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How to Choose a Camp
This page explains how to choose the right camp for kids with medical needs or disabilities. It gives tips on what to look for, like trained staff, medical support, and activities that match your child’s interests and comfort level.
American Camp Association
A comprehensive summer camp resource for families to find the right camp for their child. Be sure to select the distance, location, and disability preferences to find the right fit.
Phone: 800.428.2267
Camp I Am Me
A special and unforgettable one-week camp experience for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns.
Phone: 847.390.0911
Camp Independence
A special place for children and young adults with spina bifida and other neurological disabilities.
Phone 847.546.8086
Camp Red Kite
Camp Red Kite is a summer arts camp tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of young people on the autism spectrum.
Phone: 773.227.0180
Camp Trek – Great Lakes Adaptive Sports
Primarily for youth ages 7-13 and 14-20 who have a primary physical impairment. Individuals are grouped according to age and ability.
Phone: 847.283.0908
Kids Camps. Com
A full database of camp listings for kids.
Phone:877.242.9330
One in a Hundred Summer Camp
High Functioning Autism, Social Communication Skills, Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety Disorders
The American Camping Association has recognized One In A Hundred summer camp by renewing its accreditation.
Phone: 847.461.923
Shirley Ryan Abilitylab Summer Camp
The camp runs Monday-Friday, 10AM-2PM. Summer camp activities occur at locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Camps For Children With Brain Injuries
Camp FunZone
This is the only camp in Illinois developed specifically for children and teens with Acquired Brain Injury.
Phone: 800.699.6443
Camp Mak-A-Dream
Camp programs are organized by age group. We are an all-abilities, cost-free camp. And we are a leader in offering programs specifically for teens and young adults who’ve experienced brain cancers.
Phone: 406.288.3030
Camps For Children With Cancer
Camp COCO
One week camp for children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. Siblings can attend with their brother or sister who has/ had cancer for 1+ weeks.
Phone: 800.342.5748
Camp Kids are Kids
Located at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, with suites converted into bunk cabins to simulate a campground. Camp is for kids ages 7-17 yrs. living with cancer in a fun, safe and medically sound urban recreational environment and with no financial cost to camper’s families. 24 hours medical care is provided by physicians and nurses to administer medications and change dressings.
Phone: 312.912.5308
Camp Quality Illinois Campapalooza
Camp specifically for children with cancer that provides 24-hour, on site medical care to make sure campers are taken care of while still being afforded the opportunity to just be kids. We offer a unique experience at our week-long summer camps where campers are paired one-on-one with a volunteer companion.
No phone number listed
Children’s Oncology Services Inc./Camp OneStep Programs
Camp OneStep is for children (5-19) who have been diagnosed with cancer and offers 11 different programs throughout the year, serving children and families who live in Illinois, Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.
Phone: 312.924.4220
Camps For Children Whose Parents OR Siblings Have Cancer
Camp Kesem at University of Illinois
Camp Kesem is for children whose parent has cancer.
Phone: 847.231.2379
Camp Hope
Camp Hope, a week-long summer camp for children, ages 6-12, whose parent or close family member is living with cancer. Campers take part in therapeutic breakout sessions, including art, music, movement/dance therapies and yoga. There is no cost to attend Camp Hope. Camper tuition is covered by donations made to the Edward Foundation.
Phone: 630.646.6111
Camps For Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Illinois Hearing Impaired Camps and Programs
This page lists summer camps in Illinois for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These camps offer fun activities like swimming, sports, and arts while also providing communication support and a safe environment.
Phone: 940-964-2145
Summer Camps for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
The following link provides a listing of camps, family learning vacations, and remedial clinics for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Phone: 888.963.8991
Camps For Children With Physical Disabilities
Bay Cliff Health Camp
Provides a 7-week summer camp for children, ages 3–17 who demonstrate proven need for therapy services (habilitation or rehabilitation) to address a physical disability/impairment and can be successful in our setting. Bay Cliff campers reside at camp for seven weeks to participate in an intensive therapy program that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, instruction for the visually impaired, instruction for the hearing impaired, recreation therapy and music therapy services.
Phone: 906.345..9314
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center - Camps
Provides specialized outdoor recreational, experiential and family programs for individuals with disabilities and illnesses in a fun, safe and accessible environment in central IL. Ages 6-18 yrs
Phone: 309.365.8021
Victory Lane Camp
For children with special needs
Phone: 765.591.4191
YMCA Camp Independence of Metro Chicago
The YMCA Camp Independence offers a summer camp designed for kids and young adults with spina bifida and other neurological disabilities. Campers enjoy fun activities like swimming, sports, and campfires while building independence and making friends in a safe, supportive setting.
Phone: 847.546.8086
Park District Special Recreation Programs
Special Recreation list of Illinois
This page provides a directory of Special Recreation Associations (SRAs) across Illinois. SRAs offer programs and services for people with disabilities, including sports, arts, social events, camps, and fitness activities. Each listing includes contact details and service areas to help families find local options that fit their needs. The directory is organized by region and makes it easy to explore year-round opportunities for children and adults. These programs are designed to support inclusion, build skills, and create fun experiences in accessible environments.
Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District website offers a wide range of programs, events, and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visitors can explore parks, sign up for seasonal activities, and find accessible recreation options across the city. The site also includes information about fitness centers, nature programs, and cultural events.
Phone: 312.742.5798
TTY: 312.747.2001
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.
© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
