Neurodiverse-friendly summer programs

Summer camps are often some of the most cherished memories of childhood. For many years conditions that cause neurodiversity, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity and dyslexia, left neurodiverse children out of summer programming, as there wasn’t as much support from summer programs as schools could offer. Diagnoses like autism were discovered relatively recently in the 1940s, but research studying how people with autism have strengths through their cognitive abilities and how to best receive support for those differences were researched even more recently. With new research and a social movement, soon people with neurodiversity can take an equal seat in all spaces.  

Participants of the EXPAND program swim at the pool.

Summer programs at Boulder Parks and Recreation 

Boulder Parks and Recreation summer programming supports people of all abilities through inclusion support, along with an offering of specialized programs designed specifically for people with disabilities. Campers can either go to the EXPAND summer camp programming, which is specifically designed for children and people with disabilities or join into any other camp with any needed support. 

“We believe people should have the right to choose which type of program is best for them,” said Lori Goldman, recreation supervisor of camps and the EXPAND program, which promotes development and growth through programs for people with disabilities. 

The program requests that participants give at least two weeks ‘ notice for a request for accommodations. The time will allow for staff to get the equipment needed to set each person up for success. There are no additional fees for accommodations. If registering online, let the staff members know you need accommodation. If registering over the phone, please contact an EXPAND staff member.  

Accommodations made in the past include: 

• Creating a picture schedule to be used during a program
• Creating an incentive program using star or sticker charts and prizes for positive behavior
• Having a behavior support plan
• Hiring a sign language interpreter for a program or meeting
• Providing additional training for the general recreation staff
• Having staff use a microphone to make the noise level louder for people with hearing impairments
• Putting Braille on our workout machines
• Providing a 1:1 staff to accompany a person in a class

Examples were provided by Goldman. 

“Our philosophy is that all of our staff members should be able to work with every participant,” Goldman said. “Because of this, we encourage and train staff in a program or camp to work with all children or adults. If a one-to-one staff is required, it will be provided. But the person who is supporting your child may switch throughout the day or days. This helps staff stay fresh, helps more people have experience and learn that disabilities are just a part of life and not to be feared, and helps the participants as they learn to work with many different people. Throughout this, we will ensure that all staff are trained and are using the same tools to support our participants.”

Summer programming: 

Kidz Kamp 

Location: Manhattan Middle School

When: M–F 8:30 to 3:30

Age: Incoming kindergarteners through fourth grade

What: A traditional day camp that fosters friendships and individuality with non-stop fun, crafts, games. Outings include swimming at the East Boulder Community Center. Options are available for aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30. 

Price: $330(Resident) $396 (Non Resident) per week, $15 a day for aftercare 

Kidz Kamp ACES

Location: Manhattan Middle School | M–F, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

When: M–F 8:30 to 3:30 

Age: incoming 5th–7th graders

What: Geared for older campers, outings include Boulder Reservoir and Scott Carpenter pool. Campers will rock climb, canoe, fish and swim. Options available for aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30. 

Price: $360 (R) $432 (NR) per week, $15 a day for aftercare 

Gymnastics Summer Camp (Ages 3–4)

Location: NBRC Gymnastics Room

When: M–F 9 to 10:30

Age: Incoming kindergarteners through fourth grade

What: Children will bounce, tumble, swing, balance, play games, make friends and swim. Beginners through advanced gymnasts are welcome. The facility has trampolines, foam pits, a trapeze, rope swing, vault, bars, beam floor, pommel horse, parallel bars, high bar and rings. 

Price: $80 (R), $100 (NR)

Gymnastics Summer Camp (Ages 5–15)

Location: NBRC Gymnastics Room

When: M–F 9 to noon

Age: 5–15

What: Children will bounce, tumble, swing, balance, play games, make friends and swim. Beginners through advanced gymnasts are welcome. The facility has trampolines, foam pits, a trapeze, rope swing, vault, bars, beam floor, pommel horse, parallel bars, high bar and rings. 

Price: $260 (R) $325 (NR)

Summer campers petting goats.

Goats and Gardens

Location: Iris Studio

When: M–F 8:30–3:30 

Age: 5–11

What: Campers will enjoy playing in the garden and goat dairy. Campers will study insects, worms, bees and goats. Children will learn responsible animal care and milking. 

Price: $420 (R)  $504 (NR) 

REZ CAMP

Location: Boulder Reservoir 

When: M–Th 8:30–3:30 

Age: 7–14

What: Campers will gain confidence and skills through water activities including paddling, kayaking and games on the green. Campers must know how to swim. Payment plans are available and a $75 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. 

Price: $360 (R)  $450 (NR) per week 

Gonzo Tennis Summer Clinic 

Location: EBCC 

When: Tu–Th 9–noon  

Age: 5–15

What: Tennis clinics include games, drills and activities on the court. Children can learn the game in a safe environment. 

Price: $180 (R)  $225 (NR) per week 

EXPAND CAMP AMICO

Location: Summit Middle School 

Age: for youth and teens with disabilities 10–17

What: Campers will spend the week playing indoor and outdoor games, hanging out with friends and going on community field trips. 

Price: $250 (R)  $300 (NR) per week 

EXPAND CAMP AMICO +

Location: Summit Middle School 

Age: for youth and adults with disabilities 18–21

What: Summer adventures don’t have to end after graduation. Campers will spend the week playing indoor and outdoor games, hanging out with friends and going on community field trips. 

Price: $250 (R)  $300 (NR) per week 

Year-round programming at The Autism Society of Boulder County 

The Autism Society of Boulder County provides Autism-friendly programming throughout the year and strives to be as accessible and inclusive as possible through measures like providing sensory-friendly environments. With considerations like offering programming that can be done in a calm sensory home environment to community volunteer opportunities, children with autism can participate in an environment taking into account the way their minds work.  

“We strive to be as accessible and inclusive as possible,” said Lynn Wysolmierski, president of the Autism Society of Boulder County. “Our events are driven by the requests and interests of our Autistic community and are welcoming to everyone on the spectrum.”

The Autism Society offers volunteer opportunities like volunteering to assist athletes in completing the Boulder Ironman 70.3 race.  

Young Adult Discord: The Autism Society offers a social Discord channel for Autistic young adults to meet and chat freely without worrying about social and environmental issues.

Board Game Arena 

The Autism Society hosts a weekly game night on a website called Boardgamearena.com to provide adults on the spectrum a chance to play board games without all of the social and environmental stimuli of an in-person event.  This also allows folks with transportation needs, high support needs and alternative communication needs using a keyboard to communicate rather than traditional speech to participate.  

Summer programs at City of Lafayette Recreation 

Like Boulder Parks and Recreation, Lafayette Recreation is also ready to make a plan and accommodate any neurodiverse child hoping to join in on their summer camps, which are open to everyone. This is achieved through individualized plans made with the staff. 

“The Lafayette Recreation Department prides itself on working with our summer day camp participants to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” said Debbie Wilmont, City of Lafayette communications director.  “Our Day Camp staff focuses on each child’s unique strengths and needs and works with all children to do our best to ensure a positive experience. While the recreation department’s summer camps don’t specialize in special needs programs, staff works with families to better understand individualized needs.”

Happy Trails Summer Day Camp 

Location: Pioneer Elementary 

Age: 5–12

What: Campers will learn new activities, play in the pool, make friends, explore art and science and go on field trips. 

Price: (R) $220 (NR) $260 per week 

Nate Lofton Experience Basketball Camp

Location: Pioneer Elementary 

When: M–F, 9–noon week of June 24 and July 29

Age: 6–12

What: Led by former Harlem Globetrotter Nate Big East Lofton, all skill levels are welcome for two weeks of skill building and friendship. 

Price: $220 (R) 253 (NR) 

Full STEAM Ahead Summer Day Camps

Location: Bob Burger Rec Center  

When: M–F 9–noon 

Age: 5–8

What: Day camp for children who have passion for art, science or engineering. 

Price: $200 (R) 240 (NR) 

Teen Adventure Camp

Location: Pioneer Elementary 

When: M–F 9–4 

Age: 13–15

What: Campers will experience daily adventurous excursions including rock climbing, paddleboarding, rafting, swimming and biking. 

Price: $420 (R) 500 (NR) 

Fit Kids Camp 

Location: Bob Burger Rec Center 

When: M–F 10–11, week of July 15

Age: 8–12

What: Campers will participate in age-appropriate exercises and drills focusing on strength, agility, coordination, and having fun. 

Price: $50 (R) 60 (NR) 

Aerial Yoga Camp

Location: Bob Burger Rec Center 

When: M–F 2:30–4:30

Age: 8–12 for week of June 17 and 13–16 for the week of July 15 

What: Participants will use a silk scarf hammock suspended from the ceiling to decompress the spine and add depth to yoga poses. 

Price: $100 (R) 120 (NR) 

As spaces become more inclusive to neurodiverse children everyone will win. Neurodiverse children often bring high levels of attention to detail, empathy and creativity, among many other things.