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Exciting Camps and Activities for Summer 2022

Your guide to the Seattle area’s coolest programs and options for every special kid

Published on: February 14, 2022

Exciting Camps and Activities for Summer 2022

Campers at Camp Goodtimes flex their muscles in a bicycle race
Photo:
Photo courtesy Camp Goodtimes

Camps for kids (and adults!) with special needs

When it comes to facilitating a memorable summer camp adventure for people with a range of special needs, the camps below are dedicated to understanding what will make the experience successful for each participant.

Blue Compass Camps (Port Orchard)

Blue Compass programs are perfect for kids with high-functioning autism, ADHD or Asperger’s syndrome. Choose from Ranch Camp, where kids learn to ride horses, practice archery and try other traditional camp activities; or Adventure Camp, where campers can try rock climbing, archery, the high ropes course, crafts and more.

Dates: July 2–9

Ages: 10–18

Cost: $1,375–$1,495

Camp Leo for Children With Diabetes (Black Diamond/Auburn)

These weeklong, overnight camps are for kids with type 1 diabetes and combine traditional camp activities with diabetes education. Activities include swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, games and archery.

Dates: July 17–25

Grades: 3–12

Cost: TBA (fundraising opportunities available)

Camp Erin (King County)

This weekend, overnight camp is for children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. Bereavement professionals provide grief education and emotional support, and campers enjoy fun traditional camp activities.

Dates: June 10–12

Ages: 6–18

Cost: Free

National Camp for the Blind (Mount Rainier)

Sunset Lake partners with Christian Record Services and National Camps for the Blind to provide a summer camp experience for the visually impaired.

Dates: July 3–10

Ages: 9–45

Cost: $440 (financial assistance of up to $405 is possible)

Deaf Camp (Mount Rainier)

Participants will experience summer camp and enjoy special programming at this camp sponsored by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Each cabin is staffed with a counselor who is fluent in American Sign Language.

Dates: June 26–July 3

Ages: 10–15

Cost: $475

Camp Goodtimes (Vashon Island)

This overnight camp is for those affected by pediatric cancer, both cancer patients (either in treatment or not) and their siblings. In a medically supervised environment, campers will form personal connections with others affected by cancer while enjoying camp activities. The Goodtimes Project also offers a kayak adventure camp and a sibling ski camp.

Dates: June 26–July 2, July 17–23

Ages: 8–17

Cost: Varies

Kiwanis Camp Casey (Whidbey Island)

This camp for children with physical disabilities is fully funded by the North Central Seattle Kiwanis Club. Weeklong overnight camps center on traditional camp activities, including swimming in a heated pool. Trained staff and a nurse are on-site.

Dates: TBA

Ages: 6–17

Cost: Free

Lions Camp Horizon (Blaine)

These weeklong, overnight camps provide a place for teens and adults with special needs to relax, socialize and participate in traditional camp activities. The staff-to-camper ratio ranges from 1-to-1 to 1-to-4, and nurses are on duty as well.

Dates: Base Camp (July 18–22, Aug. 1–5, Aug. 8–12); Adventure Camp (July 11–15, Aug. 14–18)

Ages: 12 and older

Cost: $800 (possible financial aid available through the Developmental Disabilities Administration or your local Lions Club)

Camp Beausite Northwest (Chimacum)

This year-round camp for children and adults with special needs is open to participants at all levels of care. There are a limited number of spots open to campers whose primary mode of transportation is by wheelchair and campers who require 1-to-1 care. Each weeklong camp offers a different theme packed with fun activities; other program offerings include day camps, weekend camps and family camp.

Dates: Year-round; check the camp calendar to see all scheduled camps and activities for the year 

Ages: 7–99

Cost: Varies by program (eligible for respite funding)

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