Special Needs Camps
April 1st, 2009 by Jenni Betts Deming
“Special” is the norm at many Mid-South summer camps. Whether coping with autism, diabetes, loss, or developmental delays, at these campskids soak up acceptance along with hours of outdoor fun. Check our listings below to learn more, and act this month, since camps fill quickly.
ADHD
All Days are Happy Days (University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities). Day camp for youth ages 6-11 diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Campers enjoy fun activities as they learn how to manage ADHD behaviors.
Memphis Jewish Community Center, May 31-June 4; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Apply by May 22. Cost: $125 (before May 1) or $150 (after May 1). Contact: Belinda Tate Hardy, 448-6669 or visit utmem.edu/bcdd.
Abuse/anger management
Camp Hope Series (Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly) • Campers enjoy on-site recreational activities such as waterskiing, tubing, and swimming. Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly Summer Camp and Retreat Center, Eva, Tennessee. No application deadline; campers accepted on first-come basis. All camps are free. Contact: Vickie Lawson, (731) 584-6102 or visit lakeshoreuma.com.
Camp Hope • Overnight camp for elementary students ages 8-12 with past or present exposure to alcohol/drug abuse. June 29-July 2.
Camp Teen Hope • Overnight camp for teens ages 12-15 with past/present exposure to alcohol/drug abuse. Boys only May 25-29, June 8-12; girls only June 1-5, July 27-31.
Camp Peace • Overnight camp for teens ages 12-15 dealing with anger-management issues. Campers participate in outdoor activities as they learn problem-solving skills and strategies to avoid aggressive confrontations. Boys only, June 22-26, July 20-24; girls only, June 15-19, July 13-17.
Camp Grace • Overnight camp for females ages 12-15 who have been victims of sexual abuse. Campers learn self-worth, trust, and love in a Christian environment. July 6-10.
Asthma
Camp Wezbegon (Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center) • Overnight camp for youth ages 8-12 diagnosed with asthma. Campers learn asthma management and experience nature through hikes and outdoor studies. PinecrestRetreat and Conference Center, LaGrange, Tennessee. July 19-23. Apply by June 5. Free. Contact 287-5010 or visit lebonheur.org.
Autism
Easter Seals Autism Camp • Overnight camp for autistic youth ages 6-17. Campers enjoy outdoor recreation and activities. Camp Boxwell, LaGuardo, Tennessee. July 12-17. Apply by July 1. Cost: $675/week, or $800 for one-on-one. Contact: Tam Adams, (615) 292-6640 x134 or visit eastersealstn.com.
Asperger’s Day Camp (Lakeside Behavioral Health System) • Day camps for youth ages 5-17 diagnosed with Asperger’s. Campers’ curriculum includes motor integration skills, adaptive classroom behavior, and group and recreational therapy. Seven week-long sessions will be offered June 8-July 31 at Lakeside’s Memphis campus from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. Students may participate in all seven weeks. No application deadline, campers are accepted on a first-come basis. Cost: $750/week (most insurance is accepted, based on medical necessity). Contact: Edna Weiner, 373-0931 or visit lakesidebhs.com.
Bereavement
Camp BraveHearts (Methodist Alliance Hospice) • Day camp for youth ages 6-16 who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last two years. Campers learn to share grief and begin the healing process. St. Columba Episcopal Conference Center. June 4-6. Sessions are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (camp ends at 12:30 p.m., June 6). Apply by May 27. Free. Contact: Mary Elizabeth Jones, 516-1604 or visit methodisthealth.org.
Camp Good Grief (Baptist Trinity Center for Good Grief) • Day camp for youth ages 7-12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one within the past two years. Campers explore grief through art, music, recreation, and support groups. Pinecrest Retreat and Conference Center, LaGrange. July 27-29. Sessions are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (transportation provided). Apply by May 29. Free. Contact 767-6767 or visit bmhcc.org.
Teen Camp Good Grief • Overnight camp for teens ages 13-17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one within the past two years. Camp Bear Track, Drasco, Arkansas. Oct. 16-18. Apply by August 21. Free.
Developmental delays
Arc of the Mid-South Summer Camps
Two overnight camps offer visitors ages 8 and up with developmental disabilities a chance to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Camp I will be held at Nelson Woods Retreat Center, Millington, July 15-19. Camp II will be held at Pinecrest Retreat and Conference Center in La Grange.
July 29-Aug. 2. Apply by April 30. Cost: $375/members or $400/nonmembers. Contact: Michelle Alexander, 507-8570 or visit arcmidsouth.net.
Camp LivitUP (United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South) • Day camps for youth ages 6-17 with developmental disabilities. Campers enjoy swimming, crafts, and special guests. Memphis Jewish Community Center, June 8-July 31. Sessions are weekdays from noon-4 p.m. Apply by May 15. Cost is $216 per two-week session. Three special group therapy sessions will also be offered at an additional $20 per session for those interested. Contact: Ndi Onukogu, 761-4277 x1112 or visit ucpmemphis.org.
Camp Smile (Collierville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts) • Day camp for special needs youth ages 6-21. Campers participate in recreational games, field trips, and craft-making. Dates and location TBA. Apply due by May 1. Contact: Lisa Gaither, 853-3225 or visit colliervilleparks.org.
Developmentally Disabled Camp (Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly) • Overnight camp for self-sufficient visitors ages 12 and up with developmental disabilities. Campers enjoy swimming, crafts, and pontoon boating. Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly Summer Camp and Retreat Center, Eva, Tennessee. June 8-12. No application deadline; campers accepted on a first-come basis. Cost: $290/ week. Contact: Vickie Lawson 731-584-6102 or visit lakeshoreuma.org.
Easter Seals Developmental Delays Camp • Overnight camp for visitors ages 6-17 with developmental disabilities. Campers enjoy canoeing, swimming, sports, and crafts. Camp Discovery, Gainesboro, Tennessee. June 14-19. Apply by June 1. Cost: $675/week (or $800 for one-on-one services). Contact: Tam Adams, (615) 292-6640 x134 or visit eastersealstn.com.
Raymond Skinner Center Summer Day Camp (Memphis Park Services) • Eight-week day camp for guests ages 5-21 with physical or mental disabilities. Campers enjoy outdoor activities, crafts, music, dance, and games. Raymond Skinner Center. June 8-July 31. Sessions are weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Apply by May 29. Cost: $162 (city residents) or $324 (nonresidents) for 8-weeks. Those on government assistance may ask about a reduced fee. Contact: Marcus Robinson, 272-2528 x109 or visit cityofmemphis.org.