Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! These day camps in the Los Angeles area feature fun activities like arts and crafts, sports, performing arts, music, and much more to help kids build social skills, independence, team skills, and motor skills while school is out for summer break, so browse the list to find a program that sounds like a good fit for your child. This article has plenty of tips on questions to ask to help you find the right summer camp.
Be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for information about getting support from Regional Center to fund a camp and/or aide for your child!
Website
1651 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 650-0919
admissions@asteme.com
ASTEME is a non-profit program designed to enrich students’ understanding and enjoyment of math through real-world applications. Their goal is to help campers develop a life-long love of math and science. Offering full- and part-time curriculum throughout the year, ASTEME also offers nine weeks of summer programming. Each week focuses on a different theme and integrates math and science lessons into that theme. The students will be separated into different groups based on grade levels. Each group will have an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Friend request groupings can be made one week prior to camp if the students are within one grade of each other.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: Kindergarten to eighth grade
1:1 aide: 1:1 aides can be accommodated, but ASTEME will need to approve them on a case-by-case basis.
Website
13110 Bluff Creek Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90094
Contact: Carolyn Everhart, Manager of Environmental Education
(310) 306-5994
Ballona Discovery Nature Camp is an outdoor science day camp based out of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. During camp, children learn about the natural world while exploring Ballona, identifying plants and animals, and talking about environmental responsibility. Each week-long camp focuses on a different subject.
Format: In-person program
Age range: 8–11 years old (entering 3rd to 6th grades)
1:1 aide: As much as possible, Ballona will work with a family to make sure a camper can participate in their summer camp, including allowing the presence of a 1:1 aide. Notifying Ballona of your camper’s needs prior to enrollment will ensure that the camp is capable of accommodating them.
Website
3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-1091
contact@bridges.edu
Bridges Academy is a school in Studio City specializing in 2E education for grades 4–12. They offer a variety of online and in-person summer camp options for 2E students to enjoy, including writing, robotics, speech and debate, animation, art, cooking, chemistry, game play, and sports.
Website
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 724-3623
Summer programming will cover multiple scientific disciplines from chemistry to earth science, with classes geared toward specific grade ranges. Previous camps included interactive tours of exhibits, live demonstrations, and exclusive Q&A sessions with onsite scientists and animal care staff. Instructors are trained educators who hold degrees in science or education.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: Pre-K through eighth grade. Campers should enroll in the class that represents the grade they will be entering in the fall.
1:1 aide: The Science Center is happy to accommodate student aides as needed. They request that after enrolling, you contact them directly at educationprograms@californiasciencecenter.org to inform them of the details for the student and their aide.
Website
Locations throughout California
(408)459-0657
support@integem.com
Camp Integem offers programs in augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, drones, art, animation, 3D design, game design, space tech, and more. This is a “hands-on adventure in innovation and creativity. No prior knowledge is needed. Students will learn at their own pace and use their imagination to step into a world of endless possibilities at Camp Integem!” For more information, read through the FAQ for their camps.
Format: In-person
Age range: 5.5–18 years old
Disabilities served: Children with autism and intellectual disabilities have had successful experiences at these camps.
1:1 aide: Aides are welcome but must be at least 18 years old, be a licensed healthcare professional or caregiver in California, a non-family member of the student, pass a California DOJ Criminal Background Check via California LiveScan, and provide valid professional credentials. Families are responsible for all costs associated with the aide.
Website
Locations throughout California
(855) 446-4652
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.
Format: In-person programs
Ages: 5–15 years old
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.
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
Age range: 6–11 years
Disabilities served: 2E, gifted
Website
Multiple locations
(657) 255-7855
info@destinationscience.org
Destination Science is a nationwide franchise dedicated to providing fun and educational STEAM-themed camps for kids with hands-on science and social skills curriculum. 2025’s camp themes are Wild Robot Science Quest Camp, Coaster and Carnival Mystery Camp, and Galactic Space Academy Camp. If you’re unsure whether the camp is the best fit for your child’s specific needs, contact them directly to discuss accommodations.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 5–11 years old
1:1 aides: Destination Science allows campers to attend with an aide. Read their Policy and Procedure Form for Aides for more information.
Website
Brentwood Learning Center
11777 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 129
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 571-1176
Newport Beach Learning Center
1151 Dove Street Suite 140
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 381-7400
Contact: Dr. Daniel Franklin, Clinical Director
Franklin tutoring services provide individualized academic support for students with learning and behavioral differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, executive functioning difficulties, autism, and auditory and visual processing difficulties. In addition to tutoring and educational therapy, in past summers Franklin has offered small group or 1:1 sessions covering a variety of topics, such as arts and crafts, music, drama, journalism, creative writing, foreign languages, STEM, and more. Please contact Dr. Daniel Franklin, Clinical Director directly for information on their programming, as it is a rolling admissions to accommodate families with busy summer schedules. Dr. Franklin will complete the initial intake directly to determine which services would best suit the family.
Format: In-person and online programs
Dates and times: Rolling admission
Age range: 5 years old and up
Cost: They are contracted with local Regional Centers, and payments can also be made using Self-Determination funding.
1:1 aide: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated.
West Los Angeles:
1640 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Ste. 100
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 445-2516
Los Angeles Miracle Mile:
5757 Wilshire Blvd. Promenade One
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 692-0603
Fusion Academy offers in-person summer courses at two different campuses in Los Angeles. Kids can also participate in virtual themed summer camps featuring hands-on group assignments and creative projects. Campers can choose from themes like Game Design, Digital Media Arts, Social Entrepreneurship, and College Prep.
Format: For-credit summer courses are offered in-person; themed camps are offered virtually.
Disabilities Served: The staff works with kids who have ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and autism with minimal support needs. The Director of Outreach emphasizes that Fusion Academy is not specifically a special education school. However, if a student has some “slight learning challenges,” the school can accommodate them with a special education lead.
Age range: 6th–12th grades
1:1 aide: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated. Classes have 1:1 instruction. Online camps include small groups of three to six students with a 1:3 teacher-to-student ratio.
Website
Headquarters:
1021 3rd St.
Oakland, CA 94607
(800) 854-3684
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 offers theme weeks like team color day, crazy hat day, and Jalloween (Halloween in July!). The curriculum of each camp is adjusted based on the age range of the campers.
Format: In-person programs
1:1 aides: Aides are generally accepted, subject to approval by Galileo Camps. Camps have a 12:1 camper-to-staff ratio.
Website
P.O. Box 111720
Campbell, CA 95011
(888) 709-8324
hello@iDTech.com
iDTech offers an immersive environment on college campuses for kids seeking to learn computer programming languages and game design. Classes include week-long studies of computing topics such as Roblox, Minecraft, game design, Java, Lua Coding, modding, BattleBots, Python, Unity, and AI. For kids who are interested in learning about transitioning to life on a college campus, there is the option for sleeping in the dorms. For students who prefer to access their camp online, there are two-week virtual summer camps.
Format: In-person, online, and sleepaway
Disabilities served: Testimonials from families of twice-exceptional students with interest in STEM have found this summer program to be a good fit and a scaffolded introduction to college life.
Age range: Ages depend on the course, ranging 7–17 years old.
1:1 aide: Please call to discuss your child’s unique level of support needs to see if this camp would be a good fit.
Website
Torrance, CA
Contact: Renee Zoota-Lucero, Owner/Head Game Master
Lazaryth Adventures is a unique gaming experience tailored to specific needs and interests of the players. The environment is free from judgement and anxiety. The owner is on the autism spectrum herself so understands that navigating social situations can sometimes be challenging. Through Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), participants will enjoy storytelling, teamwork, and imagination while developing their social skills and confidence.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: Ages 9+
1:1 aide: Please let the owner know the support needs of your child.
Website
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3466
info@nhm.org
For the last 30 years, the Natural History Museum has offered seasonal day camps for students to explore dinosaurs and nature in new ways. Campers are given hands-on experiences and up-close access to 4.5 billion years of life on Earth. Through the use of the research and collections of the museum, campers have “jumping off point for exploration and adventure.” The instructors and counselors are professional educators with experience in teaching and science.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: Kindergarten through eighth grade
1:1 aide: The camp’s staff-to-child ratio is designed to provide the best experience for campers. 1:1 aides allowed on a case-by-case basis. Email them directly to discuss.
Website
Multiple locations
info@planetbravo.com
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 can participate in fun group activities, indoor learning, and games outdoors. The project-based curriculum is designed to be engaging for all students. Frequently asked questions about what can be expected when attending their camps can be found here.
Ages: Kindergarten to ninth grade
1:1 aides: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated. Camps have an 8:1 student-to-staff ratio.
Website
Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-1139
info@realmlearning.com
REALM welcomes all kids and has a creative environment where kids can explore what they are passionate about and thrive. Throughout the year, they have over 150 classes available and different clubs such as their youth hiking club. REALM seasonal camps include a range of activities such as science lab, art studio, and maker’s space where campers can work on LEGO stop motion, sushi making, or coding their own video game. Other experiences include off-campus beach days, swimming, rock climbing, and museum visits. The teacher-to-camper ratio is 1:8. Four-week summer classes are also an option for summer programming. Please check their website for class options and schedules.
Format: In-person
Ages: 4 years and up
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend.
Website
Three locations in Los Angeles County:
North LA/Pasadena
301 East Colorado Blvd. Suite 100
Pasadena, CA 91101
(424) 445-6689
South Bay/Palos Verdes
704 Bart Earle Way, Suite 201
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(424) 206-9466
West Los Angeles
Rolling Robots West LA
2951 S Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90274
(424) 677-5151
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 in robot-making, Roblox, Minecraft, coding, and 3D printing. No prior experience is necessary. Rolling Robots teaches children of all learning backgrounds the core concepts of STEM, robotics, and coding. Each camp lasts one week, and campers will have different themes to choose from, including Game Design, Python Coding, 3D Design, LEGO Robot Build and Code, Artificial Intelligence, Minecraft Mods, and more.
Format: In-person day programs
Age range: 5–15 years old. Classes are broken into appropriate age groups.
1:1 aide: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated. They aim for six to eight students per instructor.
Website
6043 Tampa Ave.
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 345-3002
Contact: Mike Stilson, Executive Director
Valley Trails Tarzana STEAM camp provides a maker space where campers will learn to use hand tools, electronics, robotics, 3D printers, computer modeling & design software, computer game development software, virtual reality, and new media to design and build just about anything. Staff members work to inspire and guide campers to be tinkerers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers. Details on the camp themes can be found here. These camps are not specifically for children with disabilities, but they do welcome all campers and will work with families to see if their camp is a good fit for them.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 1st–6th grade depending on camp chosen.
1:1 aides: Contact Executive Director Mike Stilson directly to discuss the specific needs of your child. The camp cannot provide 1:1 aides directly but will work with the family to see if the camp program is a good fit for their child and will allow 1:1 aides to attend. They do request that the family sends the same aide throughout the entire week.
Website Summer Smarts
5461 Louise Avenue
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 986-5045
Contact: Mia Cariño, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
Westmark School is a college preparatory school dedicated to educating and empowering young people in grades 2–12 with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other diagnosed language-based learning disabilities. They offer a Summer Smarts program for both students and non-students. Summer Smarts features two pathways of half-day programming: Academics and Entrepreneurship. Academics is open to all the grades while Entrepreneurship only to high school grades. Enrollment is a four-week session. Students in the academic pathway take core intervention classes in reading, writing, and math, plus one elective.
Campers who enroll at Summer Smarts can also choose to enroll in Camp Westmark, which is a recreational summer camp. Activities at this camp include arts and crafts, basketball, ceramics, coding, cooking, dance, gaga, karate, robotics, science, and more. They have weekly themes, spirit days and special activities, such as water slides, a foam party, a reptile show, a color run, and a bubble show.
Format: In person
Ages: Grades 2–12. Summer Smarts Entrepreneurship is for grades 9–12 only.
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are not permitted.
Website
Santa Monica, CA
(424) 835-5324
sam@youngscholarsacademy.org
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual enrichment program designed to supplement and enhance neurodivergent students’ learning experience through small-group online courses. Last summer, Young Scholars Academy hosted eight weeks of summer classes like D&D, Improv, Cryptology, and Digital Art. 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. The staff members at Young Scholars Academy have experience serving 2E children with autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.
Format: Online programs
Ages: Three age groups: 5-7, 8-12, and 13-18
1:1 aides: Aides and parents are welcome to be present during camp sessions. The average teacher-to-student ratio is 1:6.
Website
2512 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 583-7134
Contact: Dr. Katie Enney, Clinical Director
Blast Camp is a safe learning space where children can develop coping skills for stressful environments such as school. During Blast Camp, therapy takes place during social play. Campers will participate in developmentally appropriate activities and practice verbalizing their feelings, dealing with frustration, following instructions, and building impulse control.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 5–14 years old
Website
6001 Chesebro Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(805) 551–8680
dr.lesli.scheduling@gmail.com
Buddy Building Camp is an educational camp for 2E children and highly gifted kids with learning and behavioral challenges. It is structured as a “four-week day program where campers learn social skills such as self-awareness, team-building, sportsmanship, conflict resolution, self-reflection, and cooperative play through sports, art and nature activities. Campers spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring nature and working with the animals on Dr. Lesli’s ranch. In addition, community skills are practiced with visits to local museums, scavenger hunts, and other community-based field trips. The camp works on a reward based system wherein the campers earn Buddy Bucks that can then be redeemed for prizes.”
Format: In-person
Ages: 8–13 years
Website
Brighton Hall
755 Whitnall Hwy.
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 253-9082
newgrowthincla@gmail.com
Camp Kelly’s mission is to create a space where children thrive and can be themselves. Campers can develop lasting friendships while participating in activities such as music, cooking, sensory time, arts and crafts, science, dance, and water play. Camp Kelly encourages you to bring your child's support person. If your child has behavioral concerns, they are required to have an outside 1:1 aide accompany them to camp. They accept ABA providers, respite workers, 1:1s from the camper's school, nannies, and other individuals who might work with your child throughout the year. Campers do not need to be toilet trained.
Format: In-person
Ages: 5–18 years
Website
10323 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suites 102, 103, & 106
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 421-CARE
info@care-la.com
CARE-LA offers in-person weekly social skills classes featuring play-based activities led by Dr. Erin Cantwell. These groups are small in size and peer-matched for similar skill levels and goals. The groups are also individualized to address each group member's specific needs. Participants will practice taking turns and sharing, listening to one another, recognizing social cues, and focusing on mindfulness.
Format: In-person therapeutic classes
Ages: 4–12 years old
Website
Summer camp 2025 location:
Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center
8303 Rochester Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(877) 774-7978
ekaamp@chasing7dreams.org
Chasing 7 Dreams is a nonprofit organization focused on building support and advocacy for those with developmental disabilities. Throughout the year, they host E-KAAMP Social Recreation Programs for youth where they teach social skills such as coping skills, communication, and relationship building. They have a section on their intake form where families can disclose what supports will be needed for their child.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages: 9–17 years
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are welcome to attend camps.
Website
2023 S. Westgate Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 899-9597
officemanager@childsuccescenter.com
The Child Success Center offers a variety of programs throughout the year to promote social skills, self-regulation, and gross and fine motor skills, including through individual therapies and group therapies such as the handwriting club and the friendship club. The Child Success Center offers a Kindergarten Enrichment Camp for three weeks over the summer that includes activities that develop crucial skills for kindergarten success. These include early reading and writing, adapting to new routines, building social-emotional skills, and making new friends. They transition the center's gymnasium into an adventure space with swings, a trampoline, and a climbing wall.
Format: In-person half-day camp
Ages: Children transitioning into kindergarten
Website
Compass Clinic
11000 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Friendship Island is an opportunity for kids who have trouble making and keeping friends to build social skills in a fun environment. Counselors will help campers approach others, read social cues, regulate their emotions, and negotiate conflicts during daily activities and role-plays. Children will be grouped by age at a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Counselors are experienced therapists who have received advanced training and supervision with licensed psychologist Dr. Erika Rich, who offers summer social skills programs for kids. Contact her at (310) 749-6427 or fill out their online inquiry form.
Website
The Help Group Autism Center
13164 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
(818) 781-0360
Contact: Sue Anne Kaples, Programs Coordinator
The Help Group offers in-person summer enrichment camps for kids with social challenges. The camps provide a fun, safe, and stimulating environment specially designed to promote social skills development and stress reduction. Campers can make new friends as well. The camps are staffed with experienced counselors who incorporate evidence-based practices into the daily schedule. Camp activities include social skills, fun and fitness, engaging games, science experiments, arts and crafts, and field trips. Siblings are welcome.
Format: In-person day camp
Disabilities served: Camps are designed for those 6–17 years old who have autism or similar support needs.
Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199
The LA Speech & Language Therapy Center has been providing comprehensive treatment and other services to kids with autism and other disabilities since it was founded in 1979. During the summer, they host two multi-week camps, each of which is intended to help participants with speech and language development in a fun, social setting.
Website
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
admin@themiracleproject.org
info@themiracleproject.org
The Miracle Project offers inclusive programming in theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts for both speaking and non-speaking people with autism and other disabilities. Their goal is to foster community and help participants develop social skills and build self-esteem. In addition to their improvisation-based social skills groups, the Miracle Project has classes focused on acting and musical theater. Families may reach out to the Miracle Project staff to get more information about different classes.
Format: In-person and online programs
Ages: 5 years old and up depending on the class you choose
Website
2716 Ocean Park Blvd. Suite 1065
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 869-4025
suzanne@socialfoundationsla.com
Social Foundations provides meaningful, practical, and in-depth social development for kids as well as substantive education for parents. It’s a supportive social learning community that helps students develop the skills they need to build and keep healthy connections. Social Foundations’ summer camp in Culver City provides a positive experience for kids and teens who need some support with social learning. Campers will practice social skills such as flexible thinking, social problem-solving, managing feelings and reactions, and responding to social cues in a fun, activity-filled environment. In addition to summer camp, Social Foundations offers ongoing weekly Social Skills Groups for kids ages 5–14. Those groups are split based on age and gender.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: 5–15 years old
1:1 aides: 1:1 aides are allowed.
Website
11460 W Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 337-7115
therapywest@therapywest.org
Contact: Sarah Wagner, OT and Kids Scouts Program Coordinator
Therapy West Kid Scouts is a social skills program designed to provide strategies that help children and their families gain improved independence and active participation with others in their community. Kid Scouts is for children who desire to gain friendship skills and can be safe in community outings with a 4:1 child-to-staff ratio. Groups are broken down according to chronological and developmental ages. Each group is composed of about eight children, one occupational therapist, one teacher, and parents.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: 5–18 years old
1:1 aides: Not provided; contact for details if you want to bring your own.
760 Westwood Plaza, Room 27-384
Los Angeles, CA 90095
socialskills@mednet.ucla.edu
(310) 825-0142
Contact: Shriya Nayyar, Clinic Coordinator
The UCLA Children’s Friendship Program assists elementary school children who have difficulty making or keeping friends through skill-building group sessions led by licensed psychologists. The program will be offered virtually in summer and run for 12 weeks. During that time, kids meet once a week on Wednesday evenings, and parents meet on Tuesday evenings.
Format: Virtual programs
Ages: Second to fifth grade. 7-year-old first graders can be accepted into the program starting April of their first grade year.
Website
760 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 267-3377
peersclinic@ucla.edu
UCLA offers a social skills training program known as the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS). The PEERS program is “world-renowned for providing evidence-based social skills treatment to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional problems.” UCLA offers a wide range of PEERS programs for all ages. In addition to the year-round social skills sessions, UCLA also offers boot camps held on weekends for such topics as conversations, dating, friendship, and handling bullying, all hosted at the UCLA campus. They also offer an online PEERS Virtual Boot Camp, open to all ages, which include 35 pre-recorded episodes covering all PEERS skills. Parent participation is a key component to the success of the PEERS programs.
Format: There are both in-person and Zoom options for 16-week programs as well as boot camps.
Ages:
Website
42-600 Cook Street, Suite 201
Palm Desert, California 92211
(760) 321-8184, extension 9
info@ucpie.org
The UCP Skills Building program offers year-round after-school and summer programs for youth with disabilities. Activities include fitness, arts and crafts, and community outings to promote socialization. They have three locations where programs meet weekly, so contact them directly to get more information on joining their current program. Participants are required to be able to participate in a small group independently without a 1:1 aide.
Format: In-person
Ages: 7–22 years
Cost: FREE
Website
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Info@AdriansPlaceSM.com
Adrian’s Place is a community hub helping young adults with disabilities create social connections by providing a space for them to “meet, talk, share experiences, and offer advice” with their peers. Their programs provide a variety of options that bring together peers with similar interests or objectives, including recreational, social, and academic programs. During summer programs, campers explore and develop “life skills, social skills, collaborative thinking, self-expression, peer interaction, problem solving, and independent growth.”
Format: In-person programs
Ages and disabilities served: Two groups for ages 13–17 and 18+. All abilities are welcome.
1:1 aide: If an aide is helpful for your child, contact the camp team to discuss your child’s needs. Any participants who are not self-sufficient in the bathroom or require personal care will need to have a caregiver or support person present.
Website
6001 Chesebro Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(917) 697-2227
Contact: Dr. Lesli Preuss, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Child psychologist Dr. Lesli Preuss developed Buddy-Building Camp specifically for children “who struggle in mainstream summer camps.” Dr. Preuss supports campers’ social-emotional development by providing sports, arts, and nature-based activities to practice skills such as team-building, sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and cooperative play. Camp activities include visiting many of the museums in the city, exploring the outdoors, enjoying nature, playing at the playgrounds, and exercising.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Designed for ages 8–13, but the age range is flexible. The majority of campers are kids with autism, ADHD, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, speech/language disabilities, and emotional disabilities.
1:1 aide: Campers don’t have 1:1 aides, but Dr. Preuss purposefully keeps the number of campers small to ensure that kids receive individualized attention from her and the counselors.
Website
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 494-6889
info@bloompediatrics.com
The in-person camp at Bloom Pediatrics uses occupational therapy principles to foster campers’ sensory exploration, fine and gross motor development, social thinking abilities, communication, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills. Each day provides a structured environment for campers to participate in planned themed activities as well as free play. Music, games, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, and guided learning all provide campers with the opportunity to explore and practice their skills as well as participate in sensory integration exercises. Each day includes circle and snack time.
Format: In-person half-day or full-day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Designed for ages 2.5–6, but they’re flexible. Children do not need to be receiving occupational therapy to participate and do not need to be toilet trained to attend.
1:1 aide: Campers don’t have 1:1 aides but are placed in small groups based on their age, abilities, areas of strength, and areas of stretch. There are no more than four children per group, so all the kids get individualized attention.
Website
500 Walnut Avenue
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 951-1889
Contact: Erica Hogle, Short-Term Programs Coordinator
California School for the Blind’s Summer Academy program provides students with opportunities to explore new skills and technology through their weekly academies. Each week, there are multiple academies for the student to choose from, featuring a unique variety of themes like Dungeons and Dragons, podcasting, food travel, science, coding STEM, sports, guide dogs, 3-D printing, and more! Students can attend one academy per week.
Format: In-person or online
Cost: Free
Ages and disabilities served: Each week is designed for a specific age range, with the youngest age being 9 years old. Students attending CSB courses have varying types and degrees of visual impairments; they do not need to be legally blind to participate.
1:1 aide: The program does not provide a 1:1 aide. Contact if you wish to discuss providing your own aide.
Website
Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network
1815 213th Street, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 328-0276
Camp Escapades offers a traditional summer camp experience that allows children of all abilities to have fun at camp rather than “meeting treatment goals.” Because they aim to be “inclusive of everyone’s needs,” the camp is staffed with a multidisciplinary team trained to adapt or modify activities for each camper. Though activities are done in groups, campers are able to have a family member present or be assigned a 1:1 assistant. The camp will help families determine if their child is able to participate and have a “fun and safe experience” as well as if they need a little extra support. Camp Escapades’ commitment and structure make it a welcoming environment for children with disabilities to participate in sensory experiences, dance, sports, fine motor skill development, music, games, yoga, cooking, and special events.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Ages 5–14. Activities and facilities are wheelchair-accessible.
1:1 aides: Camp Escapades has experience helping campers with significant support needs. Campers who need additional support might have a behavioral therapist, family member, or nurse attend with them. Additionally, each camper is paired with a 1:1 buddy, typically a high school student or college student who is exploring occupations working with children with disabilities. The buddies aren’t formal aides, but they encourage their campers to participate in camp activities.
Website
Brighton Hall
755 N Whitnall Hwy.
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 253-9082
newgrowthincla@gmail.com
Camp Kelly began in 2022 in Burbank and is run by New Growth, Inc. under Nicole Webb, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As an adjunct professor at CSUN in the Child and Adolescent Development department, Nicole has worked with children and teens with autism, behavioral challenges, trauma, and other various disabilities or mental health conditions. Camp is staffed with trained behavioral professionals. There will be a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and 1:1 support aides are permitted. Activities include theme-based weeks, talent show day, music and camp songs, local field trips, arts and crafts, swimming and water play, cooking, sports (with a concentration on team and relationship-building skills), science experiments, social skills training, and sensory breaks and activities.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Camp Kelly is open to kids of all abilities from the ages of 5 to 18. Some common diagnoses they work with include autism, ADHD, emotional or behavioral challenges, Down syndrome, and other genetic disorders.
1:1 aides: If your child requires 1:1 support, please contact the organization before you fill out the camp registration form to discuss options. If your child has behavioral concerns, they are required to have an outside agency 1:1 accompany them to camp. The organization accepts any ABA providers, respite workers, 1:1s from the camper’s school, nannies, or other individuals who might work with your child throughout the year.
Website
13164 Burbank Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
(818) 779-5103
Camp Sunshine is a day camp organized by The Help Group, a non-profit providing resources and services for families who have children with autism, “learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, and emotional challenges.” Camp Sunshine, along with their other Kids Like Me Camps, is designed to provide opportunities for campers to “engage in, experience, and explore” activities and skills. For Camp Sunshine, this includes life skills, independence, fostering relationships, and building confidence and self-esteem. This creativity-focused camp is perfect for children and adolescents with autism to develop their “unique strengths and abilities through themed activities.” For a specialized enrichment camp focused on learning, language, attention, social, and sensory challenges, check out their Village Glen Camp.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: 6-16 years old. The program is designed for children with autism who have higher support needs.
1:1 aide: While they do not offer 1:1 aides, this camp does feature a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:3.
Website
2023 S. Westgate Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 899-9597
The Child Success Center’s creative and highly qualified team of educational therapists has created programs that support students with dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, visual and auditory processing disorders, and difficulties with executive functioning. CSC offers Kindergarten Enrichment Camp in their sensory gym, where campers are encouraged to build social skills in a movement-based learning environment.
Format: In-person programs
Age range: Pre-K students only
1:1 aide: Yes, 1:1 aides can be accommodated.
Website
1952 S. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 280-0955
racheli@fcla.org
Friendship Circle of Los Angeles is a community center with a mission to lend “a helping hand to families through social and Judaic programs.” Through these programs, they hope to “form a seamless circle of friendship” among Jewish youth with disabilities, families who have children with disabilities, and teenage volunteers. At their summer camp, teenage volunteers are “empowered and enriched” to support the youth they work with. Volunteers and campers socialize and participate in games, sports, activities, and field trips.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Ages 5–18. FCLA welcomes kids with a range of disabilities. While FCLA does not currently have any campers who are wheelchair users, they will do their best to secure transportation and facilities that are wheelchair-accessible with advance notice.
1:1 aide: Campers aren’t given 1:1 aides, but they are each partnered with a teen volunteer or buddy. They’re also welcome to attend camp with their own aide present.
Website
2108 Vail Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 214-6677
info@friendshipfoundation.com
The Friendship Foundation provides children and young adults with disabilities a safe and socially inclusive environment so that they can enjoy all the fun that comes with a day camp experience. This six-week camp provides a variety of activities such as art, music, science, dance, cooking, adaptive sports, themed days (water day, reptile day, superhero day, etc.), and field trips. Families also have two other camp options: Ocean Therapy with J.M.M.F., which focuses on the “therapeutic benefits of ocean and surf therapy,” as well as Beach Camp featuring dodgeball, swim, and other fun beach games.
Format: In-person day camp and field trips
Ages and disabilities served: 8–17, or 18+. The Friendship Foundation serves campers with a range of disabilities. Facilities at Pacific Elementary School are wheelchair-accessible.
1:1 aide: The Friendship Foundation has experience working with campers who need additional support from an aide or caregiver. While they do not provide aide services, they permit families to bring aides as needed to any of their programs, and they do provide a 1:1 volunteer for each camper.
Website
4650 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 361-2118
HandyHeroes@chla.usc.edu
Handy Heroes Therapy Camp is the only camp of its kind within the greater Los Angeles area. Created and led by Occupational Therapists at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Handy Heroes Therapy Camp uses research-proven and innovative approaches of combining constraint-induced movement therapy (preventing the use of the strong arm/hand in a splint) and bi-manual therapy (guided and intensive use of both hands). Each day of the camp has a fun and exciting theme, for example: Star Wars Day, Batman Day, and Rock Star Day. Child-friendly activities that include obstacle courses, games, arts and crafts, music therapy and pet therapy are designed to enhance the function of the child’s weaker hand – the “Handy Hero Hand” – to be the best helping hand it can be. Handy Heroes Therapy Camp provides psychological and social benefits in addition to physical benefits, creating a sense of acceptance, unity, and empowerment for the campers and their families.
Format: In-person day camp
Ages and disabilities served: Children ages 6-12 years old with hemiparesis, a condition which often limits a child’s ability to use one side of the body due to lack of strength, coordination, and motor skills.
1:1 aide: Groups typically have a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Contact to discuss additional support needs.
Website
1137 S. Point View Street
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(323) 641-3662
Leah@hillertherapy.com
Leah Hiller’s programs and summer camps are designed to meet the needs of each child and strengthen their skills in a play-based, “vibrant, natural environment.” The clinic offers several clubs, including Handwriting Club, Climbing Minds, Social Club, Making Mealtime Matters, and Sensory Explorers. Each year, Hiller’s team puts together a themed summer camp to support children in developing skills, such as executive functioning, fine motor skills, and self-regulation.
Format: In-person and virtual classes
Ages and disabilities served: Ages 3–6. Kids don’t have to be in OT to participate.
1:1 aides: Participants won’t get a 1:1 aide, but groups are capped at ten participants to make sure there is a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Website
2814 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
KidsAbilites LA provides comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and individual therapy sessions, groups, age-based intensive programs, and ongoing parent support. Their summer programs are age-based intensive programs that promote sensory modulation therapeutic strategies for children to engage in independent self-regulation, enhance gross and fine motor performance, and provide social support in relationship building among peers. They also provide extensive parent support.
Format: In-person
Ages and disabilities served: Ages 3–10 for summer camps. Other programs are available year-round for ages 10-17.
1:1 aide: Participants do not have a 1:1 aide; they are matched with a small group of peers with similar needs.
Website
11609 ½ Washington Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 775-0356
office@playspacepediatrics.com
PlaySpace Pediatrics is an occupational therapy clinic specializing in sensory integration, social/emotional regulation, fine motor and oral skills development, and feeding therapy. Thanks to their interdisciplinary team, the clinic offers a wide range of services, including group programs, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and educational specialist services, as well as camps for summer, winter, and spring. Their camps use play-based therapy to help children develop their fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social skills. To target these skills, PlaySpace uses techniques from Social Thinking, Handwriting without Tears, and Zones of Regulation curriculum. Campers are grouped up with three to four other children based on similar needs. These groups are led by PlaySpace’s team of occupational therapists, masters-level occupational therapy students, behaviorists, and aides.
Format: In-person programming
Ages and disabilities served: 2.5-6 years. PlaySpace welcomes kids with autism, cerebral palsy, developmental differences, sensory processing disorder, social-emotional needs, and other disabilities. Participants do not need to receive an initial evaluation or other occupational therapy services to participate.
1:1 aide: Participants do not have a 1:1 aide; they are matched with a small group of peers with similar needs.
Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199
reception@speakLA.com
Led by the speech-language pathologists at L.A. Speech & Language Therapy Center, Say N’ Play helps campers develop their speech and language skills during this six-week intensive program. Each week is filled with individual or small group speech therapy, speech and language stimulation, and thematic activities and outings. In addition to their 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, they have high school and college-age volunteers known as “Speech Buddies” present as “an extra pair of eyes, hands, and hugs.” Thanks to their diverse staff, the camp is able to provide services in English, Spanish, Japanese, Farsi, Malayalam, Hindi, and American Sign Language.
Format: In-person day camp
Age and disabilities served: 3–16 years old. The program is designed for children with disabilities, such as autism, or who use AAC.
1:1 aide: The staff-to-camper ratio is 1:2 or 1:1 depending on each child’s unique needs, as determined by the Say N’ Play team.
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