Special needs camps gives students with disabilities the opportunity to develop positive behaviors and social skills in a supportive setting that fosters confidence, self-esteem, and friendships. Below are a few camps for students with special needs:
- Adam's Camp Alaska
This camp offers two programs: Pathfinder Therapy (ages 4-8) and Trailblazer (ages 8-12). Located in Girdwood, AK, each program costs $2,700 for the five days. Additional funding resources are available.
- Camp Fire Alaska
This camp has four programs: before- and after-school programs, summer programs (day camp and overnight camp), community Centers, and rural program, serving remote communities around the state. Each program has a different cost; please click on the links to find more information. Scholarships are also offered.
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Alpine Alternatives Camp
Contact: Margaret E. Webber, 561-6655; [email protected]
Alpine Alternatives Camp I (Physically Active Camp)
This camp is for campers who are independent, ambulatory, learning disabled, ADD/ADHD or any mild disability. Sports, games, hiking, boating, swimming and fun in our Alaska sun. Camper must be able to hike 5-7 miles at a steady pace. Campers will be very active with many hikes and sports-related activities
Age or grade level: Ages 7-22
When: June 21-26
Camp Location: Elks Camp: All Elks Road, Sutton, Alaska
Cost: $600 plus $30 membership
Camp Alpine II (Partial Assistance Camp)
This camp is for individuals who experience developmental disabilities or those who need partial/minimal assistance and function well in a group setting. Campers are required to bring their own support staff (at no charge), if needed.
Age or grade level: Ages 7-22
When: July 26-29
Camp Location: Birchwood Camp, 17161 David Blackburn Road, Chugiak
Cost: $350 plus $30 membership
Camp Alpine III (Older/Adult Camp)
This camp is for older individuals and adults who experience disabilities that want a camp of their own. This camp will be structured to the activities elected by the members.
Age or grade level: Older or adult
When: July 29-Aug. 1
Camp Location: Birchwood Camp
Cost: $350 plus $30 membership
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Camp Abilities Alaska
Camp Abilities is a week-long developmental sports camp for blind and visually impaired youth. Sports include beep baseball, goalball, track and field, swimming, track and field, tandem biking, archery, talent show and more.
Age or grade level: Ages 8-19 (21 if enrolled in special ed.)
When: July 11-16
Where: Based at UAA with sports venues throughout Anchorage
Cost: $400 plus $30 membership
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Alaska Diabetes Camp K
Sponsor: American Diabetes Association
Alaska Diabetes Camp at Camp K on Kenai Lake provides one of Alaska's most rustic and natural settings where campers can explore the wild world around them, develop outdoor skills, make new friends and have a good time. Each day is full of creative and challenging outdoor activities, while evenings are spent gathered around the campfire sharing songs, stories and good times. Medical professionals and Camp Fire personnel work as a team to provide informal diabetes management tips. Campers learn how to manage their disease and will gain experience in a fun, positive learning environment.
Age or grade level: Ages 7-17
When: July 19-24
Camp Location: Cooper Landing, Alaska; Camp Fire
Cost: $400
Contact: Sara Kamahele, 272-1424; [email protected]
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Camp Erin Anchorage
Sponsor: Hospice of Anchorage and The Moyer Foundation
Camp Erin is a weekend camp offered at no charge for children and teens who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.
Age or grade level: Ages 6-17
When: Sept. 25, 26 and 27
Where: Birchwood Camp, Chugiak
Cost: No charge
Contact: 561-5322; [email protected]
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Peninsula Puffers Asthma Camp
Sponsor: AAFA Alaska Chapter
The Peninsula Puffers Asthma Camp is a one-week program held at Camp K in Cooper Landing. Our campers enjoy traditional camp activities like boating, archery and crafts with Camp K while also participating in daily asthma and allergy education. Peninsula Puffers has a team of onsite physicians, nurses and RT's to care for the campers as well as provide top notch education. Peninsula Puffers if for kids with asthma and the majority of our campers also have food allergies.
Age or grade level: Ages 8-14
Dates: June 7-12
Where: Camp Fire Camp K in Cooper Landing
Cost: $165
Contact: 349-0637