Summer camp is an experience every child should experience no matter their abilities; camp can help kids become more independent, gain self-confidence. If your child has always wanted to attend summer camp but could not participate due to their disabilities or special needs, check out this list of some great summer camps. These fantastic camps in and around Austin, TX, are geared for campers of all abilities and build relationships with peers that share the same challenges they live with daily.
Camp for All
6301 Rehburg Rd.
Burton, TX 77835
(979) 289-3752
Camp For All is a unique, barrier-free camp in Burton, TX working in partnership with other non-profit organizations to enrich the lives of children and adults with special needs and challenging illnesses. They offer universal programs, which means all activities can be completed in multiple ways allowing everyone to participate no matter their abilities. Camp For All has been providing a warm and welcoming environment since 1998. They are dedicated to making sure children, and adults with special needs get the camp experience they deserve and can create life-long memories. campforall.org
CAMP CPals
6307 Rehburg Rd.
Burton, TX 77835
(866) 742-7284
Camp CPals is an adaptive overnight weekend family camp designed for families living with cerebral palsy. The facilities are modified with features to meet the needs of all campers and is 100% barrier-free. There is no cost to families to attend this camp, but acceptance is based on priority for first-time campers and a first-come, first-serve basis. Camp CPals believes children should be able to experience all outdoor activities without any barriers. cpathtexas.org
Camp Brave Heart
4107 Spicewood Springs Rd. Suite 100
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-4784
Camp Brave Heart is a free bereavement camp for teens and children grieving the loss of someone close to them. The camp is staffed by counselors experienced in child and adolescent grief support to help campers discover that they are not alone. Camp Brave Heart is a fantastic, fun, high-energy camp that combines grief education, peer bonding, and emotional support for ages 6 to 17. hospiceaustin.org/our-services/grief-support/camp-brave-heart
Camp Ailihpomeh
3247 County Rd. 1105
Meridian, TX 76665
Camp Ailihpomeh is a fantastic camp where boys throughout Texas meet and build strong relationships with other boys with bleeding disorders. Here boys can strengthen their ability to cope with the daily challenges of a chronic illness by interacting in nature with other children. At Camp Ailihpomeh, their mission is to serve the needs of boys, ages 7 – 17, and provide a camping experience to a group of children that have traditionally be excluded from other camp programs.
camp-ailihpomeh.org
Ranch Camp
20250 FM 619
Elgin, TX 78621
(512) 856-0128
Ranch Camp provides week-long summer camp sessions for young adults 18 and older looking to have a fun, safe, and unique summer experience. Young adults with a range of cognitive disabilities can enjoy swimming, taking hikes, caring for farm animals, play basketball, and more. If your young adult enjoys group activities and summer nights in the country, then Ranch Camp is the place for them. downhomeranch.org
Camp Discovery
4100 San Antonio Hwy.
Kerrville, TX 78028
Camp Discovery is a fantastic camp experience for kids affected by cancer, established in 1984 by the American Cancer Society. For over 30 years, this great camp has provided a place for children to come and enjoy a summer camp experience with other kids fighting the same fight. Besides having fun, kids ages 7 – 17 can learn new skills, individual growth, and personal development. The primary purpose of this camp is to provide children a fun and “normal” camp experience. visionworkscamps.org
Texas Lions Camp
4100 San Antonio Hwy.
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 896-8500
Texas Lions Camp is a fantastic summer camp providing a summer camp experience for children with physical disabilities, cancer, and more since 1953. They invite and encourage campers to participate in activities that may have seemed out of reach for them due to their disabilities. At Texas Lions Camp, their mission is to build a child’s self-esteem. lionscamp.com
Camp Blessing Texas
7227 Camp Blessing Ln.
Brenham, TX 77833
(281) 259-5789
Camp Blessing is an incredible Christian-based summer camp offering acceptance, love, and fun to kids and young adults with special needs. Since 2006, they have provided week-long residential, barrier-free summer camp experiences for campers ages 7-22. Campers get to enjoy horseback riding, swimming, crafts, ropes course, zip line, and more. They even have sibling sessions throughout the summer program.
campblessing.org
Everyone deserves an exciting and fun summer camp experience at least once in their lives, and we hope this list has helped you choose the right camp for you and your family.
