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Home / Specialized Summer Camps in Metro Detroit and Beyond: Catering to Every Child’s Needs

Specialized Summer Camps in Metro Detroit and Beyond: Catering to Every Child’s Needs

Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and new experiences, and for children with specialized needs, finding the right summer camp can make all the difference. Fortunately, Metro Detroit and its surrounding areas offer a variety of specialized summer camps tailored to meet the unique needs of children with various disabilities and special needs. These camps provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and make lifelong memories.

One such camp is Camp A.B.L.E. (Active, Bold, Leaders, and Empowered), located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This camp is designed for children and young adults with disabilities, offering a range of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, and nature exploration. Camp A.B.L.E. focuses on promoting independence, building self-confidence, and fostering social skills in a fun and engaging setting.

Another notable camp is the iCan Bike Camp, held in various locations across the country, including Metro Detroit. This camp helps children with disabilities learn how to ride a bike independently, using specialized equipment and techniques. Through one-on-one instruction and support, children can experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike, an accomplishment that can have a lasting impact on their lives.

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield offers Camp S.L.I.D.E. (Social, Life Skills, Inclusion, Development, and Education). This camp focuses on social skills development, sensory-friendly activities, and inclusive play, providing a supportive environment where children can thrive and make meaningful connections.

Friendship Circle Day Camp 2024
Dates: Session 1 June 17-June 28 $850 l Session 2 July 1 – July 12  $850 | Session 3 July 15 – July 19 $425  Ages: 6-17
Time: Monday – Friday, 10 am until 3 pm.
Location: Friendship Circle Meer Campus – 6892 West Maple Road West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Description: Friendship Circle’s Day Camp combines learning critical social skills with a fun as well as engaging camp experience. Friendship Circle is offering six weeks of summer fun on Friendship Circle’s Meer campus with exciting field trips out in the community. Campers will receive a memorable and active summer experience while developing friendships with teen volunteers and their peers.
Website: www.friendshipcircle.org/camp

Lions Bear Lake Camp
Address: 3409 N Five Lakes Rd Lapeer, MI 48446 US
Phone: 810-245-0726
Age Range: 5 – 16
Dates/Times: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Family Camp June 28th-30th, Visually Impaired & Blind Youth Camp July 7th-13th, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth Camp July 14th-20th
Types of Camps Available: Sleep-Away Summer Camp, Specialized Camps (for those with specific needs)
Description: Embark on a transformative summer at Lions Bear Lake Camp! Our inclusive programs for blind, visually impaired, and deaf youth, along with family camps, prioritize leadership, confidence, and outdoor experiences. Join us for a summer of growth, connection, fun, and unforgettable memories!
Website | More Info About Program

Camp Fish Tales – Pinconning, MI

Camp Fish Tales is a year-round independent non-profit camp, conference and retreat center. This barrier-free camp, for people of all ages and all disabilities, is located 67 acres s at the corner of Erickson and Old State Rd. between Linwood and Pinconning, just north of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Camp Able – Canton, MI

Camp A.B.L.E. is designed for individuals with disabilities. This camp offers unique opportunities to enhance social skills, reinforce gross and fine motor skills and foster independence. We attend field-trips two times a week, from zoo’s to bowling. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays we participate in different themed activities and welcome guest speakers. We also swim at the Summit on the Park.

Kids In Motion Summer Camps

Incorporating all therapies: Gross and Fine motor skills, sensory activities, speech groups, social skills, outdoor group play, swimming & much More!

SCAMP – Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, Rochester, MI

The philosophy of SCAMP is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and exciting experience for all SCAMPers in our care. The opportunity to gain new skills through activity, involvement, as well as life lessons from staff guidance is a fundamental aspect of our philosophy. We strive to meet each SCAMPer’s individual needs and provide an atmosphere whereby they can succeed.

OUR Camp – Northville, MI

O.U.R. Camp is a specialized summer day camp for young children with developmental needs. Its purpose is to provide continuity with school year programs and to stimulate the development of cognitive and social skills during the summer months. Activities are designed to promote improved self-images and group interaction skills. Activities include music, movement, arts and crafts, games and dramatic play to encourage the development of language and motor skills.

Skyline Camp & Retreat Center – Almont, MI

A joy-filled week of fun, folks and food for adults with special needs. Spend time with friends, new and old, visiting farm animals, and practicing your archery skills. We will sing, dance, drum, swim, and fish. Enjoy making activity choices to join in sports & games, gardening, cooking, boating, crafts, puzzles, hayrides, therapeutic horseback riding, and campfires.

These are just a few examples of the specialized summer camps available in Metro Detroit and beyond. No matter the challenge or disability, there is a summer camp out there for every child, offering an enriching and empowering experience that can last a lifetime.

Julie McKeeman
Author: Julie McKeeman

Julie is first and foremost a mom of two amazing kiddos, Elliott and Bennett. She is an elementary school librarian whose passion is to create safe spaces for all children.