SUMMER OPTIONS
Remember to check with your local schools (public and private) and town/village recreation departments for more listings of summer programs.
Adaptive Watersports
Erie Canal Harbor, Central Wharf
Buffalo, NY
773-0031
No fees are charged for these activities that are designed to be accessible and serve individuals with special needs (advanced reservations necessary):
Sailing- Saturdays
Fishing- Saturdays
Waterskiing Clinic at Gallagher Beach- Sundays
Agape Camp Program
Pioneer Camp and RetreatCenter
9324 Lake Shore Rd.
Angola, NY 14006
549-1420
A week-long summer camp program for youths and adults with developmental disabilities. Camps run from Mon. afternoon until Fri. morning. Camp sessions begin June through mid-August. Visit for more information.
$560.00/Week
American Sign Language Class for Children
Independent Living of Niagara County
746 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
402-5508
Art Camp at the Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14218
827-1584, ext. 291
Lynn Wieser
Camps in July and August explore various art mediums for all abilities, for children ages 5-12.
Cost: Members $90.00/Week or $18.00/Day Non-members $100.00/Week $20.00/Day
Aspire’s Summer Work Program at Darien Lake
Paula Kerber, Coordinator of Student Services
836-7235
A six-week summer vocational program for students, ages 16-21. A job coach will assist students with three different work experiences at Darien Lake. Program runs from July 8-August 16, 2013, Both full-time (5 days) and part-time (3 days) opportunities are available.
AudubonChildCenter
700 Robin Road
West Amherst, NY 14228
688-6062
Offers 10-week summer program for children up to age 10, including swimming and tennis lessons.
Start date: June 24, 2013
AuroraWaldorfSchool
525 West Falls Rd.
West Falls, NY 14170
655-2029
Early Childhood program (ages 2-6) and Summer Camp Arts & Activities (ages 7-12).
Dates are July 8-12, July 15-19, or July 22-26.
Autism Services
Vacation CampProgram
Hillary Jalowski
631-5777 ext.655
Camp runs three non-consecutive weeks in the summer. Campers are accepted up to age 21 and must be on the Autism Spectrum.
Batavia and Genesee Community College
One College Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
585-343-0055
Invention Convention: A Gateway to Innovation
Participants will explore the many ways to solve a problem, while developing self-confidence and critical thinking skills. Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders
BOCES Summer Camp
Orleans-Niagara County
Niagara Career & Technical Education Center
3181 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo
825-1016
Summer programs at eight Clubhouses beginning in early July, Mon.-Fri. from 7:30 am-6 pm, for kids ages 6-18.
Buffalo Public Schools Summer Resource Guide
To view or download a copy of this guide filled with ideas and programs, go to and click on Summer School 2013. Guides will be available April or May, 2013.
Buffalo Public Schools
Summer Family Fun and Learn Program
179 Albany St.
Buffalo, NY 14213
816-3170
A 4-week program open to parents and their BPS children ages 3-13. A parent or grandparent must participate and transportation is available. Program runs Monday-Friday 9-1and includes parent workshops, computer classes, reading and math enrichment programs, ESL and GED classes, and more. Funding is uncertain as of now so please call in late June to confirm that program will run.
Buffalo Zoo Nature Camp
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214
995-6128
Program includes weekly themes for an “ultimate adventure” experience for children ages 5-12, July 8-August 23, Mon.-Fri., 9-3. Before- and after-camp care available.
Cost Non-member $165.00/Week
Programs also available for children ages 13-17.
Butterfly Dance Company
Heim Middle School
Williamsville, NY 14221
Michelle Richardson
433-7598
Creative dance and movement program for children with special needs. Call for schedule.
Camp Aspire
American Diabetes Association
Rotary Sunshine Campus
809 Five Points Road
Rush, NY 14543
Allison Pitkin
585-458-3040 ext.3472
Residential camp for children with diabetes in Rush, NY (15 miles from Rochester). Session 1 (ages 13-17) is June30-July 5 and Session 2 (ages 8-14) is July 7-12. There is a $575.00 fee per session, plus a $25 application fee.
Camp Cabaret!
O’Connell & Company
Erie Community College- North Campus
Gleasner Hall, 6205 Main St.
Williamsville, NY 14221
848-0800
This two-week day camp introduces theatre-loving kids to all aspects of a theatrical production through acting, singing, dance, comedy and design.
Camp Get-A-Way
P.O. Box 361
Albion, NY14411
585-590-6401
Pamela A. Brannan, President
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and recreational camping experiences to families with a primary Axis 1 mental health, social, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Opportunities exist to rediscover the joys of being a family and the strengths of each family member, while learning new ways of interacting with one another and the world around. Three sessions are offered (August 11-14, August 16-19, August 21-24). Cost is $690 per family. Call for details, or visit
Camp Good Days and Special Times
6430 Transit Rd., Suite 200
Depew, NY 14043
Lisa Booz
206-0709
A variety of day and residential camping programs for children, ages 4-17, who have or have had cancer or sickle cell anemia; or, who have lost a parent or sibling to the diseases within the past three years.
Camp Happiness
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
1555 Factory Outlet Blvd.
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
504-2617
A traditional, one-week day camp experience for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from Niagara County; select campers are invited to stay overnight once during the week. Camp is located at Camp Kenan on Lake Ontario.
Date: June 17–June 21
CampHope
c/o Circle of Hope
4675 Sunset Dr.
Lockport, NY 14094
716-280-0777
A free bereavement camp for children ages 7-13 in western NY to address the special needs of grieving children. Camp dates are June 28-June 302013.
Camp Kenan, Barker NY
Camp Joy Summer Camp
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
26 Brunswick Blvd.
Buffalo, NY
885-1108
For kids kindergarten through 6th grade; includes breakfast and lunch. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Monday-Friday 9am-3pm,
CampNCCC
NiagaraCountyCommunity College Continuing Education
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
Settimia Tripi
614-6470
A program for youths ages 8-18 with camps in five sports in an educational setting. Camps offered are Boys Lacrosse and Girls Cheerleading July7- July11), Boys Basketball, and Camps in General Sports, Art, Pottery, and Digital Photography are also offered.
Camp Special Place
KenmoreCommunity Center, MangPark
Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks & Recreation (
Dennis McDonald
831-1001or 873-0737
A day camp for children with special needs ages 5-15 that consists ofthree 2-week sessions from early July 8 toAugust 16.
Cost: $85.00/ sessionresidents and $130.00/ session for non-residents.
Activities include arts, crafts, games, swimming and field trips.
Camp Turner
Diocese of Buffalo
354-4555
Resident camping for boys and girls, ages 7-16, in Allegany State Park includes standard Sun.-Fri. sessions, or a three-night program for younger campers. Sessions run July 9-August 16.
Canisius College Athletic Camps and Clinics
Koessler Athletic Center
1833 Main Street (near East Delavan)
888-3153
A variety of programs for softball, girls’ basketball, and boys’ soccer are offered in July and August. Check the website for info and applications.
CanisiusCollegeMiddle School Summer Science Camp
Dept of Chemistry and Biochemistry
2001 Main St.
Dr. Steven Szczepankewicz
888-2355
Grades 5-8,
July 29 August2, 9am-3pm.
Cost is $180.00 per student.
Canisius College Summer Reading and Writing Camps
Literacy Center
Contact Ginny Carver ()
888-3728
Reading Camp: Session A July15- July19, Monday -Friday 1pm-2pm
Session B July 22- July 26, Monday – Friday 1pm-2pm
Writing Camp: Session A July 15 - July 19, Monday -Friday 2:30-3:30
Session B July 22 –July 26, Monday – Friday 2:30-3:30
Cost is $75/session or $100/two sessions.
Scholarships are available
CanisiusCollege Teen Writing Workshop
888-3134
For grades 8-12+, July 8 – July19, 9:30am-1:00pm. Students participate in a variety of activities to help develop their personal writing styles. Cost: $225 per student.
CanisiusCollege Young Writers Camp
888-3134
For grades 3-7, July 8- July 19, 9:00am – 12:30pm. Small multi-grade writing groups with a maximum of 10 students per teacher. Cost: $225 per student.
Challenged Athletes Participating in Sports (CAPS)
City of Tonawanda
Ron Hoeltke
837-2059
Open to anyone with a physical or developmental disability, need not be a Tonawanda resident, runs the end of May-August.
Challenger Sports League
This sports program for children and young adults with disabilities is available in many WNY communities. Sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, golf and volleyball.
Cheektowaga Day Camps
AlexanderCommunity Center
275 Alexander Ave.
Cheektowaga, NY 14211
897-7207
For the following camps, call for additional information or a brochure, or visit
Camp Crabapple
Open to youths ages 4-14 with a developmental disability. It is six weeks long and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm (extended hours are available for a small fee). Residents of Cheektowaga, as well as non-residents, are accepted. Registration begins in March or April.
CampFlamingo
Open to all youths ages 4-12. It is six weeks long and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm (extended hours are available for a small fee).
Camp Ji-ik-do-wah-gah
Open to youths ages 4-14 who are learning disabled, speech impaired, or have ADHD oran emotional disability. It is six weeks long and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm (extended hours are available for a small fee).
Summer Teen Club
A program for teens ages 12-15 to develop personal skills, clarify values, develop leadership, and to have fun. It is six weeks long.
Cheektowaga Day Camp
DartwoodCommunity Center
222 Autumnwood Dr. (off Borden- between Losson and French)
897-7205
CampDartwood
Open to all youths ages 4-12. It is six weeks long and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm (extended hours are available for a small fee).
Cheektowaga Day Camp
CheektowagaRecreationCenter Arena
897-7205
Art Adventure Camp
A program for enthusiastic young artists ages 8-13 to explore the world of art. The camp is Mon., Tues., and Thurs. for six weeks 9am-12pm.
Also offering Cheerleading and All Stars-All Sports camps
Children’s Summer Theater
Eastern Hills Mall
4545 Transit Rd.
Williamsville, NY 14221
633-1600, ext. 202
Free professional children’s entertainment every Saturday.
CIP Summer 2013
SUNY at Buffalo, Amherst campus
877-566-9247, x13
A two-week transition program for young adults with Asperger’s, ADHD, and other learning differences, ages 16-19. Participants will develop goals, learn independent living skills, and put new social skills into practice. Dates are July 14 – July 22, and camp is limited to 12 students. Full cost is $4300.00.
Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled
Summer Breeze Camp
Aungalique Mack
2180 Genesee St.
Buffalo, NY 14211
896-2180
Camp program for any youth ages 5-21 with a developmental disability;
Computers for Children, Inc.
701 Seneca Street Suite 601 Buffalo NY 14210
823-7248, ext. 568
Several free technology camps for kids in grades 7-12 will be offered at various locations Check the website for details.
CradleBeach
8038 Old Lakeshore Road
Angola, NY 14006
549-6307, ext. 205
Residential camp for low income, disadvantaged, or children with disabilities, ages 8-16.
5 Sessions beginning June 24 thru August 17
Visit
Creative Child Day Camp
1 Delaware Rd.
Kenmore
877-5371
1st-4th grade, 6:30am-6pm, June 24 -August 30
Cost: $41.00/day.
Danceability Inc.
3859 Union Rd., Suite 600
TOPS/George Urban Plaza
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
651-0094
Robin Bishop, or visit
Summer dance program runs for 6 weeks. Ages 3 ½ through adult.
Dance Time Summer Fun
8202 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
3109 Delaware Avenue
Kenmore, NY
Jamie Kiefer
563-2446
A five week summer program beginning July 8 thru August 9
Ages: 20 Months thru age 12
Cost: $50.00 per 5 week session
Daemen College
4380 Main St.
Amherst, NY14226
839-8336 (David Skolen or Don Silveri), or visit
Basketball Day Camp for girls in grades 4-12
Basketball Day Camp for boys in grades 4-10
Co-Ed Beginners Camp for grades 1-3
Italian Camp for ages 5-10 Call 839-8359 for more information.
Animation camp for ages 12-16 runs July 8 –July 12 9:00am – 1:00pm Tri Main Center
DDAWNY Recreation Guide
Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY has compiled a comprehensive Recreation Guide for people with disabilities.
Discovery Camps
Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve
896-5200
Weekly programs beginning July 10 thru August 30 for children ages 5-14.
9am – 4:30pm Extended care available
Fees vary
Doodle Bugs Day Camps
Locations in Cheektowaga (668-6500), East Amherst (688-0200), Lancaster/Depew (684-2300), Orchard Park (677-9900), West Amherst (564-1300), and Clarence (632-5500).
Camps include Leap Ahead Summer Camp (ages 3-5) and Summer Camp (ages 5-12), Monday-Friday, June 17 -August 30, from 6:30am-6:30pm. Program includes theme days, field trips, center visitors, onsite events, tae kwon do, computer classes, and water play.
Ages 5 thru 12 Flexible scheduling
Duffield Camp and Retreat Center
11740 Worden Rd.
Delevan, NY 14042
560-3769
A variety of camps are offered at the 130-acre facility south of Buffalo, beginning July 7 thru August17. Choices include Challenge Camp, July 7-13, for adults with disabilities.
Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center
3602 East Lake Road
Dunkirk, NY 14048
366-1900, ext. 12
Summer camps include child, youth and family camps, with Star Wars, The Hobbit and Harry Potter themed weekend camps as an additional option.
D’Youville College
320 Porter Ave.
Buffalo
875-1283
The Delaware Branch of the YMCA offers a summer day camp at D’Youville College for children ages 3 - 13, Monday-Friday from7am–5:30pm, June 24–July29, $128.00/week for members and $168.00/week for non-members.
ECCPASA Tomorrow’s Leaders Camp (TLC)
St.MargaretSchool
1395 Hertel Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14216
Robin Mann, 831-2298
Summer camp dates are June 24 –July 3, 2012 from 9-3:30. The program promotes diversity, tolerance and acceptance through field trips, games and hands-on learning activities for kids ages 8-13. Cost is $75 per child, or $125 for two children. Scholarships are available.
Elmwood Franklin Summer Camp
104 New Amsterdam Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14216
877-5035, x.160
For children, ages 3 ½-14, June 24-August 2 who want to sing, dance, build, swim, discover, solve, laugh, explore, and play.
Fisher-Price Free Summer Family Film Series
The Aurora Theatre
673 Main St.
East Aurora, NY 14052
652-1660 or 913-6834
Wednesdays, 11am.
Girl Scouts of WNY
Janet DePetrillo
935-6063
A variety of summer camp programs at five camp locations that offers both day and overnight options. Non-scouts are welcome.
Graceful & Gifted
5000 Saunders Settlement Rd., Bay #3
Niagara Falls, NY
Susan Akin
946-7909
Summer ballet/movement program for children and adults with disabilities, including a new wheelchair program..
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Hamburg Recreation Program
2982 Lakeview Rd.
Hamburg, NY 14075
646-5145
Outdoor activities and adapted recreationprograms for individuals with Aspergers/NVLD and high-functioning autism. For updated information, call Hamburg Recreation.
Woodlawn Adventure Camp, Woodlawn Beach State Park
woodlawnadventurecamp.com
Summer day camp for youths ages 6-14 with 10 one-week sessions beginning June 24 – August 30 Hours are 9-4, with extended hours available, and camp fees start at $170.00/week for the first child each additional child $75.00/week
Happyland Day Camp
P.O. Box 1834
Williamsville, NY 14231
688-9518
For children preK-10 years of age (including a 3-day program for 3 ½-10 year olds); transportation is included and extended day is available. June 24 - August 16
Heritage Centers
Summer Fun Club
Rebecca Sueika
833-8603 ext. 279
Camp Kiwanis from August 18 - August 23 with a fee of $15 per week. Participants need to be between the ages of 5-21 and have a developmental disability. They also must be self-toileting and not in need of medication during program hours. Heritage also offers a one-week overnight camp in August.
HilbertCollegeCamps
5200 So. Park Ave.
Hamburg, NY14075
Rob deGrandpre Office of sports information
926-8803 or 649-7900 ext. 333
Visit for flyer and info.
Basketball camps are for boys and girls in grades 3-12. Boys’ camp dates are June 23- June 27 or July 7 – July 11. Girls’ camp dates are July 14 – July 18.
$365.00/week resident campers $265.00 day campers
I Can Shine Bike Camp
Hosted by DDAWNY (Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY)
817-7204
A week-long bike program at Cheektowaga Central High School (behind Galleria Mall) that uses adapted equipment to help individuals with disabilities, ages 8 and up, learn to ride a two-wheel bike.
Dates are June 24-June 28, 2012 and sessions run all day, beginning at 9am, for 75 minutes.
Cost is $175, which includes a helmet. The camp is limited to 30 participants.
Jewish Community Center
2640 N. Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068
688-4114, ext. 346
A variety of day camps are being held throughout the summer, depending on the age of your child. General dates are June 24- August 23. Call or visit website listed above for more information. They are also associated with CampSeneca Lake, a residential camp near Geneva, NY for children ages 8-16. Call 585-461-2000 for registration information, or visit their website at Wait list only
Just for Kids Summer Day Camp
639-8500
Heim Elementary, Williamsville June 25 – August 16
Huth Road Elementary Grand Island June 24 – August 30
Camp is filled with unique activities, weekly field trips around WNY, learning, and new friendships. Most staff are certified teachers and enrollment is flexible.
7:30am – 5:30pm
Kenan Center Summer Music Arts Program
433 Locust St.
Lockport, NY
433-2617
For students in grades 4 through 11, programs include Strings and Band
Kids in the Woods Summer Day Camp
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
43 Honorine Dr.
Depew, NY
Brittany Rowan
683-5959, ext. 205
Kids ages Kindergarten thru Grade 7 will enjoy a week of woodland adventures. Sessions begin on July 8 and run from 9am-3pm.
Kindergarten Boot Camp
Early Childhood Direction Center
Pediatric Educational & Diagnostic Services (P.E.D.S.)
4999 McKinley Parkway and 8760 Transit Road, East Amherst
Hamburg, NY 14075
Kathy Coe
819-2400
The camp is a language-based program providing guided, enriched activities to boost language and pre-readiness skills for kindergarten. July 5-August 9, 2013, Monday, Wednesday,and Friday mornings from 9-11:30.
$90.00/week
Kindergarten Readiness Program
Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids
Wesleyan Church of Hamburg
4999 McKinley Pkwy.
Hamburg, NY 14075
Amy Ruffino (OT) 712-7444 or Mary Frances Bayer (LCSW) 440-0661