If your kiddo loves music, making art, dancing, or performing, these camps and classes are for them! Check them out here and watch the recording of our Facebook Live event, where we give you the lowdown on many of these awesome options! Be sure to also check out our lists of visual and performing arts camps and classes, sleepaway camps and family weekends, social skills camps and classes, therapeutic day camps, and education and STEM programs.
We've put together a guide for how to find the best camp for your child: questions to ask, funding options, and what camps legally have to provide.
And don’t forget that since Regional Center restored social and recreational funding, they can now help pay for summer programs (and support in accessing them). Our Public Benefits Specialist, Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, tells us, “Although funding was restored last summer for social recreation and camping, many regional centers are not adequately prepared to fulfill these funding requests, largely due to a lack of vendored providers. Every Regional Center should have a list of vendors on its website. If you know which program you want your child to attend and it’s not on the list, now is a good time to reach out and find out if they are willing to go through the vendorization process. Another option is to look at vendor lists for other nearby Regional Centers and see if anyone on their list is local to you.” You can read more in our article, Regional Center’s Social-Recreational Funding Is Back!
While we are here to help you navigate the system, save you time, bring you clarity and confidence, and connect you with the best available information and resources, please be aware that Undivided does not officially endorse or represent any of the resources, providers, services, schools, or clinics we reference or suggest. For more information, please refer to the disclaimer at the conclusion of this report.
Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Format: In-Person Classes
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Session, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops, and stay tuned for Summer Programs at Adrian's Place Santa Monica.
Dates: Classes are ongoing; see the Newsletter
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Choose a program here.
Cost: Varies depending on program or class
Ages: Varies by program
1:1 Aide: If an aide is helpful for your child, contact the specific program you are interested in signing up for to discuss further.
Adrian’s Place: Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility 1808 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 310-968-1375 beyondkarate1@gmail.com
Beyond Karate is offering a summer camp at Adrian’s Place with a variety of fun and creative activities designed for those with autism and other disabilities. Camp activities include Karate/Dance by Beyond Karate, as well as, Music Jam Sessions by Abundance Therapy, Basketball by 5-Eleven Hoops, Arts and Crafts/Table Top Group Games and Fun Field-trip Fridays at their local Splash Parks in Santa Monica.
Dates: June 13th to July 29th
Age range: Ages 7-22 Campers are grouped with their appropriate age range and rotate from one activity to the next scheduled activity. All four age groups will be separated by colored t-shirts, representing martial arts animal symbols, gifted and unique in their own form, just like each of the campers.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost:
Registration: Enroll prior to April 15th for a 10% discount. They encourage early sign up to ensure availability, visit the website in order to register.
1:1 Aide: Families are required to provide aides or adult support if needed.
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-0404
Format: In-Person Day Camp
“Cali-Camp is held each summer in the heart of nature and rock-lined Topanga Canyon…a place to roam streams, meadows and oak trees.” Established in 1955, the summer camp welcomes everyone ages three to fifteen up to the Santa Monica Mountains. Camp activities include a wide variety of themes to select from, such as action/adventure, sports, creative arts, natural excursions, and specialty camps.
Cali-Camp believes in providing a camp experience for everyone so that campers will “see the cool in each other no matter the age or seemingly physical, personality, or developmental differences.” They take time to put kids together based on grade, age, and special needs. They generate icebreakers, pair kids with new friends, and help them support each other as they try new things. This is grounded in their goal to fulfill great summers for all kids, which “includes kids who have challenges physically, learning development rates, and emotional needs.” Cali-Camp has an Inclusion Coordinator to help coordinate. Please send in this Inclusion Questionnaire so that the Inclusion Coordinator can see if Cali Camp will be the right fit for your camper.
Cali-Camp Open Houses: At open houses, families can explore the camp on a self-guided tour of the property. Many favorite Cali-Camp activities will be open for kids to sample along with an opportunity to have a picnic lunch. Water and snacks are always provided. 2022 Open Houses are on Sundays 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Dates: June 13 to August 12
Age range: Three to fifteen years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Cost:
Registration: Summer 2022 Registration is now open!
Pasadena
South Pasadena Area Coordinator: Annika Easterby
Founder, Co-Director: Luke Aloe
Adult Contact, Supervisor: Noelle Aloe
Format: In-Person Day Camp and Ongoing Monthly Social Skills Group
Club Moai, run by Luke Aloe and Ziko Elkobaitry, is designed as a social group for teens with disabilities. They founded Club Moai in middle school and have held monthly social groups with around fifteen teenagers since. Club Moai is entirely run and organized by Pasadena-area high schoolers and overseen by adults. They meet monthly and give teens a place where they can socialize and participate in games and crafts.
In past summers, supported by the Dragon Kim Foundation, Luke and Ziko have run a summer camp named Camp Moai to “give thirty-five teenagers with special needs a social and adventurous experience.” Camp activities have included arts and crafts, bowling, rock climbing, hiking, swimming, music day, beach day, surfing, ropes course, prom night, and outdoor movie night.
Dates: Camp Moai 2022 dates
1st Session: Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1
2nd Session: Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5
Age range: Open to all Pasadena-area teenagers (ages twelve and up) with disabilities
Hours: Camp will likely be 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. In 2021, it was located at Lacy Park.
Cost: All of Club Moai’s programs and camps are completely free because they are entirely funded through donations and community grants.
Registration: If you are interested in participating as a camper, please fill out this form to reserve your spot! This is not an official registration form, which they will send out in the spring; this will allow them to gauge interest as they begin to plan camp activities. You may also email the founder and co-director, Luke Aloe, directly.
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-7969
Melissa Bittner
Format: In-Person Day Camp
Many Undivided families love California State Long Beach’s Camp Nugget. This summer, they are planning on having camp back in person! They will be offering their beloved swimming and exercise program for families. Camp Nugget activities include motor skills, health-related physical fitness, dance, games, adapted sports, and aquatics for children with disabilities taught by CSULB Adapted Physical Education students. (Note: At the time of publication, Camp Nugget had not updated the online description of Camp Nugget taking place in-person with the following information, but this has been confirmed with the directors.)
Dates: June 20 through July 15, located at CSULB KIN Room 60
Age range: Five to twelve years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Cost: $500 per camper
Registration: 2022 Camp Nugget Registration is now closed. For general information, contact campnugget@csulb.edu.
9854 National Blvd. #287
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 779-1952
Owner/Director: Marc Weiss
Format: In-Person Day Camp
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. They will participate in numerous games and activities, including indoor activities, water activities, a game room, and much more. Iverbe offers the Summer 2022 Day Camp highlighted below as well as sports camps for soccer, football, and baseball. No dance or baseball camps will be offered this summer. Check out the complete list of activities and summer camp sessions.
Summer 2022 Day Camp locations:
The Willows in Culver City and Bill Botts Park, June 13 to August 5
Palisades High School, June 13 to July 29
Westchester at St Bernard High School, June 13 to August 5 (New Location)
Dates: June 13 to August 5, 2022
Age Range: Ages four to thirteen / Grades DK to eighth
Hours: Hours 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (varies with each camp) Extended care hours available
Cost: $350–400 per week Lunch is $60 per session
Registration: Register here.
1:1 Aide: 1:1 aides are permitted.
P.O. Box 1267
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
(877) 966-SURF
Format: Special One-Day Summer Event
SURFERS Healing is a non-profit offering those with autism an opportunity to go surfing together. It was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz for their son, Isaiah, who has autism. When Isaiah struggled with behaviors and sensory overload, riding the waves with his father calmed him like nothing else. Volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism and their families a fun, engaging day at the beach. They believe that when they help kids get up on a board, they are challenging preconceived notions of capability. When they encourage participants to dive in, they are empowering them to engage with the world and affirming that every person is a gift.
Dates: Summer 2022 Camp Schedule
Cost: FREE
Registration: Make note of registration dates. Be sure to mark your calendars! When you're ready to sign up, visit their Summer 2022 Camp Schedule and click on the event you'd like to attend. Fill out the required information, and wait to see that your request has been processed. After registration closes, you will be notified within seventy-two hours if you have been selected or if you have been placed on the waitlist.
Locations in Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura
(619) 292-8970
Contact: Daniel Parsons, MS, CES, CSCS
Format: In-Person Classes
Surf the Spectrum, run by Kiera and Daniel Parsons, aims to provide activities in a variety of areas in order to enrich the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Surf the Spectrum offers surf, skate, and fitness programs as opportunities to promote self-determination and whole-person development. The programs are able to adapt to meet the needs and goals of each individual “through the application of safe, effective, and researched methods.” In all of their programs, they implement visual learning, communication, and behavior modification strategies to help “improve physical fitness, confidence, self-determination, and quality of life.”
Families may sign up for just one of the programs they offer or a combination, which includes cardio, gross motor fitness, surf lessons, and skate lessons. Each client is evaluated by Daniel Parsons prior to programming. Evaluation components include Core Stability, Gross Motor Skills (locomotor and object control), Posture and Gait, Balance and Proprioception, Behavior, and Communication.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura
Register: Reach out directly to book your first session.
Cost:*
Fitness, Cardio, and Skate sessions: $65 for fifty minutes
Surf: $75 for sixty minutes
1024 Hanley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 472-7474
Owner/Director: Andy Kimmelman
Format: In-Person Day Camp
Tumbleweed has been providing a place for kids to explore, play, and be unplugged from technology for more than sixty-five years. The camp is located on over a hundred acres of beautiful space and provides activities like archery, theater, swimming, field games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and more. The camp keeps a small ratio of counselors to campers, 1:5, to make sure your child has the best experience. Transportation is also included in their summer programs, where campers can either be dropped off and picked up at Tumbleweed, or they can take the bus from a meeting point. Check out where buses might be this summer.
If you would like to tour the camp prior to registration, you may sign up to schedule a visit.
Tumbleweed South
Designed for campers entering PK to second grade, this program aims to foster growth and development in a safe and nurturing environment. Activities are child-centered, helping campers learn new skills and build social competencies. Please note: your child must be at least four years old when starting camp.
Tumbleweed North
This camp is designed for students entering grades three through eight and focuses on making friends, gaining independence, and working as a team through both traditional and unique day camp activities. Contact the camp for more details.
Dates: Week-long sessions June 13 to August 12, 2022
Age Range: PK to eighth grade
Hours: Camp is generally open 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Cost: $865.00 per week
Registration: Register today!
1:1 Aide: They do often have a handful of campers attending with aides. Tumbleweed shared that it's always individualized as they collaborate with each family as to whether they can meet their child's needs with or without an aide.
Larchmont Charter School
1265 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Adat Ari El
12020 Burbank Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(424) 341-5522
Format: In-Person Day Programs
Camp Wildfolk, held at two locations in Valley Village and West Hollywood, creates a space for community and connection through activities and group projects. The Valley Village location offers six programs all at one convenient location, such as Wildfolk Classic for the original camp model, Adventure Camp daily field trips on a private school bus, and Robots Hybrid for older campers participating in activities like 3-D printing, film, woodworking, and more. The WeHo location offers five programs similar to those offered at Valley Village.
Dates:
• West Hollywood: Weekly sessions June 20 to July 22 (No Mini-camp)
• Valley Village: Weekly sessions June 20 to August 12 (Mini-camp August 15–19)
Time: 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Extended day 8:00 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Ages: Kindergarten to tenth grade
Cost: $215-$990 depending on the camp Registration: Register here
1:1 Aide: The camp is willing to allow a 1:1 aide if the aide is vaccinated. The approval is on a case-by-case basis. Call or email the camp to discuss your situation.
5433 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 302-0035
SpecialEducation@BroadwayGym.com
Format: In-Person Programs
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.
For summer 2022 camps, Contact Broadway Gymnastics directly for more information or check back here as we will update you as information becomes available.
Dates: June 14 to August 19
Age range: Five to twelve
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Cost: Prior years camp averaged $530 per week; subject to change in 2022.
Registration: Call (310) 302-0035
1:1 Aide: 1:1 aides may be welcome on a case-by-case basis. Please call (310) 302-0035 to discuss your individual needs.
8640 Hayden Place
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 987-2886
Format: In-Person Programs
JAG is accustomed to working with kids from six months to eighteen 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.
2022 summer camp registration is open now; you must register in advance, and space is limited. Pizza is available on a daily basis for an additional $12 per day. All campers should bring a water bottle and any additional food/snacks for their day.
Dates: Week-long camps June 6 to September 2
Age range: Rising K and up
Hours: Full day: 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Cost: $198 per day
Registration: Register here
1:1 Aide: 1:1 aides can accompany the child.
5433 Beethoven St.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 821-0963
Contact: Joclynn Benjamin and Eric Amundson
Format: In-Person Programs
Leaps n Boundz offers programs for youth and adults in the areas of swimming, behavior therapy, gymnastics, and social skills. They believe that through “increased independence, our safe and supportive environments provide participants with unique experiences and creative learning opportunities.” The programs are individually designed to enable individuals of all abilities to improve their quality of life. Leaps n Boundz plans on returning to in-person programs this summer.
The program dates and registration information will be available at the end of April for summer 2022. Families may contact them directly or check back here as we will update you all as the information becomes available.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, and Pasadena depending on the program
Register: Contact Form
Cost: Varies depending on the program (social skills sessions can be funded through Regional Center).
Primary Location:
10157 Johanna Ave.
Shadow Hills, CA 91040
(818) 767-6373
Mobile Site: Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood
AHEAD With Horses is devoted to improving the quality of life of all children through equine therapy. Their program helps children reach major physical, mental, and emotional milestones. The relationship between children, therapeutic riding instructors, and their special therapy horses is the catalyst to meaningful growth. The horses provide a sense of comfort and companionship. They see hundreds of individuals each year, of all ages and disabilities, throughout the greater Los Angeles area with a primary location in Shadow Hills (soon to be Lake View Terrace) and a mobile site at Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood.
Programs:
AHEAD With Horses (AWH) is a therapy program that utilizes vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) to provide various physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. Many of the children they serve have previously not responded to traditional forms of therapy and/or education or are not eligible for other services.
Ages: Twelve and under
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Session length and cost:
Call (818) 767-6373 to start the intake process. Space is limited.
34289 Rocking Horse Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 268-8010
Executive Director: Denise Redmond
Carousel Ranch has been offering equestrian therapy and vocational training for children and young adults with disabilities since 1997. They started in a small backyard and are now in a ten-acre ranch. At Carousel Ranch, equestrian therapy takes their students into a new, unexplored world and provides a sense of independence. The exercises performed on the back of the horse challenge their riders in ways that they have seldom been challenged before. Along with equestrian therapy, Carousel offers vocational training for adults with disabilities. They serve eighty-five children per week in individual therapy sessions and twelve young adults with disabilities in their vocational training program.
Programs:
Ready to Work! Vocational Program
Age Range: Three months and older
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Session Length and Cost:
If you have a child and are interested in enrolling, please call them (661) 268-8010 for more information. An initial phone interview will place your child onto their waiting list.
1003 W. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90810
(310) 350-1311
Founder/Executive Director: Joan Blank
Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Center is a Certified Center Member of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International offering equine-assisted activities and therapies. Their mission is “to improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.” Dream Catcher offers a wide range of programs.
Programs:
Ages: Two and up for hippotherapy Three and a half and up for therapeutic riding Fourteen and up for volunteering
Hours: Flexible times
Session Length and Cost:
610 Santa Monica Blvd. #220
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 435-3047
Marlene Frantz is a Certified Group Psychotherapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association and is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA) as an Equine Therapist. She offers equine therapy at her personal residence in Topanga, specifically “experiential equine therapy” as opposed to riding therapy.
In addition to being an Equine Therapist, Marlene Frantz has a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist that includes individual adults and children of all ages as well as couples and families. She is particularly interested in working with issues around self-expression, creative blocks, intimacy, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. Her therapeutic approach includes using a number of modalities including dream work, sandplay, play therapy, active imagination, and art.
Programs:
Parents or 1:1 aides can accompany the child.
Ages: All ages
Hours: Monday to Friday Hours and weekends are negotiable
Session Length and Cost:
She can produce a superbill with billable codes for insurance.
10860 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 700-2971
401 Ronel Court
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 375-9078
Contact: Sara@RideOn.org
The mission of Ride On is to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities through fun, creative equine therapy. Staff members include occupational and physical therapists.
Programs:
Equine specialists in mental health and learning therapists are also available. These therapists work with an equine specialist to help children in hour-long therapy sessions.
Ages: Four and up
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Session Length and Cost:
Scholarships are available. A copy of taxes is required for proof of income. Contact Nancy at nancy@rideon.org to begin the process.
50 Narcissa Dr.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 541-4201
Executive Director: Gail Grove
Ride to Fly is a “non-profit organization committed to offering therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.” Since 1994, Ride to Fly has been a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International member-operating center serving the South Bay area. They have three main programs to choose from, including mounted equine activities/lessons, non-mounted activities/lessons, and equine management training. The non-profit organization has been in the media, sharing the successful story about a young girl with disabilities and how the program works.
Program: Interactive Horsemanship Program
Ages: Ride to Fly does not specify age ranges, but they do have a 175-pound weight limit for riders to be mounted.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 2:00 p.m.—4:45 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m.—11:45 a.m.
Note: Summer lessons are Tuesday–Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. due to heat in the afternoons.
Session Length and Cost:
2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-0544
Director of Program Operations: Justin Belisario, MD, (626) 297-3623
ACEing Autism was founded in the summer of 2008, by Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste, as a family-run organization with the support of its volunteers and beneficiaries. Richard became aware that they could greatly enhance the lives of children with autism through tennis. He made a commitment to “dedicate his career to the development and expansion of ACEing Autism.”
The goal is to provide an hour break during which you can watch your child develop into a tennis player. Their clinics aim to “develop your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination, build confidence, and improve their general socialization, all within a FUN and controlled environment.” Program directors usually have either tennis or autism backgrounds, sometimes both. ACEing Autism is a group tennis program for participants with a 1:2 volunteers-to-participant ratio and a Program Director team that oversees the on-court and off-court organization.
The clinic runs for fifty minutes for six weeks at a time. The curriculum is as follows: Introduction, Group Warm-up, Hand-Eye Coordination, Racquet Skills, Tennis Skills, and Games. The age range is five to eighteen years old with the upper limit fairly flexible. Participants who use AAC devices are welcome. Volunteers are trained in autism basics only. However, they do encourage children’s RBTs, aides, or therapists to jump on the court to help when possible. In addition, parents are asked to be nearby and may be asked to come on the court if needed.
Dates: Varies by location
Location: ACEing Autism offers more than eighty program locations nationwide, with Southern California having about thirteen locations. Programs in Inglewood, MountainGate Country Club (near Getty Center), Echo Park, Burbank, and Long Beach as the closest programs in LA proper. They are always able to expand into areas where demand is high and can work with individuals to start a new location.
Register: You may register for ACEing Autism once you select your location.
Cost: On average, it costs $120 for a six-week session. The cost ranges from $10 to $20 per fifty-minute clinic.
AYSO REGION 7
8726 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Box D1211
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(424) 334-8338
Contact: Gregg at rcayso7@gmail.com, (310) 266-0806
The AYSO VIP Soccer program offers modified soccer. The goal of the AYSO VIP Program is to offer a quality soccer experience for individuals with physical or mental disabilities who otherwise may find it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. They define successful participation as the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members. The program provides VIP Buddies who assist during the games, in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends. It's open to everyone from age four to adults.
Note: AYSO offers the VIP program in various regions. We are highlighting the Westside, Region 7. If this is not your area, you may use their Region Locator to find a program near you.
Dates: Spring begins in March and Fall begins in August
Fall Program: Nielson Field in Westchester. This session has participants with a wider range of needs, and there are buddies for support. It also fills up quicker with a larger group of thirty to forty students, so depending on volunteers and the number of registrants, they may close registration to new participants. Every team needs a certified coach, assistant coach, and referee. If they do not have a coach who has volunteered before the season begins, you will be put on a wait list.
Location:
The VIP program for the West Los Angeles area is offered through Region 7 (Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Inglewood, and Lennox). In prior years, they have had a team in Santa Monica, Palisades, and Malibu, but one does not exist at this time. It varies depending on volunteer coaches and the number of registered participants.
Register: You may email Gregg directly for registration questions, and he will also be able to connect you with the coach. Participants can complete registration paperwork here.
Cost: Ranges from no cost to discounted rates. The average rates are $40-$50 for VIP programs compared to almost $200 for other programs. (Discounted rates vary by region.)
2550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Space 134
Torrance, CA 90505
CA District 25 Administrator: Marty Hoy, (310) 325-5764
Founded in 1989, the Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations, they should do so. The Challenger program offers “buddies,” peer athletes who are in the Little League or Softball programs, to assist the athletes in areas of batting, base running, and defense as needed. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages four to eighteen or up to age twenty-two if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages fifteen and above with no maximum age. They are still working to revive and organize the program after two years of COVID restrictions.
Note: The Challenger program is available in various regions. We are highlighting the Westside and Beverly Hills. To find a Challenger Division near your community, visit their League Finder or email them at challenger@LittleLeague.org.
Dates:
Varies depending on league but typically weekends from February to June.
Location:
Register:
Beverly Hills: Registration (Just ignore the part that says you're supposed to be a Beverly Hills resident. That does not apply to buddy baseball.)
Cost:
Each local Challenger Program sets its own policy with respect to registration fees, so it varies by region; however, most leagues do not charge a fee to participate. No player may be denied the opportunity to participate based on the inability to pay a registration fee. The Beverly Hills league, for instance, is offering free registration to any Challenger buddy baseball players.
1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 502-1100
Manager, Sports & Programs: Tracy Belloso
Special Olympics “transform 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, skills, and success.
In a typical year, they offer twelve sports, both individual and team sports, including Athletics (Track and Field), Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.
As of January 2022, activities include Athletics, Basketball (individual skills only), Bocce, Flag Football, and Swimming. At the moment, they have limited availability in their programs. Each team is only allowed to meet with fewer than ten people and only in certain sports. They anticipated in February/March to allow more athletes to join practices (fifty people or fewer) pending LA County and CDC COVID policies. For more information on their progress, you can visit Phased Return to Activity.
Dates:
They planned to welcome back athletes and coaches to a wider in-person activity program beginning January 2022.
Location:
Winter (November to March): Floor Hockey
Register:
Cost: Programs are free to the athletes and their families.
2533 Coolidge Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 867-9282
Owner: Kate Polich
Head Above Water was established in 2002 to provide swim lessons in the privacy and familiarity of a swimmer’s own pool. They have since expanded to provide their services to clients who do not have their own pool (learn more about the location in West Los Angeles here). They specialize in private, 1:1 swim lessons for all ages. There is only one swimmer in the pool at a time. They customize every lesson to each swimmer’s specific, unique needs, and they offer lessons seven days a week. They have experience working with children with autism.
Locations in Culver City and Santa Monica
(310) 821-0963
Recreational Services Manager: Shaun Cochran
Leaps n Boundz offers an adaptive aquatics program that has something for all ages and skill levels. Each swimmer is assessed and given individual, progressive swim goals. They offer lessons year-round at both indoor and outdoor facilities (the only outdoor location is the Santa Monica Swim Center at Santa Monica College). They support and teach children and adults of all ages and abilities. Leaps n Boundz accommodates and develops a lesson that is tailored to each client. While a majority of their clients have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, they do support individuals with a wide range of diagnoses.
Locations in Burbank, Culver City, and Santa Monica
(323) 364-7946
Program director: Kenneth Rippetoe, cell (310) 694-2579
One with the Water! shares that they “live to inspire others to do what inspires them.” They love to help create “miracles” in the lives of children and adults, including those with disabilities, by teaching swimming lessons and empowering people to be successful in and out of the water. It is their belief that people should continuously challenge themselves in order to fulfill their physical, emotional, and intellectual potential. One with the Water! realizes that many parents struggle to find a swim lesson provider who is the right fit for their child and how important it is for the provider to be qualified, experienced, and compassionate. They have over thirty-five years of experience teaching individuals of all ages and ability levels, and they have experience working with kids with autism. They are open now, and all of their pools are ADA accessible.
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Contact: Amanda Bardwell, (626) 564-0330 ext. 419 therapyinfo@rosebowlaquatics.org
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center offers an adaptive swim program for children with disabilities, aiming to give families the highest level of instruction and therapeutic benefits of swimming. Their mission is to provide quality swim lessons and aquatic therapy through inclusion, consistency, and progress. They have instructors and physical therapists who are comfortable working with a child with significant support needs. Lessons are conducted in their therapy pool, which is heated year-round and is wheelchair accessible using a hydraulic-powered chairlift. If you would like more information about their PT services, contact Amanda Bardwell (phone number above). If you are considering PT sessions at the pool, this is sometimes covered by insurance.
3231 Ocean Park Blvd #111
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-625-2974
Head Coach: Michael Flaherty
Swim with Heart, a non-profit organization, offers “year-round swim instruction and competitive swim team training with a focus on personal connection and the importance of having fun.” Specially trained instructors work with swimmers of all abilities to break through emotional, mental, and physical barriers and open up new possibilities. Located at Santa Monica Swim Center, it’s available to all ages and diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, Fragile X, and Angelman syndrome. They accept direct payment and Self-Determination payments, and scholarships are available.
Multiple locations
(323) 622-9468
Program Director: Chris Durian
SwimSCAAPE’s mission is to “give swimmers of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and/or cognitive challenges, the support, confidence, and skills necessary to safely experience the joy and health benefits of swimming.” They offer 1:1 standard and adaptive private lessons and “sensory swim” therapeutic sessions. This program offers scholarships through the Warrior Hearted Special Children’s Foundation. The director stated that the board members meet once a month to review the financial needs of each child and family, as well as any compelling special circumstances, to award scholarships.
A word on possibilities and limitations: Undivided is here to help you navigate the system, save you time, bring you clarity and confidence, and connect you with the best available information and resources. We do not officially endorse or represent any of the resources, providers, services, schools, or clinics we reference or suggest. It is your family’s responsibility to investigate and ensure the safety, suitability, and best practices of any activity you undertake or any company or individual you choose to work with. Regarding COVID-19, Undivided encourages its members to monitor publicly available information and to always follow federal, state, and local health organization guidance and government mandates. We are not authorized to provide legal advice. Any information, documents, or communication provided or exchanged between Undivided and users of Undivided’s services does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it covered by attorney-client privilege or confidentiality. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney. Ultimately, all care decisions must be made by you in concert with your child’s school district and their healthcare, insurance, and other service providers.
