Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! Some of these camps and programs in the San Francisco Bay Area are specifically designed for youth with disabilities, while others are inclusive of kids with all abilities, giving our children opportunities to socialize, have fun outdoors, build skills, and fill their summer hours with new activities. Our list features camps for visual and performing arts, adaptive sports and recreation, education and STEM, therapeutic programs, and more.
If your child is a Regional Center client, be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for information about getting support to fund a program and/or aide for your child!
We are continuing to add to our list as more camps are announced or open for registration, so keep checking back throughout spring!
2479 E. Bayshore Road, Ste 170
Palo Alto, CA 94303
info@e-sports.org
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance.
3480 Buskirk Ave #340
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 944-8801
info@sonc.org
Alameda
(925) 332-2394
Contact: Danielle Powers, Coordinator
alameda@sonc.org
Special Olympics Northern 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, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
2479 E. Bayshore Road, Ste 170
Palo Alto, CA 94303
info@e-sports.org
Peninsula location:
CY Dance Works
25 37th Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance. The Peninsula location in Foster City offers E-Dance.
3480 Buskirk Ave #340
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 944-8801
info@sonc.org
San Mateo
(925) 332-2412
Contact: Steven Del Zompo, Sports Manager
sanmateo@sonc.org
Special Olympics Northern 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, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
2 Marina Blvd.
Fort Mason Center C385
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 474-7662, ext 15
River Camp direct line: (530)642-8189
info@etctrips.org
Contact: Jerry Lam, River Program Manager
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) provides adaptive sports and programs such as white water rafting, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing, and youth leadership development for individuals with disabilities. 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.
2479 E. Bayshore Road, Ste. 170
Palo Alto, CA 94303
info@e-sports.org
North Bay locations:
Laurel Creek Community Park
2986 Gulf Dr.
Fairfield, CA 94533
Red Morton Community Center
1120 Roosevelt Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94061
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance. The North Bay locations offer E-Soccer in Fairfield and E-Karate in Redwood City.
3480 Buskirk Ave. #340
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 944-8801
info@sonc.org
Marin
(925) 332-2412
Contact: Steven Del Zompo, Sports Manager
marin@sonc.org
Napa
(707) 235-1300
Contact: Suzy Jordan, Area Director
napa@sonc.org
Sonoma
(707) 291-4376
Contact: Colleen Rouleau, Area Director
sonoma@sonc.org
Special Olympics Northern 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, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
639 Frederick Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 665-2276
info@acrosports.org
At Acrosports, students are encouraged to “crawl, swing, jump, bounce, and roll through a variety of apparatus as they learn to move gracefully and discover their own bodies.” In addition to their summer camps, Acrosports offers an open gym for the neurodivergent community on the third Saturday of each month starting at 12:30 p.m. for children 4–14 years old during the school year. They welcome kids of all abilities to participate in their summer camps. An intake form is required for participation in camp and youth programming. Summer camps offered include AcroCamp, AcroCamp Jr., and Specialty Camp. Acrocamp and Acrocamp Jr. consists of activities such as tumbling, juggling, clowning, dance, and aerial arts. Art projects, group games, and free play are also incorporated into the daily schedule. Specialty Camp focuses on one specific skill and creative projects throughout the week.
2479 E. Bayshore Road, Ste. 170
Palo Alto, CA 94303
info@e-sports.org
Multiple locations in San Francisco
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance. E-Hoops is offered at the University of San Francisco and E-Soccer in San Francisco.
3480 Buskirk Ave. #340
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 944-8801
info@sonc.org
San Francisco
(925) 332-2412
Contact: Steven Del Zompo, Sports Manager
sanfrancisco@sonc.org
Special Olympics Northern 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, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
2479 E. Bayshore Road, Ste. 170
Palo Alto, CA 94303
info@e-sports.org
South Bay locations:
Fair Oaks Park
540 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Norcal Dance Arts
1939 Monterey Rd.
San Jose, CA
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance. The South Bay sports programs include E-Soccer and E-Karate.
3480 Buskirk Ave. #340
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 944-8801
info@sonc.org
Santa Clara
(408) 392-0170
Contact: Grace Kastner, Sports Manager
santaclara@sonc.org
Special Olympics Northern 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, those with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to find new strengths, abilities, and skills. In a typical year, they offer both individual and team sports, including athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week-long camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class, and Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook that will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology-focused where campers write a short story, then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animation by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. They keep the environment fun and active as they teach so that kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
1200 Boulevard Way.
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
(646) 345-4077
creativeartandclay@gmail.com
Creative Art and Clay is “a place where inspiration and creativity take place for kids and adults.” They hold camps throughout school breaks and regular weekly classes year-round. The owner is very supportive of an inclusive environment in the classes and camps offered. Courses in art for kids 6 years and up include Undersea Adventure, Animal Adventure, Princesses and Knights, Fiber Art Fun, Rainforest Art Adventure, and Messy Art Morning.
info@e-sports.org
East Bay locations in Antioch, Dublin, Hayward, Hercules, Oakland, San Leandro, Moraga, and Walnut Creek
Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is an inclusive sports program to help individuals develop athletic skills and teamwork. It is billed as a fully inclusive program that empowers children of all abilities to achieve their athletic and social potential. The "E" reflects their belief that everyone, with or without extra support needs, is exceptional, and their commitment to education and growth in serving families. Classes include Soccer, Football, Karate, Basketball, Fitness, and Dance.
3840 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 531-4400
info@kidsndance.com
KidsNDance offers weekly camps over the summer in the areas of theater, dance, chess, arts, and aerial circus arts. At Aerial Circus Arts Camp, campers will explore the static trapeze, aerial hoop, aerial silk, plate balancing, juggling, clowning skits, and acrobatics. The theater camps are broken down into separate groups such as Little Theater, Youth Musical Theater, and Arts Theater Camp and More. At the end of the theater camp, campers will put on a live performance for their families of the play they studied, such as K-Pop Demon Hunters, Little Mermaid, Frozen, Moana, Enchanted, and more. At three-week Arts Camp, campers will complete arts and crafts such as needle felting, stop-motion claymation, recycled art, and DIY pinball machines. Chess Camp teaches fundamental skills of tactics, strategy, middle game planning, and endgame techniques. Campers will learn algebraic chess notations, be challenged with puzzles, and play games. For all camps, activities will include local field trips, outdoor time on their play structure, and time in the gym room experiencing circus arts.
P.O. Box 149
Graton, CA 95444
(707) 569-4859
christophermelville@fanwar.com
The Fanwar LARP organization hosts events and games for the community. Their summer day camp is essentially a game of Dungeons and Dragons brought to life. During Fanwar camps, kids will have a chance to learn more about live-action roleplaying and create their own characters. While in character, campers will participate in fantasy battles with one another, build skills, and engage in creative adventures. Campers must bring their own lunches to camp.
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week-long camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class, and Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook that will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology-focused where campers write a short story, then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animation by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. They keep the environment fun and active as they teach so that kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
1405 Solana Dr.
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 592-7570
Contact: Regina Lewis, Admissions Department
Charles Armstrong is focused on providing services for kids with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. They offer a summer school program for kids interested in building literacy and math skills while participating in creative, fun activities. While there are several summer school options for children already attending Charles Armstrong, campers do not have to be enrolled to attend Musical Theatre Camp.
1528 S. El Camino Real, Suite 208
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 393-5593
info@principalarts.com
Principal and Creative Performing Arts started as a small business in 2007 that taught dance, movement, and motor skills to preschoolers. Back then, they were known as the Small Fry Dance Club. In 2014, they opened their doors in San Mateo and expanded their curriculum to a larger age group. They combine dancing and athleticism in their studio programs. All dance levels are welcome. Throughout the summer months, they offer four weekly themed sessions and welcome all levels of dancers within their studio.
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 522-7400
parksandrecreation@cityofsanmateo.org
The San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of recreation activities and camps for all ages. This includes games, arts and crafts, cooking, music, theater, and sports.
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week-long, in-person camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class, and Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook that will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology-focused. Campers write a short story, then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animation by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. They keep the environment fun and active as they teach so that kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
71 E. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(833) 974-8366
contact@aiwcamp.com
Adventures in Writing Camp offers two-week-long camps throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They group campers in three different courses: 1st grade, Elementary, and Middle School. 1st grade camp is capped at 15 students per class, and Elementary and Middle School are capped at 25. All camps deliver the lessons in song form and chants. 1st grade curriculum includes learning story concepts. Elementary (2nd-5th grades) includes three different classes in music/dance, writing, and ebook. The goal of this group is to complete an ebook that will be published on their website by the end of the camp. Middle School (6th-8th grade) is technology-focused. Campers write a short story, then choose a short scene from that to write a script and draw pictures. The campers then take these pictures and read their script doing voiceover work, resulting in an animation by the end of camp. All of the camps have brain breaks tied into the day every 20 minutes. They keep the environment fun and active as they teach so that kids can fall in love with writing. All locations statewide teach the same curriculum.
230 San Antonio Circle
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 917-6800 ext. 0
info@arts4all.org
Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. At CSMA, they are proud that every program is designed to provide the opportunity for meaningful engagement in the arts to those who would otherwise have no access. CSMA celebrates over 50 years of service to the arts in Northern California and is one of the largest community arts schools in the country. The school reaches nearly 30,000 students annually.
14110 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 356-6456
info@danceattack.com
Dance Attack offers year-round dance programs for students of all ages including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Acro. Their tiny dance camp summer camps are for children ages 3.5–8 and are themed on fun topics like Barbie, Super Mario, Disney, and Space. They also are having a musical theater dance camp for campers ages 9 years and older. During the summer, they welcome students of all abilities to their week-long, half-day camps. Their RhythmWorks-certified teacher leads many of their camps, and their facility is wheelchair-accessible.
Dance Attack also offers specialized classes for students with disabilities year-round. Per their recommendations, “Dancers who receive very specific accommodations at school or the workplace may be best suited to study dance in our adaptive program. This helps us to be sure our teachers are able to match the education plan you have in place to help maintain consistency across learning platforms.” Their Los Gatos classes for students with disabilities are on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.–6:15 p.m. for ages 7-15 and 6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m. for adults.
P.O. Box 149
Graton, CA 95444
(707) 569-4859
christophermelville@fanwar.com
The Fanwar LARP organization hosts events and games for the community. Their summer day camp is essentially a game of Dungeons and Dragons brought to life. During Fanwar camps, kids will have a chance to learn more about live-action roleplaying and create their own characters. While in character, campers will participate in fantasy battles with one another, build skills, and engage in creative adventures. Campers must bring their own lunches to camp.
3775 Alameda Avenue
Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 533-3939
bayislandgymnastics@gmail.com
Bay Island Gymnastics offers a variety of year-round classes of all levels including gymnastics, ninja warrior, and cheerleading/stunt programs. Weekly camp themes can be found here. Ninja Warrior 1 is a fun, alternative fitness activity “designed for participants to become stronger, more agile, quicker, and move more efficiently from one place to another.” Adaptive Needs is designed to help students develop gross motor skills, strength, and balance through the basic fundamentals of gymnastics. The Adaptive Needs class is scheduled when the gym is quieter and there are fewer distractions. The instructor will help facilitate a fun and safe learning environment as well as set up stations and obstacle courses to explore. There is a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. This class is good for beginners who need a quieter environment or those who have greater sensory needs.
Language: English
PO Box 22869
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 630-2541
Big Minds Unschool summer camp will have “rotating activities inspired by each camper's interest.” A typical day at Big Minds Unschool can be found here, and their summer program is run similarly.
701 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 330-2205
registration@menlopark.gov
The City of Menlo Park offers a variety of weekly camps throughout the summer including Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts and Dance Camps, Special Interest Summer Camps (which are STEM-type programs), and Sports Camps. Check the activity guide for information on the variety of camp classes being offered.
1099 E Street
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 881-6700
info@haywardrec.org
The Hayward Recreation Center offers a range of youth classes for all ages and abilities. Camps are held throughout the district over the summer and focus on nature and appreciation for the outdoors. Check out the 2026 Summer Programs Guide. Day Camps begin on page 9. Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is “committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all that wish to participate. A variety of adaptive classes, programs and special events are available.” Go to the Special Needs/Adaptive Recreation section to view the current offerings.
1215 O'Brien Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 260-3805
info@openmindschool.org
Contact: Suzi Guerra, Clinical Director
Open Minds Silicon Valley is a private school that incorporates therapeutic goals into their inclusive community camps. They strive to create a learning environment where progressive education and consideration for learning differences and disabilities take center stage. Open Minds serves students from preschool through high school. They have many programs including a social innovation lab and a divergent fitness gym. Their summer camp’s purpose is to “ignite student imaginations, incorporate social and emotional and academic goals, all within hands-on activities in a thriving social environment.” Each week of camp is assigned a unique theme, which includes Animal Adventure, Ninja Warrior, Farm to Table, Mad Science, Water Fun, and more. The Menlo Park campus has a 13,000-square-foot Ninja Warrior gym, and they work to foster an inclusive atmosphere in their camps.
120 Vista Avenue
Piedmont, CA 94611
(510) 420-3040, option 6
Contact: Eva Phalen, Supervisor in Charge of Adaptive Programing
The City of Piedmont Recreation Department SideKicks Program offers a series of adaptive classes, workshops, and summer camps specifically designed with neurodivergent kids in mind. They “select the most secure facilities, with the least amount of distractions and modifying the class pace; the environment discourages eloping and creates an enriching recreational experience that not only builds confidence but also creates connection with peers.” They maintain a low student-to-adult ratio of typically 2:1, with the maximum participants in classes capped at 12. The program is geared for elementary school-aged students. They welcome neurotypical siblings and friends to attend any of their adaptive classes and camps (individual registration is required for all participants). Programs take place at various locations throughout Piedmont. They offer after-school classes and camps year-round. Classes and camp offerings include sports, STEM, arts, and special interests.
Campers can be paired with a Teen SideKick if they have participated in a program throughout the school year at the Piedmont Recreation Center. The Teen SideKick assigned will meet with the family ahead of the summer camp sessions to build a relationship with the camper. The cost of enrolling a camper to be in the matching program ranges $50–$100 depending if the family puts their child in a full-day or half-day camp program. Contact Larisa Martiniak, Adaptive Programs Leader, for more information on how to qualify for this assistance during their summer programming. The deadline for the SideKick matching is in March 2026.
3232 Deer Hill Road
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-6311
Sienna Ranch offers children an opportunity to get hands-on experience with nature through multiple different camps. In Farm Hands, campers will learn how to care for Sienna Ranch animals such as the chickens, sheep, goats, ducks, and horses. In Makers by Nature, activities include learning how to use natural materials such as clay, oak galls, corn cobs, and wood and turn them into projects like lamps, figurines, darts, and spoons. Other activities include woodshop, gardening, cooking, and archery. Natural Adventures activities include cardboard sledding down grass hills, shooting a bow and arrow, hiking, woodshop, gardening, cooking, and archery.
At Equine Adventure Camp, campers will receive a daily semi-private riding lesson as well as instruction on the fundamentals of horsemanship. In addition, campers will learn the basics of horse care/safety, anatomy, tack and equipment, behavior, and herd dynamics through crafts, games, and horse care activities. Survival in the Wild activities will include hiking, practicing lost proofing skills, and sharpening awareness of their surroundings. Campers will assemble a survival kit to bring home and will practice their navigation skills while hiking in the hills surrounding Sienna Ranch. Woodshop, gardening, cooking, and archery are included in the afternoon activities. Camps are limited to 8–10 children per group.
UC Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing offers a range of summer adventures and seasonal camps options for children. In-person summer camps have been offered here for over 60 years. The fun activities offered include Academic Talent Development Program, Blue Camp, Discover Camp, Explorer Camp, Marina Explorers, Martial Arts Camp, Paddle Adventures, Rock Climbing Camp, Sailing Camp, Sea Kayaking Camp, Skateboarding Camp, Teen Leadership Program (ages 12-17 years), and Windsurfing Camp.
180 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-1370
Molly Given, Recreation Supervisor, Community Services
Mill Valley Recreation has partnered with Project Awareness And Special Sports (PAASS) to provide an array of adaptive needs programming as well as support in local community-based sports leagues and recreational opportunities. If your child would like to attend a typical recreation program, please contact Molly Given, Recreation Supervisor of Community Services to discuss the adaptive supports needed. Mill Valley Recreation offers programming throughout the summer months including splash/day camps, art, theater, sports, wellness, counselor in training (CIT), and more.
(415) 302-7712
info@spectrumsurfcamps.org
Spectrum Surf Camp offers therapeutic one-week surf camps. The camp is limited to eight campers with a 1:1 or 2:1 camper-to-instructor ratio. The staff includes behavior specialists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, peer volunteers, and surf instructors who have experience working with both children and adults with extra support needs. They provide full body suits for the cold water. Spectrum Surf Camps are held at Bolinas and Stinson Beach, which are well-known beginner's spots that offer consistent wave height and speed during the summer months with gentle rollers and a sandy bottom.
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 522-7400
parksandrecreation@cityofsanmateo.org
The San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of recreation activities and camps for all ages. This includes games, arts and crafts, cooking, music, theater, and sports.
Belmont Parks and Recreation Office
30 Twin Pines Lane
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 595-7441
parksrec@belmont.gov
Camp SOAR is an inclusive camp that provides outdoor games, crafts, field trips, water play, and music. Their dedicated Adaptive Camp has a lower staff-to-camper ratio. They do what they can to accommodate needs of all types and assign one staff per two campers. A typical day at camp can be found here on their website.
3140 Balboa St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 525-4035
Contact: Vanessa Kahlon, Program Coordinator
Kahlon Family Services (KFS) School aims to give 2E students an inclusive, high-quality education. In the past, their summer camp has featured fun activities designed to help campers build STEAM, social-emotional, and physical skills. Last year’s camp also featured weekly field trips. Find additional camp information here on their website.
Eureka Valley Recreation Center
100 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 831-6810
rpdtr@sfgov.org
San Francisco Recreation and Parks provides several summer day camps and other programs for children with disabilities with their adaptive recreation program. Younger kids with autism and developmental disabilities can participate in Everybody Plays, a camp designed for kids with a sense of adventure who want to explore the city. Older kids can learn navigation skills by signing up for Everybody Travels or build friendships and practice life skills by signing up for Teen City. Older teens and adults interested in community involvement can sign up for SLICE Summer Camp. All participants are welcome to bring comfort items. The parent handbook for summer camp can assist parents and caregivers who may have further questions. See also the FAQ about their adaptive camps.
14855 Oka Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 357-7416
Contact: Stephany Ganeles, Youth & Camp Director
chaverim@jvalley.org
The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center (APJCC) is a community-oriented nonprofit with a mission to “enhance Jewish life in Silicon Valley, and to provide social, cultural, educational, and recreational services for the entire community.” The Chaverim Inclusion Program acts as an add-on to Camp Shalom, enabling campers with disabilities to connect with their peers through “integration and inclusion.” This is accomplished by assigning a 1:1 aide to campers, tailoring their experience, and providing accommodations. Camp Shalom offers three camp options: traditional, focused, and specialty programs.
Camden Community Center
3369 Union Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124
(408) 559-8553
inclusionsupport@sanjoseca.gov
The City of San Jose’s Therapeutic Recreation Services offer two summer camp options for kids and teens. Younger kids with cognitive disabilities can sign up for Playcamp, a fun day camp featuring activities like arts and crafts, circle time, and field trips. Teens can take part in Teens Together, a safe and structured space to make new friends and learn skills. The staff-to-camper ratio is kept low at both camps (Playcamp 1:3 and Teens Together 1:4). They also offer other activities throughout the summer, such as surfing, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
3860 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 858-6990
info@bayareafc.org
office@bayareafc.org
Friendship Circle offers many services to kids with disabilities in the San Francisco area by pairing them with teen volunteers and teaching them social and leadership skills. During this day camp, children and teens with disabilities will have fun and build friendships with their teen buddies and peers while participating in a variety of themed activities including yoga, arts and crafts, sports, music, and more.
58 West Portal Ave. #800
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 604-0081
While at Steve & Kate’s Camp, campers can choose from a variety of recreational activities including sewing, playground games, tinkering, making stop-motion animations, and playing games.
1 Los Gatos Farms Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95033
(408) 898-8177
tribalwisdomacademy@gmail.com
Tribal Wisdom Academy summer program is situated on 20 acres of private forest above Los Gatos where kids can run around in nature and learn wildlife skills. The camp is fully outdoors with activities such as archery, blacksmith, zip lines, forest digs, treehouse builds, camp fires, makers projects, and more. See a list of activities here on their website. They offer a round-trip transportation shuttle to and from camp. The camp will promote safety, build self confidence, develop friendships, and the opportunity to learn more about nature and the forest.
Contact: Olivia Menser, Client Care Coordinator
Outdoor Kids OT offers a small-group camp experience with activities to build children’s connections with their peers and increase motor and social skills. The summer camp includes an initial intake with therapy goals set, 20 hours of OT intervention, daily group updates, and a written OT report of progress. An optional pre- or post-camp consultation call with the OT can be purchased for an additional fee. Camp groups are limited to six children with mixed age groups. For additional information, fill out the online contact form to book a call directly with them.
171 Front St., #200
Danville, CA 94526
(800) 743-2900
Contact: Alyson Cross, Office Manager at (925) 548-3797
At Quest Camp, kids are given a space to have fun while building social and problem-solving skills. Quest hopes that campers will increase their confidence while participating in activities like drama, sports, music, singing, and art. Campers will also take part in a couple field trips throughout the summer. Quest Camp is an intensive summer program meeting 30 hours per week in small groups.
350 Gate 5 Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 339-8800
info@readysetgotherapy.com
Contact: Leigh Burkey, OTR/L, Founder/Executive Director
Campers will enjoy the outdoors by hiking in the redwoods of the Mill Valley area, spending time at Rodeo Beach, and running around and exploring the open spaces of Ring Mountain. New play skills are developed as a result of spending time in these natural settings. Sessions are led by at least one licensed therapist and supported by occupational therapy students or volunteers in groups of six campers with a 3:1 child-to-staff ratio. Children are grouped by age and ability. Camps in summer 2026 are designed to assist those with selective mutism, anxiety, feeding needs, and children who need assistance for kindergarten readiness. Campers can attend multiple weeks. Included in the weekly camp fee is a review of therapeutic needs and parent goals, customized group plan based on individual needs of the child, daily email reports with explanation of activities and therapeutic benefits, and daily photo log.
500 Tamal Plaza, Suite 505
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 758-2768
Contact: Emily O'Brien, Clinic Coordinator & Administrator
Little Hands Occupational Therapy provides several summer camp options for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary school students. At camp, children will build self-regulation skills, socialize with others, increase flexibility in play, and learn to better manage their anxiety. Using the Zones of Regulation curriculum in a multi-sensory environment, therapists will teach campers how to stay alert during school and at home.
1017 Cedar Street
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 244-1519
Contact: Katie Schwarz
Arbor Bay School in San Carlos offers a K-8 grade school curriculum to help students with “mild to moderate learning differences” achieve academic and social success. Their summer program works on academic skills, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity taught by credentialed special education staff. They offer individualized academic support in language arts and math. Speech therapy and occupational therapy are available for individual or small group sessions for an additional fee.
Language: Spanish, English
880 Runnymede Road
Woodside, CA 94062
(650) 851-2271
htc@nceft.org
Contact: Matt Gridley, Director of Horsemanship & Learning
At Happy Trails Camp, campers will explore, engage with, and enjoy the world of horses and the great outdoors through hands-on horsemanship activities, games, arts and crafts, and more. If you have more questions, please read through their FAQ or email them.
1622 San Carlos Avenue, Suite B
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 206-9468
info@skilledtherapyplay.com
Led by play-based pediatric occupational therapists, this day camp features sensory-motor activities designed to help kids build social, gross motor, and self-regulation skills. Each week has a new theme to help kids have fun while they learn and gain confidence. Note that this camp fills up fast, but they do have a waitlist.
Contact: Olivia Menser, Client Care Coordinator
Outdoor Kids OT offers a small-group camp experience with activities to build children’s connections with their peers and increase motor and social skills. The summer camp includes an initial intake with therapy goals set, 20 hours of OT intervention, daily group updates, and a written OT report of progress. An optional pre- or post-camp consultation call with the OT if desired can be purchased for an additional fee. Camp groups are limited to six children in mixed age groups. For additional information, fill out the online contact form to book a call directly with them.
207 Skyline Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 665-4100
cysoffice@prrcsf.org
Contact: Michelle Arzimanoglou M.Ed., K-12 and Clinical Programs Manager
Pomeroy is a community center that provides year-round programs for people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Through youth services, the organization aims to help young people build social skills and feel more independent. During Pomeroy’s summer day camp, kids and teens will participate in therapeutic and recreational activities including swimming, cooking classes, and field trips.
1438 38th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 463-5472
summerbuddies@svschoolhouse.com
Sequoia Village Schoolhouse is a neurodivergent-affirming independent school that aims to create a supportive learning environment for all students. During their social language camp, skilled therapists and educators will help kids build language skills, make friends, and grow their confidence. They only take six campers per age group so that children will have a more personalized experience. A typical day is similar to that of a school day with circle time, songs, recess, and crafts. They have two teachers and two aides per session for a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio of staff to children. They like to meet the families ahead of time to ensure that the environment is a good fit for the camper.
525 San Antonio Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 543-4560
info@athenaacademy.org
Athena Academy offers programs like coding and programming to support dyslexic and 2E kids in exploring their interests and “unique ways of learning.” Athena’s summer camps are designed to help children build confidence and foundational skills through multi-sensory education and engaging activities. Campers can explore their passions while practicing math, writing, and science. For testimonials from former campers, check out the Athena Academy website.
13851 Stevens Canyon Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 867-1115
At Camp Via West Youth Camp, campers can “try new things in a supportive environment. Every experience is a chance to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially while building confidence and trust in themselves and others.” The activities include arts and crafts, outdoor education, sports, performing arts, music, swimming, and cooperative games. Activities for both day camp and sleepaway camp are similar with the exception of lodging.
13851 Stevens Canyon Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 867-1115
Altitude Camp provides opportunities for campers to build social skills, independence, and self-confidence. The activities include film, performing arts, sports, STEM, and other concentrations provided by community partners. Campers are placed into groups with peers of similar ages throughout the day. Day camp is the same as sleepaway camp with the exception of lodging.
650 Clark Way
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 688-3605
summer@sandhillschool.org
Contact: Rachel Leiter, M.A., BCBA, Assistant Director of Sand Hills School
Sand Hill School works with children with varying needs who benefit from a specialized curriculum. In their summer program, kids participate in academic skill-building that balances fun activities featuring the student’s own interests and talents with evidence-based support in their areas of academic challenge. Academic instruction is given in the morning that includes work on executive functioning, social-emotional learning, reading, writing, and math. Afternoon enrichment camp focuses on areas of strength like cooking, performing arts, science, and more.
3550 Stevens Creek Blvd. Suite #200
San Jose, CA 95117
(408) 244-2005
clinicinfo@socialthinkingsc.com
Social Thinking is a speech-language therapy clinic that aims to treat the individual rather than focusing on their diagnosis. During their summer camps, their experienced staff members teach children executive functioning skills, self-regulation, and social problem-solving. At the end of camp, parents meet with therapists to learn more about strategies they can implement at home to better support their kids. This is an eight-week program. They allow two excused absences in the program.
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