Summer Camp Resources

Additional Camper Information Form

You can use this tool to share information about your camper's preferred communication, challenges, needs, strengths, and more. Download the Form

Summer Camp Means Fun for All: How to Create a More Inclusive Camp

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

Financial Support for Camp

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)

This can be used to pay camp fees.
The program also covers respite.
If you have a respite provider who is willing to accompany your child to camp, you could use the respite vouchers to have the provider attend the camp with your child.
The camp must approve this arrangement and they may require a background check before allowing the respite provider in the camp.

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”).

Such programs can only be paid for by waiver if they are certified.
Community Respite is available under the I/O, Level One and SELF Waiver.

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.

Tips for Considering Camps

Consider your camper’s interests and goals. Not every camper welcomes time away in the great outdoors or learning how to code.
Reach out to the camp to request a phone call or tour.
Research, share and gather as much information as you can to help the camp and your family decide if the program is a good match for your camper. Review camp testimonials, schedules, pictures and if possible, talk to other parents who have had a camper attend the camp.
Be honest and clear about your camper’s strengths and challenges. Let the camp know about any accommodations your camper needs or limitations that need to be considered. Give examples.
Communicate concerns about specific activities.
Share previous camp experiences (both successes and struggles). Discuss why the experience either went well or did not. If your child has not had camp experiences, share how your child does in times away from you, if applicable.
Share how to help your child through challenges. Be specific.
Ask about the camp’s experience with campers with Down syndrome. Find out how they accommodated campers in the past.

Local Camp Details

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