A summer camp for young people with disabilities is a great idea but it may be daunting trying to find the right one for individual needs. A summer camp is designed to make the guests feel welcome and safe in an enriching environment where amazing memories are made. Path-Now advertises an array of summer camps and services to help you find the most suitable one nearby.
The best summer camps in California provide an inclusive space for all and individualized, one on one therapy to ensure those with a developmental disability or intellectual disability are cared for while also having the best time. Here are 4 of the best summer camps in California:
1. Easterseals Southern California
Located at YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear, Easterseals camp is fully accredited through the American Camp Association and promises a standout camp experience for people with disabilities and exciting activities available for everyone.
Easterseals is a week-long camp filled with activities including crafts, swimming, dances, hiking, archery and a high and low ropes course. The minimum age is 14 and campers must have some communication skills. There is a counselor to camper ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 for more personalised support.
2. Camp Paivika
AbilityFirst Camp Paivika is situated in San Bernadino National Forest and offers summer overnight camps to both children and adults with disabilities including autism, Down Syndrome and ADHD. Campers will be sure to receive a traditional camp experience filled with fun and support.
Campers can try new things, make friends and activities are focused on building confidence and independence. Summer camp activities include swimming, adaptive sports such as baseball, bowling, an obstacle course and performing arts to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
3. RAD Camp
RAD Camp stands for Rising Above Disabilities and is held at Van Guard University, Costa Mesa. This summer camp offers a week long program for both adults 22+ and children and young adults aged 5-21 (RAD Jr Camp) and lots of fun. The camper to counselor ratio is 1:1 to enhance a connection and friendship for an amazing camp experience.
Activities at RAD Camp include games, art, music, science and lots more as well as evening events of karaoke, dances and talent shows. Campers are well and truly cared for and will surely have the time of their life at RAD with memories to last a lifetime.
4. Camp I CAN
Located in two locations, San Diego and Carlsbad, Camp I CAN (Camp Including Children with Autism NOW) is operated by the Autism Society of San Diego in partnership with YMCA to ensure campers receive a fun camp experience that encourages social development.
This is a day camp for children aged 6-17 with ASD with various activities designed to target individual ability levels. Counselor to camper ratio is also 1:1 to offer tailored support and an exciting experience.
There are many inclusive summer camps in California that are specially designed to encourage people with disabilities to have fun with specialized activities tailored to individual needs. Explore the range of summer camps available to find the right one for your special needs.
Path-Now provides clients with a wide range of resources and IDD community services to ensure you can easily find the right disability support in California for your needs. Check out the list of summer camps available right here https://path-now.com/clients/.
Best Summer Camps in California for Individuals with Autism or Developmental Disabilities
Finding the right summer camp for a young person with autism or a developmental disability can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. A great summer camp should offer a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where kids and adults alike can make memories, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
Path-Now is your go-to platform for discovering disability resources across California — including a curated selection of summer camps tailored to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Whether you’re looking for overnight camps, therapy-based programs, or inclusive day camps, Path-Now helps connect you with the right options nearby.
Here are four of the best summer camps in California for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities:
1. Easterseals Southern California
Located at YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear, the Easterseals summer camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and promises a standout experience for people with disabilities. This week-long overnight camp offers a mix of classic outdoor activities including crafts, hiking, archery, dances, and swimming.
- Age: 14+
- Ratio: 1:1 or 1:2 counselor to camper
- Notable Features: High and low ropes courses, personalized care, accessible programming
You can discover more camps like Easterseals through Path-Now, which allows you to browse by location, age group, and level of support needed.
2. Camp Paivika
Set in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika offers overnight camps for children and adults with disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and ADHD. The camp experience is focused on fun, independence, and building confidence in a welcoming, supportive setting.
- Activities: Adaptive sports, swimming, performing arts, obstacle courses
- Support: Trained staff provide individualized care and attention
- Inclusion: Campers are encouraged to try new things and make meaningful connections
Not sure if Camp Paivika is the right fit? Path-Now makes it easy to compare multiple options based on your child’s unique needs and preferences.
3. RAD Camp (Rising Above Disabilities)
Held at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, RAD Camp creates an unforgettable experience for individuals with disabilities, offering separate sessions for kids (ages 5–21) and adults (ages 22+). With a 1:1 counselor-to-camper ratio, every camper receives personal attention and care.
- Activities: Science, games, music, arts, karaoke, dances, talent shows
- Highlights: Strong emphasis on friendship and connection
- Duration Features:One week
If you’re searching for a camp with a deep sense of community and fun-filled programming, Path-Now can help you explore RAD Camp and other similar options across California.
4. Camp I CAN
Short for Including Children with Autism NOW, Camp I CAN operates in San Diego and Carlsbad and is run by the Autism Society of San Diego in partnership with the YMCA. This day camp supports children ages 6–17 with ASD and offers a wide range of engaging activities that foster social development.
- Format: Day camp
- Ratio: 1:1 camper support
- Activities: Structured to match individual ability levels
Through Path-Now, you can view all the details about Camp I CAN and find other autism-focused programs close to your community.
Find the Right Camp with Path-Now
There are many inclusive summer camps throughout California designed to support children and adults with autism or developmental disabilities. Whether you’re seeking a traditional camp experience, targeted therapies, or opportunities for social interaction, the right camp is out there — and Path-Now can help you find it.
Path-Now connects individuals and families to a wide network of disability services and community resources across California, including summer camps, recreational programs, therapy options, and more. Browse their client portal to find the ideal summer experience tailored to your or your loved one’s needs.
👉 Discover the full list of summer camps and services now at path-now.com
