Statewide Autism Resources and Training Project

ASD Friendly Summer Camps in Michigan

Below is a list of Michigan camps that may be well suited for children with ASD.

This list is not an endorsement for any camp listed and parents should communicate with camp staff about special needs, requirements, and arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Michigan Summer Camps '2010-11

West Michigan Summer Camps

ASD Friendly Summer Camp blog

The American Camp Association estimates that over 10 million children attend one of the nation’s 12,000 camps each year. Research supports positive outcomes of camp such as adventure and exploration, friendships with peers and adults, reduced summer learning loss, connectedness with nature, positive risk-taking, increased physical activity, opportunities for play and imagination, safety, skill building, engagement and leadership opportunities. Feedback from campers and their parents suggest that children develop social skills that help them make new friends, grow more independent, show more leadership qualities, become more adventurous and willing to try new things.

Children with ASD deserve to have, and can benefit greatly from, the positive experiences camp provides. With a little help, they can. Studies on the theory of inclusion support the notion that including children with ASD in typical settings allows them to learn from their typical peers and gain acceptance. Although incorporating children with disabilities into typical community-based camps is a growing trend, those with developmental disabilities such as ASD are often excluded from the camp experience due to a lack of staff training and adequate systems and support to meet their needs. Studies show that including children with ASD into settings where they can learn and interact with their typical peers is quite beneficial, and including children with ASD in a typical camp setting teaches their typical peers at camp to become more accepting of those with differences.