Ask A Parent Advisor: Summer Fun!
Question:
"Summer is here and what’s available for my child with a disability? How do I find the special activities for my special guy?"
Answer:
Finally it’s summertime…now what should you do? There are many opportunities for kids and parents to have fun in the summer. First, think about your goals for the summer, and your child’s goals for the summer. Sometimes they are not the same, but camps and other fun festivities can help everyone’s goals to be accomplished!
For summer activities, one place to check is PEAK’s statewide calendar! Click here to view events happening in your area!
Here are some other ideas for places to look:
- Many libraries often have fun activities for families, be sure to check your local library calendar and events schedule.
- Your local Parks and Recreation will have many activities for children, along with the local YMCAs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H and other clubs of a particular interest.
- Your local newspaper, museums, theatres, art studios, etc., may have on-line services that list activities and camps for children.
- Don’t forget to check your local churches for vacation bible schools and church camps.
Remember that any public activity open to children is open to your child with special needs too. It may not be a good fit after you take a close look, but it could also be just the thing your child wants to try! Your child is a child first, before any special needs, so let that idea guide you when thinking of summer activities. 
PEAK can help you locate specialty camps or sports activities – always feel freet to contact a PEAK Parent Advisor by phone at 800.284.0251, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . With any camp, they need to have a policy that addresses children with disabilities.
Here are some other links to check out:
If you decide that a camp specifically geared toward children with disabilities or special needs is the best route for your family, click here, or read below, to learn about some specialty camps.
- Adam's Camp The mission of Adam's Camp is to maximize the strengths and potential of children and young adults with special needs by bringing together dedicated families with outstanding professionals and volunteers to provide specialized intensive therapy programs, family support and recreational camps.
- All Abilities Horse Camp The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center All Abilities Horse Camp offers an opportunity for children with and without disabilities to gain riding skills and learn about horses in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
- Camp Rocky Mountain Village Rocky Mountain Village is fully accessible and used by more than 800 children and adults with disabilities for summer camp sessions. Campers enjoy swimming, fishing, overnight camping, outdoor cooking, travel camp, day trips, arts & crafts, sports and recreation, hiking, dances, music & drama, horse-back riding, and riding the zip line.
- Camp Wapiyapi A free, non-profit week long summer camp for kids with cancer and their siblings.
- Challenge Aspen Provides recreational and cultural experiences for individuals who have intellectual or physical disabilities. They encourage family and friends to share in these experiences.
- Champ Camp For 7- to 14-year-old kids with asthma. At Champ Camp, campers learn the scientific side of asthma, effective management of their condition and the importance of staying active in spite of physical and emotional health obstacles.
- Colorado Lions Camp A year-round facility providing summer programs for individuals with disabilities ages 8 and above and winter programs for large and small groups.
- CNI Cochlear Kids Camp Designed to bring together children with cochlear implants, ages 1 to 18, from all across North America with their families for an amazing experience in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
- Children's Hospital Burn Camps Program These are "no ordinary camps" for children who have been burned. Besides experiencing all the usual outdoor camp activities - from swimming and horseback riding to skiing and snowshoeing - the children, young adults, and families who attend these Burn Camp Programs gain social living skills that help them cope with their injuries and with life after being burned.
First and foremost, remember to HAVE FUN, and don’t be afraid to explore the possibilities for summer adventure with your child! We hope you enjoy a wonderful summer!
PEAK Parent Center www.peakparent.org - Summer 2011 SPEAKout Newsletter
Copyright 2011 © by PEAK Parent Center, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce may be obtained from PEAK Parent Center.
Photo of boy jumping in pool included under Creative Commons License by Misplaced Texan.
The contents of this e-Newsletter were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H328M110023. However, those contents do notnecessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Carmen Sanchez.