Camps and evening outings tailored for children with special needs are designed to provide enrichment for children. They also provide parents with respite opportunities. When others assume the primary role of providing care and support for children, parents are able to take a much-needed break. Because children can gain so much from having the opportunity to have fun and explore new things, summer and weekend camps as well as evening outings can offer win-win scenarios for both parents and kids!
Camp Aldersgate
Camp Aldersgate is located on 120 acres in Little Rock Arkansas. Aldersgate offers several inclusive summer camps for children (ages 6-18) with various disabilities and their non-disabled siblings and friends. They also offer the following specialized camps: Muscular Dystrophy Camp, Spina Bifida Camp, Diabetes Youth Camp, Cardiac Camp (for children with various heart conditions), Arthritis Camp, Kidney Camp, Oncology Camp, Bleeding Disorders Camp and Asthma Camp. Throughout the year, Camp Aldersgate also offers weekend camps that give parents respite opportunities. Families are encouraged to apply early, typically in January. Applications and more information can be found on the Camp Aldersgate website. : .
Camp Barnabas, located within a two-hour drive of Northwest Arkansas, offers week-long Christian Camp opportunities during June, July and August as well as weekend mini-camps periodically throughout the year. Since 1996 the camp has served children with special needs. Based on diagnosis and age (7 and up), families register their children for a specific week during June through August or a specific weekend during the year. In an attempt to provide parents with a “kid-free” respite, siblings may also be eligible to attend some camps. Early registration for summer camps (late September/early October) is encouraged as spots fill quickly. The cost per child is $700.00 with a $55.00 registration fee. Full and partial scholarships are available. Registration, contacts and further information can be found on the camp’s website.
Arkansas Support Network Kids Club
This program is offered to children ages 10-17 with documented disabilities. Campers enjoy activities such as swimming, bowling, arts and crafts, picnics, movies, visiting local ballparks, cooking classes, and more. Located in Siloam Springs, Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, the camps typically begin during the second week of June and run through the first week of August. Registration is “first come first serve” and normally opens near the end of March. Campers who attend in Rogers and Fayetteville must first have a membership at either The Rogers Activity Center ($20 per youth membership) or The Boys and Girls Club ($60 per youth membership). Most of the camps cost less than one hundred dollars for the entire summer, excluding the cost of center/club membership if needed. Registration forms are mailed to families on the ASN mailing list. If families would like to be placed on the mailing list, contact the camp director, Caleb Taylor (coord.qla@gmail.com). Phone: 479-927-4100.
The Jones Center offers a 7-week, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. summer day camp for children 6-11 years old. The program is not specifically designed to serve children with exceptional needs, so children who thrive in inclusion settings would likely get more out of the program. Families can register children for the whole 7-week program or for individual weeks. The camp has weekly themes such as: Sports and Fitness, Cooking, Art, Drama, Music, and Science. Registration begins March 1st, and the cost is $60 per child per week. Financial assistance is available. Registration, contacts and further information can be found on the Youth Academy website.
Jump Zone in Bentonville offers one of the largest indoor play arenas in Northwest Arkansas. The first Wednesday evening of the month Jump Zone offers free open play for children with special needs and their families from 6-8 p.m. More information can be found at www.jumpzoneparty.com.
National Parks and National Forest Service
The National Park Service and National Forest Service offer free lifetime passes to individuals with permanent disabilities through use of an Access Pass. Access Passes require an initial ten dollar processing fee and application submission. An application as well as more information about National Parks can be found here. Studies indicate that children who play and explore outdoors are less stressed. For those who prefer nature getaways, Arkansas has a multitude of options, including the Quachita National Forest headquartered in Hot Springs.
Recess, sponsored by the local nonprofit 99 Balloons, is a free monthly respite program provided for special needs children and their families. The program is hosted in local churches. Volunteers provide one-to-one attention and care for children with special needs. Siblings are also invited to participate in a sibling track which provides them with their own fun activities. The program not only gives parents a night off, but it offers great fun for the kids. To register, download and complete a Child Profile Form that can be found on the Recess link of the 99 Balloons’ website,
TEFRA Benefit for Enrichment and Respite
If a child qualifies for Tefra and has a premium of less than $50.00 per month, the family is eligible for a benefit that pays for enrichment programs such as summer camps. In addition, families may receive up to $500.00 per year for respite services. Contact Renee Holmes with DDS at 479-444-1918, x: 3.
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TEAM is not liable in any capacity for the quality of services delivered by any outside entity. If you find errors or have questions or concerns, you may contact our Family Support Coordinator, Amber Spencer, at amber.spencer@childrenstherapyteam.com, 479-841-4938.