11000 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Dr. Erika Rich is a trusted psychologist who offers summer social skills programs for kids. Contact her at (310) 749-6427 or erika@socialskillsgroup.com.
Format: In-person
The Summer 2021 Social Skills Camp’s aim is to offer physical movement along with emotional guidance and social skills growth under the leadership of experienced counselors. Daily themes include perspective-taking, emotion regulation, coping skills, executive functioning, flexible thinking, thinking traps, social problem-solving, and more. Children will be grouped by age at a 3:1 camper:counselor ratio with experienced therapists who receive advanced training and supervision with a licensed psychologist. Each week provides a different set of activities!
Dates: June 21–25, July 12–16, and July 19–23, 2021
Age range: Age 5 through the end of middle school
Hours: 8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $825/week; full, nonrefundable payment is required to reserve a spot. Early bird discount: Enroll by May 1st and your rate is reduced by $50 each week of camp. (Lunch and snacks are not included.)
Registration: Begin the enrollment process on their website.
COVID protocols: They will be adhering to current Los Angeles Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines for summer camps.
(Note: They are still offering a virtual camp experience for ages 5–11 for families who prefer this option.)
Fountain Valley Sports Complex, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Contact: Dr. Jodie Knott at (714) 490-3428 or jknott@questsolutionssocal.com
Format: In-person
The Quest therapeutic model incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, experimental learning theory, and social learning concepts. The skills learned at camp are transferable to everyday life. “Campers have opportunities to build skills through hands-on, interactive games and activities, conversation time, and tailored therapeutic activities including programming in areas like video games, Legos, arts and crafts, drama, mindfulness, movement based activities, etc.”
For summer 2021, Quest Therapeutic Camps of Southern California is providing a four-week in-person summer camp, with each week featuring its own theme. Services are specifically designed for children with mild to moderate difficulties behaviorally, emotionally, and/or socially.
Dates: June 28 – July 23, 2021 (campers must attend all four weeks)
Age range: 6–18
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Cost: Registrations by June 1st: $3,295; registrations after June 1st: $3,695
(Note: The camp offers guidance on how insurance, Regional Center, and ESY may be an option for funding. In addition, scholarship applications are available, and must be completed by May 20th.)
Registration: Create an account here.
COVID protocols: The camp has implemented increased cleaning measures, daily wellness screenings, limited locations and transportation, small pods, and physical distancing of staff and campers. Face masks are required and activities have been altered.
1523 Wellesley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dr. Adriane Ransom and the staff of therapists at Bloom Pediatrics will be hosting camps and workshops this summer. For details, contact Dr. Ransom at (424) 229-2570 or info@bloompediatrics.com.
Format: In-person
This summer, Camp Bloom is holding an in-person traditional camp with activities such as games, arts and crafts, and music that are set up with an occupational therapy twist. Join them at a unique and peaceful home-based setting to support your child’s sensory exploration, fine and gross motor development, social thinking abilities, communication skills, emotional regulation, and executive functioning using an OT approach. Carefully planned activities are interspersed with opportunities for free play within a structured setting.
Dates: June 1 – September 3, 2021 (camps are offered in one-week increments)
Age range: 2.5–6 years old (flexible)
Hours: Morning camp Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; extended day Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $825 per week
Registration: Register here
COVID protocols: For almost a year now, Bloom has been monitoring and adjusting safety procedures in accordance with CDC and California guidelines to ensure a safe and happy experience. All staff members are vaccinated. Kids must bring a mask. If a child does not want to wear a mask, the staff will work with them. Activities are outdoors. For more information, visit their FAQ page.
1137 S. Point View Street, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Leah Hiller is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in working with children with autism and other sensory processing disorders. Hiller Therapy was designed to meet the needs of each individual child and family through play-based OT in a natural outdoor setting. Contact her at (323) 641-3662 or leah@hillertherapy.com.
Format: In-person and Virtual
• Executive Chef Camp: Virtual via Zoom
This camp is designed as a cooking game show where kids will “build executive functions, sensory strategies for self-regulation, and social skills.” From their own kitchens, kids will develop recipes to share with their families while solving brain teasers and working collaboratively. They will make edible recipes, kinetic sand, and glow-in-the-dark slime. Your child will learn to make your family dinner! Recipes are provided before the session begins, in case items need to be purchased. There is a 2:1 student-to-OT ratio.
Dates: Each session meets on six consecutive Mondays and Wednesdays. The next session begins June 14 and runs through June 30, 2021. July 2021 dates TBD.
Age Range: 7–12
Hours: 3:45–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $480 for a six-meeting session (three weeks)
Registration: Schedule a phone call with Leah Hiller
• Handwriting Heroes: In person at 1137 S. Point View Street, Los Angeles, 90035
The Handwriting Without Tears curriculum is developmentally appropriate and multisensory. Camp takes place at Hiller Therapy, an indoor/outdoor OT therapy studio. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty, closed-toed shoes, and socks. (Shoes may be removed inside.) Groups are limited to six to eight children. There is a 2:1 student to teacher ratio.
Dates: June 17 – August 5, 2021 on Thursdays
Age Range: 5–8
Hours: 3:30–4:30 p.m. or 4:50–5:50 p.m.
Cost: $640 for an eight-week group session
Registration: Register here
COVID protocols:
8640 Hayden Place, Culver City, CA 90232
Contact: (310) 987-2886 or frontoffice@jaggym.com
Format: In-person
JAG is accustomed to working with kids from 6 months to 18 years old with varying needs and skills. In addition to teaching gymnastics, their curriculum focuses on playground readiness, general athletic preparation for other sports, and character development. Their character-building program is based on the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Summer camp registration is open now; you must register in advance, and space is limited. Safety-certified instructors place campers in groups based on age and skill level. (Note: no preschool camp for those under 4.5 years old is offered at this time.)
Dates: June 7 – September 3, 2021 (camps are offered in one-week increments)
Age range: 4.5 and up
Hours: Half day: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; full day: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Half day (ages 4. 5–5) is $129 per day; full day (5 and older) is $169 per day
Registration: Register here
COVID protocols:
1:1 aides can accompany the child.
5433 Beethoven Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Contact: (310) 302-0035, info@broadwaygym.com, or SpecialEducation@BroadwayGym.com
Format: In-person
This expansive gymnastics center near Playa Vista offers special-education classes and camps designed for children with developmental disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. In addition to engaging in therapeutic gymnastics (targeting movements that can boost the brain-body connection), the Broadway Gymnastic camp experience incorporates games, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, fort-building, music-making, and even gardening in the nearby vegetable plot. They offer Youth and Kinder Camp, as well as Special Education Camp.
Dates: June 14 – August 20, 2021
Age range: 5–12
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $531 per week
Registration: Call (310) 302-0035
COVID protocols:
1:1 aides may be welcome on a case-by-case basis. Please call (310) 302-0035 to discuss your individual needs.
9854 National Blvd. #287, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Contact: Owner/director Marc Weiss at (310) 779-1952
Format: In-person
The Iverbe Sports Camp program is designed to give campers the opportunity to experience a variety of different sports and activities in a positive, nurturing environment. Regardless of ability level, campers will receive individual and personal attention to help them achieve their best, and will participate in numerous games and activities, including indoor activities, water activities, a game room, and much more. Iverbe offers the Summer 2021 Day Camp highlighted below, as well as sports camps for soccer, football, and baseball. Check out the complete list of activities and summer camp sessions.
Note: They usually offer two dance camps, but those are not being offered in summer of 2021.
Summer 2021 Day Camp locations: The Willows in Culver City, Bill Botts Park, Palisades High School, and St. Anastasia School (Westchester)
Dates: June 14 – August 6, 2021; dates and session lengths vary depending on camp location
Age range: 4–13 /Grades Pre K–8
Willows in Culver City: (Pre K–3rd grade)
Bill Botts Park: (4th–8th grade)
Hours: Hours 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (varies with each camp); extended care hours available
Cost: $350–400 per week
Registration for all camps: Register here
COVID protocols:
1:1 aides are permitted.
For more information on their summer program, contact campnugget@csulb.edu.
Format: Virtual
Many Undivided families love California State Long Beach’s Camp Nugget. While this beloved swimming and exercise program might not be meeting at the pool this year, they will again provide a virtual online camp, offering two versions of Camp Nugget for families. Camp Nugget is designed for children with disabilities.
First “Free” Virtual Camp: This camp experience is taught by students in the CSULB Intro to Adapted Physical Education (APE) class. Students will teach a variety of activities for campers, shown through Facebook Live. These will not include live feedback and personal instruction from the teachers. This version will be similar to last year’s virtual camp experience. Here is a link to more examples of the free Camp Nugget: CSULB Virtual APE App.
Second “Paid” Virtual Camp: This camp will be a paid experience including private sessions taught by CSULB students who have either finished student teaching or who are currently in the Adapted Physical Education (APE) program. The theme for the private camp will be “Around the World,” and includes a sequential progression of units and a variety of skills. Campers receive an equipment bundle, private small-group instruction with live feedback from the teachers, and archived videos that they can access in the future.
Dates: June 21 through July 15, 2021
Age range: 5–12
Hours: Paid sessions will run Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for 45 minutes per session
Cost: Paid version of camp will cost $125 per student
Registration: Register here
Contact: Director Bonnie Schlachte at (805) 524-5503 or info@balletforallkids.com
Format: Virtual
Ballet for All Kids teaches various dance styles using the Schlachte Method, which employs a variety of teaching styles such as visual, auditory, and vestibular learning to work toward goals designed for each individual student. All classes are open to children of all abilities. Check out the complete list here.
Ballet for All Kids will also be offering summer camp the last week of July and the first two weeks of August — check their website for details, which will be coming soon.
Dates: Depends on the class selected.
Age Range: 2 – adult
Hours: Ongoing
Cost: Donation-based
Registration: Select a class here.
9854 National Blvd #1008, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Contact: (802) 468-STEM (7836) or info@asteme.com
Format: In-person and Virtual
ASTEME Learning Center is a non-profit focused on supporting students who are struggling in math and those who are ready for greater challenges. ASTEME stands for “Advancement of Science, Technology, and Engineering in Math Education.” Their goal is to help children see the value of math, so they offer classes in a range of themes such as music, art, and nature to open children’s hearts and minds to math’s value and how it impacts all aspects of our lives.
This year, ASTEME is offering in-person, interactive STEM summer camps at their West Los Angeles location with indoor and outdoor activities. They will also continue to offer an online virtual option as well, featuring new activities and topics, with mystery activity boxes mailed to your child. Each week has its own theme, such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, and more!
Note: Space will be limited for in-person summer camps due to CDC guidelines; ASTEME anticipates both in-person and virtual options will be sold out, and recommend that parents sign up ASAP.
Dates: June 14 to August 6, 2021 (camps are offered in one-week increments)
Age range: Kindergarten to 9th grade
Hours: In-person: 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.; Virtual: 9:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Cost: In-person: $675/week; Virtual: $350/week; ask about bundle pricing for four weeks or more
Registration: Register here
COVID protocols:
Children may attend with a 1:1 aide; the cost will be $25 more.
Format: Virtual
California Science Center is offering hands-on online science classes. The classes include interactive virtual tours of exhibits, live demonstrations, and exclusive Q-and-A sessions with on-site scientists and animal care staff. Each enrollment includes a materials kit with all necessary supplies; they can be shipped or picked up. Instructors are trained educators who hold degrees in science and/or education; small class sizes allow children to connect with fellow campers and instructors.
Dates: June 21 to August 6, 2021 (one-week increments; no camp July 5–9, 2021)
Age range: Pre-K through 8th grade
Time: 90 minutes
Cost: $135 for members; $150 for non-members
(Note: A limited number of scholarships are available.)
Registration: Register here. (The cut-off to sign up is 10 days prior to the first day of the session to allow time to ship the activity box to the camper’s home. There is also an option for curbside pickup.)
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Contact: (213) 763-3529 or educate@nhm.org
Format: Virtual
Enroll your children in hands-on, interactive classes and they will learn about fascinating topics through active encounters that spark their curiosity and creativity. Camp topics range from dinosaurs to dire wolves to the creatures off our coast. Virtual camp groups meet five times a week; camp staff lead a small group of kids (20 or less) in lessons and activities for 90 minutes. Parent supervision is not required. An activity box comes with a workbook and instructions for five days’ worth of projects, plus a camp T-shirt!
Dates: July 6–10, 2021: Dinosaurs; July 12–16, 2021: Wild L.A.; July 19–23, 2021: La Brea Tar Pits; July 26–30, 2021: Oceans
Age range: K–5th grade
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Members: $100 per week; Non-members: $175 (this includes a family pass for 2 adults and 2 children to use before December 31, 2021). Camp supply shipping: $20
Registration: Applications open in May
Format: Virtual
Classes range from languages and technology to art, science, and life skills. The classes are broken down by age groups and taught by enthusiastic educators. The setting encourages peer-to-peer interaction.
Dates: Ongoing
Age range: 3–18
Hours: Varies by course selection
Cost: $10–40 per class, depending on selection
Registration: Explore their classes here; you can create a login to sign up
828 Pico Blvd., Suite 7, Santa Monica, CA 90405-1350
The Child Success Center’s creative and highly qualified team of educational therapists have created programs that support students with dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, visual and auditory processing disorders, and difficulties with executive functioning. Email officemanager@childsuccesscenter.com or call (310) 899-9597.
Format: In-person
Prepare your child for “re-entering” the classroom in the fall! Campers will use their imagination to build their “campsite” in the CSC sensory gym, problem solve, and enjoy building dynamic social skills to prepare them for successful relationships in kindergarten and first grade.
Dates: June 28–July 2, 2021
Age range: 6–9 years
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $825 per week; Early bird: $795 until May 1, 2021
• Kindergarten Enrichment Camp
To prepare kids for new challenges, Child Success Center offers Kindergarten Enrichment Camp every summer. The camp not only teaches and prepares children for kindergarten, but they have a blast, too! Children spend about twenty hours per week developing skills for kindergarten, including steps toward reading and writing and developing social-emotional skills.
Dates: July 19–23, July 26–30, August 2–6, 2021
Age range: Kindergarten
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $605 per week (three-week and two-week sessions available)
• Spark Reading, Spelling, and Math Enrichment Program
This program is designed as an Intensive Educational Boost. Whether your child needs some help with areas of difficulty or could benefit from a head start on next year’s skill set, this summer program will be the “spark” needed for success. Contact CSC directly for more information.
Dates: June 28–July 2, 2021
Age range: Elementary and middle school grade-level students
Time & cost: Call for details
• Handwriting Club Enrichment Program
Skilled occupational therapists will support learning and cognitive functions to help reduce uppercase/lowercase confusion and copying skills. The program also improves line control and alignment, overall legibility, and most importantly, gives your child greater motivation and self-confidence in their ability to communicate.
Dates: Call Child Success Center to discuss enrollment.
Age range: Pre-K through 4th
Time: Groups forming on an as-needed basis
Cost: Private session, 1 child: $185 per session; Group with 2 children: $120 per child per session; Group with 3 children: $105 per child per session
• Organization & Executive Functioning Skills: Middle and High School Students
Child Success Center is offering a summer program to work with children ages 12–18 on organization, time management, and executive functioning skills. Groups are forming on an as-needed basis; contact CSC for more information, and learn more about the program and what students can expect to learn here.
2038 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041
Contact: (323) 363-7924 or info@purpletwig.com
Format: In-person
Purple Twig offers art classes and camps — their classes are an “excellent way for children to build self-confidence through discovering and manipulating materials.” They use a variety of materials including paint, clay, and fabric to help kids “use their imagination and articulate their ideas.”
Their summer camps are offered weekly and have varying themes to meet each child’s interests. In addition to studio time, children will also go for walks and have lunch outside picnic-style. The camps are limited to 14 kids in order to offer plenty of room at the tables. They have added an air filter in the studio to help keep the air clean.
(If someone in your family is exposed to the Covid-19 virus or exhibits symptoms in the days before camp, they can work out a credit or partial refund.)
Dates: June 14 – August 27, 2021 (camps are offered in one-week increments)
Age range: Varies according to camp week theme (average ages 5–9; a few are open to children 10+)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m
Cost: $400–425
Registration: Register here
COVID protocols:
1:1 aides: During normal times they are absolutely open to an aide attending camp with a child. Unfortunately, with Covid restrictions they are only allowed a certain number of people in the studio at one time, so are unable to accommodate an extra adult. However, the camp sizes are smaller this year, so you may want to discuss your child’s needs with the camp if you feel they may be able to attend independently.
Format: Virtual
This summer, Bridges Academy is offering a variety of online courses for twice-exceptional and neurodiverse learners, including music, history, language arts, visual arts, and science. Online classes are open to children who are not enrolled at Bridges Academy. For the complete list, click here. Email onlinecourses@bridgeseducationgroup.com with any questions regarding whether their courses are recommended for your child.
Dates: June 7–July 2, 2021 (camps offered in one-week increments)
Age range: Grades 4–12 depending on course selection
Hours: Varies by course selection
Cost: $150–550 per week depending on course selection
Registration: Register here
