Sensory Friendly Summer Camps In San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston
Summer is a time of fun and excitement for children, but it can also cause feelings of uncertainty for caregivers of those with autism. Finding a safe and supportive summer camp can feel challenging. Great news, several summer camps in Texas cater specifically to children with autism. In this blog, we are highlighting summer camp information for children with autism in the San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston areas.
Dallas
Camp Summit
Camp Summit is a one-of-a-kind camp for individuals with disabilities where the emphasis is on the campers’ abilities rather than their disabilities. Traditional camp activities are adapted to each individual, provided in our barrier-free facilities, and implemented by trained, caring staff. The camp offers 24-hour supervision, medical care, and customized activities to ensure each camper has a safe and enjoyable experience.
See dates and learn more here.
North Texas Performing Arts Starcatchers
The Starcatchers program is designed specifically for children and adults with special needs. In this program, students are given opportunities to shine through drama, music, dance, and visual art. These opportunities range from large theatre productions to intimate art classes and further the development of social, communication, motor, and cognitive skills. Each student is paired with a trained intern, who assists their development through rehearsals and shadows them during performances. In addition to fostering personal confidence and creativity, the Starcatchers encourage collective compassion and empathy. There are no disabilities in making art.
See dates and Learn more here.
Callier Center’s Summer Camps
Camp Interact: July 31 – Aug 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Summer Language Camp: Mondays and Wednesdays, June 5 – July 12, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Camp: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 6-July 13, 9-11 a.m
Based in Richardson, TX, the Callier Center has several summer camps available this summer! Camp Interact is a therapeutic day camp for children finishing 1st grade to 5th grade with social difficulties. Summer Language Camp is a program for kids to work on receptive and expressive language skills and reading comprehension in a fun environment. The camp is for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Summer Reading Camp will focus on intensive instruction in decoding and encoding and is meant for children with difficulty learning to read.
Learn more here.
It’s A Sensory World
June 5- June 30
July 10 – August 4
They welcome children of all abilities, ages two and up. Campers will be placed in groups based on developmental level, needs, interests, and talents. Activities include art, music, field trips, special activities, sensory gym time, outdoor play, and more.
Learn more here.
San Antonio
Camp CAMP
CAMP modifies traditional summer camp activities to meet the unique needs of each camper. Campers can participate in various activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, music, sports & recreation, arts & crafts, and outdoor cooking. These camps are 6-day/5-night sessions for children and adults aged 5 to 55 with mild to severe medical conditions or disabilities (including medical, physical, intellectual, and developmental). Siblings aged 5-13 without a medical condition or disability may attend too!
See dates and learn more here.
Hope Reins Summer Camps
Hope Reins focuses on small group settings that facilitate learning and relationship development. They offer horse riding activities for a wide range of experience levels, in addition to fun games and team-building activities. Kids will also participate in tacking, horse care, and chores. Horsemanship and groundwork will be taught to give campers a solid foundation to build their horse experience.
See dates and learn more here.
Mad Science San Antonio
During these camps, children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions and take home things that they have made themselves, like model rockets, periscopes, Mad Science putty, and more! With a wide variety of theme camps, there’s sure to be a camp that excites any science-loving kid.
See dates and learn more here.
Houston
Easter Seals Houston Summer Camp
Easter Seals Houston offers a summer camp program for children and young adults with autism aged 6 to 21 years old. The program includes daily therapy sessions, social skills training, and various recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, and sports. The camp is staffed with experienced professionals who are trained to work with individuals with autism. The program runs for eight weeks during the summer and is located in Houston.
See dates and learn more here.
The River Performing And Visual Arts Summer Camps
The River provides an affordable, accessible fine arts education for individuals with disabilities and their siblings, ages 4 through young adults. A licensed nurse is onsite throughout summer camp. In addition, the River engages students in music, dance, acting, and visual arts to experience the world of musical theatre on stage.
See dates and learn more here.
Camp For All
Camp For All is a Houston special needs camp for children that provides a safe, inclusive, barrier-free camping experience for children with various special needs and challenging illnesses. They believe that all kids, regardless of their physical health, learning, or emotional challenges, should be able to have fun, learn new skills, safely explore new outdoor and indoor activities, and meet kids with whom they can form lifelong friendships.
See dates and learn more here.
True Knight Academy
June 5 – July 28, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
True Knight Academy is a neuroeducation program with a day school, after-school, camps, and a home-school program for children with special needs, ages 5-22. Day camp has an academic enrichment along with their “brain” therapy program morning and a field trip every afternoon. Campers will bowl, swim, go to gymnastics, and the movies. They get to visit places like NASA and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. A big favorite is a “wet” day at Moody Garden’s Palm Beach, a very small contained water park perfect for the kiddos.
Learn more here.
Launch Academy
Mondays to Thursdays, June 12 – July 13 and July 17 – August 10, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Launch Academy camps are the bridge your student needs this summer. They will work on academic skill classes in the mornings, and just have fun in the afternoons. Every Monday, campers will take a field trip to HEb to buy their lunches for the week. On Tuesdays, campers will eat snow cones and swim. Every Wednesday, campers will go on all-day field trips. And on Thursdays, they’ll go to the library and play games in the afternoons.
Learn more here.
In conclusion, summer camps can be an excellent way for children with autism to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Parents in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston can rest assured that summer camps are available that cater specifically to the needs of children with autism. We encourage parents to research and explore these options to find the best fit for their child.
About the Authors
Apara Autism Centers is a leading provider of ABA therapy in Texas to children ages 18 months and up. We understand the difficulty of dealing with uncertainty and are prepared to assist you with our collaborative developmental therapy support. If you’re looking for ABA therapy near you, we have centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Apara Autism Centers employs a team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) that can assist you with resources to help comfort your child during stressful times. We include parent training as collaborative support for the whole family. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to call (844) 272-7223 or contact us at info@aparaautism.com with your questions or to enroll. We accept most insurance plans and offer full and part time programs as well as in-home therapy options with no waitlist.
