Summer camp is an enriching experience that every child deserves to enjoy! We’ve compiled a list of summer camps in and around Des Moines where children of all abilities can participate in a wide range of activities. These camps offer everything from traditional summer fun like sports, swimming, and arts and crafts, to therapeutic activities and social skills training.
While many of these camps are designed specifically for children with special needs, several traditional summer camps also provide inclusive programs. Take a look at our Summer Camp Guide for Des Moines, which highlights some of our favorite camps in the area. You might find options that could be a great fit for your child’s interests and needs.
Remember to reach out to individual camps to learn about the specific types of support they offer. Some may require an interview process to ensure that they can provide the best experience for your child. It’s all about finding the right fit and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive and have fun at summer camp!
Note: If you know of a special needs summer camp that you would like to have included on this list, please email the listing information to nicole@dsm4kids.com or leave a comment below.
dsm4kids does NOT host any summer camps. Please consult the individual camps to see what kinds of needs they support and for additional information and to register.
Read on for our list of special needs camps for Des Moines kids:
Camp Albrecht Acres
Camp Albrecht Acres provides a fun unique environment for people with special needs to enjoy new opportunities and challenges in a safe environment adapted specifically for their needs. Campers enjoy swimming in the pool, arts and crafts, learning about nature and more. Weekend and week-long summer camps are offered. Camp sessions are divided by age groups. 2024 registration will open in March.
Camp Courageous of Iowa
Individuals with disabilities, as well as their families, experience year-round recreational and respite care activities in a camp setting. Vision, mental, physical and other disabilities are typical of the individuals served. Located in Monticello, Camp Courageous Youth Summer Camp is for campers between the ages 3 to 21. 2024 registration is open.
Camp Heart Connection – Children’s Cancer Connection
Camp Heart Connection, located at Y Camp in Boone, is for kids affected by cancer. This is a true summer camp experience, with activities including rock wall climbing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and more. Beyond that, it is a safe place where everyone is given the opportunity to meet other campers who understand what you’re going through, regardless of where you are in your journey. 2024 Registration is open.
Camp Hertko Hollow
Camp Hertko Hollow is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth who have diabetes. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities while learning about living with diabetes at Y Camp in Boone. 2024 Registration is open.
Camp Tanager
Each year Camp Tanager offers two special one-week medical camp programs for youth with Diabetes and Hemophilia. These unique programs fuse the fun of summer camp with important life changing educational programs related to each disorder. For kids ages 6-17. The 2024 summer camp schedule is posted, and registration is open.
Can Play
Can Play provides year-round programming for children and adults with special needs across the Des Moines area. Their offerings include diverse programs suitable for all ages and ability levels, including summer day camps, adaptive recreational activities, fitness programs, and team sports. Can Play collaborates with local schools and parks and recreation departments throughout the Des Moines Metro to extend their reach. Stay updated on their website for details about their Summer 2024 programs and registration.
Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside
Located in Des Moines, Camp Sunnyside is for individuals with and without disabilities age four and older. Many different types of camps and activities are offered including canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, archery, nature trails, the Variety Club Rec Center, an accessible indoor pool and the Meredith Tree House. At night campers sleep in new, air-conditioned lodges. Week-long and day camps are offered during the summer. 2024 Registration is open.
Miracle Burn Camp of Iowa
Hosted by University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation, Miracle Burn Camp is for children ages 7-17 who have experienced a burn injury or other traumatic injury or wound requiring skin grafting. Campers can be themselves in a non-threatening environment. They will make new friends, explore different experiences, and enjoy the great outdoors. 2024 dates have been posted.
Did we miss a great summer camp for kids with special needs in Des Moines? Let us know!
