Summer Camp

Yes! nThere are many camps for children who have disabilities, developmental delays, and medical needs, including the special care that many children with Mito require.  In addition, most of these camps are free of charge to families.  Some camps are dedicated to children with specific disabilities or conditions, such as the camps sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and other camps may hold specific sessions for children with different medical conditions.  Here are resources that can help you explore available camps so that you can find one that is suitable for your child's needs and interests:

www.holeinthewallcamps.org The international information website for camps founded by the late philanthropist Paul Newman, including Camp Corey in Washington state, the only camp in the country that holds a session devoted entirely to children with Mitochondrial Disease.

www.mda.org/clinics/camp Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp Program, a large network of camps nationwide; many camps are equipped to care for children with complex medical needs, including mechanical ventilation.

www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ntl_camping_and_recreation Easter Seals Camps general information fact sheet and camp directory

www.campsunshine.org A camp in Maine that offers year-round programming for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses and their families.  Camp Sunshine also offers "satellite" programs in Wisconsin and Arizona.

www.dmoz.org/Recreation/Camps/Special_Needs A list of camps in Canada and the US, brief descriptions of the programs offered and the types of disabilities and health care needs that the camp is able to accommodate. Some camps offer family camp programs as well as bereavement support.

www.ncpad.org/fun/fact_sheet.php?sheet=88 The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability; an extremely useful resource to guide you through the process of finding a camp that best meets your child's needs. .