Special Needs Camps In and Around New Jersey

Great, Inclusive Summer Experiences for All!

Everyone enjoys summer camps! The laughs, the games, the independence, and the friendships create happy memories that last a lifetime. If your child has special needs, there are wonderful camps ready to help them create these special memories with their differences in mind. Here's our list of 2025 summer camps for you to explore.

Summer on the Hill - The Winston School of Short Hills

Winston's Summer on the Hill offers a balanced camp experience with both academic and enrichment opportunities for children in grades 1-8. We offer specialized programming and a flexible schedule. Our camp instructors are highly trained in a variety of multisensory programs and techniques. We are able to individualize and differentiate their instruction to meet students where they are and help them grow as learners. Summer on the Hill day camp aims to offer students the opportunity to maintain skills acquired in their previous school year and sharpen their skills for the fall. Inquiries are welcome! 973.379.4114, wcl@winstonschool.org, located at 30 East Lane, Short Hills, NJ. WinstonSchool.org

Seaton Hackney Therapeutic Riding

At Seaton Hackney, we work with riders of all abilities and have all types of horses to accommodate our riders’ needs. Our program offers individuals of all abilities to participate in mounted and unmounted therapeutic lessons. Our team of instructors and volunteers can’t wait to meet you! If you would like more information, please feel free to call 973.644.3355 or email (seatonh@verizon.net). 440 South Street, Morristown, NJ. SeatonHackney.com

Winston Preparatory School Summer Program

The Summer Program at Winston Prep New Jersey is an extension of the Winston Prep philosophy, principles, and model that takes place during the summer months, providing students in grades 3-12 with the unique opportunity to participate in an individually designed program aimed to enhance academic skills and foster independence. Students come from many NJ counties, including Essex, Morris, Bergen, Union, Somerset, and Middlesex. This academic program runs June 30-July 25, 2025, Mon-Fri, from 8:30am to 12:45pm. 973.500.6480 , located at 901 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ. WinstonPrep.edu

Camp Kipanga

A six week summer day camp, Camp Kipanga is a summer camp for children and teens who want to improve their social skills and interpersonal connections, regardless of diagnosis or background. Whether facing social skills deficits, ADHD, ASD, or simply not yet successful in other summer programs, campers will find activities to choose from that are open-ended, non-competitive, and full of variety. Summer camp counselors and vendors are experienced and trained in working with diverse and exceptional learners, and they will provide a safe and supportive environment for campers ages 5 to 18. All of our summer programs are located on the beautiful grounds of Ramapo College, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ. CampKipanga.com

Camp Lee Mar

A special needs camp that offers a traditional overnight summer camp experience. Camp Lee Mar is a 6 1/2 week, private, residential summer program for campers ages 7-21 offering a unique learning experience that combines traditional camp activities with strong academics, activities for daily living and speech and social skills development. Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. LeeMar.com

Good Talking People

With locations in Teaneck and Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, GTP offers summer sessions for all age groups and several new, dynamic and exciting programs. Social Express will take our early social learners in PreK-1st grade on a fun filled journey to the Social Thinking® Station; Social Team Builders is a dynamic program designed for children in elementary school. This cutting-edge program will address the complex issues of social cognition, executive function and self-regulation for social learners grades 2-4; Social Learning Film Festival offers participants to explore social thinking concepts through the magic of movies and videos for film critics grades 5-8; Summer LEAP Program is a comprehensive 2 week speech-language intervention program to facilitate speech-language-communication skills; Social Planners is a dynamic program designed for socially curious High School student.; Social Prep is a beginner’s program for all ages designed to introduce the concepts of social thinking.; EF Boot Camp is an intense program for ages 18+ designed to address executive function skills. GoodTalkingPeople.com

Harbor Haven Summer Program

Harbor Haven offers a seven-week social skills summer program. It is designed for children ages 3-18 with mild special needs such as ADHD, language delays, sensory-motor issues, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other learning challenges. Campers make friends and build confidence in their social, educational, and communication skills. These program areas are run by specialists with knowledge and certifications in their content area as well as experience in working with children with special needs. ACA Accredited. Our campus is located at 1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ. HarborHaven.com

Special Services Summer Camp at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades

Small group size inclusion camps enable children with different abilities to have fun with their peers and enjoy a summer camp experience. Priority is given to returning campers, participants in Special Services programs, and JCC members. An intake interview is required for all new potential campers. Eight week camp, four two-week options. jccotp.org

Pony Power Therapies

Pony Power programming is open to those who need more support or different programming options than traditional equestrian centers offer. There is no need for proof of a medical diagnosis, a doctor’s prescription or an individualized education program (IEP). Programs include Therapeutic horseback riding, Horse care and horse handling, Garden-based learning, and Outdoor exploration for babies. Ask about their summer sessions. Located in Mahwah NJ, Bergen County. PonyPowernj.com

Special Olympics New Jersey

New Jersey hosts Camp Shriver every summer. This camp is about fitness, wellness, sports, fun, and learning. It operates at a 2 or 3:1 ratio of staff/volunteers to athletes. Camp Shriver registration is by week. 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ. sonj.org

Union County Office For Persons With Disabilities & Special Needs

Check website for sensory friendly summer programs and events for children and adults. Offers several other programs including yoga, karate, painting, zumba, and more! In general, this office provides inclusive programming that caters to the unique needs of persons with disabilities and special needs. Contact 908.527.4807 for more information. ucnj.org