Down Syndrome
Summer Opportunities for Kids With Special Needs


Down Syndrome
ABILITY FIRST - Pasadena

Organizational headquarters for Ability First program. Offers day camps, residential summer camps and a comprehensive resource/referral service for children with disabilities.

Conditions: Physical and Developmental Disabilities

1300 Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-396-1010
fax: 626-396-1021

Web:
www.abilityfirst.org
Email:
contactus@abilityfirst.org



ABILITY FIRST - Lawrence L. Frank Center

Offers summer swim program, after-school care, sports, recreation, socialization and special events services for children with disabilities. Also offers parent groups, day camps and resident summer camps.

Conditions: Disabilities

201 S. Kinneloa Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-449-5661

Web:
www.abilityfirst.org
Email:
motto@abilityfirst.org



ACTIVITIES FOR RETARDED CHILDREN

Provides Saturday Camp program activities to children with mental and physical disabilities.

Conditions: Disabilities, Mental Disabilities

6456 Whitsett Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91606
818-762-4365



AHEAD WITH HORSES

Developmental therapy through the use of horses and the environment. Ages 10 & under.

Conditions: Special Needs

9311 Del Arroyo Dr.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
818-767-6373

Contact: Jennifer



ALMANSOR CENTER

A private Special Ed. Day school for students with learning, emotional and/or behavior problems. Serves infants through adults.

Conditions: Developmental Disabilities, Mental Disabilities

1137 Huntington Dr.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
323-341-5580
fax: 323-257-0284

Web:
www.redesignlearning.org



AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION

The ACA accredits camps and provides a free directory of accredited camps in Southern California and Hawaii. The directory lists camps for kids with special needs, as well as local camps providing scholarships through the LA Times Summer Fund.

Conditions: Disabilities

22231 Mulholland Hwy. #212
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-223-9232
Contact: Marge Driscoll

National Office:
5000 State Road
67 N. Martinsville, IN 46151-79202
765-342-8456
fax: 765-342-2065

Web:
www.acacamps.org
Email:
info@acasocal.org



ARMORY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Community arts center offers innovative approaches to creating and presenting visual arts to students of all ages and abilities. Special summer programs.

Conditions: Disabilities

145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-792-5101

Web:
www.armoryarts.org
Email:
information@armoryarts.org



AYSO SOCCER CAMPS – VIP PROGRAM

With more than 40 years of experience, AYSO brings our "kids first" philosophies to soccer camps, creating a camp experience unlike any other. We can accommodate and welcome kids with all special needs. Our coaching staff is trained to work with special needs kids through our VIP training.

Conditions: Various disabilities

Debbie Goodman
AYSO Soccer Camp Coordinator
12501 S. Isis Avenue
Hawthorne, CA 90250

800-872-2976

Web:
http://www.AYSOsoccercamps.org



B.C.R. A PLACE TO GROW

Facility-based day and extended day program for children and adults with developmental disabilities from Burbank and neighboring L.A. County communities. 6 years and up. Regional Center vendor.

Conditions: Developmental disabilities

230 East Amherst
Burbank, CA 91504
818-483-4907
fax: 818-843-6829

Contact: Rachel Galpin



CALIFORNIA POOLS OF HOPE

Offers free swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

Conditions: Disabilities

6801 Long Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90805
310-537-2224
fax: 310-537-2255



CAMP COSTANOAN

Residential, respite and recreational camping program for children and adults, ages 5 and up, with disabilities and/or special needs. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Clara Mountains. Traditional 6-9 day summer camps from June-August.

Conditions: Disabilities

2851 Park Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-243-7861

Web:
www.viaservices.org



CAMP DUBNOFF

Summer and holiday day camp for children with developmental disabilities, through the Dubnoff Center for Child Development and Educational Therapy.

Conditions: Autism, Developmental Disabilities

10526 Dubnoff Way
North Hollywood, CA 91606
818-755-4950
fax: 818-752-0783

Web:
www.dubnoffcenter.org
Email:
sandrab@dubnoffcenter.org



CAMP ESCAPADES

Special summer day camp for children ages 4-13. Created for children with special needs, the program offers opportunities for typically developing children to be a part of this extraordinary experience. The camp is not designed to be a therapy program, but is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of therapists together with teachers, counselors and volunteers.

Conditions: Special Needs

Pediatric Therapy Network
1815 W. 213
th St. #100
Torrance, CA 90501
310-767-9848
310-328-0276

Web:
www.pediatrictherapy.com



CAMP FUNTASIA- L.A. CITY PARKS AND RECREATION

Offers traditional day camp program for summer and school vacations. Serves ages 6-11. Will work with special needs kids, can accept children with aides.

Conditions: Disabilities

10500 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-998-6377




CAMP KREM – CAMPING UNLIMITED

Residential summer camp for children and adults with developmental, physical and other disabilities. 7, 10 & 12 day sessions, early June to late August.

Conditions: Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, etc.

Business office:
4610 Whitesands Ct.
El Sobrante, CA 94803
510-222-6662

Summer address:
102 Brook Lane
Boulder Creek – Santa Cruz Mtns., CA 95006

Web:
www.campingunlimited.com
Email:
campkrem@campingunlimited.com



CAMP MAX STRAUS

Residential summer camp with recreational activities for underprivileged children ages 7-12. Located in Glendale, run by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Conditions: Special Needs

6505 Wilshire Blvd. #215
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-761-8675
fax: 323-761-8695

Web:
www.campmaxstraus.org



CAMP NUGGET, CSULB

Provides a physical activity day camp for children with special needs ages 5-12.

Conditions: Special Needs

1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
562-985-7969

Web:
www.csulb.edu/programs/summer-camps or www.longbeachstate.com
Email:
blavay@csulb.edu



CAMP OAKES - YMCA

Provides various camp programs for teens with developmental disabilities, ages 16 and up. Located in Big Bear.

Conditions: Developmental Disabilities

C/o Long Beach Adaptive Recreation
1150 E. 4
th St. Rm. 223
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-570-1784

P.O. Box 452
Big Bear City, CA 92314
909-585-2020
fax: 909-585-8038

Web:
www.campoakes.org
Email:
camp@lbymca.org

YMCA of Greater Long Beach – Camping Services
P.O. Box 90995
Long Beach, CA 90809
800-642-2014
562-279-1710
fax: 562-279-1639



CAMP PAIVIKA

Residential camp with traditional recreational activities for children with autism, cerebral palsy, diabetes, hearing or visual impairment, etc. Ages 7-70

Conditions: Various disabilities

See also: Ability First

P.O. Box 3367
Crestline, CA 92325
909-338-1102
Contact: Kelly Kunsek

Web:
www.abilityfirst.org/camp_paivika.htm
Email:
kkunsek@abilityfirst.org



CAMP RAMAH - Tikvah Program

Tikvah Program provides a mainstreaming summer camp program for children 11-18 years old. Two 4-week sessions designed for Jewish adolescents with learning disabilities and other developmental delays.

Conditions: Developmental Disabilities

Camp Ramah in CA
15600 Mulholland Dr. #252
Los Angeles, CA 90077
310-476-8571
fax: 310-472-3810

Web:
www.ramah.org
Email:
info@ramah.org



CAMP SCHERMAN

Residential Girl Scout camp that mainstreams girls with special needs into regular camp programs. Serves ages 7-17.

Conditions: Special Needs (girls)

Girl Scout Council of Orange County
1620 Adams Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
714-979-7900

Web:
www.gscoc.org
Email:
airey@gscoc.org



CASA COLINA CENTERS FOR REHABILITATION - Children's Services Center

Among many rehabilitation services for children with neurological, orthopedic, developmental and other medical needs, the centers offer adaptive sports programs and a recreational/sports summer camp. Serves Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties.

Conditions: Disabilities, Special Needs

255 E. Bonita Ave.
P.O. Box 6001
Pomona, CA 91769
909-596-7733 x4200 (Children services)
800-926-5462 (General info)

Web:
www.casacolina.org
Email:
rehab@casacolina.org



CENTER FOR DEVELOPING KIDS - SUNKIDS 2006

Fun day camp in therapeutic setting with a staff of occupational, physical and speech therapists. Sensory motor and neurodevelopmental techniques, social and play skills.

Conditions: Developmental and physical disabilities, Autism, Down Syndrome

Center for Developing Kids
200 E. Del Mar Blvd. Suite 112
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-564-2700
fax: 626-564-2770

Web:
http://www.centerfordevelopingkids.com
Email:
info@centerfordevelopingkids.com



CITY OF GARDENA RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPT.

Serves the mentally and developmentally disabled. Special Olympics programs, Fiesta Club, dances, swimming.

Conditions: Disabilities

1700 W. 162
nd Street
Gardena, CA 90242
310-217-9500
Contact: Kelly Fugio

Web:
www.ci.gardena.ca.us



CITY OF PASADENA HUMAN SERVICES AND RECREATION

Recreational programs serving teens with disabilities. 10-week Saturday sessions providing developmentally appropriate activities, social skills development and recreation. Field trips, art programs, dances. Volunteer opportunities.

Conditions: Disabilities

Jackie Robinson Center
100 N. Garfield Ave. Room 328
Pasadena, CA 91109
626-744-7257 or 626-744-4386
Contact: Jackie Scott

Web:
www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/humanservices
Email:
jscott@ci.pasadena.ca.us



DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES

Provides various services, information and referrals. including camp info, for children with Down Syndrome.

Conditions: Down Syndrome, Developmental Disabilities

315 Arden Ave. Suite 25
Glendale, CA 91203
818-242-7871
fax: 818-242-7819

Web:
www.dsala.org
Email:
dsala@nwc.net



EASTER SEALS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Provides camp experiences, as well as after-school and recreational programs, for children with special needs. Check the website for specific information for each local chapter.

Conditions: Disabilities

710 W. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91204
818-551-0128

Web:
www.southerncal.easterseals.com


KEN'S VHAP CAMP

Designed for special needs boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16. Offering age-appropriate, developmental, fun and engaging activities exclusively on site. Programs vary on a day-to-day basis, providing the children with a unique daily experience to meet individual and group needs.

Conditions: Developmental Delay diagnosis, genetic disability, mild to moderate retardation.
For children with physical / medical handicaps requiring limited specialized supervision. Vendored by the Regional Centers.

Contact:
Dr. Ken Curtis
Ken's VHAP Camp
PO Box 1853
Santa Monica, CA. 90406
800-679-6044
310-344-7573

Email:
kenatali@adelphia.net



SMILE A WHILE CAMP

Smile A While day camps and After School program both welcome children from diverse backgrounds, skills and abilities. At Smile A While we believe that every child deserves a place where they can experience new and exciting adventures, make life long friends and learn important social skills all while having fun!! We work with children facing a wide spectrum of developmental and emotional issues.

Conditions: Autistic spectrum, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, and others.

349 W. Altadena Dr.
Altadena, CA 91001
626-794-3864

Email:
behavioralservices@yahoo.com


SPECIAL OLYMPICS/PASADENA

Provides sports activities in preparation for Special Olympics.

Conditions: Mental, Developmental Disabilities

P.O. Box 94949
Pasadena, CA 91109-4949
626-798-2000
Contact: Barbara Klein

Web:
www.sosc.org/pasadena.html
Email:
Pasadena@sosc.org



SPECIAL OLYMPICS/SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Provides information on Special Olympics sports programs throughout Southern California. Ages 8+.

Conditions: Mental, Developmental Disabilities

5875 Green Valley Circle, Suite 200
Culver City, CA 90230
800-832-6276

Web:
www.sosc.org

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