Special Needs Summer Camp Programs in CT

For children with special needs, sometimes it seems that being able to enjoy summer camp activities is just not possible. However, many summer camps throughout the United States cater specifically to these children. Within Connecticut, there are several quality camps geared to helping special needs children enjoy many of the same types of activities that children without special needs do.

Camp Isola Bella

• Camp Isola Bella, located in the Berkshire Mountain area, serves deaf and hearing-impaired campers from ages eight through 17. The camp is based upon the idea of "learning through experience," meaning positive self images and excellent attitudes come from good social experiences with fellow campers and the encouragement of camp staff, some of whom are hard of hearing as well. Most of the activities endemic to summer camp are available for deaf and hearing-impaired campers. Isola Bella believes that through its "learning through experience" philosophy, the same enjoyment can be had by those with this particular disability. Camp Isola Bella offers both overnight and day camp opportunities.

  Camp Isola Bella
  139 North Main St.
  West Hartford, CT 06107
  [phone] (Voice)
  [phone] (TTY)
  asd.isolabella.org

Camp Horizons

• Camp Horizons, which is located in South Windham and has been in operation since 1979, provides recreational camp programs for those who have developmental disabilities or other social or emotional challenges. Some of the activities Camp Horizons offers its participants are horseback riding, woodworking, swimming and computer classes. Its staff are all specifically trained in the special needs the campers have. It is an overnight camp.

  Camp Horizons
  127 Babcock Hill Road
  South Windham, CT 06266
  [phone]
  camphorizons.org

Camp BreakThru (Achieve Fluency)

• Camp BreakThru is located in Stamford. Although it is a camp specifically designed for campers with special needs, such as autism, Asperger's Syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and other developmental disorders, it is not meant for children with excessive emotional problems or aggressive tendencies. Further, the children who attend Camp BreakThru must be toilet trained. Parents of campers must arrange for transportation to and from the camp. This camp offers day camp activities, and is not a sleep-away camp. Campers are required each day to bring snacks to enjoy.

  Aside from normal summer camp activities, Camp BreakThru also offers its Achieve Fluency program. This program is optional and is a specialized learning opportunity for campers with a specific area of communication need, or those who wish to improve their skills in this area. Each camper at Achieve Fluency has a program designed specially for him or her.

  Camp BreakThrough
  456 Glenbrook Road
  Stamford, CT 06906
  [phone]
  achievefluency.com