Website
P.O. Box 3149
Livermore, CA 94551
Voicemail or fax: (925) 215-2281
At Camp Arroyo, Exceptional Needs Network offers a wide variety of activities allowing kids with support needs to just be kids. Camp Arroyo was built specifically to give them the opportunity to have a blast in a fun, untroubled, safe environment where they feel comfortable, happy, and secure. Campers are exposed to new activities, games, and experiences, and they usually end up amazing themselves by doing things they had no idea they could do.
Format: In-person, overnight
Location: Livermore, California
Ages and disabilities served: Children ages 6-22 with life-threatening and chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities.
1:1 aide: Yes, a 1:1 aide is provided.
Website
P.O. Box 210521
San Francisco, CA 94121
ibdsummercamp@gmail.com
CAMP GO BeYOND was created in 2001 by Dr. Mel Heyman, Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco. Their mission is to provide a free camp experience where children ages 7-17 diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis can have fun in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
Format: In-person, overnight
Cost: Free
Ages and disabilities served: Children ages 7-17 diagnosed with IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
1:1 aide: Contact for details.
Website
(415) 688-4572
info@ramahnorcal.org
Contact: Mollie Flink
Campers in Camp Ramah’s specialty track will experience unique activities and challenges as well as Jewish learning, service, and skill-development. On an average day at camp, campers will participate in the core specialty areas in the morning and then electives and bunk activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, and other sport activities, in the afternoon. On special days, campers will have the opportunity to participate in all-camp activities such as Yom Sport or Yom Yisrael in addition to the special field trips and transformative overnight trips for each specialty track.
Format: In-person, overnight
Ages and disabilities served: The program primarily serves campers with mild to moderate support needs for intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most campers are roughly in grades 4-12, but the organizers say, “The most important factor is fit, not grade level.”
1:1 aide: Contact for details.
Website
953 North Elm Street
Orange, CA 92867
(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 Coaster and Carnival Mystery, Galactic Space Academy, and Wild Robot Science Quest.
Format: In-person
Location: Multiple locations throughout California. See the full list of locations online here. Camps within the Sacramento area are located at Sacramento State University.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the camp you choose.
Age range and disabilities served: 5–11 years old, disabilities not specified. If you’re unsure whether the camp is the best fit for your child’s specific needs, contact them directly to discuss.
1:1 aide: Destination Science allows campers to attend with a 1:1 aide. Please read their Policy and Procedure Form for Aides for additional information.
Website
1740 Old Rancheria Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
(415) 662-2488
Contact: Brenda Falco, Program Director
Halleck Creek Ranch provides therapeutic horseback riding programs for people with disabilities, including Vocational and Life Skills Programs (VALS), therapeutic riding, Groundwork: Benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning, and a summer camp. Their Summer Horsemanship Camp welcomes new and experienced riders to learn about grooming, tracking and leading, arena and trail riding, vaulting, horse care, and stable management. In addition to these topics and general horsemanship skills, campers participate in daily equine-related projects, activities, or games such as arts and crafts. A total of eight camper slots are available for each week, allowing for small group engagement. If your camper would like time to focus on horse care instead of riding, then be sure to check out the Ranch Camp option.
Format: In-person, half-day
Location: Old Rancheria Road
Ages and disabilities served: Children and young adults, ages 5 and up, with developmental disabilities, sensory processing differences, and physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: There are two instructors for eight total campers, plus one trained summer intern per camper. You may bring your own personal aide.
Website
630 Summerfield Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 543-3737
Kamp Kennedy is a day camp created for children and teens with developmental disabilities by the City of Santa Rosa Parks & Recreation in partnership with UCP North Bay. During this program, campers will be given the opportunity to participate in activities such as boating, crafts, songs, story time, games, and outdoor cooking.
Format: In-person, full-day
Ages and disabilities served: Children and teens with developmental disabilities, ages 6-18.
1:1 aide: Contact for details.
Website
(800) 572-1717
camp@mdausa.org
Each year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association provides an in-person and virtual camp for people with ALS, muscular dystrophy, and related neuromuscular diseases. Their virtual camp provides an excellent opportunity for campers who prefer an online experience while also engaging in classic camp activities. Campers are provided with a Microsoft Teams account and are sent a Supply Kit that contains all instructions, gear, and supplies needed to participate in activities. Each day is assigned a theme and activities that relate to that theme. These daily activities and projects are posted on the message board by camp directors, which is also where campers can post photos of themselves completing and enjoying their activities. “Cabin chat” video calls, chatting via the message boards, and sharing photos are all opportunities for campers to socialize and come together virtually as a community. If technology is a barrier for you and your camper, please reach out to camp@mdausa.org.
Format: Virtual, full-day
Cost: Free
Ages and disabilities served: Children ages 8-17 with neuromuscular diseases.
1:1 aide: Contact for details.
Website
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 766-9990
Contact: Jen Whalen
UCP’s Bike and Swim Camps were created to teach children, teens, and young adults with disabilities how to ride a two-wheeled bike. Using specially designed equipment, the program helps campers develop new skills while also fostering their self-confidence and self-esteem. Each day is spent practicing bike riding skills and ends with swimming sessions, allowing participants to learn through play.
Format: In-person, half-day
Location: Sonoma State University
Ages and disabilities served: Children and young adults ages 8-22 with physical or developmental disabilities.
1:1 aide: Contact for details.
Website
1651 Olympic Valley Rd.
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(530) 581-4161
info@achievetahoe.org
Achieve Tahoe provides year-round activities and programs for individuals with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities, including: horseback riding, hiking, camping, snowsports, climbing, sailing, water skiing, paddle sports, and more. One of their summer programs, Adventure Camp, is a great option for campers who enjoy sports and the outdoors. Rather than a week-long program, Adventure Camp is broken up into individual days that participants can select from, listed in their schedule. Each day at camp starts with hiking, followed by archery and climbing. These activities are carried out in and around the Village at Palisades Tahoe. In all their programs, Achieve Tahoe hopes to support individuals by fostering “health, confidence, and independence using techniques and specialized equipment.” Sign up for their newsletter to receive announcements about camp and other programs.
Format: In-person, full-day
Location: Adventure Camp will take place at Rideout Community Center in Tahoe City and in the Palisades Tahoe Base Area, on hiking trails, near the Far East lift terminal, and at the Aerial Tram indoor climbing wall.
Ages and disabilities served: Children and teens of all ages with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: Aides are not automatically assigned; if your child has extra support needs, Achieve Tahoe will have an attendant available or allow a family member to join. Check out the eligibility criteria for more information.
Website
15888 S Shore Dr.
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 581-4161
info@achievetahoe.org
In addition to Adventure Camp, Achieve Tahoe has their Sierra Summer Sports program. This camp is the water sports version of Adventure Camp, offering canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, Sea Doo riding, and tubing. This camp is designed to be experienced with family and friends and is best for individuals over the age of 5. Like Adventure Camp, participants select one of several days from the schedule, depending on how frequently they’d like to attend. To get information about Achieve Tahoe’s programs as soon as it's available, sign up for their newsletter.
Format: In-person, full-day
Ages and disabilities served: Children and teens ages 5 and up with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities.
1:1 aide: Aides are not automatically assigned. If your child has extra support needs, Achieve Tahoe will have an attendant available or allow a family member to join. Check out the eligibility criteria for more information.
Website
405 Vernon St. #100
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 783-4117
info@bluelinearts.org
Blue Line Arts is a community-oriented space and cultural hub for emerging artists that offers services, camps, and education for children and adults. Each year, the studio offers morning and afternoon summer camp options for children and teens, featuring a variety of themes. This year, themes include painting, mixed media art journaling with textured collage, drawing, collage, anime character design, art studio, papier-mache, street art, clay, street art + mural art, color theory and acrylic, and dimensional drawing. Some of these camps, such as Anime + Digital Design, support the artist’s professional development by helping them build a professional portfolio during the program. Because participants can combine morning and afternoon sessions or only register for one, Blue Line Studio’s camps are ideal for creating a schedule that works for your camper and customizing the experience.
Format: In-person, half-day
Ages and disabilities served: 5–18 years old, all disabilities welcome.
1:1 aides: Blue Line Arts will allow 1:1 aides. They suggest that you put any accommodations needed for the child on your registration form so that the staff can be better prepared.
Website
953 North Elm Street
Orange, CA 92867
(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.
Format: In-person
Location: Multiple locations throughout California. See the full list of locations online here. Camps within the Northern California area are located in Alameda County, San Mateo County, and Santa Clara County.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the camp you choose.
Age range and disabilities served: 5–11 years old, disabilities not specified. If you’re unsure whether the camp is the best fit for your child’s specific needs, contact them directly to discuss.
1:1 aide: Destination Science allows campers to attend with a 1:1 aide. Please read their Policy and Procedure Form for Aides for additional information.
Website
2 Marina Blvd.
Fort Mason Center C385
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 474-7662
info@etctrips.org
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) provides adaptive sports and programs to people with disabilities, such as white water rafting, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing, and youth leadership development. During the summer, ETC plans a variety of water sport day and overnight adventures throughout California: whitewater rafting, bioluminescence paddles, local sea kayaking, and “far flung” sea kayaking. Their American River Whitewater Weekends are the perfect opportunity for campers desiring a local experience. Participants can choose to either participate only for the day or to stay overnight for a sleepaway experience. The journey begins at River Camp in Lotus, CA, and ends 12 miles in on the Lower Gorge Section of the river’s South Fork. All gear is provided by ETC, but food must be brought by participants according to the river trip packet.
Format: In-person, full-day
Location: American River, South Fork
1:1 aide: ETC encourages you to bring a personal care attendant with the camper should they need the support. Special pricing and scholarships are available for attendants. See page 5 of the river trip packet for more details.
Website
Belle Cooledge Community Center
5699 S Land Park Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-3997
accessleisure@cityofsacramento.org
Contact: Heather Kopf, Recreation General Supervisor
The Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Department (YPCE) of the City of Sacramento is offering this summer music camp through their Community Recreation (sports for all ages) and Access Leisure programs (adaptive & inclusive recreation opportunities). Run by Heather Kopf, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, this five-day music therapy camp will include opportunities for kids to explore instrument making, music, and movement.
Type: Day camp
Location: East Portal Clubhouse
Ages and disabilities served: Campers ages 5-11 years old with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
1:1 aide: Contact Heather Kopf to discuss 1:1 aides.
Website
2565 Millcreek Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 234-5880
info@readlearningcenter.com
Read Learning Center (RLC), the sister company of READ Academy, provides “supplemental help” and tutoring for students with learning disabilities. RLC’s Intensive Summer Program is designed to feel like a break from normal school work and learning while also strengthening math, reading, and writing skills. Each day, campers participate in outdoor games, interactive arts and crafts, and small group instruction.
Format: In-person, half-day
Location: Reading Learning Center
Ages and disabilities served: For children in second to twelfth grade with learning disabilities relating to math, reading, and writing.
1:1 aide: 1:1 instruction is available depending on placement assessments. Otherwise, campers will be placed in small groups.
Website
18644 Wolf Creek Rd.
Grass Valley, CA 95949
skateMD.healinghearts@gmail.com
SkateMD is a nonprofit with a mission to spread “kindness and skateboarding to children with physical and developmental disabilities.” Every other month, SkateMD hosts free skateboarding clinics to provide kids with disabilities a space to learn how to skateboard at their own pace. “Skate Buddies,” volunteers who are usually local skateboarders, are trained to work 1:1 with participants. In addition to their training, Skate Buddies have access to an onsite specialist to ensure they are able to support the children they work with.
Format: In-person, half-day
Location: Sutter’s Landing Skate Park and Granite Regional State Park
Cost: Free
Ages and disabilities served: Youth ages 5-17 with a diagnosed physical or developmental disability.
1:1 aide: Each participant works 1:1 with volunteers during sessions.
Website
22408 County Road 102
Woodland, CA 95776
(530) 867-3866
shannon@trotr.org
Therapeutic Riding and Off-Track Rehabilitation (T.R.O.T.R.) provides therapeutic riding programs for individuals of all abilities. They aim to support riders in improving their “physical, emotional, and social functions as they gain self-confidence on gentle horses.” In addition to traditional riding programs, T.R.O.T.R. offers horse handling programs, adaptive riding lessons, boarding, hippotherapy, and camps. Four camps are offered between June and July: Horse Sense, Pony Pals, Farm Fun, and Animal Adventures. Each camp is centered around learning about horses or animals, with activities and topics varying depending on the age group. Horse Sense introduces campers to essential skills, grooming, riding, and care, while Pony Pals is designed to teach young children about horses through riding, games, and activities. Animal Adventures provides hands-on experience like Horse Camp, plus includes a variety of farm animals and teaches campers about daily animal care.
Format: In-person, full-day
Location: T.R.O.T.R. Four Winds Farm, Woodland, CA
Ages and disabilities served: Camps are open to children with physical or cognitive disabilities. Each camp has an age range:
1:1 aide: T.R.O.T.R. has a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Please contact the camp to discuss your child’s needs.
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