Please note that this directory has been compiled and posted as a service to the community. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) does not endorse any particular activity or organization on this list. Camps listed specifically serve persons with disabilities and/or include this population in their program. Some solely serve children and/or adults on the autism spectrum. Parents are advised to investigate the opportunities presented below to determine the appropriateness of each activity for their family member.
More and more families are checking their local YMCA, Parks and Recreation department, and even private gyms, recreational facilities and local Girl Scout councils and finding that programs have been, or are being, developed for children and/or adults with disabilities. For example, there are martial arts programs available in some communities for individuals with special needs, and there are martial arts programs that include people on the autism spectrum.
Some programs have an “inclusion coordinator” or other staff designated to support children and/or adults with disabilities. Within this listing, you will notice a few programs offered by these types of organizations around Indiana. You are encouraged to check with various organizations in your community to inquire about their specialized programs and/or supports within existing programs to accommodate children and adults with disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, Special Olympics Indiana might be an option for your family members who have an interest in playing a variety of sports. Special Olympics Indiana provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in over twenty Olympic-type sports for children and adults with disabilities in communities across Indiana. To find out more about Special Olympics Indiana programs, and/or opportunities to get involved in your area, check out their website at https://soindiana.org/ or call 800-742-0612.
Another avenue for locating and pursuing summer camps and programs might be found at your local college or children's museum. Though not designed specifically for children or teens with ASD, some may offer programs which focus on a special interest and/or special talent that matches well with your family member.
Additionally, while all attempts were made to make this list as comprehensive as possible, there may be other programs and/or camps in your area. In the event you know of an opportunity not appearing on this list, please send the details to IRCA via Dr. Cathy Pratt at prattc@indiana.edu or at 812-855-6508 and we will be happy to add it.
CAMPS
Virtual
Virtual Social Skills Summer Camp Utilizing PEERS® School-Based Model
Ages: Middle or High School Students
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 19-23 or July 10-14 (Middle School); June 26-30 or July 17-21 (High School)
Phone: 812-855-6508
Email: mdubie@indiana.edu or bettrowe@iu.edu
Website: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/news-and-events/peers.html
Albany
TerraTime Nature Play & Learning Day Camp
Ages: 4-11
Location: 10910 E. State Road 28-67, Albany, IN 47320
Dates: June 12-16, June 19-23, July 3-7, July 10-14
Phone: 765-212-8521
Email: office@terratime.org
Website: https://www.terratime.org/
Avon
Embracing Abilities Day Camp
Ages: 5-adult
Location: 6734 E US Hwy 36, Avon, IN 46123
Dates: May 31 - July 21
Phone: 317-825-8326
Email: christynap@embracingabilities.com
Website: https://www.embracingabilities.com/
Bloomington
Kid City (day camp)
Ages: grades K-7
Location: Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S Washington, Bloomington, IN 47401
Dates: May 30 - June 2, June 5-9, 12-16, 20-23, 26-30, July 5-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28
Phone: 812-349-3747
Email: shrakea@bloomington.in.gov
Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/camps/kid-city-summer
Luddy Pre-College Summer Program (overnight camp)
Ages: grades 10-12
Location: Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering IU Bloomington, 700 N. Woodlawn Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47408
Dates: June 16-22
Phone: n/a
Email: jostre@iu.edu
Website: https://luddy.indiana.edu/student-life/summer-camp.html
Summer @ CIP (overnight camp)
Ages: grades 10-12 and rising college freshmen
Location: IU-Bloomington Campus
Dates: July 16-18
Phone: 877-566-9247
Email: info@cipsummer.com
Website: https://cipworldwide.org/summer/dates-locations/
Bristol
ADEC Summer Camp (day camp)
Ages: 6-22
Location: 1000 W Hively Ave, Elkhart, IN 46517
Dates: M-F June 5 - August 4
Phone: 574-349-5096
Email: info@adecinc.com
Website: https://adecinc.com/summer-camp/
Bristow
Anderson Woods (overnight camp)
Ages: 7-adult
Location: 3966 Adyeville Road, Bristow, IN 47515
Dates: Juny and July, Monday - Thursday
Phone: 812-639-1079
Email: andersonwoods@psci.net
Website: https://www.andersonwoods.org/summer-camp.html
Converse
Camp Mephibosheth (overnight camp)
Ages: 13-adult
Location: The Ark Christian Ministries, 3522 North 1000 West 27, Converse, IN 46919
Dates: June 24-26, 28-30
Phone: 317-984-4653, ext. 130
Email: info@mm-abilities.org
Website: https://www.mm-abilities.org/camp.html
Evansville
iCan Bike Camp (day camp)
Ages: 8-adult
Location: Indiana National Guard Armory, Evansville, IN 47714
Dates: June 5-9
Phone: 812-479-1411, ext. 268
Email: pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com
Website: https://icanshine.org/evansville-in/
Fishers
Camp Create U (day camp)
Ages: 6-10
Location: Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, 10500 E 126th Street, Fishers, IN 46038
Dates: July 24-28
Phone: 317-253-6658
Contact: KHartman@insightsonline.net
Website: https://www.otbonline.org/