Summer Recreational Programs
for Kids with Special Needs
HELP US KEEP THIS LISTING UPDATED! Attention all NAPAC members: If you know of any new and exciting summer programs or opportunities available for our children or you know of any additional websites and/or resources that you would like to share with our members, please forward any and all information to Kathy Keith. Thank you!!
- Print version of Summer Programs (149KB PDF)
Please contact with questions and for updates. We welcome any and all insight and information to better inform all of our members!
Updated: May 5, 2006
Non-Recreational/Extended Year Programs
Let’s begin, for purposes of distinction, with “non-recreational/educational” programs for special needs kids administered through your child’s IEP by the North Andover School System.
During the school year, a determination should be made by your child’s educational team whether your child requires Extended Year Programming, also known as EYP. This is tied directly to your child’s IEP, and is available for children from pre-K through 12. In order to qualify for EYP, two criteria must be evidenced:
- would the child regress significantly without EYP services; and
- if so, would it take that child significantly longer than normal to “recoup” the skills lost over the summer. (i.e. during the beginning of the subsequent school year, when the curriculum is designed to review the prior year’s curriculum, would the child be unable to effectively be brought up to speed, so as to appropriately begin introduction of the new year’s curriculum.)
If these criteria are met, then the child qualifies for EYP. EYP is, of course, flexible to meet the needs of the specific child. There are several vehicles in place for extended year programming, the most common of which is the North Andover Summer School Program.
North Andover Summer School Program
The North Andover School System provides a 5 week long non-integrated Summer School Program. It runs from mid- July through mid- August, Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-11:30am. (The location for each grade level’s summer school program has yet to be determined.) Typically, however, the pre-K through grade 5 kids are at Franklin School and upper grades are held at the high school. A six week, longer day program is provided for some students who require a longer program due to their significant needs.
Depending on the needs of the child as determined by the team, it may be determined that the child may only need limited EYP services, such as in the areas of reading and language arts, in which case the child would attend the Summer School one or two times per week for that limited purpose.
Or, it may be determined that the child requires a broader program, for reading, math and social skills, etc., in which case the child would attend the full four days per week, with their respective therapies (speech, OT and PT) integrated into the daily programming.
Other EYP Programs
If the North Andover Summer School Program is not appropriate for your child or his/her needs, two other programs are primarily utilized by the school system to meet your child’s needs. A third program, The Paul Center, also exists in the area although students from North Andover have not attended in recent years. Again, this determination is based a team evaluation given the specific needs of the child. It is important to note that all of these options are in a non-integrated setting.
- Camp SteppingStone, located at Stiles Pond in Boxford, is an extended year program serving a wide range of students with ‘low incidence’ special needs, ages 3-22. (‘low incidence’ generally refers to children with less common special needs, children with more severe medical needs, or children who may require substantially separate classrooms during the school year). Therapies may be integrated daily into the recreational activities during the day. www.glec.org (under Programs). Note: As air conditioning is limited, one parent suggested that this camp is not for heat sensitive children.
- Camp Triumph at The Academy North, sites in Danvers and North Reading, is a therapeutic recreational day camp for children (ages 5-15) with behaviorally issues (note: behaviorally challenged does not mean bad behavior!). This summer program focuses on structured play and cooperative learning through social skill groups. There are no academics, per se, and no therapies. Academy North Contact: Chris Anderson.
- The Paul Center for Learning and Recreation, located in Chelmsford, 978-256-4396. www.thepaulcenter.org. The Summer School at the Paul Center is a Chapter 766 approved summer school program for students ages 4-21, providing a six-week/30 day program for children with moderate to severe developmental or cognitive disabilities. Daily sessions focus on communication, cognitive skills, social/interaction skills, attending skills, activities of daily living (ADL), organization, motor skills, and other learning areas. There are also daily pool sessions for basic water skills and safety. Speech and language and occupational therapies are provided as necessary in ½ hour sessions up to two times per week. (Note: The Paul Center also provides many services throughout the year including a Saturday respite services, a School Vacation Program, Camp Paul Overnight Program, and many young adult social programs and activities.)
If these camps are not appropriate, the school system has occasionally contracted with Education Consultants of New England, ECN, partially funding the cost of attendance at their summer program called Camp Good Times, located in Stoneham, for ages 3-15. 781-895-3200, ext. 17. ECN, located in Waltham, is a private consulting agency which individuals can contract with as well. Note: Child must be entering 1st grade to attend Camp Good Times.
In some instances, again where appropriate, EYP may require for specific tutoring of a child over the summer.
Non-recreational Summer Internships
Pathways, School-to-Career Program, North Andover High School, Pam Mesquita, Career Counselor. 978-794-1711 x 1064. Program offered through the high school where young adults of all abilities can take vocational and job related skills classes during the school year. Currently over 100 students are involved with the Pathways Program, students of all developmental levels ranging from honor students to special needs students. The North Andover Rotary Club sponsors the Program as a community service providing access to over 300 local companies which may seek summer and school year interns in many areas of business. Pam often works with special needs kids in a classroom setting teaching job related skills such as phone skills, alphabetizing, collating, etc., while also training in the areas of social behavior and daily living skills.
In some cases, a special needs child may be referred to the Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative VISIONS program (Vocational, Instructional and Supportive Industrial Opportunities with Natural Supports), which provides “job coaches” who would remain at a specific job site with a special needs child during their working hours. www.glec.org
Local Summer Recreational Opportunities
Therapeutic Activities and Camps and Summer Groups
Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm (Andover)
Contact: 978-475-4056
Details: Summer program/camp and pediatric and adult therapeutic horseback riding lessons.
Dates: June 26-August 18
Windkist Equestrian Center (North Andover)
Contact: 978-688-7662
Details: Summer program/camp for horseback riding lessons.
Dates: June 19-August 25
Professional Center for Child Development (Andover)
Contact: Fran Peterson 978-475-3806 x326
Details: The PCCD offers a variety of summer learning programs and events for children and family members. Also a 6-week Social Skills Group.
Dates: July 19 – August 25
Recreational Day and Residential Camps
North Andover Youth Center (North Andover)
Contact: 978-682-9000 or email
Details: Summer Fun sign up begins April 4! Note: this is an entirely outdoor program for children in 1st through 5th grades (academic year prior to summer).
Dates:
Cedarland Summer Day Camp (North Andover)
Contact: 978-521-7700
Details: Ages 3-14. Day camp has been quite amenable to having special needs kids attend. (this may require the child’s babysitter/other person attend, as well.)
Dates: Camp Starts the week of June 26th and runs for 8 weeks. Junior Outing Camp starts the on July 10th and runs for 6 weeks. Half-Day Preschool Camp is offered in 8 one -week sessions starting June 26th.
Brooks School Day Camp (North Andover)
Contact: 978-725-6300
Details: Ages 4 -12. Day camp has been quite amenable to having special needs kids attend. (this may require the child’s babysitter/other person attend, as well.) Program may be full for 2006 as registration began in January! Note: Camp is very sports oriented.
Dates: June 26 – August 18
Sports Club for Kids: at Boston Sports Club (Andover)
Contact: 978-475-3333
Details: Fun, recreational athletic programs for kids from six months to 15 years. Call your club for specific program schedule and offerings. Offers gymnastics, sports skills, music and movement, performing arts, craft design.
Dates: see website for details
North Andover Community Programs (North Andover)
Contact: 978-794-3080.
Details: during the summer: weeklong programs during the month of July, including basketball camps, dance camps, cooking classes, etc. More specifics in May. Note: The programs are run independent of the school system, although they have accommodated kids with special needs.
Dates: Dates unavailable at this time.
Andover/North Andover YMCA (Andover)
Contact: Barbara Gallager, 978-685-3541
Details: Summer “clubs”: weekly sessions, children would be placed according to developmental age, may require BYOA (as they follow the state mandate of 1 adult to 13 kid ratio). Have had kids with autism and Down syndrome in recent past.
Dates: summer program dates are not available yet
YMCA: Special Needs Swimming Program
Contact: Coach David James 978-475-9361.
Details: The YMCA also offers Special Olympic swimming (Jan-Jun45 minute class with guidance from the coach. An adult must accompany child in the water. Cost of program depends upon your Y membership. Note: several parents have indicated that they have had great luck with the swim program, some have had 1:1 aides!
Date: January - June on Sundays (2 to 3 p.m.)
Sports Related Activities and Camps
Challenger Little League Program
Contact: Matt Haymer 978-502-4375; or at alternative email address
Details: There are always lots of openings on the team; team accepts all ages/disabilities.
Practices on Wednesdays and most games on Saturdays (both at Merrimack College).
Dates: Begins in May at Merrimack College.
Challenge Baseball
Contact: Stacey or Peter Villani 978-352-7349
Details: Ages 5-8. Informal challenge baseball league being formed for children who are not able to play regular town baseball.
Ice Skating Summer Programs
Contact: www.andover.edu/ice/summer_prog.htm.
Details: Many skating programs available from beginner to advanced
Dates: June through August.
NASA Soccer Camps
Contact: www.nasoccer.com for application
Details: Soccer camp run by North Andover Soccer Association at the Middle School Fields.
Ages 4 through U12 and up.
Dates: during week of August 7-11.
Steven’s Pond Swimming Lessons
Contact: Contact the North Andover Youth Services, 978-682-9000.
Details: swimming lessons.
Dates: Summer permits and program sign up information will be available after the first week of May.
Pool School Plus (various locations)
Contact: www.poolschool.org. Nanc Drummond (978-851-5023) and Lynn Tilley (978-689-4288)
Details: Many different swimming programs at various locations for all levels.
Dates: check website for details.
Challenger Soccer (Andover)
Contact: Dr. Fred Arrigg 978-502-5894 or 978-618-3661, or email volunteer soccer coach, Bonnie Spurr.
Details: free soccer league open to children with disabilities. Just bring a soccer ball! Challenger Soccer supplies the t-shirt/uniform. There is usually a terrific end of the year party with trophies!
Dates: practices are on Sundays
Performing Arts Activities and Camps
North Andover School of Dance
Contact: 978-688-6683
Details: Full and ½ dance camps. Camp times are very flexible, full day camp includes arts & crafts. Quite amenable to having kids with special needs attend. Summer Fun One-Day Classes, too.
Dates: July 5 -29. Check website for details.
Children’s Studio for the Arts (Andover)
Contact: 978-623-8274.
Details: Summer sessions in drama, music, visual arts, dance/movement.
Dates: July 10-14; July 17-21; July 24-28. Check website for details.
Children’s Studio for the Arts (Andover)
Contact: Contact Linda Schoomaker 978-794-0001.
Details: Creative Theatre Workshops, ages 5-15.
Dates: July 10-14; July 17-21; August 7-11. Check website for details.
Acting Out: (North Andover)
Enrichment Camps
Summertime at Pike (Andover)
Contact: Nancy Rullo, Director. 978-475-1197 ext 263.
Details: Pre-K through grade 10
Dates:
Kaleidoscope (Andover)
Contact: Janis Baron 978-475-1422.
Details: Ages 3-13. Enrichment program offering various educational and enrichment opportunities through one-week, 2 1/2 hr courses with 2 sessions of offerings per day. Emphasis on concrete learning in a creative setting. Extended day available. Most classes inside in a secure environment.
Dates: July 10-28, 2006
Nature Camps
Camp Evergreen Day Camp (Andover)
Contact: 978-475-2502
Details: Ages 4 1/2-14. 2-week day camp sessions, add on 1-week sessions after first 2 weeks. Extended hours are available. Preview days on Saturdays during the spring. Full time nurse on staff during the summer. Groups separated by gender (except preschoolers). Specialists in nature on site, camp crafts, arts and crafts, wood shop, drama, sports, archery, tennis. Camp has accommodated kids with disabilities in the past (PDD, ADD, ADHD, Aspergers). The camper/counselor ratio is 5/1. Bus service from North Andover for a $60 fee.
Dates: 9 a.m. to 3:55 p.m., June 26 to Sept. 2, 2006
Girl Scouts of Spar and Spindle Council
Contact: 800-842-5666 or 978-689-8015
Details: Day camp (ages 6 to 16) in Andover, bus service available from North Andover. What if my daughter needs special accommodations? Every effort is made to make reasonable accommodations. If you have questions about a specific accommodation, call 978-689-8015 x233 and speak to the Director of Outdoor Program.
Dates: Open house April 23, May 21 from 1:00-4:00, June 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Boy Scouts of America, Yankee Clipper Council
Contact: 978-382-0591
Details: Various ages and camping opportunities both day and overnight, check website for listings. Must be a registered Boy Scout.
Dates: Open house April 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
Summer Recreational Opportunities
Surrounding Areas and Beyond
Special Needs Camps and Activities
Belmont S.P.O.R.T. (Special Programs Organized for Recreation Time) (Belmont, MA)
Contact: Sue Weiner, 617-993-2760
Details: SPORT is a local organization that has programs that offer sport training and social activities for people with developmental disabilities and other special needs. Serving the towns of Belmont, Watertown, and Arlington. People from other towns are welcome although there is an additional fee of $25.00 or so. Note: programs begin at age 8.
Dates: REGISTER EARLY!
Easter Seals Camps
Contact: Easter Seals Camps: 800-244-2756 x410
Details: Camps for people with disabilities, ages 8-30. Agassiz Village: summer camp for MA residents with physical disabilities, ages 8-13 located in Poland, ME. For kids with mild/moderate disabilities who will work side by side with able bodied campers. Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, CT. for children and young adults with moderate/severe disabilities. Note: camps are pricey, but financial aid available based on income.
Easter Seals Computer Camp
Contact: Easter Seals Technology 1-800-2756 x410
Details: For kids ages 12 to 22, combines educational instruction and recreational activities. Interactive software is utilized to strengthen functional skill in a social setting. Classes are held at the Easter Seals Technology center in Worcester
Dates: 2 to 8 week sessions run from June 28 - August 26.
Outdoor Explorations
Contact: 781-395-4999 , email
Details: Sailing, kayaking, rafting, rocks and ropes, backpacking
Dates:
Greater Lowell Scottish Rights Learning Center (Lowell, MA)
Contacts: 978-937-9577
Details: Free summer reading program for kids with dyslexia
Dates: (there is a waiting list)
Kids in Disability Sports (K.I.D.S.)
Contact: Bruce Lucier, 978-454-2716
Details: Spring and summer programs include Wiffle Ball, Track and Field, Baseball and Golf.
Dates:
TPA, Theatre and Performing Arts
Contact: Kami Crary, Director, 781-575-1258, (click on the TPA logo)
Details: TPA includes ballet, dance, music, sports, etc.
STARS (Haverhill)
Contact: Contact Kathy Grover or Diane Fasulo 978-374-3482.
Details: Special Olympic training. Local equivalent to the Belmont SPORT program.
Dates:
Camp Chest Nut (at Bement Camp and Conference Center, Charlton Depot, MA)
Contact: 508-668-6729, email
Details: Overnight camp for children with Asthma, Ages 8-13. fees: $475 Camperships available.
Dates: week long program June 26-July 1
Advances (Newton, MA)
Contact: Katherine Johnson, 617-332-9822
Details: Social skills groups.
Dates: Four 8 weeks sessions throughout the year, one runs during the summer.
Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network (Salem, NH)
Contact: Contact Donna Beaudin, 603-893-2900 ext.766.
Details: Six-week summer program at the Rehab Hospital in Salem, NH. Education and therapy based sessions; groups include therapeutic (warm) pool, ADL sessions, social skills classes, chat rooms. For children ages 3-16, for all degrees of special needs including Down syndrome, Aspergers, Autism, Learning Disability. Day and full day programs available.
AccesSportAmerica High Challenge Water Sports Program Sponsored by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation For Autism
Contact: Chris Chirco at 508-270-8855
Details: Water sports program for children on the autism spectrum. . Instructor to participant ratio is 1:1 or better! Cost per day is $10.00.
Dates: Sessions run June through August at the Reservoir Lake at Mass. Hospital School in Canton, Spaulding Pier at Spaulding Rehab in Boston, and Powder Point in Duxbury
Recreational Day and Residential Camps
Camp Leslie: (4-H Camp Leslie Essex County 4-H Club Camps, Inc.) (Pentucket Pond, Georgetown, MA)
Contact: 978-352-8060, leave message and information will be sent to you.
Details: ACA accredited residential and day camp for ages 7-14.
Merrimack Valley YMCA Day Camp Otter: (Salem, NH)
Contact: 978-975-1330, leave message and information will be sent to you.
Details: Often accommodate children with learning disabilities and emotional disabilities.
Danvers Community Y Day Camp: (Stiles Pond, Boxford, MA)
Contact: 978-774-2055. Leave message and information will be sent to you.
Details: Ages 6-12. Arts and crafts, swimming, boating, fishing, nature study, sports, Project Adventure Course. Not specifically suited for kids with special needs, however, did have 2 children with autism last summer who were accompanied by a school sponsored aide.
Ipswich River Day Camp: Massachusetts Audubon Society (Topsfield, MA)
Contact: 978-887-9264. Speak with Peggy and she will send you a packet of information.
Details: Ages 4-14. Nature study, environmental arts and crafts, cooperative games, whale watch. Not specifically suited for kids with special needs, however, has had a camper with Aspergers. Previous experience with a camper with Down syndrome did not work out well.
Pingree Experience Day Camp: The Pingree School (Hamilton, MA)
Contact: 978-468-4415. Call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and press “4” for Summer Programs.
Details: Ages 4-12. Archery, arts and crafts, computers, swimming, team building initiatives.
Camp Rotary: Greater Lynn Rotary Club (Boxford, MA)
Contact: winter phone number: 978-388-2557 (during the summer: 978-352-9952).
Details: Residential, ages 7-15. Archery, biking, challenge ropes course, kayaking, performing arts, riflery, sailing.
Non-Summer Recreational Opportunities
Special Skates: Reading MA
Contact: Karen Gerardi 781-944-4433, Steven Holland 781-944-0437.
Details: Often 1:1 instruction. There is a waiting list!
Date: October to June
Challenger Skating-Woburn
Contact: Brenda Shea, 781-933-0939
Date: Nov. to April
Challenger Softball-Woburn
Contact: Brenda Shea 891-933-0939
Date: Apr. to June
Kartwheels in Motion, Inc. (Boston Sports Club) Waltham
Contact: Jeannie Watson, Director 781-893-6516
Details: Ages 4-19, integrated play: soccer, t-ball, tag, gym equipment, one-on-one in therapeutic (warm) pool.
Date: School year: Sept. to June, not a summer program
Web resource: Memorial Hall Library in Andover
EXTENSIVE listing of Summer Programs for Children.
Other Miscellaneous Listings:
Whole Children (Hadley, MA)
Camp Thorpe (Vermont)
All Out Adventures (Massachusetts)
American Camping Association of New England - Listing of all camps in area. Special Needs accessible have a “star” icon.
Other Great Resources:
Places to Go: North of Boston and Beyond with Children Birth to Six
(Published by the Mother Connection)
Available at Smolak Farms or through the website or Mother Connection: $19.95.
From the Andover Memorial Library Website:
Federation for Children with Special Needs list of Summer Programs
Page Last Modified Fri 10-13-2006 18:42