Summer camps provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun. For children with special needs, finding the right summer camp can be an important decision for their social and emotional development.
In New York City (NYC), there are several outstanding summer camps that cater specifically to special needs kids. These camps offer a supportive environment where children can thrive, make friends, and participate in a wide range of activities. In this article, we will explore the best summer camps for special needs kids in NYC.
| Camp Name | Location | Zip Code | Phone Number | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Green Tree | Midtown East | N/A | (212) 415-5710 | Ages 6-12 |
| Extreme Kids & Crew – Camps | Red Hook, Brooklyn | N/A | (347) 410-6050 | Ages 6-9 |
| Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation Summer Camps | N/A | N/A | (516) 374-5800 | Ages 5-17 |
| Marvin’s Camp for Children With Special Needs | Staten Island | 10314 | (718) 983-3800 | Ages 6-21 |
| 14th Street Y Camps | N/A | N/A | (646) 395-4357 | Ages 3-14 |
| The Quad Manhattan | N/A | N/A | (646) 679-3054 | Ages 5-13 |
| EBL Coaching – Camps | N/A | N/A | (212) 249-0147 | Ages 5-17 |
| Chess NYC Fun & Training Camps Online | N/A | N/A | (212) 475-8130 | Ages 5-16 |
| Camp Reece | Saratoga Springs | 12866 | (845) 877-9433 | Ages 10-17 |
| Kehilla Day Camp | N/A | N/A | (212) 980-0130 | Ages 5-12 |
| YAI- Mainstreaming At Camp (MAC) | Catskill Mountains | N/A | (212) 273-6182 | Ages 8-18 |
| The Club of Riverdale | Riverdale | 10463 | (718) 796-8888 | Ages 3-14 |
| Steve & Kate’s Camp | N/A | N/A | (917) 737-6435 | Ages 4-12 |
| The Bridge Center | N/A | N/A | (347) 987-4450 | Ages 5-18 |
| Camp Bari Tov | Rockland County | 10952 | (845) 425-8255 | Ages 5-21 |
| Wagon Road Camp | N/A | N/A | (914) 949-2635 | Ages 6-12 |
| Camp Akeela | Vermont | 05478 | (866) 680-4744 | Ages 9-18 |
| Camp Dream | Georgia | 30523 | (706) 778-3437 | Ages 7-17 |
| Camp Huntington | High Falls | 12440 | (855) 707-2267 | Ages 6-21 |
| Camp Northwood | Remsen | 13438 | (315) 831-3621 | Ages 8-18 |
1. Camp Green Tree
Location: Midtown East
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (212) 415-5710
Age Group: Ages 6-12
Camp Green Tree, located in Midtown East, is an exceptional summer camp for special needs children aged 6 to 12. The camp provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can engage in various recreational and educational activities. From arts and crafts to sports and games, Camp Green Tree offers a diverse range of activities designed to promote social interaction, physical fitness, and personal growth.
2. Extreme Kids & Crew – Camps
Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (347) 410-6050
Age Group: Ages 6-9
Extreme Kids & Crew – Camps, situated in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is another fantastic option for special needs children between the ages of 6 and 9. The camp focuses on fostering creativity, independence, and self-expression. Children at Extreme Kids & Crew – Camps have the opportunity to engage in sensory-friendly activities, including music, art, and outdoor adventures, all tailored to their unique needs and abilities.
Read also: Summer Camps For Kids With Special Needs – Fun and Inclusive Experiences
3. Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation Summer Camps
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (516) 374-5800
Age Group: Ages 5-17
The Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation Summer Camps offer inclusive and enriching experiences for special needs children aged 5 to 17. Although the exact location is not specified, the foundation organizes various camp programs that focus on providing a safe and supportive environment for children with diverse abilities. Through a combination of recreational activities, skill-building workshops, and social interactions, the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation Summer Camps promote personal development and empower children to reach their full potential.
4. Marvin’s Camp for Children With Special Needs
Location: Staten Island
Zip Code: 10314
Phone Number: (718) 983-3800
Age Group: Ages 6-21
Marvin’s Camp for Children With Special Needs, located in Staten Island, is a renowned summer camp that caters to children with special needs between the ages of 6 and 21. The camp offers a comprehensive program that focuses on developing social skills, fostering independence, and promoting personal growth. With a wide range of activities, including sports, arts, and outdoor adventures, Marvin’s Camp provides a supportive and inclusive environment where children can thrive and create lasting memories.
5. The Quad Manhattan
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (646) 679-3054
Age Group: Ages 5-13
The Quad Manhattan offers specialized summer camps for children with special needs, aged 5 to 13. With a focus on building social skills, communication, and academic enrichment, The Quad Manhattan provides a supportive and nurturing environment for children to thrive. The camp’s team of experienced professionals ensures that each child’s individual needs are met, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.
6. EBL Coaching – Camps
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (212) 249-0147
Age Group: Ages 5-17
EBL Coaching – Camps provide a unique and educational summer camp experience for special needs children aged 5 to 17. The camp combines recreational activities with academic support, focusing on enhancing reading, writing, and math skills. With small group sizes and personalized attention, EBL Coaching – Camps aims to foster a positive learning environment where children can build self-esteem and academic confidence.
7. Chess NYC Fun & Training Camps Online
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (212) 475-8130
Age Group: Ages 5-16
Chess NYC Fun & Training Camps Online offers an innovative and intellectually stimulating summer camp experience for special needs children aged 5 to 16. The camp not only enhances children’s chess skills but also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Through online interactive sessions, children can engage with peers, learn from experienced instructors, and strengthen their cognitive abilities.
8. Camp Reece
Location: Saratoga Springs
Zip Code: 12866
Phone Number: (845) 877-9433
Age Group: Ages 10-17
Camp Reece, located in Saratoga Springs, is a specialized summer camp designed for children with special needs between the ages of 10 and 17. The camp offers a structured and supportive environment where children can participate in recreational and therapeutic activities. Camp Reece’s goal is to promote self-confidence, social skills, and independence in a fun and inclusive setting.
Read also: Free Summer Camps for Autism in USA: Locations and Programs
9. Kehilla Day Camp
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (212) 980-0130
Age Group: Ages 5-12
Kehilla Day Camp provides a nurturing and inclusive summer camp experience for special needs children aged 5 to 12. The camp focuses on promoting social skills, emotional well-being, and Jewish cultural awareness. With a wide range of activities, including arts, sports, and outdoor adventures, Kehilla Day Camp creates a positive and engaging environment for children to make friends and develop their abilities.
10. YAI- Mainstreaming At Camp (MAC)
Location: Catskill Mountains
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (212) 273-6182
Age Group: Ages 8-18
YAI- Mainstreaming At Camp (MAC) offers an unforgettable summer camp experience for special needs children aged 8 to 18 in the picturesque Catskill Mountains. The camp’s integrated model allows children with disabilities to participate in activities alongside their typically developing peers, promoting inclusion and fostering friendships. YAI- MAC focuses on enhancing social skills, independence, and self-advocacy in a supportive and encouraging environment.
11. The Club of Riverdale
Location: Riverdale
Zip Code: 10463
Phone Number: (718) 796-8888
Age Group: Ages 3-14
12. Steve & Kate’s Camp
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (917) 737-6435
Age Group: Ages 4-12
Steve & Kate’s Camp offers an innovative and child-directed summer camp experience for special needs children aged 4 to 12. The camp provides a flexible and supportive environment where children have the freedom to choose their activities and explore their interests. With a wide range of options, including art, music, sports, and technology, Steve & Kate’s Camp encourages creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth.
13. The Bridge Center
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (347) 987-4450
Age Group: Ages 5-18
The Bridge Center offers inclusive and therapeutic summer camp programs for special needs children aged 5 to 18. The camp specializes in providing services for children with emotional, social, and developmental challenges. Through a combination of recreational activities, therapeutic interventions, and social skills training, The Bridge Center aims to support children’s overall development, self-confidence, and positive peer interactions.
14. Camp Bari Tov
Location: Rockland County
Zip Code: 10952
Phone Number: (845) 425-8255
Age Group: Ages 5-21
Camp Bari Tov, situated in Rockland County, offers a comprehensive summer camp experience for special needs children aged 5 to 21. The camp focuses on promoting independence, socialization, and skill-building in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a wide range of activities, including sports, arts, and outdoor adventures, Camp Bari Tov provides opportunities for children to develop new interests, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
15. Wagon Road Camp
Location: N/A
Zip Code: N/A
Phone Number: (914) 949-2635
Age Group: Ages 6-12
Wagon Road Camp offers an enriching summer camp experience for special needs children aged 6 to 12. Located in a picturesque setting, the camp provides opportunities for outdoor exploration, recreational activities, and skill development. Wagon Road Camp focuses on fostering social skills, independence, and self-esteem through engaging and age-appropriate programs designed to meet the needs of each child.
16. Camp Akeela
Location: Vermont
Zip Code: 05478
Phone Number: (866) 680-4744
Age Group: Ages 9-18
Camp Akeela, located in Vermont, is a specialized summer camp for children with special needs between the ages of 9 and 18. The camp offers a supportive and nurturing community where children can build friendships, develop social skills, and gain independence. With a wide range of activities, including outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and team-building exercises, Camp Akeela creates an inclusive and positive environment for all campers.
17. Camp Dream
Location: Georgia
Zip Code: 30523
Phone Number: (706) 778-3437
Age Group: Ages 7-17
Camp Dream, situated in Georgia, provides an exceptional summer camp experience for special needs children aged 7 to 17. The camp aims to empower children with disabilities by offering a range of recreational and therapeutic activities. From outdoor adventures and sports to arts and crafts, Camp Dream creates a supportive and inclusive environment where campers can explore their interests, build self-confidence, and develop meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
18. Camp Huntington
Location: High Falls
Zip Code: 12440
Phone Number: (855) 707-2267
Age Group: Ages 6-21
Camp Huntington, nestled in High Falls, provides a comprehensive summer camp experience for children with special needs aged 6 to 21. With a focus on individualized programming, the camp offers academic support, recreational activities, and therapeutic interventions to cater to each camper’s unique abilities and goals. Camp Huntington aims to foster personal growth, independence, and socialization in a safe and nurturing environment.
19. Camp Northwood
Location: Remsen
Zip Code: 13438
Phone Number: (315) 831-3621
Age Group: Ages 8-18
Camp Northwood, located in Remsen, offers a specialized summer camp for children with special needs between the ages of 8 and 18. The camp provides a structured and supportive setting where campers can develop social skills, build self-confidence, and engage in recreational activities. With a focus on individual growth and positive peer interactions, Camp Northwood creates a welcoming and inclusive community for all campers.
Read also: Autism And Sleep: The Link Between Autism And Sleep Problems
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best summer camps available for special needs kids in NYC and its surrounding areas. Each camp offers unique programs and specialized support to cater to the diverse needs of children with disabilities. Whether it’s enhancing social skills, academic enrichment, or therapeutic interventions, these camps strive to create inclusive and enriching experiences for special needs children, fostering their personal development, independence, and overall well-being.
