The information on the website provided only serves as general information purposes, it may be subject to change at any time without prior notice.
GLRS Resource Directory (2021 update) – During the summer months many parents want to find recreational or camp programs for their children. Sometimes it can be especially hard to find programs that accept children with disabilities or programs that are specifically designed for these youngsters. The purpose of this Directory is to help parents, educators, and other interested citizens in the Metro Atlanta area find such programs. The Directory presents information on day camps, residential camps, school camps and various recreational and instructional programs that accept youngsters with disabilities. Most programs listed are located in Georgia. A few camps outside the State of Georgia that are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities are listed.
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Atlanta Parks and Recreation, Special Recreation Services. One-week sessions. June-July. Summer day camp for children ages 6-21 with physical and mental disabilities. Coan Park. 1530 Wood Bine Ave., SE, Atlanta. 404-371-5008.
Camp Extraordinaire. Weekly themed activities, small group academic enrichment, arts and crafts, OT, PE, music and in school field trips. Porter Academy. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell. 770-594-1313.
Camp Happy Hearts. Children with mild disabilities enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, games, sports, field trips and more. Ages 6-12. Lionheart School. 225 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6154.
Camp Kingfisher. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Nature camp for children ages 5 to 14. Hikes, crafts, animal demonstrations, canoeing and swimming. Accepts children with special needs. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055, ext. 222.
Camp Sunshine. Serving children with cancer ages birth-23 years and their families by providing educational, recreational and support programs year round. Summer camp held at Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 404-325-7979.
Camp Wannaklot, Hemophilia of Georgia. Summer camp for children with bleeding disorders. Camping, canoeing, golf, swimming and more. Held at Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 770-518-8272.
Cecil B. Day Sports and Fitness Center. Tumbling and gymnastics camp for children ages 4 to 12. Jungle Jam and Carnival Kartwheelers. Dunwoody Baptist Church. 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Atlanta. 770-280-1210.
Children’s Special Services Summer Camps. Handwriting and social skills, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and non-competitive games. Held at clinic and several metro Atlanta locations. 770-394-9791.
Circus Arts Social Summer. Circus program that includes juggling, trapeze, rope climbing and more designed for children with special needs. 206 Rogers St. NE, Ste. 214. 404-549-3000.
Clayton County Therapeutic Recreation Day Camp. Camp for mildly disabled children. Skating, swimming, arts and crafts, and field trips. Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center. 770-477-3766.
The Cottage School Summer Success Program. Offers various summer school programs for middle and high school students as well as a summer sports camp. Camp curriculums and times vary. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. 770-641-8688.
Woodstock Arts (Formerly Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.) Offers writing and dramatics summer programs and year-round classes and plays for children with special needs. 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 678-494-4251.
High Meadows Camp. Offers a full inclusion day camp for campers with developmental disabilities ages 6-18. Swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Atlanta. 770-458-3251.
Lekotek Summer Computer Camp. Campers with physical, cognitive and/or sensory disabilities learn alongside siblings and peers to play using adaptive and innovative technology. 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Ste. 102, Atlanta. 404-633-3430.
Mark Trail Summer Alternative Camp (ADD, LD). Flexible activity-based program for any student aged 6-18. Morning, afternoon and full day activities available- all of which focus on socialization. Mill Springs Academy. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta. Sheila Fitzgerald. 770-360-1336. millsprings.org.
MJCCA Camp Billi Marcus. Swimming, pony rides, arts and crafts, music and more for infants to Pre-K. Limited spacing available. 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta. 678-812-3720.
Camp Krazy Legs. Focus is on teaching independence in self-care, organizational skills, life skills, socializing and meeting new friends. Partners with Spina Bifida Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Overnight camp also available. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell. 404-785-2490.
SUMMER OVERNIGHT CAMPS
BlazeSports America Blaze Camps. BlazeCamp is a five-day, four-night residential summer camp that provides youth aged 8-18 with a physical disability an opportunity to become involved in sport and recreation activities. 535 North McDonough Street, Decatur. 770-850-8199.
Camp ASCCA, Easter Seals. One-week sessions for children with disabilities. Aquatic activities, arts and crafts, canoeing, ropes course, horseback riding and more. Jackson’s Gap, AL. 256-825-9226.
Camp Barney Medintz. An overnight camp celebrating Jewish culture. Features the Chalutzim (Pioneers) Program for children with developmental disabilities. Cleveland, GA. 770-396-3250.
Camp Lee Mar. A private, co-ed camp for special needs children and young adults ages 5 to 21 who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Traditional camp activities, academics, vocational preparation, speech and language therapy, and more. Pocono Mountains, PA. 215-658-1708.
Camp Sparrowood. Christian camp for the high functioning, mildly mentally disabled. Nature activities, cookouts, crafts, games, overnight campout, swimming. Dahlonega. 706-864-6181.
Camp Walk-n-Roll. An overnight camp for children with muscular dystrophy. Archery, ceramics, swimming, fishing and more. Camp Twin Lakes. Rutledge. 770-621-9800.
Camp Yofi at Camp Ramah Darom. A weeklong camp for Jewish families with children who have autism. Clayton, GA. 404-531-0801.
Florida Diabetes Camp. Traditional camp in various parts of Florida, with swimming, sports, arts and crafts and diabetes education. Medical care provided. 352-334-1321.
Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. Campers must have a visual loss of 20/70 or greater. Indoor and outdoor activities, field trips and swimming. Ages 4 to adult. Waycross. 888-297-1775.
SOAR Summer Adventures. High-adventure programs for LD and ADHD youth. Belize, California, Costa Rica, Florida, North Carolina and Wyoming. 828-456-3435. soarnc.org.
Squirrel Hollow Camp. Four-week program for children who need an academic boost during the summer. Instruction in reading, math and writing skills. Fairburn. 770-774-8001.
Talisman Camps and Programs. Summer programs for children ages 8 to 17 and young adults ages 18 to 22 with LD, ADD and ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning autism. Zirconia, NC. Hendersonville, NC. 888-458-8226.
Many thanks to Atlanta Parent magazine for helping put this list together!
We offer experiential, adventure-based, wilderness and therapeutic activities for children, individuals and families navigating Neurobiological Disorders, Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, Learning Disabilities and other special needs.
Art It Out: A Social Skills Day Camp designed by an Art Therapist. We use exciting art projects and teamwork challenges to enhance social skills, such as: listening and following directions; expressing frustration appropriately; joining in; making and keeping friends; reading nonverbal cues; controlling impulses; staying on topic; responding to teasing; and improving self-confidence. We use art to teach critical social skills; to allow children to practice the skills in group; and to create dynamic tangible reminders which remind your child to implement his new skills at school as well as home.
A community service arts organization. Year-round creation stations! Kids parties, festivals
Camp Big Heart, in existence since 1984, is a unique boarding summer camp which offers a broad range of recreational activities designed specifically for children and adults who are mildly to moderately mentally challenged (who may also have physical challenges) and who are ambulatory. It is recognized as one of the truly outstanding camps of its type in the country and serves the entire state of Georgia.
Social skill groups for kindergarten and elementary students. Camps offered throughout the summer.
Camp Sequoia is an overnight summer camp for boys ages 7-17 to experience social skills success in a dynamic and nurturing environment. Camp Sequoia is designed for children and teenagers with ADHD and other similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows our campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows campers to have fun and grow in a safe, supportive camp environment. Campers enjoy the best of traditional camping with comforts of home that facilitate a spectacular summer experience. From an indoor heated pool to climate-controlled overnight accommodations to kid-friendly, health conscious meals, our campers are comfortable to have fun, gain confidence and make friends.
Camp Twitch and Shout is a one week overnight camp for children 7 to 17 years of age who have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. It is organized and managed by T.I.C.S. of Georgia, in partnership with Camp Twin Lakes, and is located at Camp Will-A-Way in Winder, Georgia.
A social & sensory based program highly focused on learning Self-Awareness and Control. Ages 4-6 and 7-9 served. Provides a group experience that offers children the opportunity to put into action the principals of sensory processing, ‘How Does Your Engine Run?’ and social skills.
Circus Arts Social Summer Camp(CASS) (ages 5-14)provides a chance for participants to experience and learn exciting circus skills in a FUN and cooperative environment while focusing on socialization skills, teamwork and safety.
More info below and online here: https://circusartsinstitute.com/circus-arts-social-summer-camp
CASS and Circus Arts Therapy® (CAT) are specifically designed for those with learning differences, physical challenges, social challenges, and other special needs. It is a unique play therapy experience that may be practiced independently or used to compliment other types of therapy. Our therapy programs are taught by a team of instructors, which includes Carrie Heller, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) along with adult circus professionals.
In the program, children and pre-teens will stimulate their imagination and creativity by learning a variety of circus activities in a playful, social setting, while focusing on community building, teamwork and safety. We work with both the physical and social aspects of timing: not only of when to do a trick, but also when to speak and when to listen. Through this form of movement we work on balance, strength, coordination and flexibility. While learning these fun and unique circus skills, participants will experience “Therapy In Action.”
Year-round small group Circus Arts Therapy® sessions are available as well.
Ages 5-15, Therapy in Action! Learn the unique skills of the circus-balance, strength, coordination and teamwork-self esteem builder, small group sizes.
Specializes in the needs of children with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, LD, ADD and ADHD. Please call to get the schedule for Summer Camps.
Camp Hollywood: Camp Hollywood makes all children feel like STARS!! Campers enjoy a week of art, music, science, cooking and recreations based on the themes of popular children’s movies. Counselors are paraprofessionals and teachers who have experience with children with developmental disabilities.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
- June 3-7
- McDonough – McDonough First UMC | 151 Macon St, McDonough, GA 30253
- Lawrenceville – McKendree UMC | 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043
- June 10-14
- Marietta 1 – Johnson Ferry Baptist | 955 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068
- Atlanta Buckhead – Cathedral of St. Philip | 2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
- June 17-21
- Decatur 1 – Decatur Oak Grove UMC | 1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
- Marietta 2 – Marietta Mt. Zion UMC |1770 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
- June 24-28
- Decatur 2 – Decatur Oak Grove UMC |1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
- Alpharetta – Alpharetta Presbyterian | 180 Academy St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
- July 8-12
- Peachtree City – Peachtree City First Baptist Church | 208 Willowbend Road Peachtree City, GA 30269
Camp TEAM -Camp TEAM focuses on camper’s unique abilities and promotes growth in a traditional, outdoor camp environment. Camp TEAM provides campers fun and diverse activities and is offered for four days at Mercer University in Chamblee. Campers must be between ages 7 and 13, with some restrictions. FOCUS is still determining whether we will be able to offer Camp TEAM to families in 2021.
For more information on FOCUS Day Camps, email inquiry@focus-ga.org.
A unique and exciting camp that intertwines learning all about horses and riding with an emphasis on building social skills. For children (ages 8-12) with ADHD, certain profiles of Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning autism spectrum diagnosis or learning differences which effect social skill development. Camps beginning June, give us a call to learn more!
At Learning on the Log, we specialize in sensory-based recreational programs for children with autism and other developmental/social/behavioral needs. We offer 12 weeks of summer camp from May through August. Camp is from 9am-3pm, Monday through Thursday for ages 3-10(individual exceptions apply). The weekly schedule is: Monday-hiking and team building activities, Tuesday-karate and swimming, Wednesday-sports and swimming, Thursday-kayak, canoe and rafting. Visit us online at www.LearningontheLog.com or contact Sheila at 678-561-7589.
Metro Music Therapy offers the most current and innovative music therapy and recreation therapy practices to help our pediatric and adult clients achieve established goals through the use of therapeutic interventions.
1:4 ratio mini-camps held at the Ladder Learning Services offices off Spaghetti Junction. Orton-Gillingham Certified instructors experienced with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism-spectrum. Low rates!
Camp Open Hands, a Modified Constraint Induced Therapy program, is designed for children ages 2-15 with decreased use of one upper extremity due to Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Head Injury, or Brachial Plexus Injury. A removable lightweight fiberglass cast is custom made for each child to wear during camp hours. The children participate in fun activities built around daily themes led by occupational therapists. While attending the camp, children experience increased confidence and motivation as they interact with peers faced with similar challenges. Significant improvements are seen in movement and quality of movement. This 3 week day camp is held yearly in July.
Day camp, Overnight camp and overnight weekends, Saturday social groups and community activities for children with Autism/Asperger’s in the North Fulton and DeKalb areas. Children ages 4- young adults with all levels of Autism or Asperger’s are served. Programs are appropriate for any child needing social skills instruction with ADD/ADHD, Sensory Integration disorder or pragmatic language delays.
To it may concern i was searching through the website on special needs camp trying to get ideals on what to do I Work with individual of ages 13-54 .with ADD/ADHD Austim Asperger’s etc.And I was hoping if you can send me some ideals for the summer Thanks Edith Dennard
To whom it may concerns can the school districts help with summer enrichment programs or what or direction can you go can someone please contact me about theses questions 6785594642 Thank you
To whom it may concern, I am searching for a camp for children with special needs as well as juvenile diabetes. My son is 14 and is on the autism spectrum and he will need insulin. Any ideas?
I would like to find a overnight camp for my son with Autism 🙂 In Ga that’s not anymore that 3 or 4 hundred.
Is there any in Henry county that caters to Autistic children?
You may want to check with the Southside Support for Special Needs Families Facebook Group. There are several that I’ve seen posted in their group. Also, check with Parent to Parent of Georgia: http://p2pga.force.com/Provider. You can do a specific search on that link.
Hi I am a sped. teacher in Mcdufie county looking for resources for psrents duri g the summer, I teach autism, downs syndrome, lower functioning. I would love to share day camps i. Augusta area or sleep away as far as Atlanta area.
You may want to check out this resource guide from the Metro East Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS):
http://www.me.glrs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-Special-Needs-Summer-Directory-Update.pdf
Hello are there any overnight camp in Conyers or Covington are for my son who is austim
We are not aware of any overnight camps in Conyers or Covington. Many of our families go to the camps held by Spectrum – Camp Journey. You can get more information at https://atl-spectrum.com/support-programs/spectrum-camps-clubs/camp-journey/