Summer Activities In and Near Frederick County, Maryland ...

Summer Activities In and Near Frederick County, Maryland
Compiled by Special Education Department-Partners for Success
Frederick County Public Schools
Summer should be a time of recreational fun for all children, regardless of their abilities. The purpose
of this list is to let parents know that there are choices out there! Some of the listings are for camps that
are specifically for children with special needs and some are not. If your child does need special
accommodations, always talk to someone in the program of interest BEFORE it starts to make sure your
child can participate in it. On the other hand, don’t assume a program is inaccessible to your child
without asking if accommodations can be made; maybe the more parents ask for accessible programs the
more they will be provided. While many of these camps have associated costs, some also offer
scholarships or charge according to income.
Partners for Success do not have any direct knowledge of these providers/camps and their services and
we therefore offer no endorsement. Parents are responsible for transportation and any fees involved. If
you have any comments or additional information we would appreciate hearing from you.
FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS
191 Waverley Drive
Frederick, MD 21702
240-236-8744
EMAIL: Partners.forsuccess@fcps.org

LOCAL LISTINGS
ADVENTURE PARK USA SUMMER CAMP-A day camp near New Market for children ages 5-13 with field
trips and wild and crazy weekly themes. Parents will enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with knowing your
child is having fun and being taken care of by an attentive and enthusiastic staff. Lanyard, arcade card, attractions
and t-shirts all included. We will do everything we can to accommodate children with special needs.
Contact: Cathy 301-865-6800 ex. 107
cathyb@adventureparkusa.com www.adventureparkacademy.com
AMERICAN SIGN CAMP- In addition to great camp activities such as swimming, hiking, and bible study,
campers will learn the basics of American Sign Language through daily lessons. Residential camp for children ages
9-16 held July 31-Aug. 5 at Camp Manidokan on the Potomac River. Campers are grouped by age.
www.bwcumc.org/camping 1-800-922-6795
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF FREDERICK COUNTY- The Boys and Girls Clubs of Frederick County provide
a safe place for Frederick-area children ages 6-18 to go after school and during the summer. The mission of Boys &
Girls Club of Frederick County is to enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full
potential as responsible, productive, caring citizens. Programs in six core areas: Character & Leadership; Education
& Career; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; and Computer Technology.
413 Burck St., Frederick MD, 21701 301-600-1875 www.bgcfc.org/
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-A year-round program for boys 11-17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting
through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. In
Frederick County, BSA has 1 troop of boys with special needs and are looking for more interested boys.
Robert Hutcheson 301-514-8130
BREEZY HILL STABLES—Summer camps are now forming at this Thurmont area stable. Camps are all handson,
learning all aspects of riding and caring for a horse, lots of games, and hayrides! Free family fun day May 7 th .
www.breezyhillstables.com 301-447-2663
CAMP GREENTOP –Located in the Catoctin Mountain National Park, Camp Greentop provides traditional camp
activities in a rustic environment. With a 2:1 camper to counselor ratio, staff is able to assist campers with
cognitive, physical, emotional, or multiple disabilities with a wide range of need. Choose from several programs,
including overnight camp, day camp, or primitive League Pioneers. Sessions run from June 18-Aug. 20. See
www.Leagueforpeople.org/summerprograms for more information.
Contact: Bill Morgan 410-323-0500, ext. 366
CAMP JOURNEY ADOLESCENT RESPITE PROGRAM- Located near the scenic Catoctin Mountains, Camp
Journey Adolescent Respite Program serves families with adolescents who are currently active in therapy to deal
with emotional and behavioral challenges. The recreation-based program offers each family planned respite beaks
from the day to day stress of managing their adolescent at home, lowering the overall stress level within their home.
Camp Journey is a program where adolescent from the ages of 11-17 can have regularly scheduled visits of a few
hours a week, a day or two a week, or a couple weekends a month, while participating in a variety of activities, such
as hiking, fishing, swimming and trips. Facilitators act as mentors, providing positive role models for the youth as
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they participate in the activities. Other eligibility requirements include being physically independent or requiring
minimal supervision for all personal hygiene, toileting, and mobility tasks, being able to self-administer medication
under close supervision, and demonstrating a willingness to comply with the expectations of the program.
Adolescents who are accepted into the Camp Journey program are eligible to participate year round, on regular
planned dates, until they are 18 years-old.
Contact: Mallory Sylvester 301-682-5886 msylvester@waystationinc.org
CHALLENGER LITTLE LEAGUE – Any child with disabilities who wants to have lots of fun can play in this
Little League. Previous experience is not necessary to be part of this wonderful program, just a willingness to play
and wear a real baseball uniform.
Contact: Fred Laliberte 301-694-8673
CREATIVE THERAPEUTIC CONNECTIONS—Therapeutic Friendship Clubs will be available this summer at
the new Spring Ridge office in Frederick. The Friendship Clubs will be offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons and evenings for elementary, middle school and high school aged children with special needs. The clubs
will focus on pro-social skills including interpersonal relating skills, nonverbal social cues, cooperation,
compromise, listening skills, anger management, frustration tolerance, non-intrusive behaviors, assertiveness,
bullying issues, and self/other awareness. Club members will participate in movement activities, art activities,
expressive board games, role play, and other creative games/activities which incorporate therapeutic processing and
positive behavioral reinforcement. A week long, morning summer camp will be offered both in June and in
August. Please call for dates. (Most services are reimbursable with out-of-network insurance. Sliding scale fees
are also available).
Contact: Veronica Bannon, LCPS, NCC, DMT-BC 301-693-5931
ctcbannon@comcast.net
DAYS END FARM HORSE RESCUE--Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a 501 c3, volunteer based,
animal welfare organization. Days End Farm was established in 1989 to ensure quality care and treatment of
horses through intervention, education, and outreach. Since its beginning, Days End Farm has been a place
where children and adults have found enrichment, satisfaction, sadness and purpose through helping to provide
care for unwanted, abused or neglected horses. Kids programs are now being organized, call to register.
www.defhr.org 301-854-5037
DEAF CAMP-A residential camp for ages 7-18 held July 31-August 5 at Camp Manidokan on the Potomac River.
Campers will participate in swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, bible study, and other great camp activities. All
activities will be conducted in American Sign Language.
www.bwcumc.org/camping 1-800-922-6795
THE DELAPLAINE VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION CENTER-ART ADVENTURE 2011- SUMMER
CAMPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE—Seven weeks of art day camp programs for ages 6-16 with one week sessions
from June 20 – August 5. Wide variety of media and subject matters including drawing, painting, ceramics,
woodworking, sculpture, printmaking, cartooning, claymation and more! Visit www.delaplaine.org.
Contact: Sarah Higgins 301-698-0656, ext. 107
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES – The Dept. of Natural Resources encourages participation of
individuals with disabilities in its programs and activities. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be
provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is requested.
Hooked on Fishing – A 5-day program instructs basic fishing skills for kids 8-15 offered at four sites in
Maryland (including Greenbriar State Park). A 3-hour class offered in the morning or in the afternoon
from July 5 through August 5. Equipment supplied, must pre-register. Fee of $15. Limited to new
students or students who have attended only once before.
Contact: Martha Shaum 410-260-8721
www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/hofnod.html mshaum@dnr.state.md.us
FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Many different activities are listed in their brochure, Kids on
Campus. Access it online at www.frederick.edu. Click on “Class Schedules”, scroll down and click on
“Summer 2011 Kids on Campus”.
FREDERICK COUNTY 4H THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM – Located in Lewistown, a very successful
and experienced horseback riding program for children with all types of disabilities. During the summer, classes
are held on Saturday mornings. For details visit www.fc4htrp.org.
Contact: Debbie Endlich 301-898-3587
Fc4htrp@aol.com
FREDERICK COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION-FRIDAY NIGHT REC.—A 4-week summer program
designed for persons with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Join us Friday nights for fun. Visit a favorite
recreation spot, have a picnic, play great games, and so much more. There’s no telling how much fun is in store for
you. Ages 14 years and older, starting May 27, 6-8pm.
www.recreater.com (page 53) 301-600-2936
FREDERICK COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION – Many activities in our Summer Recreater Brochure,
which can be downloaded by going to www.recreater.com.
301-600-2936
FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES – Many different activities throughout the county, check online
at www.fcpl.org.
GREAT RESOURCE!! – www.bargainchaser.com - Motto “The insiders guide to saving time and money in
Frederick, MD”. Get on the website, scroll down, on the right click “Calendar of Cheap Activities”, and you will
find a daily schedule done for weeks at a time of things going on in Frederick County for children and adults. Also
check out “Parenting Deals”.
KIDS COMMUNICATING, LLC—Specializing in children on the Autism Spectrum, now enrolling for summer
ABA/VB groups and social groups. Located in Frederick City and directed by Jennifer Bobbitt, Speech Pathologist
and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
speechpathjen@verizon.net 301-644-3385
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MINDWORKS LEARNING INSTITUTE – The focus is on How learning occurs and helping each student,
whether high or low achievers, to develop the skills necessary to maximize their learning potential.
info@mindworkslearning.net 301-898-7222
www.mindworkslearning.net/
MONOCACY NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CENTER – This center provides comprehensive treatment for
children, adolescents, teens and adults with developmental challenges, such as Autism, ADHD, and Learning
Disorders, Aspergers, and communication issues. They offer year round social skills groups, individual behavior
therapy, and family therapy.
www.monocacycenter.com 301-662-3808 ext. 0
NOAH’S ART CAMP—Have a great art experience in woodsy Mount Airy while enjoying nature, art, animals,
fresh air and fun for campers ages Prek -14 years. Enjoy creating with clay, paint, paper mache, sculpture,
cartooning and drawing. All supplies are provided and there is an average of 1 adult for every 8 campers. Dayle
Duffy, an artist, public school art teacher for 27 years, and a Masters in Special Education, is equipped to
individualize lessons for all abilities and learning styles thus ensuring a successful and positive art camp memory.
dayleduffy@yahoo.com 301-607-8163
SPECIAL OLYMPICS – Providing year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic
type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Check the website at www.somdfrederick.org to
see all the different activities.
Contact: Carrie Gregory 301-694-7779 carrieg922@gmail.com
Sam Hodapp 410-789-6677 ext. 125
SUMMERSERVE & SUMMERSERVE EXPRESS –HandsOn Frederick County’s summer programs that
engage youth ages 11-17 in supervised service-learning activities. SummerServe is a 5-week, full day service
program that includes recreational activities in the afternoon. SummerServe Express consists of four separate, twoweek
sessions, where youth participate in service during the mornings and project related recreational activities in
the afternoons (i.e. field trip to nature center). Youth may participate in service projects such as watershed
restoration, working with rescued horses, restoring historical landmarks, etc. We will try to accommodate students
with special education needs and will meet with each family individually to determine if our program is a suitable
match for your child. Due to the nature of our programs we are not equipped to handle medically involved
children. Transportation and adult supervision provided. Applications are available online at:
http://handsonfrederickcounty.force.com/HOFC_Teens
Contact: Stacey White 301-663-5214 ext. 7
staceyw@handsonfrederickcounty.org
TEACHABLE MOMENTS, LLC -- Customizable camp options and social groups — Does your
child have a group of friends that you would like to have participate in educational/recreational/social
activities? Does your child have a topic he/she would like to explore this summer? I can put together a
program that is tailor-made to your child, their friends, and their likes. I am flexible regarding dates and
times. My programs are truly customized to your child’s needs and interests by certified teachers and are
competitively priced. Young adult social group meets monthly for fun activities -- ages 18+ (16 & 17 year
olds taken on a case-by-case basis). Individual tutoring also an option to retain academic skills.
Please contact me for more information.
Contact: Carol Custer 301-788-6198
www.teachablemomentsonline.com
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WAY TO GROW – Summer Enrichment and Speech & Social Skills programs will be offered this summer. The
programs focus on skill development in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. Summer Enrichment is a weeklong,
morning, therapeutic group starting June 20 or June 27 for ages 6-9. Sessions include daily OT groups, as
well as music therapy, art, and movement classes on a rotating basis. Skill areas addressed include: fine motor,
gross motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, and social skills. The Speech & Social Skills program will meet
weekly, for 6 consecutive weeks, starting June 20, and meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Participants are
grouped with peers and engage in activities and games designed to build confidence and skills, including
conversational skills, getting along with others, and problem solving. Curriculum is customized to meet the needs
of group members.
Contact: Lisa McConkey 301-846-4769
info@way2grow.com www.way2grow.com
YMCA KIDS UNLIMITED PROGRAMS-Programs for Children and Young Adults with Special Needs-
Parents’ Night Out (evening and weekend hours), unified summer camps. In addition, children may attend a variety
of general camp programs, with staff accommodations provided whenever possible. We will try to accommodate
all students with special education needs, on a case by case basis.
Contact: Kelly Presnell 301-663-5131 ext. 1248
kpresnell@frederickymca.org www.frederickymca.org
MARYLAND PROGRAMS
CAMP ACCOMPLISH- Melwood’s Camp Accomplish offers residential inclusive camping for children ages 5
through 18 with and without disabilities. It is a traditional camping program. Offered is swimming, ropes course,
climbing wall, archery, horses, arts and crafts, and there are even air-conditioned cabins. This is an experience that
can’t be beat! Sessions available from June 19 through August 14. Camping programs are offered for any
disability, final eligibility will be determined through a camper/caregiver interview.
Contact: Marisa Cucuzzella 301-870-3226 ext. 2280
recreation@melwood.org www.kampakomplish.org
CAMP ATTAWAY – A three-week summer day camp for boys and girls ages 7-13 with emotional and behavioral
disorders, held from 9 am through 3 pm on July 1– July 22 in Columbia, MD. Camp includes sports, arts and crafts,
swimming, rock-climbing, dramatics, games, nature, and a parent education support group. Scholarships are
available.
www.campattaway.org 410-730-2633
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CAMP BRENDAN- A summer sailing camp for children with learning differences ages 11-14 in Annapolis (day
camp) and ages 11 to 14 and 15-18 (day camp and overnight camp) at St. Mary’s College sponsored by the Brendan
corporation. Sessions are 8 days long and offered from the end of June through July. Tuition assistance is
available.
http://www.brendansailing.org/sail-programs/ 202-638-2788
CAMP FAIRLEE – An Easter Seals residential camp serving children with physical disabilities and/or cognitive
impairments throughout the summer and on select weekends year-round. Also 2 weeks of summer camp for
children with autism. Near Chestertown, MD on the Eastern Shore.
www.de.easterseals.com 410-778-0566
CAMP JCC at THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER-Camp JCC provides a full inclusion day camp for ages
4 to 15 in Rockville, MD.
Contact: Heather Strauss 301-348-3883
campjcc@jccgw.org http://www.jccgw.org
CAMP MILLDALE INCLUSION PROGRAM-Milldale offers a 4- or 8-week day camp in Owings Mill, a
program for children entering kindergarten through 8 th grade that incorporates children with special needs into
Camp Milldale’s Day Camp, Arts Camp, or Sports Camp. Children participate in general camp activities paired
with counselors on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis that assist in the inclusion process. Also there is the Sol Bogrim Program,
which is a self-contained program for adolescents ages 12-15 with developmental and physical disabilities.
Contact: Stacy Israel 410-599-3576
sisrael@jcc.org www.campmilldale.org
CAMP PECOMETH SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP- Offers the camping experience to adults over 16 with mental
and/or physical challenges in Centreville, MD.
www.pecometh.org 410-556-6900
camping@pecometh.org
CAMP SUNRISE – A camp held near Baltimore free of charge for children with, or who have had cancer.
Residential for ages 6-18; day camp for ages 4 & 5. Traditional activities such as swimming, clowning, arts and
crafts, and more.
Contact: Ray Young 410-365-0081
http://www.campsunrisemd.com/
CAMP SUPERKIDS – Overnight asthma camp for children 7 1/2 to 12 years of age held at Summit Grove Camp
July 17-22. During the week of camp, the kids will participate in arts and crafts, nature hikes, karate, swimming,
sport activities, and much more. Along with these activities there are 2 sessions a day of asthma education.
Sponsored by The John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
Contact: Heather Dougherty 717-578-0465
campsuperkids@gmail.com http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/campsuperkids
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FRANKLY COMMUNICATING-Two summer camps offered in Westminster, MD, Preschool Speech Therapy
Camp and School-Aged Camp. The focus of the preschool camp will allow children to engage with their peers
while focusing on increasing language skills, while the school-aged camp will provide children with an opportunity
to learn concept development, following directions, and expanding expressive language skills.
Contact: Heather Franks M.S., CCC/SLP 410-871-2990
heather@franklycommunicating.com
LIONS CAMP MERRICK –Provides a week-long residential camping experience for children who are deaf, hard
of hearing, visually impaired, or children with Type 1 diabetes. Includes typical camp activities such as swimming,
archery, canoeing, arts and crafts, and more. Children must be independent in activities of daily living.
Melissa Lynch 301-870-5858
campmerrick@aol.com www.lionscampmerrick.org
NATIONAL SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY CENTER--National Speech/Language Therapy Center treats
children with a variety of speech, language and cognitive disorders and difficulties. This center in Bethesda,
Maryland is now registering for morning camps this summer for 2 to 6 year olds.
www.nationalspeech.com 301-493-0023
NATURE CAMPS, INC.-Nature Camps serve campers ages 3-16, overnight camp is for 13-16 years old. Nature
Camps is an innovative outdoor adventure and environmental camp that utilizes mixed age learning, creative
discovery, and individual selection of daily activities. NC strives to provide and promote inclusivity and respect for
all people. Contact to discuss individual needs.
Contact: Don Webb 1-410-343-0223
naturecampsinc@aol.com www.naturecamps.com
NORBEL POWER CAMP –Norbel Power Camp is a summer camp for campers ages 6-12 with learning
challenges including communication disorders, ADHD, executive functioning disorders, and high functioning
autism. Norbel Power Camp uses Norbel School’s established interpersonal skills curriculum to help campers build
teamwork skills, improve social skills, and improve confidence. Activities include drama, computers, sports, art,
music, and more. A day camp offered in Elkridge, MD that runs from June 27 through July 22.
Contact: Krys Renzi 410-796-6700
krenzi@norbelschool.org www.norbelschool.org
THE SKY is the LIMIT SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS CAMP-Children with and without disabilities ages
6 to 14 participate in a production from start to finish, including acting, costume, scenery, and movement. Camp
ends with an evening production. Held in Dundalk, MD from July 5 through August 5, 10am-3pm.
www.baltimoremd.gov/agencies/recreation/programdivision/therapeutic.html 410-887-5370
SUMMER SENSATIONS CAMP-A full-day camp program carefully designed to support children with sensory
processing differences. It combines an enjoyable camp experience with valuable therapeutic intervention. Campers
will benefit from the following therapeutic groups: occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, therapeutic
art, alert program for self regulation, gross motor group, specialized bike riding instruction and water play. Located
in Columbia, Maryland.
http://www.summersensationscamp.com/ 410-997-8081
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OUT OF STATE PROGRAMS
Brainy Camps Association--A subsidiary of Children's National Medical Center
Brainy Camps Association is a non-profit organization that provides residential summer camps, family retreats,
leadership training and transitional youth programs for children with severe chronic health conditions. Our
camps are run in collaboration with many of the healthcare organizations connected to the conditions served.
Our campsite is located in Harrisonburg, VA, at the Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center, just
minutes from Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Transportation is available from the Washington, DC area.
CAMP PROGRAM
We offer our campers a safe, fun experience where they can meet others like themselves, often for the first time
in their lives. Not only do they swim, dance and play, they gain knowledge about their conditions from
volunteer experts in the field and learn to be independent, self-reliant, and effective partners with their medical
providers in the management of their health.
Campers can choose from a myriad of activities including swimming, fishing, boating, archery, arts & crafts,
pottery, team sports, challenge course and camp Olympics. Support groups and educational programs promote
knowledge, skill development and interpersonal connections. Through their time at Brainy Camps, campers
gain a sense of who they are, what they have to offer and where they want to go in the future.
Camp Schedule 2011
June 26-July 02: Camp Connect (TS: Tourette syndrome)
June 26-July 02: Camp Connect ASD (Asperger’s syndrome)
July 03-July 09: Camp Take Hold (Hemiplegia)
July 03-July 09: Camp Healthy Habits (Childhood Obesity)
July 10-July 16: Camp New Friends (Neurofibromatosis)
July17-July 23: Camp Great Rock (Epilepsy)
July 24-July 27: Camp Super Smile (Down syndrome)
Aug 06-Aug 09: Camp Heartbeat (PAI: Pacemakers, Arrhythmias & ICDs)
Aug 06-Aug 09: Camp Heartbeat CHD (Congenital Heart Disease)
Aug 11-Aug 14: Camp Take Charge of Diabetes (Diabetes)
Super Campers Always for children with sickle cell anemia has been put on hold until
Summer, 2012. We are so sorry for all who wanted to attend this year. Please check our
website in January, 2012 for our new schedule.
877-260-2267 202-476-5142 www.brainycamps.com
CAMP KEYSTONE-An overnight camp located on 70 acres in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in
Pennsylvania. Keystone Camp will be operating its specialized 9-week camp, from June to August,
focusing especially on campers with Prader-Willi Syndrome. This session offers an excellent
opportunity for campers with PWS to form friendships and participate in fun-filled, exciting
adventures. In addition, Keystone Camp offers the traditional camp experience to individuals with
developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and
neurological impairments. Campers are offered a broad variety of traditional summer camp activities
such as sports, nature, arts & crafts, boating and swimming. The camp program is structured and
quite varied to appeal to the interest and abilities of individual campers. Reinforcements of basic
skills such as dressing, bathing, and eating continue throughout the program sessions.
Contact: Gloria Lance 570-842-4521
glance@keycommresp.com campkey4u@aol.com
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CAMP LEE MAR- This is a private residential special needs camp for children and young adults
with mild to moderate learning and developmental challenges located in Pennsylvania. Campers
enjoy traditional camp and recreation activities plus academics and speech and language therapy.
Therapeutic horseback riding and overnight trips are offered, and the program includes an outdoor
heated pool, modern facilities, and air-conditioned buildings.
www.leemar.com 215-658-1708
Check out these websites for more camps/recreation:
Online Summer Camp Directory
Directory of kids and teens summer special needs camps, including day and overnight special needs
camps. Includes ADHD camps, Autism camps, Behavioral Issues camps, and many more.
www.campresource.com/
www.kidscamp.org
www.mysummercamps.com
www.camppage.com
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