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Medical & Specialty Summer Camps

Camp Corral

A free week-long summer camp for military children ages 8 – 15. Priority enrollment is given to children of wounded, ill and/or fallen military members. The camp is held at various locations across the U.S., and helps kids learn new skills, build character, and make friends while enjoying the outdoors. Applications typically open in January and spots are available on a first come, first served basis. They also offer weekend family camps throughout the year at various locations. Visit the website to apply.
Mailing Address: 801 North West Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(855) 605-1267
campcorral.org

Camp Kesem

Provides free support for children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. Camp Kesem is a free, overnight summer camp experience for children ages 6-18 at various locations across the country. Club Kesem offers virtual monthly meet-ups for ages 6-18. They also offer individualized, year-round support services. Camp Kesem Columbus Chapter is based at The Ohio State University. Visit the website to find additional chapter locations and to register.
Columbus Camp Kesem Address: 81300 Stewart Rd, Tippecanoe, Ohio, 44699
National Kesem Phone: (253) 753-3821
Ohio Locations: kesem.org/chapters/ohio
Main Website: kesem.org

Camp Lionheart

A free, week-long summer camp for youth ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Campers enjoy outdoor camp activities including swimming, hiking, games, and crafts. Campers also receive structured group grief counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations. The camp operates on donations and families are not charged.
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org

Camp Nuhop

Hosts a variety of programs for individuals ages 6-29, with a focus on those living with autism/ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and other neurodiversities. Programs include summer camps, weekend respite programs for ages 8-18, Life Skills camp for ages 18-29 to grow independent living skills, and outdoor experiential learning courses.
1077 Township Road 2916, Perrysville, Ohio 44864
(419) 938-7151
nuhop.org/camp-nuhop

Directions for Youth & Families (DFYF)

Program: Offers mental and behavioral health services for youth and families. Licensed social workers and counselors provide counseling and clinical treatment programs addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. They also offer parenting classes, free kindergarten readiness programs, and after-school and summer programs at their two youth centers.
Eligibility: Varies per program, serves those from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income); most programs are free.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else for counseling programs; psychiatric services require referral through a Directions for Youth counselor.

  • DFYF Main Office: 1515 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 294-2661
  • Ohio Avenue Youth Center: 657 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 258-8043
  • Crittenton Center: 3840 Kimberly Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 694-0214

Central Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org

Discovery Riders

A therapeutic riding center providing equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals of all abilities. The Transformative Equine-Assisted Riding Program supports individuals ages 4 and up with physical, cognitive, or social-emotional disabilities. They also offer a 16-week Special Olympics program, a Social-Emotional Learning Program for classrooms and groups, and summer camps for children and teens. The Life Skills Volunteer Program is open to individuals ages 15 and up to assist with horse care, grooming, and supporting lessons. Additional programs include able-bodied riding lessons and programs for veterans. Financial assistance may be available for lesson fees. Contact the organization to sign up for programs.
(937) 935-6545
1797 State Route 47, East Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
discoveryriders.org

Epilepsy Alliance Ohio

Serves individuals and families impacted by epilepsy/seizure disorders. Programs include free mental health counseling, summer camp for children with epilepsy, in-person and virtual adult support groups, academic scholarships for students with epilepsy seeking higher education, and trainings for professionals. They operate four residential group homes for adults with epilepsy and/or developmental disabilities. They offer a free, yearly art therapy program for adults. Camp Flame Catcher is a summer camp for children with epilepsy ages 8 and up. Their service area includes 64 counties in Ohio, 10 counties in Kentucky, and 2 counties in Indiana.
Cincinnati: 895 Central Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(877) 804-2241
Columbus: 3857 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 725-1015
Art Therapy: (614) 725-1031
epilepsy-ohio.org

Flying Horse Farms (FHF) Camps for Kids With Serious Illnesses

A medical specialty camp providing transformative experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families, free of charge. Campers range from 7-21 years old and have diagnoses including cancer, heart conditions, rheumatologic diagnoses, blood disorders, lung conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial diagnoses, spinal cord diagnoses, and mental health conditions. Campers are given the opportunity to embrace new experiences like exploring the ropes course, archery, and swimming. Professionals can find opportunities to volunteer as camp counselors, kitchen crew, and medical and psychosocial team members. Families must visit the website and apply to attend camp.
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org

iCan Shine

Provides recreational activities for individuals with disabilities ages 3 and up. They collaborate with local non-profits to host iCan Bike, Swim, and Dance camps in the spring and summer. Use the website to contact the organization or to find a program near you. The website also has resources on buying adaptive bikes.
PO Box 541, Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301
icanshine.org/programs/camp-locations

LifeCare Alliance Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA)

Offers services for Central Ohio families managing diabetes including education and counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and wellness checks with registered nurses at their community center locations. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with no direct cost to patients. They also offer free testing supplies for those needing assistance, and accept donations for supplies. Camp Hamwi offers fun, outdoor summer camp experiences for youth ages 7-17 with diabetes. Camp fees are low and scholarships are available for families who qualify based on income.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Diabetes Services: 614-437-2912
Camp Hamwi: 614-437-2914
Locations: lifecarealliance.org/programs/wellness/wellness-centers
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda

Recreation Unlimited Camp

Serves: Children, Teens, Adults, and Families with developmental disabilities and health concerns, Ages 5-23 depending on the program. 
Provides a camping experience for individuals with developmental disabilities and health concerns. They offer year-round weekend respite camps, summer and winter residential camps, and summer day camps for children and adults. They also offer specialized camps for individuals with autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, military families and more. Fees may be covered by Board of Developmental Disabilities Waivers, and scholarships are available. Contact the organization directly for detailed pricing information.
7700 Piper Road, Ashley, Ohio 43003
(740) 548-7006
recreationunlimited.org

Special Skills Sports Camps

Provides free sports fantasy summer camps for kids with disabilities ages 8 and up. Camps take place at collegiate or professional athletic training facilities and are taught by collegiate athletes, along with current and former professional athletes. Camps include soccer, football, golf, baseball/softball, tennis, and basketball. They accept volunteers to assist with set-up, registration, instructing skills stations, and more. Contact the organization to sign up for an upcoming camp.
(614) 432-6627
specialskillssports.com

The Positivity Spectrum in Summit County / Akron Area

Provides inclusive support for autistic children, adults, and caregivers in Summit County. The annual Camp for Kids program provides aides that accompany children to local summer camps. They also provide support for parents navigating the autism diagnosis process, and free special education legal assistance. Visit the website to apply for services. Check out their events calendar for free and low-cost sensory-friendly community events.
(216) 236-3144
thepositivityspectrum.org

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