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It’s not even Spring, and yet, here we are, already thinking about Summer! Well…thinking mostly about summer camps, which are open for registration now, and as any parent knows — they fill up FAST! Sometimes, finding a summer camp option feels easy, especially if your child doesn’t have any needs or challenges to factor in. But for many foster and adoptive parents who are looking for summer activities for the first time, the evaluation of summer camps can be dizzying! Figuring out where the camp is, how much it costs, what days and times it runs, and most importantly, whether your child will enjoy it and be safe — so many decisions! And deadlines!
So, we did some research. We asked some current foster and adoptive families for their recommendations. We combed through lists compiled by local organizations. And we put together a list of unique summer camp options that might be just right for your foster child, your adopted child, your biological child — and some of them may even be right for your whole family! (That’s right — you can take a family vacation and deepen your adoption knowledge and supports at the same time!) To keep the list from getting too unwieldy, we have elected not to include offerings through YMCA or local parks departments, although those camps are wonderful for some kids. We hope you find the information below helpful – and if you take a vacation to one of the family camps, be sure to send us a postcard!
Central Indiana
Camp Achieve
Provides children with autism a positive camp experience that also gives them opportunities for building social interaction and adaptive skills. Camp Achieve is organized by the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Ball State University.
Location: Muncie
Type: Day camp
Ages: 6-12
Camp I.M.P.A.C.T. Your Life
Through a partnership with Jameson Camp and Love Is Moving, this camp offers a week of traditional summer camp for teens in foster and kinship care. Referral by Love is Moving is required.
Location: Indianapolis
Type: Overnight specialty camp
Ages: 12-17
Embracing Abilities
Embracing Abilities offers Waiver Support Services year-round, though their summer camps are some of their most popular offerings! Campers who are not covered by the Waiver have the option of private pay.
Locations: Avon, Greenwood, and Indianapolis
Type: Day camp
Ages: 5-18+
Jameson Camp
Designed to provide amazing experiences that give young people a welcome, safe, and accepting space to discover their strengths, build new friendships, and experience nature. Day camps and overnight experiences allow kids and teens to make memories, feed curiosity, and test their limits.
Location: Indianapolis
Type: Day and overnight camps
Ages: 5-17
Noble
Noble taps into each camper’s individual skills and interests, and welcomes youth with & without disabilities in an inclusive environment that encourages everyone to learn, grow and have fun.
Locations: Noblesville, Indianapolis
Type: Day camp
Ages: 7-18
Queer Camp
Through a partnership with Jameson Camp, Indiana Youth Group, and Indy Pride, Queer Camp provides a safe, accepting space for campers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Location: Indianapolis
Type: Overnight specialty camp
Ages: 12-17
Southern Indiana
Camp to Belong
A camp intended to encourage sibling connections for brothers and sisters living in separate foster or adoptive homes. Siblings have a chance to make memories together in a safe and neutral environment.
Location: St. Paul, IN
Type: Overnight camp
Ages: 8-17
Happy Hollow Camp
Provides overnight camping activities for children who are economically disadvantaged, as well as an overnight camp for children with moderate to severe asthma.
Location: Brown County
Type: Overnight
Ages: TBD
SpringHill Camps
Inclusive camp experience for all kids, regardless of ability or needs. Staff are equipped to address each young person’s needs, whether physical, behavioral, or medical. SpringHill also partners with churches to offer day camps around the state.
Location: Seymour
Type: Overnight camp
Ages: Grades K-9 (day camps are Grades K-5)
Northern Indiana
ADEC
A chapter of The Arc of Indiana, ADEC offers one of the only full-summer camps in the Michiana area for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Location: Elkhart
Type: Day camp
Ages: 6-22 years old
Camp Millhouse
Offers children and adults with special needs the opportunity for self-discovery through a safe, traditional camp experience.
Location: South Bend
Type: Overnight and day camps
Ages: 7+
Camp Red Cedar
Features traditional camp activities – games, nature hikes, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, campfires – in an inclusive setting. Also offers specialty camps for children with Down syndrome, autism, and diabetes.
Location: Fort Wayne
Type: Day camp
Ages: 6-21 years old
Tradewinds Summer Camp
Day camp that encourages group interaction and teamwork while providing fun, learning experiences with arts & crafts, dance & karate lessons, gardening, hiking, mini-golf, & more.
Location: Merrillville
Type: Day camp
Ages: 5-12
Tradewinds Functional Skills Camp
Provides community-based activities for teens who have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Similar fun activities as the Summer Camp with consistent practice to help retain & build functional skills.
Location: Merrillville
Type: Day camp
Ages: 13-18
Out of State Camps for the Whole Family
Camp Hebron
Through a partnership with Bethany Christian Services, Camp Hebron offers a family camp specifically for adoptive families each summer. Camp Hebron also offers a week-long camp for youth ages 18-25 who are aging out of foster care.
Location: Pennsylvania
Holt Adoptee Camp
Week-long overnight camps for international and domestic adoptees, ages 9-17. While maintaining a focus on fun and community, this camp provides a space for adoptees to discuss, share and build identity among their peers.
Locations: Wisconsin, New Jersey, & Oregon
PACT Family Camp
A week-long summer retreat for adopted children of color and their families. Families with adopted children of color—from infants to teens—gather to have fun, build community, and learn together.
Locations: California & Maryland