Summer camps are meant to give kids a sense of independence and the chance to make new friends and learn new things — not to mention they provide a break for parents who may or may not be struggling to keep them entertained when they’re out of school.
But for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, it’s not quite as easy to send a kid off to any summer camp, especially if the child has around-the-clock needs or requires special medical attention.
Fortunately, there are a variety of options for kids outside their school, medical or home setting, including specialty camps that cater to kids with different needs and inclusive camps that provide extra support. After all, all young people deserve a chance to have a carefree, fun summer while honing new skills and interests.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list, and many additional local summer camps provide resources and support staff for children with disabilities.
Camp Lighthouse
The nonprofit Lighthouse Louisiana puts on its annual summer enrichment program for young people who are blind or visually impaired.
Its two-week camp gives campers the opportunity to learn specific adaptive skills, like going to local shops and practicing paying for items, navigating public transit like the streetcar, learning how to grocery shop and more. There are also outings to City Park, the Cool Zoo and more.
“Oftentimes kids with visual impairments don’t get the opportunity to enjoy these types of activities,” says Cathleen Randon, vice president of development and communications for Lighthouse. “During the camp they are able to experience these field trips with their peers in a safe environment with staff helping them along the way.”
Camp Lighthouse runs June 2-6 and June 9-13. To sign up, contact Lighthouse Louisiana at (504) 899-4501 or email [email protected].
Lighthouse Louisiana provides summer programs for kids who are blind or visually impaired.
Crane Rehab Center
Crane Rehab Center in Metairie is a rehab facility that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. Starting in early June, the center hosts its annual PEAC Summer Camp, a series of week-long programs.
The camps are for children ages 3-8 who can participate in a small group setting. The camps promote learning new skills and developing new interests while learning how to interact with others.
For more information or to register, visit campscui.active.com.
NORD Camps
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission partners with several local organizations, including schools and nonprofits, to offer affordable programs for young people. Many of those camps can accommodate kids with disabilities and provide extra on-site support.
There are about 30 camps to choose from this summer. Primary camps, where kids engage in a range of activities, start in early June and last through late July. Youth camps serve kids ages 4-12, and teen camps serve kids 13-15.
There are also specialty camps that last a week or two, where kids can hone specialized skills in activities like tennis, guitar playing, dance, swimming and academic subjects like science and technology.
While NORD used to have camps specifically for kids with disabilities, Larry Barbarino Jr., NORD’s CEO, says last year the commission shifted its focus toward inclusive camps, where kids of all abilities can interact with each other.
“Kids (with disabilities) want to be included with everyone else, they don’t want to be isolated,” he says.
He says parents have warmly received it, and it’s been convenient for families who have multiple children. “If kids have siblings, they are able to have them all in the same location,” he says. “It allows kids to interact with each other, with or without disabilities.”
Barbarino says there’s extra support services on hand for kids who are disabled or need a little extra attention at many of the camps (each program varies, so check ahead of time).
“A lot of our staff works in the school system and in special education,” he says. “So those are the ones we pair for our inclusive camps.”
Kids with disabilities can also bring in their own support, for example, if a child requires their own aide or if the family simply feels more comfortable with someone they know and trust being on-site.
“There are some parents that are really protective of their kids,” Barbarino says. “We’re able to allow the extra support if needed.”
For more information, visit nordc.org/summer.
Camp Tiger at LSU
Camp Tiger is a free, weeklong day camp for kids ages 5-16 with developmental disabilities and other special needs. Hosted by LSU School of Medicine students in New Orleans, the camp runs from May 19-May 23.
Generally, each camper has about 2 or 3 counselors assigned to them, but they are also allowed to bring in their ADA specialist if needed. There are doctors and emergency responders on-site, says Charlie McKenzie, a current medical student and the camp’s director.
Counselors accompany young campers on local outings. There are field trips to a bowling alley, an arcade, the Audubon Zoo, Insectarium and Aquarium, as well as Folsom’s Global Wildlife Animal Center. There’s also a field day at the LSU Dental school, with games, face-painting, a catered lunch and snowballs.
“It’s everything you can do that’s designed in New Orleans for people 18 and under,” says McKenzie. “Our mission is to provide the most fun possible for these kids.”
Camp Tiger is free to attend and includes breakfast and lunch each day of the camp. McKenzie says it’s a welcome break for parents who are often burdened by costs of care for their children.
“It allows the parents to drop them off with us and know that they’re safe and having fun,” McKenzie adds.
Registration is open through early April. Sign up at lsuhsc.edu/orgs/camp-tiger/application.aspx.
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