Aristotle famously said, “Man is by nature a social animal.”
And one of the best ways to foster that human connection can be found in summer camp – especially for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Camps provide structured activities where campers can practice interpersonal skills, celebrate their differences and develop meaningful relationships at their own pace.
Judy Heumann, a central figure in the disability rights movement and a leader behind the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, frequently traced her sense of identity to Camp Jened, a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities in New York State. The camp functioned not only as a recreational space but as a training ground for leadership and social change.
The camps profiled in this article are but a few in the Long Island and greater NYC area that offer inclusive programs to enable the disability community – kids and adults alike – to partake in communal lived experience and its benefits.
Sleepaway Camps
Southampton Fresh Air Home (SFAH)
“We’re the fresh air home, the mighty, mighty fresh air home!” can be heard echoing through an unassuming Southampton, NY neighborhood every summer. Founded in 1901, SFAH’s mission has grown over the last 124 years, from serving children with bone tuberculosis in the early part of the 20th century to its current clientele of children with physical disabilities ages 8-18 (occasionally accepting older campers for special programs). Though SFAH now operates as a year-round center for children and teens with physical disabilities, its flagship program is still summer camp.
Rising Treetops at Oakhurst, located in New Jersey, (formerly Camp Oakhurst) was founded in 1906 as a summer home for children who attended The Crippled Children’s East Side Free School in Manhattan. Similarly to SFAH, it now serves children all year-round. Rising Treetops at Oakhurst serves a more general population of children and adults with disabilities, including autism-specific sessions.
Another long-running New York camp, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, has been around since the 1940s. Like many of the camps on our list, it now serves children and adults with disabilities ages 6-60. Pa-Qua-Tuck allows campers to choose between day camp and sleepaway. Their slate of activities includes arts and crafts, music, swimming, boating, campfires, dances, talent shows, races, scavenger hunts, BBQ’s, movie nights and a petting zoo.
Day Camps
If you live in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island, chances are you or someone you know attends Camp ANCHOR as a camper or volunteer. Their six-week summer program is available for town residents with disabilities ages 6 and up. Each camper is assigned to a group with others of similar ages and abilities. Camp runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm weekdays at Lido Beach Town Park and includes opportunities like horseback riding and surfing. ANCHOR also offers activities throughout the year.
The YMCA camp at the Cross Island YMCA in Jamaica, Queens boasts an inclusive environment. Geared towards children with developmental disabilities, Y Camp includes swimming, arts and crafts, field trips, and more.
Hofstra University REACH Program
The fully inclusive REACH program offers campers with special needs an opportunity to participate in all activities in small peer groups of campers of similar age and grade level. Located on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island, the REACH Program provides a positive environment for campers to play games, complete projects and engage in peer interactions.
Located in Hunter, NY, Camp Loyaltown offers several summer sessions for ages 18 and older, who may require support with daily living activities. With staffing ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3, Camp Loyaltown ensures individualized attention through a person-centered approach, providing assistance during daily camp activities while promoting independence. The camp also has a session for ages five and up.
Neurodivergent-focused camps
Located at Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights on Long Island, Camp Kehilla is Sid Jacobson JCC’s dedicated summer camp for neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults, ages 5-21, with a core focus on building social skills, friendships, independence, and self-esteem.
This summer, Camp Kehilla will be expanding its adaptive adventure course to include four new bridges, and will introduce Jurassic Park Day, featuring a moving animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, interactive inflatables, and a live reptile program. This is in addition to other popular offerings such as Superhero Day and their Sud & Splash foam party.
Ari Shapiro, Manager of Camp Kehilla, describes camp as a “place where individuals are free to be their most authentic selves. It gives them the change to try new experiences, take risks, and discover strengths they may not even know they have.”
Ava Lefkowitz is a freelance student journalist interested in advocacy for disability rights.