Everyone deserves a camp that fits their needs. Whether special needs are physical or developmental, or a child is dealing with issues such as cancer, grief or chronic illness, these specialized programs let kids relax and have a great summer camp experience among peers who understand what they are going through. Read on to find out about the variety of camps catering to special needs kids and adults. Many camps accept respite funds.
Lions Camp Horizon (Blaine)
Because everyone needs to get away sometimes, Lions Camp has no upper age limit. Adults and kids who are differently abled can enjoy new activities and healthy food with staff-to-camper ratios ranging from 1-to-1 to 1-to-5, and two registered nurses are present at each camp. Campers can choose between Base Camp and Adventure Camp. Financial assistance is available.
Ages: 12 and older
Cost: $900–$1,300
Kiwanis Camp Casey (Blaine)
Kiwanis Club of North Central Seattle fully funds this camp for kids with mild to severe physical disabilities at Lions Camp July 27–Aug. 2. The disability must be primarily physical, and campers must be able to communicate either verbally or via assisted device. Volunteer counselors and nurses help make this “the best week of the year” for many differently abled kids.
Ages: 6–17
Cost: Free
Camp Goodtimes (Vashon Island)
At this weeklong overnight camp, cancer patients (receiving treatment or off treatment) and their siblings or bereaved siblings can enjoy activities in a medically supervised environment and just be kids. Cancer patients must be cleared by their doctor to attend. Financial assistance is available for the ferry ride to Vashon Island.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: Free
Camp Leo for Children With Diabetes (Auburn)
Camp Leo offers the only camp in Western Washington dedicated to children with Type 1 diabetes. At camp, kids living with diabetes can relax and enjoy summer camp activities while making friends with others who understand what it is like to live with diabetes. Medical staff includes pharmacists, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and dieticians. One session per age group. Financial assistance is available.
Grades: 3–12
Cost: $900–$1,150
Sunset Lake Abba’s Child Grief Camp (Wilkeson)
Kids who have experienced a major loss can spend mornings with certified grief counselors and then take part in traditional camp activities in the afternoon at this fully funded camp held at Sunset Lake. Abba’s Child approval required prior to registration.
Ages: 9–17
Cost: Free
Camp Beausite Northwest (Chimacum)
Camp Beausite Northwest provides a summer camp experience for children and adults with disabilities that range from mild to severe. Campers ages 10–99 participate in traditional camp activities in a developmentally appropriate format. The camp has up to four spots available for wheelchairs per camp. It also offers a One-to-Fun Camp for children and adults who require 1-to-1 or 1-to-2 care ratios.
Ages: 10 and older
Cost: $1,400–$2,500
Camp Korey (Mount Vernon)
Camp Korey provides a safe haven for families experiencing life-altering medical conditions. It’s a place where kids with serious medical conditions can just be kids — and it’s completely free. Campers spend their week living in cabins with other campers who are navigating similar medical journeys. They take part in archery, arts and crafts, equestrian activities, campfires, stage night, fishing and boating, outdoor exploration, pool parties and more.
Ages: 7–17
Cost: Free
