range from $120 to $180 for six weeks depending on the length of the class (45-75 minutes) and whether it's in person or online. See their Tuition Rates page for full information.
Registration: You can register for in-person programs here and online programs here.
1:1 aides: They are very open to having an aide offer in-class support. They want to make sure the aide and instructor have a moment to connect prior to their first class so that everyone can be on the same page from the start.
Website
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 348-4248
cm@mckeemusictherapy.com
Format: In-person and virtual programs
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages. Executive Director Christine Deelo says she “would be happy to speak with the parents on how to help their child improve communication, behavior, and cognitive skills using music therapy.” All their music therapists maintain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Location: McKee provides therapy at their office in Irvine and in clients’ homes throughout Orange County.
Dates and times: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Christine Deelo for scheduling options.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Cost depends on several factors, such as location and session length. Estimates can be provided after a consultation with Christine Deelo. McKee is also vendored through Regional Center.
Registration: Contact McKee via email or phone to begin the registration process.
1:1 aides: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
Director of Straight UP Abilities: Robin Olive
(213) 559-7178
Format: In-person and online programs
Straight UP Abilities offers “professional performance art training to students of all abilities.” The programs are open to everyone as they pride themselves in creating more inclusion in their classes. They currently provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes, including an in-person dance class in Anaheim on Saturdays. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and sign language classes.
Location: Dance Precisions Dance Studio in Anaheim
Dates and times: Ongoing. The Anaheim class takes place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, but that could change in the summer. You can check the calendar online here for the most accurate information about class times.
Ages: All ages
Cost: $75 per month for a weekly in-person class or their online classes, plus a $25 registration fee.
Registration: Register by filling out this form.
1:1 aides: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
Website
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
community@scfta.org
Format: In-person programs
Studio D provides dance and music classes for students of all abilities. Students at Studio D are encouraged to explore movement and exercise, focus on growth, and find joy by connecting with others. Participants can choose general Dance and Music classes or Musical Theatre classes, which incorporate theater games and Broadway-inspired choreography. They also offer camps during the summer. Registration for their Five Days of Broadway summer program for campers ages 11–19 will open in early spring 2024; you can sign up for their email list to get updates on camp registration.
Location: Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa
Dates and times: Varies depending on the program you enroll in.
Ages: 4 years old and up
Cost: Varies depending on the program you enroll in. The spring 2024 season of classes costs $300, and the Five Days of Broadway camps range $650–$699. Scholarships are available based on financial need.
Registration: To register, start by creating an account.
1:1 aides: All Studio D classes are led by two teachers and a therapist to provide support, and classes are capped at just 10 students, so kids get a lot of individualized attention. If you would like an additional aide for your child, contact Studio D.
Website
Director of Program Operations: Justin Belisario, MD, (626) 297-3623
info@aceingautism.org
Format: In-person programs
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.
The clinic runs for 50 minute-sessions for six weeks at a time. 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.
Location: ACEing Autism has Orange County clinics in Yorba Linda, Trabuco Hills, Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo.
Dates and times: Varies by location.
Ages: 5–18 years old
Cost: On average, it costs $120 for a six-week session. The cost ranges from $10 to $20 per 50-minute clinic.
Registration: You may register for ACEing Autism online once you select your location.
1:1 aides: ACEing Autism encourages 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.
Website
Headquarters: 19700 S. Vermont Ave., Suite 103
Torrance, CA 90502
Format: In-person programs
AYSO has rebranded its renowned “VIP” Program to EPIC, standing for “Everyone Plays In Our Community.” 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: There are multiple AYSO regions throughout Orange County, including Region 213 in Irvine, Region 28 in Garden Grove, and Region 1335 in Orange. Use their Region Locator to find the region closest to your zip code.
Dates and times: Spring season begins in March, and fall season begins in August. Times vary depending on the region you play in.
Ages: 5 years old and up
Cost: The average rates are $40-$50 for EPIC programs. Discounted rates are available in some regions.
Registration: To register, start by finding your region in the online Region Locator. Then, you can find a website that includes registration and contact information for your region.
Website
101 N. Bayside Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 729-1098
directors@campjames.com
Format: In-person day camp
Camp James is an outdoor day camp where kids can socialize and learn new skills. Everything takes place on the campground, so kids don’t need to spend time bussing from place to place. Campers can try a variety of fun activities, including archery, crafts, martial arts, canoeing, drama, swimming, and sports. Although Camp James isn’t specifically designed for kids with disabilities, they try to accommodate most campers. They do ask that kids who are not able to feed, dress, or use the bathroom independently bring their own aide. Otherwise, they’re happy to discuss individual needs with families.
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Dates and times: Weekly sessions from June 10 to August 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Ages: 4–13 years old
Cost: $500-$650 per week depending on how early you register and how many sessions you’re registering for.
Registration: To sign up, fill out an application on their website.
1:1 aides: Campers are welcome to have aides at Camp James, but they’ll have to fill out some additional paperwork. Contact the camp to discuss options for your child.
Website
West Region Headquarters: 6707 Little League Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92047
(909) 887-6446
Format: In-person programs
Founded in 1989, the Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. 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 athletes in areas of batting, base running, and defense as needed.
Locations: There are several districts within Orange County, including District 46 and District 55. To find the Challenger Division closest to you, visit their League Finder online.
Dates and times: Varies depending on the league you’re in, but typically kids play weekends from February to June.
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).
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.
Registration: To register, first use the League Finder online to locate the district nearest you.
Website
Orange County Mailing Address: 2428 N. Grand Ave., Suite G
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 564-8374
info@sosc.org
Orange County Sports and Programs Manager: Steve Munoz
Format: In-person classes
Special Olympics 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, individuals with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, skills, and success. In a typical year, they offer 12 individual and team sports. From June through August 2024 in Orange County, bowling is the sport they’ll have available.
Location: After you fill out an athlete application, you’ll get more information about the location you’re playing in.
Dates and times: After you fill out an athlete application, you’ll get more information about the league you’re in.
Ages: 2 years old and up
Cost: Programs are free to the athletes and their families.
Registration: To register, start by filling out athlete application forms online.
Website
Fountain Valley Sports Complex
16400 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 490-3428
Director: Dr. Jodie Knott
Format: In-person day camp
Quest Therapeutic Camps is offering four themed weeks for their 2024 summer camp program. Past themes have included drama and movie week, video games and social media week, STEAM week, and Olympics week. The Quest therapeutic model incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and social skills development. Campers will practice new skills at camp that are transferable to everyday life.
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park in Fountain Valley
Dates and times: June 24–July 19, 2024, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. Campers must attend all four weeks.
Ages and disabilities served: 6–18 years old. Services are specifically designed for children with mild to moderate behavioral, emotional, and/or social difficulties. Campers don’t need a specific diagnosis to participate, but many previous participants have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and difficulties with sensory processing.
Cost:
Registration: Create an account to begin the registration process.
1:1 aides: Participants don’t have a 1:1 aide, but the program has a purposefully low camper-to-staff ratio so that campers get plenty of personal attention.
Website
31641 La Novia Ave.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-0108 ext. 1226
Executive Director: Lindsay Eres
Format: In-person day camp
Special Camp is back this year with three sessions of week-long programs between mid-July and early August 2024. Like previous years, Special Camp’s 2024 program focuses on strengthening camper’s learning abilities, communication skills, emotional well-being, and social development. Throughout Special Camp, campers and counselors develop personal relationships thanks to their 1:1 ratio. Counselors are not there to act as therapists or mentors; instead, they aim to be a “friend who supports and encourages” the camper they are matched with. Together, campers and their counselors get to participate in a range of fun activities designed with all abilities in mind, such as visiting the zoo, theme parks, beaches, pools, and more.
Dates and times:
Register: Returning campers can sign in to complete their registration form, while returning campers must fill out a registration form and create a new account. The priority deadline is March 15, after which there’s no guarantee that openings will be available.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Cost: $675, which includes a non-refundable $175 registration fee. Need-based financial assistance is also available.
Ages and disabilities served: Ages 6–21. Camp staff has experience working with campers with a range of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. Special Camp generally has a number of wheelchair users attending, so the staff is committed to wheelchair accessibility as much as possible.
1:1 aides: Although campers don’t technically have 1:1 aides, Special Camp has a 1:1 ratio of campers to counselors.
Website
Irvine Location:
15375 Barranca Parkway, Building D
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 333-1209
Yorba Linda Location:
22343 La Palma Ave., Unit 116
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714) 340-0511
Format: In-person day camp
The counselors at Stepping Forward Counseling Center have put together this summer camp as an opportunity for kids with disabilities to build skills for everyday life and have fun. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, sports, and drama while building motor, cognitive, and emotional processing skills with trained professionals.
Location: Irvine and Yorba Linda
Dates and times: In Yorba Linda and Irvine, camp will take place weekly from June 10 to August 23, 2024, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Stepping Forward counselors recommend that campers register for at least three weeks to see results.
Ages and disabilities served: 4 and up. Camp staff have experience working with kids with “mild to moderate emotional and behavioral difficulties.”
Cost: $675 per session, which includes a non-refundable $175 registration fee. Need-based financial assistance is available.
Registration: You can apply on their website.
1:1 aides: Stepping Forward typically has a 3:1 ratio of campers to counselors. Reach out to staff to discuss having a 1:1 aide for your camper.
