Overnight Camps

With so many camp options to chose from, we've consolidated a list of camps that have been successful for and recommended by one or more parent(s). We recognize that the needs of each child and parent differ, so please use this as a starting point to learn more about possible camp and recreation programming.

By accessing this listing, the reader accepts that it is intended to be a vehicle for informal parent to parent recommendations and not a comment by PASS 39 or Wilmette School District 39 as to the qualifications or competency of any listed individual, agency or camp program. PASS 39 and Wilmette School District 39 expressly do not endorse, recommend or make comment upon any listed individual or agency.

Click here to access listing of DAY CAMPS.

Overnight Camps

Ascendigo (Extreme Sports Camp) - Aspen, CO

Ascendigo’s Summer Adventure Camp is the premier camp for athletes on the autism spectrum. Our model and teaching methods are centered around athletic growth and fostering independence. Programs take place in Colorado’s beautiful Roaring Fork Valley which features some of the best outdoor adventure sports venues in the state! Our participants get the opportunity to try rock climbing, wake-boarding and wake-surfing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and much more! Our residential program is located at Colorado Mountain College- Spring Valley Campus, and is designed to help promote independent living while fostering friendships and social skills. Our highly trained staff make individualized lesson plans for your athlete, designed to create a unique experience and help each participant achieve their goals! All Ascendigo programs are designed for athletes anywhere on the spectrum, ages 7 and up.

Beber Camp - Mukwonago, WI

Overnight coed camp for children ages 7+. Beber campers thrive in a fun, supportive community where they can learn, explore, and challenge themselves through world-class, choice-based programming. Exceptional counselors and supervisors are there for support and encouragement every step of the way. The lessons your children bring home from camp will last a lifetime, building strengths that will allow them to grow into strong Jewish leaders and people of great character. Beber is a traditional summer camp nestled along the shores of Lake Bulah in Mukwonago, WI. 1:1 counselors are offered for a select number of campers each session. Additionally, Beber has several campers who do not require a “plus 1”, but get regular check-ins with our dedicated on-site Social Work/Inclusion staff. The Beber team will review IEP’s and speak with the campers support teams or teachers prior to camp to make it the most memorable summer experience.

Camp Akeela - Vermont & Wisconsin

Coed Overnight camp for children ages 9-18. Camp Akeela is a co-ed, overnight camp in Vermont and Wisconsin where "quirky" kids thrive! Camp Akeela focuses on the social growth of campers, many of whom have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or a non­ verbal learning difference. Akeela is an intentional community that values and celebrates each child and staff member. Campers make life-long friends, develop self-confidence, achieve independence, and leave camp with lasting memories filled with fun and spirit.

Camp Barnabas - Purdy, MO

Coed overnight camp for children ages 9-18+ . Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to people with special needs and to their siblings. The program exists to offer life-changing experiences to campers and to the people who serve them. Utilizing the camp venue, the organization provides ministry and social experiences that increase spiritual knowledge and increase human dignity to all who participate in the program.

Camp Buckskin - Ely, MN

Overnight coed camp for children ages 6 – 18 with underdeveloped social skills who may consequently struggle with making or keeping friends. Buckskin campers are of average to well above average intelligence, often with a great deal of undeveloped potential. While not an eligibility requirement, they may be diagnosed with AD/HD, Aspergers, a Learning Disability, or a similar issue, and about 20% of Buckskin campers are adopted. Because of their struggles, they greatly benefit from structure and consistency. Psychologists have shown that it takes a minimum of 21 days to unlearn old habits and begin learning new ones. Because of the time needed to adjust and Camp Buckskins want to provide as many opportunities to learn and succeed as possible, the program is 30 days long. Two 30 day sessions are offered each summer. Skills worked on over the session include: building and maintaining positive peer relations, Improving problem solving strategies and coping skills, becoming more self-reliant and taking increased responsibility for self and choices, self-confidence, and more all in a fun camp activity environment.

Camp Firefly - Lake Delton, WI

Camp Firefly provides unique life-enriching overnight camp experiences for children, teens and young adults, with Asperger’s Syndrome, Social Anxiety, Autism and other social disorders, needing more support in social situations to foster friendships and positive social interactions. Firefly's low staff-to-camper ratios create positive summer experiences for campers, positioning them for success within a broader typical camp environment. The overnight camps occur at JCC Camp Chi Overnight Camp in Lake Delton Wisconsin. Camp Firefly is presented in partnership with JCC's of Chicago. The camps are located just minutes from Wisconsin Dells at JCC's Camp Chi .

Camp Kennebec - Canada

Camp Kennebec, a wonderful summer camp for kids and teens with special needs, learning disabilities, and developmental delays including autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, ADD, Down Syndrome, OCD, brain injury, anxiety, social skill and other challenges. Camp Kennebec offers a warm welcome for children and teens with special needs including Autism, ADHD, OCD, Down Syndrome, social and anxiety issues, aged 6 and up. Overnight camp sessions last from 1-8 weeks with low 2:1 camper to cabin staff ratio. Optional 1:1 academic tutoring with our onsite teachers and educators is available. The Leaders In Training (LIT) program teaches teens and mature campers leadership skills and builds confidence. Kennebec also offers a Kennebec Indie Team (KIT) program for young adults 18+ that combines life and job skills training with the best of the camps activities and events.

Camp Kodiak - Mississauga, Ontario

Coed overnight camp for children ages 9-18. Camp Kodiak is a residential summer camp for children and teens with or without learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, and high-functioning Autism. The integrated program includes many traditional camp activities, but these activities are pursued with a focus on interpersonal skills, and fostering self-confidence in our campers. The program includes a 2:1 camper to staff ratio, with staff being made up of professionals with experience in the field (teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, etc.) or university students that are aiming towards one of these professions. The staff lives in the cabin with the campers, and work on daily living skills, with a specific focus on social skills.

Camp Leemar - Lackawaxen, PA

Lee Mar is a private 7 week co-ed residential summer program for campers 7-21. Lee Mar offers a unique curriculum incorporating a strong Academic and Speech program with traditional camp activities. Campers flourish at Lee Mar due to the structured environment provided which allows campers to feel comfortable and secure. Careful study is made of parent input, school (IEPs), camper interview, etc., so that the interests and needs of each child can best be determined for suitable grouping prior to the camper arriving. The L.I.F.E. program for older campers at Lee Mar provides a well-rounded learning experience that will focus on three key aspects: independent living, executive functioning skills and job training. Living Independently Transition Program.

Camp Northwood - Remsen, NY

Coed overnight camp for children ages 9-18+ . Northwood programs provide traditional summer experiences for socially immature learning challenged and high functioning autistic children. A structured, non-competitive setting enables staff to concentrate on the instruction and reinforcement of age-appropriate social skills while campers enjoy a wide variety of traditional camping activities. The 2:1 camper/counselor ratio ensures individualization, success and the opportunity for campers to shine.

Camp Red Leaf - Ingleside, IL

Camp Red Leaf's highly adaptable programs strive to increase self-esteem, promote interaction, improve social skills and encourage independence in a natural environment for children & adults ages 9+ with disabilities, emotional and behavioral needs. Camp Red Leaf offers week long youth and adult camp experiences throughout the summer months. Friendships blossom as campers choose between adaptable sports programs, arts and crafts, the ropes course and zip line, outdoor camping experiences, and lake and heated pool activities. With a camper counselor ratio of 2:1, experiences are as individualized as the campers themselves. Staff members adapt programming to reflect the varied levels, abilities, and needs of each camper while also creating a safe environment where campers are able to challenge themselves.

Camp Red Leaf also offers Respite Weekends for youth and adults throughout the school year.

Riverview School’s Summer Program - E. Sandwich, MA

Coed overnight or day camp program for children ages 11-18. Riverview Summer is a five -week co-educational summer experience for students between the age of 11-19 with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities. Riverview's summer program is designed to build the student's individual skills while maintaining progress achieved during the school year. The program is committed to developing student competence and confidence in academic, social and independent living skills.

Camp Sequoia - Newton, PA

Overnight camp for boys ages 7-17. Camp Sequoia is an overnight summer camp for boys to experience social skills success in a dynamic and nurturing environment. Camp Sequoia is designed for children and teenagers with ADHD and other similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Camp Sequoia's 2:5 staffing ratio allows campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience. The mission of Camp Sequoia is to help campers have a great time while developing their social cognition (how to think in a social context and apply socially related skills).

Camp SOAR - Balsam, NC

Overnight coed camp for children ages 9-18. SOAR offers high adventure camps for youth and young adults with ADHD and other learning disabilities. With the goal of success in mind for each camper, SOAR provides opportunities that build self­ esteem, self-confidence, and self-reliance.

Camp Starfish - Stow, MA

Overnight coed camp for children ages 5-17. Camp Starfish is a unique environment, the only camp in New England to offer a one-to­-one camper-to-counselor relationship. In this program, each year more than 200 young boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 17 who struggle with debilitating psychological and learning disabilities have found the care and compassion needed to help them move forward in life.

Summit Camp & Travel - Poconos

Overnight coed camp for children ages 9-18+. Summit is a sleep away camp in the Poconos that has been providing a supportive, fun, and accepting environment for youth with social challenges for 47 years. Summit Teen Travel extends the social and recreational values of a residential experience and takes it "on the road" for teen's age 15-20. Participants grow in independence, transition skills, group interaction and have fun.

Swift Nature Camp - Minong, WI

Overnight coed camp for children ages 9-18. Swift Nature Camp uses Adventure, Learning and Kindness all in a Natural setting to promote each child's personal development. Campers report that our nurturing atmosphere gives them confidence to make friends easily and to try new activities.

Camp Tall Tree - Fenton, MI

Overnight coed camp for children ages 9-18+. Camp Tall Tree's Traditional Camp is for kids on the Autism Spectrum. This session is focused on structuring the traditional camp experience with a low camper to staff ratio. Siblings Camp: This session is focused on giving kids who have siblings with varying degrees of challenges a week of their own. Explorers Camp: This session is focused on providing teens and young adults(13- early 20's) with a week of intensive practice in various social life, and occupational skills. During the break times of the day, participants can do camp activities, hang out with friends, or simply relax.

Talisman Programs - Zirconia, NC

Overnight coed camp for children ages 9-18. Camp Talisman has been open for over 35 years, serving youth allowing them to have experiential experience. Camp Talisman serves those with high-functioning Autism, ADHD and similar disabilities. The camp offers programs throughout the summer for one week to three weeks. Each camper will get to participate in rock climbing, swimming, archery, science, arts & crafts and more.

Timbertop Camp: YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow - Stevens Point, WI

Timbertop Camp is a residential camp designed for boys and girls, ages 8-13, who have been identified by their school districts as needing extra help for a learning disability. Timbertop combines traditional camp activities with extra reading practice and special group activities that focus on dealing with learning disabilities in a structured daily setting. Emphasis is placed on peer relations, building self-confidence, learning new skills to share at home and of course, having fun; all in a non-competitive outdoor setting.