Types of Camps

There are different types of camps that provide a variety of choices based on your camper’s interests and needs. Parents can use the FAQs with camp directors regardless of whether the camp is a specialty camp, inclusive camp, day camp, or residential camp.

Specialty Camps: Camps are considered a specialty camp when they serve a specific population exclusively. Examples include camps that serve specifically and solely children with Down Syndrome, children with Autism, cerebral palsy, etc. Benefits of specialty camp programs can include children meeting peers with similar disabilities or illnesses, an ability to focus on teaching coping skills specific to the illness or disability, and ease of social inclusion.

Getting ready for a canoe trip.Inclusive Camps: Camps are considered inclusive when they serve both children with and without disabilities. Benefits of inclusive camp programs can include opportunities to interact with peers of all ability levels as well as an ability to teach social acceptance for those traits that make us different and unique.

Day Camp: Programs that run during daytime only. Examples of day camps can include YMCA and municipal or community based parks and recreation programs.

Residential Camp: A residential camp is one where the children stay overnight. Resident camps can vary in terms of length of stay. Most residential camps serving children with disabilities or chronic illnesses tend to be one or two weeks in length.