It’s time to think Summer! There are many camps and recreation program options for kids with disabilities and specialized needs around our region!
City of Alexandria Therapeutic Recreation offers innovative, inclusive, accessible and affordable programs to residents age 3-17 with differing abilities. Activities include sports, group games, music and movement, arts and crafts, swimming, weekly field trips and much more! Online registration is not available for Therapeutic Recreation programs. Please contact the Therapeutic Recreation office at 703-746-5422 for more information.
Prince William County offers Adapted Recreation Programs for youth age 2-18 Spring-Summer 2024 Adapted Recreation Programs. The PWCS Parent Resource Center has compiled a comprehensive regional list of both general summer camps as well as specialty programs (i.e. equestrian, swimming, dance), organized by area of special need.
Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services Summer Camps are open to residents (ages 5-22; and individuals over 22 who have not yet graduated) of Fairfax County, the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or attention deficit disorders. Each site will have a variety of staff-to-participant ratios available to meet the different needs of campers. Fairfax County Public Schools Family Resource Center also offers a list of summer camps that includes general and specialized options, including those serving specific disabilities or conditions.
Arlington County Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camps (Camp Discovery and Project F.I.V.E.) are adaptive summer camps designed for individuals with disabilities, ages 6 – 21. They are recommended for campers who benefit from close supervision and moderate to maximum support with personal care, recreation participation, and social skills.
Loudoun County’s Adaptive Recreation Summer Camp (AR Camp) is designed to meet the individual needs of participants who generally benefit from extra support as they strive for daily success within school, leisure and community settings. AR Camp offers participants opportunities to enjoy traditional recreation activities, as well as new leisure experiences.
Once a program is chosen, prepare ahead of time. Here are suggestions to ease the transition:
* Empower your children by encouraging them to help make the choices about which camps or programs they attend.
* Avoid focusing on abstract concepts like homesickness or potential relationships and instead focus on concrete details.
* To ease anxiety, visit the facilities in advance (if possible) and rehearse transitions to and from camp.
* Prior to camp, show enthusiasm! Get your child excited about camp and all of the fun opportunities they will have.
In addition, check out the Happy Camper: Making Summer Camps Accessible guide from the Disability Law Center of Virginia.