SUMMER PROGRAMS DIRECTORY 2008

ARCIL
Austin Resource Center for Independent Living
825 E. Rundberg Lane, Suite A-1
Austin, TX 78753
(512)832-6349
www.arcil.com

Day Program
Arcil provides opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills that empower them to live independently.  Classes are offered in independent living skills such as money management.  Classes are free.  Check website for schedule.

Austin Adaptive Sports
1000 East 41 St., Ste. 965
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3637
www.austinadaptivesports.com

Day Program
A program dedicated to help people of all ages and abilities in fulfilling their athletic dreams through innovation, dedication and determination.  Adapts sports, such as track, basketball and tennis for people with physical disabilities.  All year round program.  Check website for schedule.  Ages: 5-adults.

Austin Children’s Museum
201 Colorado St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2499
www.austinkids.org

Day Program
Full day camps ages 7-10 and half-day sessions ages 4-6 with field trips and various activities.  Please call to see if your child can be accommodated.  Ages 4-10

Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Dr.
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 327-8181
www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc

Day Program
Very active camp offering 1 and 2 week sessions for ages 3-12.  Participants must be able to be safe, stay with their group and not be disruptive.  12:1 counselor to camper ratio.  Activities include hiking, swimming, caving, canoeing, field trips.  Children with special needs accepted on case by case basis.  Please call ahead to discuss placing your child in camps.

Austin Parks and Recreation Department
200 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks

Day Program
Half day and full-day camps available.  Each of the 17 recreation centers in town offers summer day camp programs.  Staff or interns ready to help with children with disabilities.  Please call for the recreation center near you and its programs and discuss the needs of your child.  Ages: 3-18

Austin Zoo
10807 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78709
(512) 288-1490
www.austinzoo.org

Day Program
An education animal park.  Wheelchair accessible.  A great place for children’s parties, school or church groups, family gatherings and company picnics.  Please call for more information and to register.  They are open to having children with mild disabilities; please ask.  Bring own food and drink into zoo.

Camp Brave Heart
C/O Hospice Austin
4107 Spicewood Springs Rd. Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-4700
www.hospiceaustin.org
 

Day Program
Hospice Austin’s Camp Brave Heart is a recreational summer camp for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to death.  Through a variety of creative activities, campers are supported in their exploration of emotional, behavioral and physical adjustments to their loss. 

Camp Broncho
5926 Balcones Dr., Suite 100
Austin, Tx 78731
(512) 467-6753
www.texaslung.org

Residential Program
Summer asthma camps for children with moderate to severe asthma are held each year in Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso, Tyler, and Harlingen.  The camps provide challenging opportunities in a medically safe and educationally supportive environment to children affected by asthma and who may not otherwise attend summer camps.  Activities include swimming, archery, arts & crafts, horseback riding, fishing, and daily asthma education.  Scholarships available.  Ages: 8-12

Camp C.A.M.P.
P.O. Box 27086
San Antonio, TX 78227
(210) 671-5411
Download applications from website
www.campcamp.org

Residential Program
This camp in the Texas Hill Country provides a wide range of overnight camping experiences for children with special needs who are not eligible for other camps due to severity of the child’s condition and their siblings.  Offers a wide range of recreational, rehabilitative and respite services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.  Six one-week sessions available throughout the summer.  Disabilities served:  physically and medically disabled, MR or seizure related disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism and PDD.  Please call for more information and applications.  Respite weekends during the year are available.  One session for adults over 21.  Ages: 5-21.

Camp for All
6301 Rehburg Rd
Burton, TX 77835
(979) 289-3752
www.campforall.org
Admin. Office
10500 NW Frwy, Ste. 220
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 686-5666

Residential Program
Camp For All is a unique camping and retreat facility that works in partnership with special needs groups to enrich the lives of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Go to their website for a camp focused on a specific disability.

Camp Lone Star
2016 Camp Lone Star Rd
LaGrange, TX 78945
(800) 362-2078
www.lomt.com

Residential Program
This Christian camp in La Grange has regular camp activities, including archery, canoeing, swimming, hiking and Bible studies, and campfire devotions.  They are willing to accept children with mild disabilities but due to rough terrain, please call to see if your child can be accommodated.  Also, call for dates.  Ages:  5-18

Camp Sign
Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
4900 N. Lamar, Ste. 2169
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 407-3250 (voice)
(512) 407-3251 (TTY)
email: ann.horn@dars.state.tx.us
www.dars.state.tx.us
 

Residential Program
An outdoor training camp with various physical activities, teaching leadership skills and other fun activities for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Held at Camp Misty Meadow in Conroe, 35 miles north of Houston.  Physical activities on rugged, rocky terrain not appropriate for wheelchair users.  Please call for more information and current fees.
Ages: 8-17; Ages: 16-17 Counselor in training.

Camp Summit
2915 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 185
Dallas, TX 75234-7607
(972) 484-8900
www.campsummittx.org

Residential Program
Camp Summit seeks to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities by broadening their experiences and improving their social skills while increasing their capacity for independence and providing opportunities to have camp-loads of FUN.   For children who are physically challenged, developmentally delayed, dual sensory impaired, multiple disabilities.  Ages: 6-Adult.

Camp Sweeney
P.O. Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
(940) 665-2011
www.campsweeney.org
 

Residential Program
This camp welcomes Children with Juvenile Diabetes.  This camp provides medical instruction and recreation activities.  Three 3-week sessions and 1 mini session.  Ages: 6-18  Located 75 miles NW of Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Camp Xtreme
TIRR Sports, Houston
Contact:  Suzanne Krenek
(713) 797-5719
tirrfoundation.org/programs.asp

Residential Program
Youths with physical disabilities are welcome to attend Camp Xtreme held at Camp For All just right outside Brenham, TX.   Campers need to be independent and provide their own personal self-care. Please call for cost of camp and more information.  Ages: 8-21

Camp Villa
Christina Weller
Blind Children’s Specialist
Amarillo Field Office
7120 J 40 West #100
Amarillo, Tx 79106
800-687-7010

Residential Program
Camp Villa, sponsored by TX Dept. of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (formally known as the Texas Commission for the Blind), is for youth who are blind or visually impaired.  This camp is for DARS/DBS consumers. Call for information.  Ages: 12-18
 
 

Center for Music Therapy
4106 Marathon Blvd., Ste. C
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 472-5016
www.centerformusictherapy.com

Day Program
Individual sessions and a variety of groups.  Music and More groups (inclusive groups) on Saturday through summer and fall.  Also have drumming circles for kids.  Early childhood through adulthood.

Clay Madsen Recreation Center
1600 Gattis School Rd
Round Rock, TX
(512) 341-3383
www.claymadsen.com

Day Program
The Summer Fun Youth Adventures Day Camp is for youth with disabilities; Sizzling Summer Teen camp is for teens and adults with disabilities.  This program offers daily activities and lots of fun, each related to the weekly theme.  Morning and afternoon snacks provided.  Campers need to bring a sack lunch, rest mats, and swimwear.  Youth Camp ratio is 1:4, Teen Camp ratio is 1:5.  Campers must be able to behave and function within this ratio.  Information forms must be filled out at time of registration.  One week sessions all summer.  Ages: 6-
12 and 13-21.

Crenshaw’s Athletic Club
5000 Fairview Dr.
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 453-5551
www.crenshaws.com

Day Program
All-day camp and afternoon sports camp offered.  Minimum requirements for participation would be the ability to stay with the group and not be disruptive.  Thereafter, participation would depend upon the difficulty of the sports.  Parents are advised to come by and watch the program to see if it is appropriate for their child.  Regular gymnastics and swim lessons also offered.
Ages: 5-7; 6-10; 5-11.    Also available in Northwest  Austin and Westlake.

Crowe’s Nest Farm
10300 Taylor Lane
Manor, TX 78653
(512) 272-4418
www.crowesnestfarm.org

Day Program
Crowe’s Nest Farm, Inc. is a private, non-profit educational organization established in 1983 and dedicated to fostering public appreciation, knowledge and wise stewardship of Texas agriculture and Texas wildlife.  Summer half-day weekly sessions are offered for campers to experience the outdoors at the farm.  Wheelchair accessible.  Call for schedule and information and to determine if the camp is able to accommodate your child’s special needs.
Grades K-5

Dougherty Art Center
1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 397-1458
www.ci.austin.tx.us/dougherty

Residential Program
The Dougherty Arts School has award winning programs and provides a variety of multi-disciplinary classes, workshops and camps including painting, drawing, photography, pottery, metals, dance, jewelry, fiber, computer graphics, animation, drama and much more?  Students range in age from 3 years old to senior adults.  Pre-School; Youth & Preteen; Youth at Arts.

Down Home Ranch
20250 FM 619
Elgin, TX 78621
(888) 926-2253     
Contact:  Jerry and Judy Horton
www.downhomeranch.org
 

Residential Program
Ranch Camp is an innovative camp for children and adults with mental retardation,  must be physically and emotionally well.  Crafts, nature lore, archery, target practice, fishing, hiking, boating, farm animal care and swimming are the camp’s activities.  Ages: 13 and up.

Dream of Hopes Ranch, Inc.
P.O. Box 26836
Austin, TX 78755
(512) 791-0160
Contact: Laura Stock
www.dreamofhopesranch.org

Day Program
This camp is for anyone who has mild to moderate mental retardation, who is emotionally and physically well, and whose behavior is within our guidelines.  Activities include bowling, swimming, field trips, and crafts.  Limited to 10 campers per week.
Ages: 8 & up  Sessions: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm

Easter Seals – Central Texas
1611 Headway Circle Bldg 2
Austin, TX 78754
(512) 478-2581
www.centraltx.easterseals.com

Day Program
Easter Seals – Central Texas is offering a therapeutic respite day camp called Camp Eskimo for children with special needs ages 5-15 and their siblings.  Activities include swimming, crafts, community outings and games adapted to meet the child’s special needs.  Space is limited.  First come, first served.  3 sessions.  Ages: 5-15  Fees:  Sliding fee scale ($30 non refundable deposit is required with registration).
NEW—camp for adults 3 in Gonzales, TX.  Camping experience for adults with disabilities and their caregivers.  Go to Easter Seals website for more information.

Elizabeth Ney Museum
304 E. 44^th St.
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 458-2255

Day Program
The museum is partially wheelchair accessible.  Self guided tours or guided tours by appointment.  Please call for more information.

Extend-A-Care For Kids
55 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78702-5206
(512) 472-9402
www.eackids.org

Day Program
Offers one-week sessions throughout the summer break at Greater Austin Area elementary schools.  Activities include swimming, field trips, sports, art, science projects, etc.  Breakfast and afternoon snack provided; sliding fee scale.  One-week sessions; Full day and part day available.  Ages:  5-12

Jewish Community Association of Austin Summer Camps
7300 Hart Lane
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 735-8050
Shalomaustin.org
 

Day Program
Camp Shalom is for children in grades K-8.  Children participate in a variety of fun and educational activities, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, outings, and for older kids, service projects.  Camp Shalom provides the opportunity for children with special needs to participate in the camp program.  Experienced counselors support campers through appropriate adaptations and individual attention.  Work with staff to identify needs and supports to make camp successful. 

The Magic Camp
(512) 288-1596
www.magiccamp.com
www.kent@magiccamp.com

Day Program
Camp teaches magic, juggling and puppets for children.  Fee includes T-Shirt, snack, and all supplies.  Program is eager to meet the needs of any child; please call and discuss your child and his/her special needs.  Before and after camp care is available.  Scholarships available: attendants free.  Five 2-week camp sessions; 9am –3pm; Monday – Friday.  Sites around the city of Georgetown.

Marbridge Summer Camp
P. O. Box 2250
Manchaca, TX 78652
(512) 282-1144
www.marbridge.org

Residential Program
For young men and women ages 16 – 30 with a variety of developmental disabilities and cognitive challenges.  Campers with developmental disabilities or cognitive challenges must be independent in their basic activities of daily living or in need of minor verbal prompting or cueing.  Hiking, nature walks, greenhouse, swimming, socialization and interpersonal skill development.

McBeth Recreation Center
2401 A Columbus Dr.
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-9011
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/mcbeth.htm

Day Program
McBeth Recreation Center is located in Zilker Park.  Facilities include a large multipurpose room, kitchen, craft room, game room, activity/computer room, playscape, and outdoor picnic areas.  This fully accessible facility offers adapted and inclusive recreation programs throughout the year.  Staff to participant ratios vary from 1:4 to 1:10 depending on type of program and special needs of participants.  Participants will take part in various activities.  Pre-registration is required.  Scholarships may be available.  Please call for more information.  Programs for ages 7-21 and 22 and up.  Full days, half days and sports camp.

Muscular Dystrophy Association
9430 Researcy Blvd
E Schelm Bldg #2 #300
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 691-0065
www.mdausa.org 

Residential Program
A one week camp in Bruceville at Green Family Camp will be offered this summer.  Any child with at least one of the 43 neuromuscular diseases served by MDA is eligible.  This is an overnight camp that will provide at least one doctor and two nurses on site.  There will be a 1:1 ratio with a volunteer.  Please call to receive more information.  Ages:  6-21; Fees:  No Cost.

Odyssey School
4407 Red River
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 472-2262
www.odysseyschool.com

Day Program
Remedial and enrichment courses, open to students in grades 4-8 with learning differences.  Excellent way to maintain skills over the summer. Grades: 4 – high school

Scottish Rite Learning Center
12871 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 472-1231
www.scottishritelearningcenter.org 

Day Program
The summer program is 3  2-week sessions for students with Dyslexia, to maintain, enrich, and deepen understanding of concepts for the fall semester.  Ages:  5-13.

Sea Camp
Texas A&M University at Galveston
P.O. Box 1675
Galveston, TX 77553-1675
(409) 740-4525
www.tamug.edu/seacamp

Residential Program
A hands on marine adventure.  Founded in 1986, Sea Camp has opened up the world of marine biology to over 10,000 campers.  This weeklong camp explores the wonders of the marine environment of the Galveston Island area.  This camp is open to having children with special needs participate, but due to the nature of the activities, please call to discuss your child’s individual needs and whether the camp can accommodate them.  Ages:  10-18.

Sea World
(800) 700-7786
Adventure Camps
10500 Sea World Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78251
www.seaworld.org

Day Program
Explore the world of animals by doing up-close hands-on activities.  Camps all summer:  children with disabilities welcome as long as they can tolerate the ratio.  If a child needs an attendant, the attendant can come for free.  Sea World education office also offers special education outreach programs, gifted & talented programs, overnight sleepovers, and many more educational programs throughout the year.

South Austin Karate
10203 Old Manchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 280-0611
www.bakido.com

Day Program
Karate to children.  Please call for dates, prices and additional information.  Martial Arts training plus swimming, arts and crafts, CPR, First Aid, other safety topics, games, etc.  Sessions:  summer camp and evening classes.  Ages: 5+

Special Olympics – AISD Contact: Karl Cooks
Delco Center
Kcooks@austinisd.org
(512) 841-8334
austinisd.org
From website, go to Academics and then to Special Olympics

Special Olympics Texas is a year-round movement that provides sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.  Contact the AISD Special Olympics coordinator.

Star Ranch
149 Camp Scenic Loop Road
Ingram, TX 78025
(830) 367-4868
www.starranch.org

Residential Program
A Christian educational camp for children ages 7-18 with learning, disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and emotional disorders and behavioral concerns.  Located in the Texas Hill Country near Kerrville.  40 students per session.

Summer Camps at Community Schools
(512) 414-0371
www.communityeducation.org  

Day Program
Full day camp with weekly themes and traditional camp activities.  Call to see what is offered to determine whether the program can accommodate and meet the needs of your child. 
Grades 1-6 

Sunshine Camp
PO Box 684980
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 472-8107
Contact:  Margaret Marucci
www.sunshinecamps.org 

Residential Program
The Austin Sunshine Camp offers programs benefiting over 700 Austin area at-risk children annually.  Camps provide a 5-day overnight summer camp experience.  Camps are not set up for kids in wheelchairs. Applications available through school counselors. Cases will be determined on an individual basis.  Please call for further information.  Fees:  No Cost;
Ages:  7-11.

St. David’s Wheelchair Sports and Fitness Program
1000 East 41^st St. #965
Austin, TX 78750
Contact:  Larry Turner
(512) 451-3637

Day Program
Youths with physical disabilities are welcome to attend St. David’s Wheelchair Sports and Fitness Programs.
Open 10 am – 7 pm  M-Fri

Technology and Inclusion Center and Vocational Communication Academics Technology (VoCAT)
P.O. Box 150878
Austin, TX 78715
(512) 282-7161
(800) 787-6346
www.TAICenter.com 

Day Program
VoCat is a college for a very special set of students.  VoCat is a group of classes that are specially designed for adult students with severe disabilities.  Its’ unique design ensures that every student can be successful.
Technology Center offers wide variety of assistive technology training and consultation services.

Texas Elks Camp
Rt. 5, Box 185
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 875-2425
www.texaselkscamp.org

Residential Program
Texas Elks Camp provides camp opportunities for any child with a disability not requiring one-to-one care who is a resident of Texas.  Offers swimming, fishing, horseback, team building, etc.  No charge.  Ages 7-15

Texas Lions Camp
P.O. Box 290247
Kerrville, TX 78029
(830) 896-8500
www.lionscamp.com

Residential Program
Residential camping facility for children with physical handicaps, type 1 diabetes and cancer.  The camp is located on over 500 acres in Texas Hill Country.  Each week is designed for fun, exploration and challenge, swimming, riding, arts & crafts and much more.  All children must be residents of Texas and have a Lions sponsor.  Any Lion in your area can do this; just get in touch with one or call the camp for the name of a Lion near you.  Most disabilities served, prefer 70+IQ, but depends on the child.  Please call for more information.

Texas School for the Deaf
Summer Programs
1102 S. Congress
Austin, Tx 78704
(512) 462-5353 with TTY
1-800-332-3873
www.tsd.state.tx.us  

Residential Program
Several types of camps including early childhood education, adventures in learning, drivers ed, high school and family weekend retreat.  Pre-school through high school. 

VSA Arts of Texas
Arts Summer Camp
April Sullivan
3710 Cedar Street #7
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 454-9912
www.vsatx.org

Day Program
Check website to see what programs are currently being offered.  Programs include music, visual arts and performing arts.

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow
P.O. Box 770
Hunt, TX 78024
(800) 765-9622
www.campflamingarrow.org

Residential Program
ACA accredited camp. Camp is not wheelchair accessible.  Special needs accepted on a case-by-case basis.  Primarily able to serve children with learning disabilities, but depends on the child.  Resident RN on site.  Please call for more information and an application.  Ages: 6-16

YMCA of Austin
www.austinymca.org

YMCA Greater Williamson County
www.ymcagwc.org

Day Program
Day camp features a theme every week including swimming, games, sports, crafts and field trips.  One-week sessions; Ages: 4-15.  Located at centers all over the city.

Helpful Websites

www.acacamps.org
Unitedwaycapitalarea.org/gethelp/2006SummerCampDirectory.pdf