13 Special Needs Summer Camps Near Boston

The Echo Program at Camp Howe is an inclusive program that integrates campers with both physical and developmental disabilities into every aspect of the camp program from cabin living to every activity. Just a few of the activities that take place during a camp session include canoeing, cultural and environmental awareness, team building, swim lessons, farm life, dance, high and low challenge courses and fun arts & crafts.

Clara Barton Camp and Camp Joslin are overnight camps geared for girls and boys respectively living with Type 1 diabetes. Daily activities include sports, swimming, arts & crafts, talent shows, hiking, campfires, co-ed dances, boating and more. Diabetes education is an integral part of the program. The camp staff also includes a 24-hour health care team.

Camp Starfish is a therapeutic overnight camp that uses a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio to support children and young adults with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges.

Kristie said:  Camp Starfish is a therapeutic overnight camp that uses a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio to support children and young adults aged 6-21 with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges. With a variety of summer program options including traditional overnight camps, young adult transition programs, teen adventure weeks, and more - there is sure to be a fit for everyone. Camp Starfish also offers year-round camp programs to provide respite for families during school.

Reed Academy offers a six-week ESY program for boys with social and or emotional needs. The program combines typical summer camp activities such as swimming, fishing, sports, music, and arts & crafts along with group therapy sessions, and therapeutic esteem-building.

Daybreak Day Camp allows children who need a smaller program and extra support to enjoy a successful summer camp experience. Campers can enjoy field trips, along with on-site activities including visiting performer workshops, crafts, biking, sports, multicultural events and structured choice times. The diverse and supportive group provides many learning opportunities as well as fostering friendships.

Camp Casco is a place for kids who have been diagnosed with cancer and their siblings to experience the magic of summer camp with caring and compassionate counselors as well as supervision from a professional medical team. Each week of camp has a special theme and theme days that inspire the daily programming. Some of the camp traditions that take place each year are the talent show, egg roulette, water fight and lights out lunch as well as the camp dance and campfires at Overnight Camp.

MGH Aspire’s Summer Adventure Camp is designed for children and teens with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile. Campers are placed into small, well-staffed groups and participate in a variety of camp activities such as arts & crafts, boating, swimming, nature exploration, hiking, cooking, games and drama.

Confidence Connection offers a summer program tailored to meet the developmental, social, and behavioral needs of children with Autism. The program features music therapy, speech therapy, APE/KidFit, yoga, cooking classes, and team-building groups to work on communication and group skills. Each child is assessed to determine appropriate goals and objectives.

This summer camp offers an exciting summer program that welcomes campers with disabilities and their siblings. Programming aims to bolster independence and life skills, foster friendships and prevent academic regression over the summer months. Enjoy swimming, field trips, and special theme days. Other weekly activities include sports, games, theater, music, nature, math and language arts.

Camp Shriver welcomes kids with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities from low-income families in the Boston area to their inclusive summer sports camp. Camp Shriver serves an equal number of children with and without disabilities so that all children can play, learn and interact in meaningful ways with their peers—no matter what their disability status. Each day offers instruction in sports such as soccer, swimming and basketball, arts & crafts and provides free breakfast, lunch, snacks, transportation, and camp gear.

Camp Baker is a summer day program that teaches children effective ways to manage ADHD and other behavior issues. This highly structured and supportive program ensures all children are successful as they develop relationships with staff, make new friends and improve sports, social and creative skills. Daily activities include art, sports, games, academic instruction, social skills groups and weekly field trips. Weekly parenting support groups help caregivers learn how to maintain progress made in the program and extend these skills to the home.

Easterseals Massachusetts – The Bridge Center will be hosting its inaugural summer camp starting in July 2024! Come join us this summer and for summers to come. Enjoy a fully accessible 20-acre, inclusive campus which welcomes individuals of all abilities to live, learn, work, and play. Campers will build important life skills under the guidance of qualified and enthusiastic staff, all while having fun and creating lifelong friendships! The campus is set in a rural setting and consists of vast outdoor fields, beautiful pond, vibrant equestrian center, fun splash pad, and so much more!

The Bridge Center also offers year-round inclusive programming.

Camp Triumph is therapeutic day camp for kids in Massachusetts. The program offers a supportive and structured environment designed to reduce anxiety, increase physical skills and coordination, learn age-appropriate behavior and more. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, outdoor adventure, competitive and non-competitive games, team and individual sports as well as therapeutic group activities and behavioral intervention.