2017 Summer Camps

It's still only February, but believe it or not, summer will be here before you know it! The kids only have three months before school ends here in Bloomington. So to help all those parents out who need to find programs for their kids with disabilities, the folks at IRCA have compiled their annual list of summer camps and programs in Indiana and the surrounding areas. The list contains camps or programs that specifically serve kids with disabilities or include them.

Take a look at the complete list at:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu//index.php?pageId=summer-camps-and-programs

Bicycle Camp for Individuals with Disabilities Now Accepting Applications

iCan Bike Camp, an event that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle, is coming to Bloomington later this summer and is now accepting rider applications. The program will take place August 17-21, 2015, at the Frank Southern Ice Arena. The five-day camp requires riders to attend only one 75-minute session per day with all the sessions meeting during the after-school hours.

To be eligible to enroll, riders must be at least eight years old, have a disability and be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane. Riders must be able to side-step quickly to both sides. Riders must have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches and weigh no more than 220 pounds.

The iCan Bike program is offered through iCan Shine, a national nonprofit organization that collaborates with local organizations to host camps in their communities. This camp is being hosted in Bloomington by the Down Syndrome Family Connection and the Bloomington Chapter of the Autism Society of Indiana. Sponsors include the Herald-Times, Monroe County Autism Foundation, and Indiana University Health. The Bicycle Garage has joined as a local bike shop partner for the event.

For more information, please visit:
http://icanshine.org/ican-bike-bloomington-in/

2015 Summer Camps and Programs

While it's not yet Spring, truly, you can just look outside for confirmation of that fact, the list for this year's summer camps is already available! The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has posted on their website the 2015 summer camps and programs available for people with disabilities.

To view the entire list, please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3423

Summer Camps for 2013 ... and an Oops!

Believe it or not, it is time to start looking for summer camps for those kiddos! If you have a child with a disability, this can sometimes be a little bit more challenging than for those who don't. Luckily, the folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism has put together a nice list. Not only does this list include traditional summer camps, it also offers suggestions for activities such as movie-going in a sensory-friendly environment and therapeutic riding centers across the state. Check it out at: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=3423

So now for my Oops: I forgot to add the link to the What's New page yesterday! (facepalm) So if you missed it yesterday, here it is today. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=2317

Summer Camps

Winter is over (not counting this coming weekend), spring is here (truly, it is!), and summer is right around the corner. If you're like some, you're already starting to plan for the kids' summer break. The Indiana Department of Education has you covered. Their annual list of summer camps is online and available to help you decide which camp is the best for your children. This 13-page list offers names, programs and contact information for more than 40 camps in and around Indiana. There's sure to be something for everyone. Check it out at: http://www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/speced/docs/Summer_Camp_List_2011.pdf

Summer camps

Summer is almost upon us! Are you trying to find a camp for that special child or adult in your life? The Indiana Department of Education has a whole list of them! Check it out at: http://www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/speced/docs/Summer_Camp_Survey_2010.pdf
This 12 page list includes contact information, session dates, and more.

If you're looking for something outside of Indiana, here are a few more listings that may be of interest:
http://www.specialcamps.org/
http://www.veryspecialcamps.com/
http://www.specialcamp.org/
http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Special_Needs_Camps/

Preschool Day Camp

The Center for Possibilities in Hobart, Indiana, is offering a day camp program for preschoolers with developmental disabilities. The camp, entitled "How Does Your Garden Grow," will take place June 7-17th on Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30am to 1:45pm. Here are the promotional details:

Campers will have a wonderful time exploring all things that grow in a garden including flowers, fruits, vegetables, bugs and other crawly things. Activities will include planting seeds, exploring roots, painting with vegetables, digging for worms and water play.

Children 2-6 years old with a developmental disability are eligible to enroll. Camp will run for 2 weeks, Monday-Thursday, from 8:30am-1:45pm. A $20.00 enrollment fee and $40.00 camp fee will be due at time of enrollment. The enrollment fee will include a camp T-shirt and group picture. The Camp fee includes 5 hours of care with a 1 teacher to 5 campers ratio, hot lunches and am snacks, and all camp supplies. All fees are non-refundable. A waiting list will be created once full enrollment is reached.

Campers do not need to be independent in physical skills such as sitting up or walking or in self help skills such as toileting or eating. In order for camp to be enjoyable for each camper, parents are encouraged to consider if their child is able to handle stimulation, transitions, being around other children and exposure to colds and other respiratory ailments. Per State guidelines, Center for Possibilities shall not admit or maintain any child whose needs it obviously cannot meet or whose behavior would be dangerous for other children. (DPW Reg. 470IAC 3-4, 1-7). Center for Possibilities is a state license daycare program with 50 years experience providing service to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For more information or to enroll your child, call the Hobart Family YMCA at (219) 942-2183 or visit the website www.hobartymca.org. You can also email the CeDIR Library to request an electronic copy of the flyer.

Easter Seals Crossroads: CampAbility

The sun is out and spring fever has settled in; soon the school year will end and you and your children will have three empty months to fill. If you don't have any major summer plans, or are looking for a great opportunity for your child to interact with other children and learn new skills while you're at work, consider signing up for CampAbility, the annual Easter Seals day camp.

CampAbility runs for two week sessions throughout June and July. Each session costs $300, but some scholarships are available thanks to generous donors. Before- and after-camp care during working hours is also offered for a fee. You can read more about the camp and view a 3-minute promotional video here: http://crossroads.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=INCN_camp_crossroads. If you have questions about CampAbility, call Jane at 317-782-8888.

For an electronic copy of the 2010 CampAbility flyer, email us at cedir@indiana.edu. Also check out two other day camp offerings by the Easter Seals Crossroads, Life Skills and PALSS, on our Autism Resource Blog.

Summer Camps 2009!

The Indiana Department of Education just posted their special summer camps list of 2009! Check it out here: http://www.doe.in.gov/exceptional/speced/docs/Summer_Camp_List_2009.pdf

This list includes 12 pages of summer camps in Indiana and one in Illinois. It provides the name of the camp, contact information, dates open, and a brief description. Some highlights include:

CampAbility put on by Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis which explores sensorimotor experiences, expands communication skills, and develops social skills for children with special needs. www.eastersealscrossroads.org

Camp Hi-Lite in Bradford Woods in Martinsville serves children and young adults with Down Syndrome. www.bradwoods.org

Hoosier Burn Camp in Dayton serves children who have experienced burn injuries. It helps these children build self-esteem and realize their potential. www.hoosierburncamp.org

Timber Ridge Camp in Spencer has a week called Blind Camp in July for the visually impaired youth of all ages. www.trcamp.org or www.christianrecord.org

Indiana Summer Camps

Interested in Indiana Summer Camps geared towards youths with disabilities?


Bradford Woods in Martinsville, Indiana is well known as the best residential camping facility in the Midwest available to youth with disabilities. Many of these are sponsored by Riley Children’s Foundation. One such program is the award-winning week long Camp Kan Du, which is designed for youth whose cognitive level is assessed between 0 to 48 months. Camp About Face, sponsored by the Craniofacial Clinic and Riley Children’s Foundation, is a week-long camp for children with craniofacial anomalies.
Contact them at (765) 342-2915 or check out their website!

There is also:
Isanogel Center Show Phone # in Muncie, Indiana where individuals with physical & mental disabilities can make friends while enjoying activities. Contact at 765-288-1073.
OR
Camp Millhouse Show Phone # in South Bend, Indiana which offers fun-filled adventurous outdoor activities for persons with special needs. Contact at 574-233-2202

Looking for summer camps in different states check out this helpful website.
My Summer Camps