Welcome to The Boost’s second annual summer day camp special.
The camps listed below are in the LoHud area (plus one college readiness program in Mayfield, N.Y.), and focus on programs for people with a range of developmental disabilities. The Boost is interested in growing this list to cover as much of New York State as possible so, if you have a camp to add, please contact us here. Given The Boost’s minuscule staff, this would be immensely helpful!
Two things to note:
- This is not an endorsement of any particular camp. Always ensure it meets the needs of your loved ones and please do your due diligence.
- We’ve posted camps that got back to us during the fact-checking stage.
- Address: Albert Leonard Middle School, 25 Gerada Lane, New Rochelle, N.Y., 10804
- About: The City of New Rochelle’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers eligible students of Special Education a traditional summer camp experience. For campers with mild to moderate intellectual/ developmental. Activities in the visual and performing arts, movement, fitness, games, social learning and cultural enrichment are components of the daily schedule.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates: Check back in March
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Licensed through the Westchester Dept. of Health
CAMP SUNSHINE & SUNSHINE TEENS
- Address: 261 Arden Valley Rd., Southfields, N.Y., 10975
- About: Part of Mosholu Day Camp, Sunshine boasts an inclusive recreational program enriched with traditional camp activities for children and teens who demonstrate developmental disabilities and/or are limited with their social emotional growth. Children are integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp activities. At Sunshine Teens, campers are also integrated into the appropriate group setting and have the opportunity to participate in all camp trips and activities. Transportation is available for campers in the Bronx, Manhattan, Yonkers and other select areas.
- Ages: Camp Sunshine, 5-12; Sunshine Teens, 13-16
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: The Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, 667 Blauvelt Rd., Pearl River, N.Y., 10965
- About: A consortium between Shames JCC in Tarrytown, The Riverdale YM-YWHA and YM-YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood. Campers come from all three locations. It provides inclusion support to campers with an IEP or 504 plan so that they can have the same experience as their neurotypical peers. It’s divided into Pioneers, Trailblazers and Teen Adventures, a hybrid experience that includes daily trips and overnights.
- Ages: Pioneers, entering Kindergarten-2nd grade; Trailblazers, entering 3rd grade-6th grade; Teen Adventures, entering 7th grade-10th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
- Address: 58 Oak Colony Rd., Stony Point, N.Y., 10980
- About: An integrated, seven-week, non-competitive outdoor program for Rockland County children with and without special needs. It offers arts & crafts, sports and music. Children should be able to function in a group setting. Its program for younger campers accommodates children with I/DD, autism or no disability. Its teen program accommodates only campers with I/DD or autism.
- Ages: Core program, 5-12; teen program, 13-21.
- Dates & rates: Not yet posted
- Financial aid: Yes; children enrolled in the HCBS waiver who have respite services can bill the camp as a respite service.
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: Ardsley High School, 300 Farm Rd., Ardsley, N.Y., 10502
- About: A camp for children and young adults with developmental disabilities via Town of Greenburgh Parks & Recreation. First preference given to those who reside in Greenburgh, which includes the six Villages. Transportation provided for residents only.
- Ages: 5-21
- Dates and rates: Not yet posted
- Financial aid: Please ask
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
- Address: See below
- About: It has two camps, below, Hillside and Clearpool. Expect outdoor exploration paired with unique farm and wildlife activities. While it’s primarily for children without special needs, it does have small 1:1 inclusion programs for campers with additional needs. The programs range from smoothing transitions between activities to individualized attention. Services available for Trailblazers, Blazers and Trackers programs.
(Green Chimneys) HILLSIDE CAMP
- Address: 400 Doansburg Rd., Brewster, N.Y., 10509
- Ages: Pre-K-grade 8
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Camp scholarships available to eligible families
- ACA accredited: Yes
(Green Chimneys) CLEARPOOL
- Address: 33 Clearpool Rd., Carmel, N.Y., 10512
- Ages: Pre-K-8th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Yes
NEW!: GREEN COVE DAY CAMP
- Address: Iona Bronxville Campus, 171 White Plains Rd., Bronxville, N.Y., 10708
- About: A joint project of Elmwood Day Camp & Camp Akeela, this is a typical camp experience offering arts & science, sports and more. Many Green Cove campers have a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, or a similar neurodivergent profile. Many others are undiagnosed but benefit from a little extra social support or simply gravitate to environments that are more intimate and/or more predictable Each camper will be a part of a group of 8-10 kids who will have 3 counselors traveling with them throughout the day.
- Ages: Entering 2nd-7th grade
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: No
- Address: The David G. Osterer Center, 1186 King St., Rye Brook, N.Y., 10573
- About: Run by the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, this respite program is for children, teens and young adults with all abilities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, festive barbeques, field trips and special events.
- Ages: 6-21
- Dates & rates: Not yet posted
- Financial aid: An OPWDD HCBS waiver will cover camp costs
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
NORTH EAST WESTCHESTER SPECIAL RECREATION CAMP
- Address: St. Theresa School, 300 Dalmeny Rd., Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., 10510
- About: Consists of four groups formed with consideration of age and ability. Camps are staffed with nine experienced and competent specialists. Includes art, swimming, outdoor education, gym and more. Note: This serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in the following towns: Bedford, Briarcliff Manor, Lewisboro, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge, Sleepy Hollow and Somers. “In-district” residents receive placement priority. Non-residents may participate if space is available.
- Ages: 4-20
- Dates and rates: Check website in early Spring
- Financial aid: Limited to those residing within the 12 towns. Fee structure based upon camper’s residency and NE’s ability to receive funding on his/her behalf.
- ACA accredited: Certified by Westchester County Department of Health
SOUTHEAST CONSORTIUM (SEC) DAY CAMPS and SUMMER TEEN LIFE & LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS
- About: The consortium serves children and adults with various disabilities and special needs who reside in Mamaroneck, Harrison, Pelham, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Rye, Larchmont, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, Port Chester and Bronxville. Camp programs are at Scarsdale Day Camp and Eastchester Day Camp.
(SEC) SCARSDALE DAY CAMP (CAMP WAPETUCK & CAMP PATHUNKE)
- About: Runs in conjunction with Scarsdale Recreation Camp (priority given to those residing in Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Rye, Pelham, Port Chester and Harrison).
- Ages: Camp Wapetuck: Rising 1st grade-2nd grade; Camp Pathunke: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates: Check the SEC website in March 2025
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
(SEC) EASTCHESTER DAY CAMP (CAMP GALAXY)
- About: Runs in conjunction with the Eastchester Recreation Camp. For residents in Eastchester, Bronxville and Tuckahoe.
- Ages: 3rd grade-8th grade
- Dates and rates: Check website in March 2025
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
(SEC) TEEN LIFE PROGRAM
- About: Work on life skills, obtaining job skills training, utilizing public transportation, money management skills, as well as socialization and volunteering within the community setting.
- Ages: 14-21
- Dates and rates: Check website in March 2025
- Financial aid available: Yes
- ACA accredited: Certified by the Westchester County Department of Health
(SEC) LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
- About: The goal is to equip individuals with the practical knowledge and abilities necessary to navigate various aspects of life effectively. The camp aims at empowering individuals to manage daily tasks, make informed decisions, cope with challenges, and pursue personal growth and fulfillment
- Ages: 19-27
- Dates and rates
- Financial aid: No
TRANSITIONS SUMMER IMMERSION EXPERIENCES
- Address: 2736 State Highway 30, Mayfield, N.Y., 12117
- About: A college readiness program for students with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. The College and Beyond program offers personalized pre-college programs and helps students determine what their needs are and, through tours and hands-on exploration, exposes them to different types of college programs. Career and Life offers individualized career prep programs for young adults who want to start careers and live on their own. Residential also available.
- Ages: College and Beyond: entering grades 9-12 or transferring colleges; Career and life: young adults up to 27
- Dates & Rates: Contact the program
- Financial aid: Yes
- ACA accredited: Not applicable
