Top Retreats and Programs Designed for People with Disabilities

There have been more opportunities than ever before for people with disabilities to get out in nature or engage in activities they’ve never tried. Camps and programs sponsored by organizations that help people with disabilities enjoy barrier-free sports and fun activities can be found across the United States. Whether it’s accessible camping out in nature or an after-school fitness program, people with disabilities have plenty to choose from.

We’ve gathered together a sample list of some of the many summer camps and programs for people with disabilities, including camps for children and accessible camping. So, if you’re ready for an adventure, check them out!

Summer Camps & Programs for People with Disabilities

These summer camps range from sports activities to dance programs. They are just a sample of the wide selection out there!

AccessSportAmerica 

Location: Massachusetts

Phone Number: 978-393-1143 

AccessSportsAmerica is a national non-profit organization that specifically inspires both children and adults with disabilities through sports and fitness training. They also offer high-school sports training and challenging activities ranging from kayaking, rowing, windsurfing, canoeing, personal training, and so much more!

Camp Wawbeek – Adult Sessions

Location: Wisconsin

Phone Number: 608-237-1979

Camp Wawbeek is just one camp of the many that make up the Easterseals Wisconsins Camps. The Adult Sessions program is geared for people with disabilities age eighteen to forty and designed for the adventurous at heart. Campers participate in traditional summer camp programming, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Part of the experience includes a trip to a local state part where campers experience cooking over an open fire and sleeping under the stars! 

Camp Allen

Location: New Hampshire

Phone Number: 603-622-8471

This summer camp specifically engages children and adult with physical and developmental challenges in activities in an outdoor environment. Campers stay either for a week or two, or join the day camp for five fun-filled days of activities. Activities are adapted to each camper’s abilities. 

Camp HASC

Location: New York

Phone Number: 718-686-2600

Camp HASC offers summer programs for both children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Besides fun summer activities, Camp HASC also offers academic programs so camps receive professional education during the summer. 

Grace Rides

Location: Florida

Phone Number: 850-259-9195

This year-round horse riding program helps people with both physical, mental, and emotional challenges through their therapeutic riding programs. Grace Rides also offers four-day spring and summer camps that includes riding lessons and creative activities. 

Grotonwood Summer Camp

Location: Massachusetts

Phone Number: 978-448-5763

This summer camp offers a vacation-week specifically for people with disabilities. Each day includes adventurous activities such as hay cart rides, archery, crafts, tubing, fishing, lake swimming, and much more!

Magic of Music and Dance Camp

Location: Colorado

Phone Number: 970-923-0578

This week-long day camp provides people with disabilities of all ages the opportunity to express themselves through dance, singing, and acting! Afternoon activities include whitewater rafting, swimming, and a family BBQ. 

Camps for Children with Disabilities

These specific camps are examples of programs specifically designed for children with disabilities. 

Camp Riley

Location: Indiana

Phone Number: 765-342-5121

This one-week camp provides kids ages eight through eighteen with physical and cognitive disabilities with fun barrier-free activities.

Kiwanis Camp Casey

Location: Washington

Phone Number: 206-713-7515

Kiwanis Camp Casey is a week-long summer camp for children with physical disabilities between the ages of six and seventeen. Campers include children with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, and other physical limitations. Activities range from trips to the beach, talent shows, swimming, and plenty more!

NSN Pirate Camp

Location: Florida

Phone Number: 352-502-0379

This weekend camp for disabled children, friends, and family members takes place in picturesque Clearwater Beach, Florida.  

The Way Outfitters

Location: Texas

Phone Number: 830-792-9140

The Way Outfitters provides outdoor adventure experiences for children with disabilities and children of disabled American veterans. Activities include fishing, hunting, skiing, and ranch experiences, such as horseback riding and building campfires. 

Winter Camps & Programs

Who says that camps stop at the end of summer? There are plenty of winter camps and activities available. Here are listed just a few: 

Adaptive Sports Center

Location: Colorado

Phone Number: 866-349-2296

This camp hosts winter activities ranging from adaptive skiing to ice climbing for people with disabilities. For whatever winter adventure you’re interested in, this Winter sports camp likely has it! Adaptive Sports Center also has separate veteran programming for disabled American veterans.

Camp CaPella 

Location: Maine

Phone Number: 207-843-5104

Camp CaPella offers a winter day camp for people with disabilities age five and older. 

Camp Challenge – Winter Camp

Location: Florida

Phone Number: 352-383-4711

This week-long winter camp is geared for people ages six years old and up with a primary physical, intellectual and/or developmental disability. 

More Resources About Programs for People with Disabilities

For a more comprehensive list of camps and programs for people with disabilities, check out these options!

• Easterseals Accessible Camps & Programs
• NeedyMeds List of Retreats, Camps, & Recreational Programs
• Wheelchair Accessible Camping 
• ADA-Compliant Campgrounds
• Repository of Camps and Programs for Developmental Disabilities

We hope our list can help you find fun and adventurous programs and activities for you or your loved one with disabilities! And if you ever need help with navigating Social Security questions, please consult an experienced benefits advocate today!