Summer 2020 Camps and Programs PDF
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 Marci Wheeler at mwheeler@indiana.edu or at 812-855-6508 and we will be happy to add it.
CAMPS
INDIANA
Albany (Delaware County)
TerraTime - Nature Play & Learning
10910 E. State Road 28-67, Albany, IN 47320
Location: TerraTime, Albany, IN
Dates: June 15- July 3, 2020; Two programs run each week: Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm (ages 3-5) 9 am-2 pm (ages 6-12)
Cost: $150 (ages 3-5) / $250 (ages 6-12)
Contact: 765-212-8521 or terratimeoffice@gmail.com
Website: www.terratime.org
The mission at TerraTime is to get children playing, moving, exploring, discovering, and experiencing the wonder of nature play. The outdoor enrichment programs are designed by a pediatric occupational therapist, for children ages 3-12 years old. This inclusive environment encourages skill building and learning that is embedded in child-directed play and exploration opportunities. Unlike most programming, time and space for children to explore, create, build, design, problem solve, take risks, and use their imagination is provided. One-week, day programs centered on a theme appropriate for children with and without disabilities is offered.
Avon (Hendricks County)
Embracing Abilities Summer Camp
Embracing Abilities
6734 E US Hwy 36, Avon, IN 46123
Location: Embracing Abilities
Dates: June 8- July 24, 2020; runs 9 am- 3 pm, (Monday- Friday)
Cost: Medicaid Waiver and private pay options see https://www.embracingabilities.com/summer-camp/
Contact: 317-825-TEAM (8326) or email info@embracingabilities.com
Website: https://www.embracingabilities.com/
Summer Camp will consist of fun daily field trips in and around our communities for exploration, vocational skills, physical activities, life skills, creative experiences and more. Our staff is excited to welcome your loved one for a summer of fun. Our caregiver ratio is 1:1 due to the nature of our around town field trips. If your loved one is successful in small group settings our 1:4 ratio may be a great option for them as well. We want to ensure safety and excellent care for your loved one.
SpringHill Day Camp
Kingsway Christian Church
7981 E CR 100 N, Avon, IN 46123
Location: Kingsway Christian Church, Avon, IN
Dates: July 13-17, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: $199 February 14-28 | $209 March 1- June 13, 2020 | $TBA After June 14 (financial aid available)
Contact: 317-272-2222 or info@springhillexperiences.com
Website: https://www.kingswaychurch.org/ or kids@kingswaychurch.orghttps://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Kingsway Christian Church is a faith-based camp for children K-3rd grade. Indicate need in application and they will provide counselors for those with special needs. Activities vary, but usually include arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities with both large and small groups.
Bloomington (Monroe County)
Camp Yes And
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Center on Education and Lifelong Learning and Indiana Resource Center for Autism
2810 East Discovery Parkway, Bloomington, IN 47408
Location: Bloomington High School South, 1965 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401
Dates: June 8-12, 2020, Monday through Friday, teens attend 1pm- 4:30 pm
Cost: Free for teens
Contact: Use contact form on website
Website: https://yesand.indiana.edu/
At Camp Yes And, teens and teachers learn Improv as a way to develop social communication skills, and transform teaching and learning. The camp is designed to support verbal teens (ages 13-18) on the autism spectrum, or those with a similar diagnosis, who would benefit from support around building social communication skills. Camp also is a free professional learning opportunity for educators, including general and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, social workers, arts educators, and others. In the words of one camper: “This camp’s just opened me up like an eggshell – just cracking open my true self.”
Kid City
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
401 N Morton Street, Suite 250, Bloomington, IN 47404
Location: Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S Washington, Bloomington, IN
Dates: June 1- July 31, 2020, Monday-Friday: Holiday week: July 1-5
Cost: Grades K-4 $170 (out of city $175), Grades 5-7 $165 (out of city $170). Grades K-4 $140 (out of city $144), Grades 5-7 $132 (out of city $136). $40 registration fee per session per child at time of registration.
Contact: Amy Shrake at 812-349-3731, or email shrakea@bloomington.in.gov
Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/camps/kid-city-summer
Theme-based inclusive camp divided into two age groups (grades K-4 and 5-7) with weekly sessions. Many field trips included in the camp experience. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reasonable accommodations are provided. Reasonable accommodations are individualized techniques and resources used to enhance program participation without fundamentally altering a program. See Inclusion Questionnaire on Kids Camp website.
Luddy Pre-College Summer Program (Formally the SICE Summer Camp)
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering IU Bloomington
700 N. Woodlawn Avenue Bloomington, IN 47408
Location: IU Bloomington, Bloomington IN
Dates: June 14-20, 2020
Cost: $700 includes sleeping accommodations, food, and activities, as well as a backpack, flash drive, water bottle, and t-shirt. (A refundable deposit of $350 is required to complete the registration process.)
Contact: Debbie Terrill at 812-855-9516 or terrilld@indiana.edu
Website: https://luddy.indiana.edu/student-life/summer-camp.html
IU’s Informatics Summer Camp is for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2020 with an interest in technology. Students will get hands on experience, explore potential career paths, strengthen problem solving and communication skills, and hang out with other campers. To apply, fill out the application online and submit a 100-word essay about why you want to attend the camp.
Reach High Summer Camp
Reach High Consulting
2101 W Tapp Road, Bloomington, IN 47403
Location: Reach High Consulting, Bloomington, IN
Dates: June 1 - July 31, 2020, Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Cost: Through insurance, may be a copay if not fully covered.
Contact: Office: 812-330-4460 ask for Rochelle Dolcee
Website: https://reachhighconsulting.org/
Reach High Summer Camp is a 9-week community intensive program that provides children, ages 1.5-13 years old, with 1-on-1 attention. Summer is a time of year when most children lose a number of skills taught during the school year. Reach High Consulting is a place to not only help your child retain those skills, but also teach new skills. Campers will explore and learn during outings at places such as the local Wonderlab, splash pad, water parks, and more.
Summer @ CIP
CIP Bloomington Center
204 N Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
Location: Held at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Dates: July 19-July 31, 2020
Cost: $5,100 covers activities, room and board (3 meals a day), 24/7 staffing support
Contact: 877-566-9247, or email admissions@cipworldwide.org
Website: http://cipworldwide.org/summer/summer-program-locations/
Summer @ CIP on the IU Bloomington campus offers teens and young adults with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and other Learning Differences a chance to experience a taste of independence while residing on campus in a college dormitory. Participants are introduced to the skills necessary for success at college, including social, academic, and independent living skills. Accepts participants entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in the fall, as well as recent high school graduates.
UTS Summer Camp
Unlocking The Spectrum, Bloomington Office
451 Parkridge Road, Suite 102, Bloomington, IN 47401
Location: Unlocking The Spectrum, Bloomington, IN
Dates: From June through July 2020 (Monday-Friday); registration begins March 1, 2020
Cost: Insurance covers most costs and determines number of camper hours.
Contact: Camp Coordinator, Samantha Gregory at 317-334-7331 or toll free at 855-INFO-UTS (855-463-6887), or email sgregory@unlockingthespectrum.com
Website: https://www.unlockingthespectrum.com/
UTS summer camp is specifically designed to meet the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders. UTS’s summer camp will incorporate highly individualized goals and skill building into each activity to include highly focused and individualized attention provided by a 1:1 ABA therapist who is assigned to each individual camper. Camp activities will include a wide range of interesting, child-centered, and fun opportunities. Peer interaction and cooperation will be highlighted. Campers will also participate in arts and crafts and outdoor play.
Bristol (Elkhart County)
Camp Wy.Not
ADEC, Inc.
19670 SR 120, Bristol, IN 46507
Location: ADEC, Bristol, IN
Dates: 8 weeks, June 8 - August 7, 2020; 9 am- 3 pm (No camp Friday July 3)
Cost: accepts Medicaid waiver, self-pay $80/week
Contact: Liz Richards, 574-596-3452 or email richardsl@adecinc.com
Website: https://adecinc.com/
ADEC strives to provide families vital support through meaningful activities for their school aged children with developmental disabilities. Staffed by direct support professionals; provides early intervention and therapeutic services to young children and their families while giving kids trips to the pool, bowling alley and zoo during their stay.
Bristow (Perry County)
Anderson Woods
Camp Administration
3966 Adyeville Road, Bristow, IN 47515
Location: Anderson Woods, 3966 Adyeville Road, Bristow, IN
Dates: Adults (ages 18 and up): June 1-4, June 29- July 2, July 6-9, July 13-16, July 20-23, 2020
Children (ages 7-17 years): June 8-11, June 15-18, & June 22-25, 2020
Cost: $205 per session with limited need-based camperships available for campers requiring financial assistance.
Contact: 812-639-1079, or email andersonwoods@psci.net
Website: http://www.andersonwoods.org/summer-camp.html
During the four-day, three-night sessions, campers learn self-confidence, trust and responsibility through working together, caring for animals, tending the garden, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Full-time counselors and volunteers work alongside the campers to encourage and empower them to fulfill their maximum potential.
Carmel (Hamilton County)
Carmel/Clay Parks & Recreation Summer Camp Series
Monon Community Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032
Location: Various elementary schools/Carmel parks/Monon Community Center depending on theme chosen
Dates: Weekly from June 1- July 31, 2020 Monday through Friday 7 am-6 pm (times vary by camp)
Cost: $190/week; (scholarships available)
Contact: Aimee Rich, Inclusion Supervisor at 317-843-3866 or arich@carmelclayparks.com
Website: https://www.carmelclayparks.com/summer-camps/
CCPR’s Summer Camp Series includes traditional and enrichment camp options for children ages 5-15 years old. We welcome participants of many different ability levels, and strive to provide an exciting, positive, and safe program for all. For questions about CCPR’s programs and inclusive services available, please contact Aimee Rich, Inclusion Supervisor at arich@carmelclayparks.com.
SpringHill Day Camp
Northview Church
12900 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel, IN 46033
Location: Northview Church Carmel, IN
Dates: June 8-12 and June 15-19, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 317-846-2884 or info@springhillexperiences.com
Website: https://northviewchurch.us/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Faith Church is a faith-based camp for children K-5th grade. Please contact for availability of counselors trained for special needs. Activities vary, but usually include small group Bible teaching, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.
Cedar Lake (Lake County)
SpringHill Day Camp
Faith Church Cedar Lake
6729 W 133rd Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Location: Faith Church Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Dates: June 22-26, 2020 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 219-374-6309 or info@springhillexperiences.com
Website: https://www.wearefaith.org/cedarlake/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Faith Church is a faith-based camp for children K-5th grade. Please contact for availability of counselors trained for special needs. Activities vary, but usually include small group Bible teaching, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.
Chesterton (Porter County)
SpringHill Day Camp
Liberty Bible Church
824 N Calumet Avenue, Chesterton, IN 46304
Location: Liberty Bible Church, Chesterton, IN
Dates: June 8-12, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 219-926-3038 or info@lbchurch.org
Website: https://www.findliberty.net/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Liberty Bible Church is a faith-based camp that include small group Bible teaching, high-energy large group sessions, and adventure activities such as archery, bungee trampoline, camp songs, climbing wall, crafts & more. Camper ages and week length may vary by location.
Columbus (Bartholomew County)
SpringHill Day Camp
Community Church of Columbus
3850 N Marr Road, Columbus, IN 47203
Location: Community Church of Columbus, 3850 N Marr Road, Columbus, IN 47203
Dates: June 29-July 3, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: $189 February 14-28 | $199 March 1- May 30 | $219 After May 30 (financial aid available)
Contact: 812-376-9478 or info@springhillexperiences.com
Website: http://cccolumbus.org/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Community Church of Columbus is a faith-based camp for children K-5th grade. Please contact for availability of counselors trained for special needs. Activities vary, but usually include small group Bible teaching, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.
Converse (Grant County)
Camp Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth Ministries
1715 Stringtown Pike, Cicero, IN 46034
Location: The Ark Christian Ministries, 3522 North 1000 West 27, Converse, IN 46919
Dates: June 27-29, July 1-3, July 31- August 2, 2020 (sessions are 2 nights and 3 days)
Cost: $160 per session.
Contact: Becky Moore at 317-984-4653, ext. 30, or email cheryl@mm-abilities.org
Website: http://www.mm-abilities.org/camp.html
Mephibosheth Ministries is a non-profit organization with a camp program serving teens 13 years old up through adults of all ages, from all over central Indiana who have disabilities. All of the camp activities—the flying squirrel, the rock wall, archery, canoeing, horseback riding, the mudslide, fishing, volleyball—are adapted to the level of each camper's abilities.
Crown Point (Lake)
Dream Summer Camp
Chasing Dreams
8380 Louisiana St, Merrillville, IN 46410
Location: Camp Connect 7007 E. 117th Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307
Dates: June 5-7, 2020
Cost: Free
Contact: Denise Babjak at 219-299-9049, or email denise@chasingdreams.org
Website: https://www.chasingdreams.org/
Dream Summer Camp is an overnight camp for children and young adults with special needs and a parent. It will be 3 days and 2 nights for ages 5- 50+. There will be active and quiet activity choices.
Dyer (Lake County)
SpringHill Day Camp
Faith Church
100 81st Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311
Location: Faith Church, Dyer, IN
Dates: July 8-10, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 219-864-0300, ext. 180
Website: https://www.wearefaith.org/dyercampus/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Faith Church is an inclusion-based camp for children K-5th grade. When requested, children with special needs receive a one-on-one counselor. Activities vary, but usually include arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.
Elkhart (Elkhart County)
ETHOS Summer Science Camps
ETHOS Science Center
1025 N. Michigan Street, Elkhart, IN 46514
Location: ETHOS Science Center, Elkhart, IN
Dates: Sessions: April 6-9 (Spring break), June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, 2020
Cost: Spring Break camp is $155. Summer camps: full Day Camp: $190 per week from 9 am-3:30pm, AM Camp $100 per week from 9 am-12 pm, PM Camp $100 per week from 12:30 pm- 3:30 pm; some additional activity fees of $25 or $35 may apply. In addition, before/aftercare is available for $25 for am or pm, and $45 for both am and pm. Scholarships available.
Contact: 574-266-7149
Website: https://ethosinc.org/
ETHOS is a non-profit science education organization with summer programs for children ages 4 years- 8th grade. Camp themes include topics like robotics, engineering, Legos, creepy crawlers, physics, astronomy and chemistry. Topics vary by week and age group; lunch and snacks are included. *A special adult (a parent, grandparent, professional) is welcome to attend with the student as staff is not specifically trained.
SpringHill Day Camp
Granger Community Church – Elkhart Campus
2701 E Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN 46514
Location: Granger Community Church, Elkhart, IN
Dates: June 22-26, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 574-584-2211
Website: https://grangerchurch.com/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Granger Community Church is a faith-based camp for children K-4th grade. When requested, children with special needs receive a one-on-one counselor. Activities vary, but usually include small group Bible teaching, high-energy large group sessions, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.
Evansville (Vanderburgh County)
iCanShine iCanBike Camp
Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
3701 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville, IN 47714
Location: Indiana National Guard Armory, Evansville, IN 47714
Dates: July 6-10, 2020
Cost: $170 with some partial scholarship money available.
Contact: Patty Balbach at 812-479-1411, ext. 268, or email pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com
Website: https://icanshine.org/evansville-in/
iCan Bike programs are for people with disabilities ages eight and up. We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never experience the thrill of independently riding a two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Defying these odds is why we exist.
Fishers (Hamilton County)
Camp Create U
Outside The Box
3940 E 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Location: Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, 10500 E 126th Street, Fishers, IN
Dates: July 20-24, 2020, 10 am-3 pm M-F; Ages 6-10
Cost: $200 or can fund with Medicaid Waivers
Contact: Kelly Hartman at KHartman@insightsonline.net
Website: http://www.otbonline.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxinc/
An inclusive camp for both kids with and without challenges. Groups will dance, play games, and do MANY different types of sports, activities, arts and crafts. Will also host The Ability Experience, Journey of Hope Friendship Picnic on Thursday ---where people can learn about disability awareness with Phi Kappa Psi amidst their 12,000 mile bicycling ride across the US.
SpringHill Day Camp
Northview Church – Fishers Campus
14842 E 136th Street, Fishers, IN 46037
Location: Northview Church, Fishers, IN
Dates: June 22-26, 2020, 9 am-4 pm
Cost: Early Bird price of $199 if register February 14-28, 2020 (financial aid available)
Contact: 317-846-2884 or info@springhillexperiences.com
Website: https://northviewchurch.us/ or https://www.springhillexperiences.com/daycamplocations
SpringHill Day Camp at Northview Church is a faith-based camp for children K-4th grade. Please contact for availability of counselors trained for special needs. Activities vary, but usually include small group Bible teaching, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and water activities.