Website
40885 Shaver Forest Road
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
(559) 593-2504
info@centralcaladaptive.org
Central California Adaptive Sports Center aims to empower people with disabilities and support their well-being by providing accessible outdoor adventures. These adventures are designed with a variety of disabilities in mind, and activities and equipment are adapted accordingly. CCASC offers programs in both summer and winter, providing individuals with a range of one-day or weekend dates to choose from. Program activities may include mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and paddle boarding. If you see a date that works for you, reach out via email or phone to get more details about activities, agendas, and fees.
Format: In-person, full-day
Ages and disabilities served: All ages and disabilities; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
1:1 aide: There are no 1:1 aides offered for this program, but staff assistance is available, and caregivers or family members are encouraged to participate.
Website
1 Minaret Rd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-0791
info@disabledsportseasternsierra.org
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is a nonprofit “providing adaptive sports and therapeutic outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.” Throughout the year, they offer seasonal programs, daily lessons, military sports, group and family programs, and camps during winter and summer. Their Adaptive Mountain Bike Camp will take riders along Mammoth Mountain trails over the course of two days. Passes, equipment, and lunch are provided. The summer programming dates are dependent on weather. If it is a heavy snow year, they start programs later in the year.
Format: In-person, full-day
Age range: All ages
Disabilities served: Physical or intellectual disabilities
1:1 aide: Support riders are provided if needed. Campers are also welcome to bring their own support rider.
Website
1 Minaret Rd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-0791
info@disabledsportseasternsierra.org
During the summer, DSES’s professional staff and volunteers teach adaptive paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking, and road cycling. They specialize in working with students of all ages and abilities using advanced adaptive techniques and equipment to help athletes achieve their goals. They have a fleet of adaptive equipment. They teach techniques that are tailored to the abilities and goals of each student emphasizing safety and fun. Passes, equipment, and lunch are provided.
Format: In-person day programs
Age range: All ages
Disabilities served: Physical or intellectual disabilities
1:1 aide: They will provide the amount of support needed for the individual. Sometimes it is one instructor, and sometimes it will be several depending on the overall need.
Website
University of California, Santa Barbara Recreation Center
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 569-8999, ext. 82102
Contact: Rene Van Hoorn, Coordinator
The Junior Wheelchair Sports camp provides recreational and competitive opportunities for youth athletes with physical disabilities who use a wheelchair, or could use a wheelchair, to participate in sports and recreation. Activities include basketball, rugby, tennis, swimming, hand cycling, climbing wall, and more. The five-day camp is held at the Recreation Center on UCSB campus. Camp is free to all participants. They have volunteers and nurses at the activities to assist with participants, but they are limited as far as lifting in and out of wheelchairs and feeding assistance. For those needs, families will need to send a 1:1 caregiver to assist.
Format: In-person
Cost: FREE
Age range: 6-21 years old
Disabilities served: Physical disabilities
1:1 aide: If assistance with feeding and lifting in and out of wheelchairs is needed, families will need to send an aide with their participant.
Website
783 San Andreas Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831)761-1142
anne@gombhtc.org
The Monterey Bay Hosemanship and Therapeutic Center is a non-profit therapeutic riding center that offers equine-assisted behavioral modification for all levels of physical and emotional needs. They have been open for over 27 years and currently have a 30-stall barn. They promote and cultivate community participation in all aspects of their working horse ranch, the barn, and its extended life skills programs. They teach skills that transition to work and independence through both mounted and unmounted equine activities. Their programs include the Respite Program, Saturday Club Program, Young Adult Program, Community Integration, and Work Program. They also have a United States Pony Club and lesson program.
Format: In-person
Age range: 2–70 years old
Disabilities served: All levels of physical and emotional needs. Some disabilities they work with include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, MS, and physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: Call for details.
Website
info@ncasarp.org
North County Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program is “a non-profit organization established in 2011 that offers year-round supervised adaptive sports and recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities of North San Luis Obispo County, with the intent of fostering the participant’s social relationships and personal growth.”
Format: In-person
Cost: FREE
Age range: All ages
Disabilities served: Developmental disabilities
1:1 aide: Due to the nature of this program and the individualized attention of the instructors and volunteers, typically there is not a need for 1:1 aides.
Website
1383 Bolton Dr.
Morro Bay, CA 93442
(805) 235-1157
info@projectsurfcamp.com
Project Surf Camp aims to foster the “self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy” of individuals with disabilities through surf, paddle boarding, and other aquatic activities. Each camp is overseen by professionals with master’s degrees in special education and recreation, helping participants ”build social skills, improve physical fitness, develop healthy stress-reduction outlets, and foster independence.”
Format: In-person, half-day
Age range: All ages
Disabilities served: Physical or intellectual disabilities
1:1 aide: Due to the nature of this camp and the individualized attention of the instructors, typically there is not a need for 1:1 aides.
Website
Region office:
4531 Market Street #F
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 662-2336
Contact: Morgan Santiesteban, Director of Programs, Region 1
Contact: Reese Swanson, Manager of Programs, Santa Barbara & Ventura counties
Special Olympics Central California “transforms 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, individuals with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, the organization offers 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. Cheerleading will be coming soon. In the summer 2025, they will offer bowling, which includes individual with ramp and single bowling as well as teams of four.
Cost: Free
Age range: 8 years old and up
Disabilities served: Intellectual disabilities
1:1 aide: Please email to discuss your child’s unique level of support needs to see if this program would be a good fit.
Website
Contact: Rob Dwyer, Owner
Swim for All Santa Ynez Valley is an adaptive swim program created by Rob Dwyer, with the mission to enable and empower all abilities in the water. Private and semi-private lessons are available, during which participants “play their way to the fundamental building blocks of all swimming strokes and refine the skills toward making the client a beautiful swimmer.” Other services offered include Concierge Aquatics where clients receive instruction at their own pool or one of Swim For All’s pools. Swim services for this may include personal training and aquatic rehabilitation, swim lessons, water polo and swim team skill building, private classes, endurance training, and stroke refinement. They also offer a water aerobic class designed for individuals who experience arthritis and fibromyalgia. Participants can take advantage of the weightless environment that the pool offers and minimize harsh impacts that can aggravate joints. Each exercise in this class can be performed at varying levels of intensity, so participants of all abilities can work out at a pace that challenges them without overdoing it. The 60-minute exercise classes have a maximum of 20 students per class. Classes must be booked in advance.
Format: In-person, half-day
Age range: All ages
Disabilities served: Physical and intellectual disabilities
1:1 aide: Not needed in private or semi-private lessons; contact Rob Dwyer to discuss details.
Website
9300 Valley Children's Place
Madera, CA 93636
(559) 353-6659
adaptivesports@valleychildrens.org
Contact: Laura Osejo, Adaptive Sports Coordinator
The Adaptive Sports Program at Valley Children’s Healthcare provides “free recreational and athletic experiences for those with physical disabilities or mobility impairments.” Every month, the program offers a variety of clinics for participants to enjoy, such as tennis, track and field, basketball, soccer, and more. Each event runs for two hours, and the location varies depending on the activity. Families and siblings are welcome to participate in the clinic and can even volunteer if they’d like. This year, they have plans for rock climbing and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. The adaptive tennis, adaptive biking, and adaptive track and field events may be scheduled for spring depending on weather and availability of staff and location.
Format: In-person, half-day
Cost: Free
Age range: Ages 2-21
Disabilities served: Physical disabilities or mobility impairments such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or amputations
1:1 aide: Aides are accepted on a case-by-case basis. They prefer family members. A waiver for all aides will be required. Contact Adaptive Sports Coordinator Laura Osejo by phone to discuss specific supports needed for your child.
Website
Mariposa Elementary School
5044 Jones Street
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966–3155
Contact: Ava Burns, Coordinator
Led by naturalists, scientists, indigenous culture keepers, and teaching artists, this program is designed to allow students to safely explore and celebrate preserved natural landscapes near to where they live. Activities include building a model of Mariposa watersheds, harvesting and making indigenous foods and medicines, learning stories, legends, and local histories, weaving baskets with willow stems, measuring ecosystem health with scientific tests, making music with nature, creating pottery with local clay, painting with natural dyes.
Format: In-person
Cost: Free to enrolled Mariposa County Unified School District and Sierra Foothill Charter School students.
Age range: Students entering TK to 6th grade in fall 2025.
Disabilities served: While this is not a camp specifically designed for children with disabilities, they have had children with low support needs attend successfully.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend. Please contact them directly to let them know your camper will have an aide attending with them. They do have a behaviorist on staff to manage social-emotional issues that may arise during camp for all campers.
Website
Studio/Ranchette near Enochs High School
Modesto, CA
(209) 324-0361
Families can group together and form their own summer day camp. Five total campers are allowed for this option to share the cost and enjoy an individualized camp day. Families will choose their favorite activities and schedule their own day, Saturdays included. Day camp includes crafts, horse rides, foosball, air hockey, and other games.
Type of camp: In-person day camp
Age range: 7 years and older
Disabilities served: Autism, ADHD
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome.
Website
Impact Dance Center
4923 Lincoln Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
(949) 478-3224
Down for Dance (DFD) is offering a six-week summer camp both online and in person. A description of the courses offered can be found here. DFD connects the Down syndrome community and all abilities through movement and art, including yoga classes as well as dance. A video of a recent performance can be found here.
Format: In-person and online
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.
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
Tulare Location:
425 E Inyo Ave.
Tulare, CA 93274
(559) 315-2263
admin@eagerstudios.com
Visalia Location:
2332 W Whitendale Ave. Suite A
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 627-9500
joseph@eagerstudios.com
Eager Studios offer a variety of summer camps to enhance children’s musical journeys. Both locations offer camps such as Rock Bands, Glee Club, Songwriting, and Preschool classes.
Type of camp: In-person
Age range: 3.5 years and up
Disabilities served: This is an inclusive facility that tries to accommodate all individuals as best they can.
1:1 aide: Aides will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The camp recommends that participants who need more individualized attention enter a smaller group class or even explore 1:1 classes.
Website
3009 W. Bullard Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 420-1334
info@gooddirtpotterystudio.com
Contact: Christy Manning, Owner
Good Dirt Pottery Studio offers inclusive instruction courses for individuals with learning and physical disabilities. Current courses include wheel throwing, pottery painting, and watercolor. They are vendored with the local Regional Center and also accept Self-Determination funding for class payment. Participants can be creative at their own pace while building self esteem, communication, and social skills in a fun environment. Right now, they offer their Limitless class multiple days a week, which is geared toward the disability community. This will continue during the summer months in addition to summer camps. The summer camps are designed for campers with fewer support needs. Those with greater needs are encouraged to look into the Limitless program.
Format: In-person
Age and disabilities served: All ages. The Limitless program is specifically for those who have learning and physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend. Contact them directly to make arrangements for accommodation needs.
Website
1700 McHenry Ave. Suite 50A
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 529-2264
admin@julineschoolofdance.com
The Juline School of Dance offers exciting summer programs that include activities beyond dancing such as painting, drawing, acting, and singing. They end their camps with an in-house performance on the final day of camp for friends and family. Throughout the year, they offer a class on Monday nights taught by a teacher trained in special education. They also allow children with disabilities in their main programming if the families feel it is a good fit.
Format: In-person
Cost: Varies
Age range: 4–10 years old
Disabilities served: Call to discuss if a program is a good fit.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome. Please notify them if you plan to send an aide with your camper.
Website
110 Santa Barbara Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 573-0533
pmodestosound@gmail.com
Contact: Lucky Lew, Sound Engineer
At Modesto Sound Recording Arts Camp, campers work in a real music studio and learn about mics, recording, interviewing, writing, and teamwork. Campers will create original songs, learn live sound, and visit a local radio station. The camp ends with a live stage performance by campers for friends and family at the Gallo Center of Arts. The camp is only offered once during the summer, so space is limited.
Type of camp: In-person
Age range: 8–12 years
Disabilities served: While this is not a camp specifically designed for neurodivergent children, they have had students with ADHD participate in past years. They have stairs at their location, so those with mobility issues may not be a good fit for this camp.
1:1 aide: Call them directly to discuss. They will accommodate if possible.
Website
931 10th Street #743
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 701-3545
info@theshiningstarsproject.org
Led by Vivian David-Nichols and Rachel Pearre, The Shining Stars Project is an inclusive performing arts program dedicated to providing a creative space for individuals of all abilities. They offer year-round programs from acting and dancing to music and theater and provide a platform where talents can be nurtured and community fostered. The curriculum includes inclusive script development, tech, stage design, and performance workshops that culminate in a full stage performance.
Type of camp: In-person class, year-round
Age range:
Disabilities served: All disabilities.
1:1 aide: Call them directly to discuss.
Website
19825 Seaborn Rd.
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)532-2066
Contact: Jessica Harbin, Office Manager
American Sports Acro and Gymnastics offers programming year-round for multiple levels of gymnasts from beginning to advance. They have aerial arts and ninja classes along with tumbling. The summer programs will incorporate these skills to keep the campers active and engaged. While the program does not have specific adaptive classes at this time, they do have participants enrolled with intellectual disabilities.
Format: In-person
Age range: 5 and up
Disabilities served: This camp is not designed specifically for children with disabilities, but children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and ADHD have had success at their camps and year-round programs in the past.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome. Please contact Office Manager Jessica Harbin by phone to discuss. She works in special education through the local school district so is familiar with disabilities and working with families to provide support.
E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center
801 Niles Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 325-3730
Contact: Seth Williams, Enable Coordinator, extension 253
Contact: Ryan Padilla, Club House Coordinator, extension 259
Lamont Club
8301 Segrue Rd.
Lamont, CA 93241
(661) 845-4253
Stockdale Club
5207 Young St. Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 663-8733
The Boys and Girls Club of Kern County (BGCKC) offers summer day camps throughout the months of June to August. Two of the three locations have the Enable Program, which is a program designed to help those with disabilities successfully participate in activities at the BGCKC. They work directly with the Kern Regional Center to provide additional support at the BGCKC programs. To enroll in the Enable Program, families must reach out to their Regional Center coordinator directly to apply. The Regional Center coordinator will reach out to the Enable Programs Coordinator to make sure that the BGCKC can accommodate the child within programs being offered. The process takes about two to three weeks in total to be completed. For more information on this or if you have specific questions, please email Seth Williams. BGCKC offers a variety of programming options year-round for youth in addition to the summer day camps. Contact Ryan Padilla, Club House Coordinator at extension 259 for specific questions about year-round programs at the three Club Houses locations.
Format: In-person day camps
Age range: 5 -17 years. All participants must be toilet trained.
Disabilities served: The Enable Program is able to accommodate those with physical disabilities and developmental delays. The camp facilities have ramps and other things in place to assist those with physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: If the child is a part of the Enable Program, a 1:1 aide is not usually needed due to the individualized attention given with a small child-to-adult ratio (typically 3:1). 1:1 aides are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Club House Coordinator.
Website
Torres St & 4th Ave.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-3285
Contact: Ivonne Patnaude, Programs Director
Format: In-person
Carmel Youth Center will offer seven weeks of full-day summer camps this year. Their camps include outdoor and indoor activities such as music, games that promote leadership skills, arts and crafts, sports, and nearby field trips. They do what they can to minimize screen time at the camp.
Age range: 5–14 years old
Disabilities served: This camp is not designed specifically for children with disabilities, but children with disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, or ADHD have had success at their camps in the past. The staff is willing to accommodate as best as they can; however, they did disclose that the facility has stairs that could be an issue for those with physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome.
Website
411 East Kern Avenue
Tulare, CA 93274
(559) 685-2300, ask for Parks and Recreation Department
Contact: Lindsay Viramontes, Recreation Supervisor
The Tulare Recreation Department offers youth programming throughout the summer with sports, arts, and STEM education. Campers will enjoy indoor and outdoor activities such as group sports, games, crafts, skits, and movie sessions. Campers must bring their own lunch. Snacks may be purchased at the camp, or campers can bring their own snacks. The camp is limited to 50 children.
Type of camp: In-person camp
Age range: Kindergarten-6th grade
Disabilities served: The camps are not specifically designed for neurodivergent students, but the camp staff wants to support as best they can. Contact Lindsay Viramontes, Recreation Supervisor by phone or email to discuss your camper’s support needs. She can review the daily schedule with you and your family to see if it is a good fit.
1:1 aide: They have not had 1:1 aides attend programming in the past, but they are open to this and willing to work with families. The families would need to provide the 1:1 aide.
Website
Mary Ella Brown Ctr.
1350 E. Annadale
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 488-1502
Fresno Parks and Recreation summer camps offer youth team-building games, crafts, and cool science experiments.
Type of camp: In-person half-day camp
Cost: FREE
Age range: 7–14 years
Disabilities served: This is not a camp specifically for campers with disabilities, but they are willing to work together with families to have support in place for a successful camp experience.
1:1 aide: Contact them directly to make arrangements for accommodation needs.
Website
2309 Tulare Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-3000
Fresno Unified School District offers a wide variety of camps including adventure, creative arts, career discovery, sports and fitness, and STEM. The camps are located throughout Fresno County.
Type of camp: In-person day camp
Cost: Free for Fresno Unified students
Age range: Children and teens entering TK through 12th grade in the 2025 school year
Disabilities served: The camps are not specifically designed for students with disabilities.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides can be present for camps, but the camp organizers do not provide an aide. The families work with the school district directly regarding aide support. The school district will determine on a case-by-case basis if a student is eligible for support services during camp.
Website
John Muir Hall, West Campus
2201 Blue Gum Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 575-6043
Contact: Suad Alsamiri, Programs Director, (209) 575-6063, ext. 6
Modesto Junior College offers 13 weeks of summer programming with classes such as robotics, art, STEM, archery, cooking, musical theater, and much more. This year, they will offer more cooking classes as that was very popular last year. The camp offers a “lunch bunch” group for an additional fee for campers who book both a morning and afternoon camp during the same week. Campers participating in this group will need to bring their own lunch.
Format: In-person day camps; half-day camps
Age range: 5 years-17 years; archery is 16-17 years old ONLY; cooking classes are 9-15 years old ONLY.
Disabilities served: They do not provide adaptive programming but offer an inclusive and supportive environment. Any family needing additional support for their camper should contact Suad Alsamiri, Programs Director directly to discuss the specific needs of the camper.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome but must be provided by the family.
Website
11605 Old Friant Road
Fresno, CA 93730
(559) 248-8480 ext. 157
Contact: Katie Kincaid, Programs Director
For over 20 years, the River Parkway Trust has been offering exciting, fun, and safe day camp experiences for children at River Camp. The camp has an experienced staff of counselors, mentors, and directors who engage children in activities that enhance their understanding of, and connection to, the San Joaquin River. Campers will enjoy exploring wildlife habitats, playing games, creating arts and crafts, and building new friendships during their summer camp experience. These are offered through Fresno, Madera, and Central Unified School Districts plus Firebaugh. Groups of typically 12-14 campers of similar age are led by a counselor and 1-2 Junior Leaders. The River Camp Inclusion Program (RCIP) offers beneficial support for a child's camp experience, whether it be 1:1 support or simply additional accommodations. The intake process includes an interview with the Trust’s Inclusion Coordinator to determine the level of support needed and if the camp is a good fit for the child. Parents can participate in the camp if they desire. Each RCIP participant will be assigned an Inclusion Specialist who will act like a counselor but be able to give 1:1 support as needed. Inclusion Specialists can assist with toileting but cannot administer medication.
Type of camp: In-person day camp
Age range: 3.5 years old up to entering 8th grade in fall 2025.
Disabilities served: The RCIP seeks to provide an inclusive camp experience.
1:1 aide: Contact Katie Kincaid at (559) 248-8480 ext. 157 or by email with questions about bringing support or applying for the RCIP program.
Website
San Luis Obispo location:
888 Ricardo Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(844) 254-6287, ext. 1
Santa Barbara location:
5160 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93111
The Pad Club is an indoor rock climbing facility. Campers do not need to have prior climbing experience to attend camps or use the facility. Each day is packed full of topics such as climbing techniques, route setting, belaying, knot tying, and yoga along with fun games, crafts, and meeting new friends. They are an inclusive program. They believe “inclusion means inclusion without exception and that all climbing is all good; all climbers are all good. The Pad has always been committed to giving access to anyone who wishes it and will uphold the values of the organization, making it a safe and inclusive space for all.” The Santa Barbara location is scheduled to open in spring 2025.
Format: In-person, half-day and full day
Age range: 6-14 years
Disabilities served: Autism; the camp counselors and coaches are certified with the US Center for Safesport and with Autism Climbs. They will support other disabilities if they can safely. They ask that families reach out directly to discuss their child’s specific needs.
1:1 aide: Contact them directly to discuss your child’s specific needs. 1:1 aides are welcome.
Website
University of California Merced
5200 North Lake Rd.
Merced, CA 95343
Contact: Mariah Gonsalez, CalTeach Director of K12 Outreach and Education
Bobcat Summer STEM Academy is a series of two-day and weekly workshops for first through twelfth grade students located at the University of California Merced campus. Workshops are created by UC Merced faculty, postdocs, research scientists, students, and staff. Workshops are designed to give students one-of-a-kind, hands-on STEM experiences. Spots are limited to 24 students per workshop.
Type of camp: In-person
Age range: Entering 1st grade to 12th grade in fall 2025.
Disabilities served: Campers with disabilities will need to complete a form that provides the camp administrators with additional information to help them understand the specific needs and supports that may help the camper at the camp.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome. They must complete the same documentation as the campers, including a waiver, photo release, and medical form. They also need to notify the camp in advance if they want to eat lunch on campus.
Website
Summer 2025 location:
Garfield Elementary in Clovis Unified
1315 N. Peach Ave.
Clovis, CA 93619
(559) 285-1725
Contact: Judy Bower, co-owner
Guided by experienced staff, campers will complete Lego builds around exciting themes such as engineering, architecture, animated movie making, super heroes, Minecraft, amusement parks, space adventures and robotics, and more. Their camper-to-staff ratio does not exceed 10:1.
Type of camp: In-person , half-day
Age range: 4-14 years old. Specific age requirements depend on the camp.
Disabilities served: This is not a camp specifically for campers with disabilities, but they are willing to work together with families to have support in place for a successful camp experience.
1:1 aide: Contact them directly to discuss support needs. Families will need to provide 1:1 aides.
Website
PO Box 2517
Aptos, CA 95001
Camp Sea Lab programs are full of aquatic activities and marine science. Stewards of the Sea will include activities such as snorkeling, surfing, sand crab study, plankton exploration, visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium, dissection, conservation activities, scientific illustration, and beach play. Beach Biology and Breakers activities include surfing basics, whale watching, kayaking, boogie boarding, marine mammal artifacts, sand crab studies, shorebird observations, and marine conservation activities. Ocean Forest Odyssey activities include snorkeling, kayaking, algae pressing, gyotaku, tidepooling, plankton studies, fish dissection, and beach play. All camps will learn about marine ecology, ocean conservation, and different marine habitats.
Format: In-person day camp
Age range: 8–15 years old
Disabilities served: Their program is not structured to give individualized attention, but they do keep the ratio of instructor-to-camper low (1:8), and they have an administrator who floats between the groups to assist as needed. They have had children with disabilities attend successfully in the past.
1:1 aide: This camp does not allow 1:1 aides. They require participants to be able to independently access the programs offered.
Cresconova Global provides online learning for intellectually curious learners. The classes offer a multidisciplinary approach to learning that is a fun, hands-on experience. Classes have a maximum of eight students with one teacher to allow individualized attention. Because the classes are online, students engage and collaborate with other peers worldwide. Their summer program, Summer Sparks 2025, offers a variety of courses for lower and upper elementary aged students that focus on mathematical skills and science fundamentals.
Format: Online
Cost: Varies depending on course chosen.
Age range: 6–11 years
Disabilities served: 2E, gifted
Website
Multiple locations throughout California
(855) 446-4652
Code Ninjas Tracy location
1841 W. 11th Street
Tracy, CA 95377
(209) 319-0600
tracyca@codeninjas.com
Code Ninjas Bakersfield location
9902 Brimhall Road, Suite 300
Bakersfield, CA 93312
(661) 573-9955
codeninjascv@gmail.com
Code Ninjas is a nationwide franchise dedicated to providing fun and educational STEAM and tech classes for kids with hands-on science and social skills curriculum. The Tracy location includes themed summer camps such as Jr. Inventors, YouTube Stars, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Creator, Coding, Lego and more. Check back soon for the themes and camp dates offered over the summer at the Bakersfield location.
Format: In-person
Age range: 5–14 years old
Disabilities served:
1:1 aide:
894 West Belmont Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 498-5910
Learn all about how animal behavior, diet, and appearance change as the seasons do during camp. Campers will enjoy daily zoo tours, animal visits, crafts, and games. This summer, there are three main camp theme weeks. During Golden Gate Greats week, campers will learn about the diverse animals native to California. Herp, Herp, Hooray is a week-long camp designed to teach campers about lizards, snakes, and frogs (all herptiles) and the essential role they play in our ecosystems. During Zooviver week, campers learn how animals outwit, outplay, and outlast others to survive in their habitats of the ocean, rainforest, and desert. All campers for the Zooviver camp must be 12 before the first day of camp, no exceptions. The zoo will also offer a week-long Zoo Art Academy where campers explore various art mediums, including drawing in pencil and ink, oil pastels, and watercolor. The zoo also hosts Science Saturday events; Camo Critters on August 23, 2025 includes a presentation by an animal ambassador, a take-home craft, a snack, and admission to the zoo.
Format: In-person day camp
Age range: 3–17 years depending on the program.
Disabilities served: Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an inclusive program.
1:1 aide: 1:1 support is welcome. The camp does not provide an aide but allows outside agencies to join with campers as needed. Inquire with them directly for more information.
Website
275 N. Minnewawa
Clovis, CA 93612
(559) 472-3941
High Performance Academy’s goal is to provide a valuable and enjoyable experience for children while remaining accessible and affordable for parents. Campers will get to explore the Wild Water Adventures park with its rides and pools to keep cool as well as other water activities such as slip and slides, water balloon launcher, water balloon toss, super soakers, human car wash, and sponge tag. They will also have arts and crafts focused on weekly themes. Camp sports tournaments include flag football, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, handball, and dodge ball. Other activities such as team-building games, skits, songs, lip syncs, relay races, minute-to-win-it contests, talent shows, highlight ceremonies, and dance parties will fill up the camp day.
Format: In-person day camp
Age range: 7–14 years old
Disabilities served: Contact for details.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend with participants. Contact the camp ahead of time to let them know of the arrangement.
Website
350 W Yosemite Ave.
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 580-4070
Contact: Celine Vajdak, Operations Manager
Kids Discovery Station offers a weekly camp full of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. They have a Family Access and Inclusion Program that allows families with children who have disabilities a free annual membership to the Kids Discovery Station and a discounted rate for summer camps. It is open for all disabilities. To apply, families must go in person to the Kids Discovery Station and fill out the form. For additional information on the program, families can contact Celine Vajdak, Operations Manager. Check back year-round for other adaptive programs, such as sensory nights on Mondays for individuals with autism.
Format: In-person day camp
Age range: 6–10 years old
Disabilities served: This camp is not specifically designed for children with disabilities, but all are welcome to attend.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome. Please contact Kids Discovery Station prior to camp dates to complete any paperwork needed.
Website
400 River Road
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 455-1901
info@montereyzoo.org
Contact: Angela Bahena
Campers will gain a better understanding of wildlife through direct interaction with the animals as well as games, arts and crafts, lectures, demonstrations, and other exciting activities. All campers receive a camp T-shirt and individual photograph with a very special large zoo animal. The camp also offers Roar and Smores the Friday of camp week to give “campers and their family the opportunity to enjoy some evening time together at the zoo. All experience a nocturnal flashlight safari, a campfire dinner with the zoo staff, games, and fireside snack as well participating in the Crunch Time Big Cat feeding tour and Rhino Bedtime. This is not a sleep-over; children go home after this event.”
Type of camp: In-person day camp
Age range: 7–12 years
Disabilities served: This camp is not specifically designed for children with disabilities; however, per the camp director, the camp is open to everyone, and they have had children with disabilities successfully participate in the past. They are not able to accommodate significant behavioral issues or campers who elope.
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides are welcome at the camp. Please contact them directly to discuss prior to the start of camp.
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