Keep your child busy this summer while building their skills! These summer camps, compiled by the Undivided Research Team, are all either designed specifically for kids with disabilities or welcoming of kids with extra support needs. Whether your child is interested in robotics, dance, sports, surfing, or other fun activities, check out one of these summer programs for kids in the San Diego area.
For information about funding camps and social-rec aides through Regional Center, see our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer!
Website
Locations throughout California
(855) 446-4652
Format: In-person programs
Code Ninjas is a nationwide franchise dedicated to providing fun and educational week-long computer programming and tech classes for kids. Summer curriculum has included 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 camps are half-day sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 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: Code Ninjas recommends contacting your selected Code Ninjas center to discuss the needs of your child and the possibility of accommodating aides in the classroom.
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. Previous themes have included 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 campers.
Location: Carlsbad
Dates and times: The Carlsbad camp will take place in several weekly sessions between July 24 and August 2, 2024. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Ages: Kindergarten to eighth grade
Cost: $365 to $490 per week depending on how many sessions you sign up for. 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.
1:1 aides: Aides are generally accepted, subject to approval by Galileo Camps. Camps have a 12:1 camper-to-staff ratio.
Website
6822B El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 356-1103
Format: In-person day camp
Little Fish Comic Book Studio hosts a camp every summer, giving artistic kids and teens the opportunity to practice drawing and writing their own comics. During camp, kids will learn how to turn their ideas into a finished comic. Although Little Fish Summer Camp isn’t designed specifically for kids with disabilities, Little Fish celebrates neurodiversity and will do their best to accommodate all kids’ needs. You can contact Little Fish directly to see if the camp would be a good fit for your child.
Location: Little Fish Comic Book Studio in San Diego
Dates and times: The 2024 kids’ camp will take place for nine weekly sessions from June 10 through August 9. The teens’ camp has four weekly sessions: June 10–14, June 24–28, July 8–12, and August 5–9. All camp sessions take place Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3 p.m.
Ages and disabilities served: 7–17 years old
Cost: $275–$305 per session depending on how soon you register.
Registration: You can apply on their website. For campers ages 7–11, you can sign up here. For campers ages 12–17, sign up here.
1:1 aides: Contact Little Fish directly to see about having an aide for your child.
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
231 E. Main St.
El Cajon, CA 90202
(619) 579-6197
contact@armswideopensd.com
Format: In-person classes
Arms Wide Open is a dance and music studio that offers classes for kids of all abilities. Students can choose ballet, tap, line dancing, swing dancing, hip-hop, modern, or contemporary as well as voice classes. Arms Wide Open also provides private music lessons for students interested in learning how to play an instrument.
Location: El Cajon and Escondido
Dates and times: Classes are ongoing. You can check out the Ej Cajon schedule here and the Escondido schedule here.
Ages and disabilities served: All ages and disabilities
Cost: $70–$400 per month depending on the number of classes you want to sign up for.
Registration: To sign up for a class or lessons at Arms Wide Open, contact the studio by email or phone.
1:1 aides: Yes, they are open to 1:1 aides attending.
Website
2061 Village Park Way, Suite 227
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 815-8512
info@pacthouse.org
Format: In-person and online classes
The nonprofit organization Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) has been providing free improvisational theater workshops for teens and young adults with autism and other disabilities for more than a decade. Each workshop is run by two experienced workshop directors as well as two assistant directors, both of whom are young adults with autism. According to PACT, participants in the workshops frequently come away from classes with improved communication skills and hope for the future.
Location: Dance North County in Encinitas
Dates and times: Ongoing
Ages: Teens and young adults. The majority of workshop participants have autism, but PACT is open to students with other disabilities as well.
Cost: Improv workshops are free.
Registration: To register for workshops, contact the PACT office by email or by phone.
1:1 aides: Contact PACT to discuss the possibility of your child bringing a 1:1 aide.
Website
4699 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 715-0678
info@autismsocietysandiego.org
Format: In-person day camp
The Autism Society of San Diego runs this summer camp every year for member families. At Surf Camp, campers will work with their own surf instructor to get more comfortable on a surfboard. They’ll also be able to participate in beach games as well as arts and crafts with other campers. To participate in this camp, your family must be a member of the Autism Society of San Diego.
Location: La Jolla Shores, San Diego
Dates and times: 2024 dates haven’t been confirmed yet. Camp typically runs from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Ages and disabilities served: 5 and up. Surf camp is designed for kids with autism.
Cost: Check back online in May 2024 for more information about camp costs this year. Financial aid is also available based on family need.
Registration: Registration for the 2024 Surf Camp will open in May. Check back on the website then to register online.
1:1 aides: All kids at surf camp will have their own surf instructor. If you want an additional aide for your child, reach out to the Autism Society of San Diego.
Website
6822B El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 356-1103
RebeccaB@autismtreeproject.org
Format: In-person day camp and one-day events
Bridge to the Beach is a partnership between Autism Tree, the San Diego Junior Lifeguards, and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. They host a week-long camp and Family Beach Days each summer where kids with autism can make new friends and try out a variety of water activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking.
Location: San Diego
Dates and times: The 2024 Bridge to the Beach camp dates haven’t been finalized yet, but camp is typically in mid-July. Sign up for the Autism Tree newsletter to get more information about 2024 programming.
Ages and disabilities served: All ages. The Bridge to the Beach program is designed for kids with autism.
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration for the 2024 Bridge to the Beach events isn’t open yet. Sign up for the Autism Tree newsletter to get up-to-date information about camps and events.
1:1 aides: Every camper is paired with a junior lifeguard or volunteer, so there is always a 1:1 ratio. If you’d like an aide for your child, reach out to Autism Tree.
Website
P.O. Box 180025
Coronado, CA 92178
director@campableatcoronado.org
Format: In-person day camp
Camp Able is focused on giving campers with disabilities access to aquatic and other outdoor activities. During camp, participants will have a chance to go sailing, canoeing, swimming, and hiking. The staff at Camp Able is trained to provide a safe, fun experience for all campers.
Location: Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado
Dates and times: Camp Able will take place from July 1 to August 8, 2024, 9:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Camp will be closed July 4–5, 2024.
Ages and disabilities served: All ages and disabilities
Cost: $450 per five-day session or $95 per day
Registration: You can register online starting the first week of April 2024.
1:1 aides: Camp Able is open to campers bringing their own aides. Reach out to discuss your child’s specific needs with camp staff.
Website
4699 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 715-0678
info@autismsocietysandiego.org
Format: In-person day camp
Camp ICAN is a recreational camp for kids and teens with autism. At this day camp, participants can play games, do arts and crafts, and have fun with other kids in a supportive, safe environment.
Location: San Diego and Carlsbad
Dates and times: 2024 dates and times haven’t been confirmed yet. Check back on the Camp ICAN website in the spring for more information about this year’s camp.
Ages and disabilities served: 6–17 years old. Camp ICAN is designed for kids with autism.
Cost: Check back online in spring 2024 for more information about camp costs this year. Financial aid is available based on family need.
Registration: Registration for Camp ICAN’s 2024 session will open on April 17, 2024. Check back on the website then to register online.
1:1 aides: Reach out to Autism Society San Diego to discuss bringing an aide to camp.
Website
441 Saxony Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(858) 715-0678
Format: In-person daily field trips
Friendship Circle San Diego hosts Camp Let Loose, a week of field trips for kids and parents alike. Every day, campers visit a fun new place in the San Diego area. Last year, locations included the Fleet Science Center, Get Air Trampoline Park, and Birch Aquarium.
Location: San Diego
Dates and times: 2024 dates and times haven’t been confirmed yet. Check back on the Friendship Circle San Diego website in the spring for more information about this year’s camp.
Ages and disabilities served: All ages and disabilities
Cost: $10 per camper per daily field trip. Parents and aides can attend for free.
Registration: Registration for the 2024 Camp Let Loose isn’t open yet. Check back on the website in the spring to register.
1:1 aides: Camp Let Loose allows aides to attend field trips for free with campers. Each camper is also paired with a volunteer.
Website
441 Saxony Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(858) 715-0678
Format: In-person day camp
Junior Adaptive Sports Camp is an opportunity for kids and teens with physical disabilities to participate in adaptive sports. Campers can try out wheelchair rugby and basketball, adaptive golf, swimming, water polo, and other activities. All counselors at this camp have experience working with youth with disabilities.
Location: San Diego
Dates and times: The 2024 camp will take place July 22–26, 2024, weekdays 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Ages and disabilities served: 4–18 years old. This camp is designed for campers with physical disabilities such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries. The camp is most beneficial for kids with at least some use of their arms and the ability to push a wheelchair. Campers who don’t typically use a wheelchair can use a sports wheelchair provided by the camp to participate in some sports.
Cost: $250 per camper
Registration: Registration for the 2024 Junior Adaptive Sports Camp opens on April 1, 2024. Check back on this webpage when it’s time to register.
1:1 aides: Contact the staff to discuss a 1:1 aide for your camper.
