9 Special Needs Summer Camps Near Columbus

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers summer camps for students with and without disabilities through their Therapeutic Recreation Program. Staff are trained to make accommodations to promote maximum inclusion for each activity, so campers are able to focus on having fun and interacting with peers.

Easterseals offers two Summer Day Camp Options focused on providing a safe and caring environment throughout the summer for kids with and without special needs, for the duration of the summer months. Camps can includes weekly field trips and special activities such as bowling, movies, hiking, museums and the Columbus Zoo.

Camp Arye is a summer camp experience for those with physical, cognitive, emotional, developmental and learning disabilities. Typical camp activities will be offered with appropriate adaptations: art, music, physical activities, nature, movement, and socialization. In addition, kids can go biking, hiking, canoeing, zip lining, paddle boarding, and tackle high ropes adventure course challenges.

This camp for kids with diabetes lets them enjoy traditional summer camp activities and also learn about diabetes management. Day camp options at Blendon Woods Metro Park are available for kids as young as 3. Older kids attending residential camp at the Camp Mohaven camp grounds in Danville enjoy horseback riding, archery, canoeing, drama, outdoor living skills, nature crafts and more.

Recreation Unlimited’s philosophy, programs, campus and support team strive to promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities and health concerns. There is a full array of options for summer residential camp, day camp, and specialty camps dedicated to a specific disability or health concern.

Flying Horse Farms is a medical specialty camp for kids with serious illnesses. Campers have diagnoses including cancer, heart conditions, rheumatologic diagnoses, blood disorders, lung conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial diagnoses, spinal cord diagnoses and mental health conditions. Medical professionals are on the premises at all times to provide care and assess each camper's abilities for appropriate adaptations.

OSU Extension offers this special needs camp that's an adaptation of the traditional Canter's Cave 4-H Camp to accommodate varying medical, physical, and emotional needs. Activities include environmental science, crafts, music therapy, swimming, fishing, swings, archery, horseback riding and self-reliability. Each camper must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Camp Nuhop offers inclusive summer camp options for all kids, including those living with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders and other neurodiversities. Each session features a range of activities, from on-campus traditional and specialty camps to off-campus trip camps. All sessions have an emphasis on personal growth, success and building friendships.

Camp Echoing Hills provides a fully-accessible environment and programs tailored to meet the needs of campers of all ages, interests, and abilities. Whether it’s splashing at the Aquatic Center, racing around a go-cart track, conquering a low-ropes course or sitting around a campfire, campers will create memories that will last a lifetime.