You can use this tool to share information about your camper's preferred communication, challenges, needs, strengths, and more. Download the Form
As you begin planning the programming and activities that will make your summer camp successful, we invite you to consider disability inclusion as a top priority. Learn more
by Hamilton County DDS
Please check with your SSA for more specific information about financial support for camps.
Family Support Service funds from your county (Ohio)
Waiver Services
There are a variety of ways that a DD Waiver might be appropriate to cover camps or services related to camps. For all waiver services, the service must link to an identified need for the individual, it must meet all other criteria for the waiver service and it must be listed in the person’s ISP prior to the provision of the service. Here are some examples:
Camps that are specialized, meaning serving only those who have disabilities, can be certified by DODD to provide Community Respite (aka “camp”).
For those who are enrolled on the Level One or SELF Waiver, the waiver can also be used to cover the cost of non-disability specific camps through Participant Directed Goods and Services (PDGS). Only camps available to the general public are able to be covered under PDGS.
For individuals attending camp who need personal care during the camp, waivers can be used to fund Homemaker Personal Care staff to attend the camp with the person. The waiver can not be used in this way if the waiver also paid for the camp as this is a duplication of waiver services.
For individuals attending camp who need Nursing services during the camp, this can be approved on a limited basis. Such authorizations require DODD approval, county boards do not have the authority to authorize without this additional layer of approval. Families seeking this service arrangement should work with their SSA to see if this is possible.
We've collected detailed information about specific camps such as camper requirements, staffing ratios, staff training, safety/security, parent communication, and more!
Gorman Heritage Farm (day camp)
Evendale, Ohio
*Please note that registration is close to full for summer 2023.However, it is a wonderful opportunity to consider for future summers.
https://www.gormanfarm.org/summer-day-camp/
Additional Information
Mayerson JCC of Cincinnati (day camp)
Amberly, Ohio
*Please note, the advocate program is already full for summer 2023. However, it is a wonderful opportunity to consider for future summers.
https://mayersonjcc.org/programs/camp-at-the-j/
Additional Information
Skyhawks Sports Camps
numerous locations around the tristate
https://www.skyhawks.com/
Additional Information
Stepping Stones (day and overnight camp)
Batavia and Cincinnati, Ohio
Jeannie Ludwig- (513) 965-5108
https://steppingstonesohio.org/stepping-stones-summer/
Additional Information
YMCA Camp Campbell Gard (overnight camp with day camp/hybrid option available in program for campers with developmental disabilities)
Hamilton, Ohio
https://www.ccgymca.org/
Additional Information
Criteria of Service
Application for Campers with Developmental Disabilities
YMCA Camp Creekwood (day camp)
Blue Ash, Ohio
https://myy.org/programs/camp/day-camp/
Additional Information
YMCA Camp Ernst (day and overnight camp)
Burlington, Kentucky
https://myycamp.org/
Additional Information
YMCA Camp Outback (day camp)
Burlington, Kentucky
https://myy.org/programs/camp/day-camp/
Additional Information
YMCA Camp Pride (day camp)
Cincinnati, Ohio - M.E. Lyons
https://myy.org/programs/camp/day-camp/
Additional Information
YMCA Thunder Rock (day camp)
Cincinnati, Ohio (Gamble-Nippert)
https://myy.org/programs/camp/day-camp/
Additional Information
YMCA Timber Trail (day camp)
Batavia, Ohio
https://myy.org/programs/camp/day-camp/
Additional Information