Recreation and Camps
Please note this list is not all inclusive as many summer camps in Maine also serve children with special needs. For more summer camp information, contact the Autism Society of Maine and/or 211Maine (see their listings in this guide).
2021 Summer Camp Directory: Resource developed by the Maine Parent Federation. ADA Fact Sheet on Summer Camps for children of all abilities developed by Disability Rights Maine.
Adaptive Sports and Recreation in Maine: This handout, developed by MAIER, outlines adaptive recreational opportunities and sports available across the state of Maine. Downloadable handout available to share!
Camp CaPella: Camp CaPella is a summer camp located on Phillips Lake in Dedham, Maine, offering camp programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families, designed to foster personal growth and exploration. Activities include swimming, hiking, boating, camp crafts, and nature study.
Phone: 207.843.5104
Camp CARDNE (Center for Autism and Related Disorders New England): Camp CARDNE is a summer camp for children with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, located in York, Maine. The program focuses on developing social skills and positive peer relations. Limited scholarship assistance may be available.
Phone: 603.502.5260; Email: CARDNE@maine.rr.com
Camp STRIVE: Camp STRIVE is a summer day camp for people in the South Portland area for ages 11–24 with developmental disabilities. The focus is on making friends, playing games and learning valuable skills in a safe, inclusive environment. The camp includes sports and games, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips.
Phone: 207.774.6278
Camp Summit: Camp Summit is the Autism Society of Maine’s summer day camp for children ages 5–15 with ASD. Camp is held in Farmington, Maine during July and August for two separate two-week sessions. Attendees focus on the development of communication skills and peer relationships in a social setting. Call for information or to request an application.
Phone: 800.273.5200
Camp Waban: Camp Waban is a fully accessible summer camp located on Bauneg Beg Lake in Sanford, Maine. Available for rental by individuals, families, group homes, schools and organizations serving children and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Campers must be accompanied by family or staff who are expected to be responsible for them. Activities include swimming, boating, basketball, music, arts and crafts, accessible nature trails and more.
Phone: 207.324.7955; Email: camp@waban.org
Maine Special Olympics: Maine Special Olympics is an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It provides opportunities for participants to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Phone: 207.879.0489
Pine Tree Camp: Pine Tree Camp is a summer camp located in Rome, Maine, for children and adults with physical and/ or developmental disabilities. It offers both overnight and day camp opportunities as well as Camp Communicate, a camp experience for children who use high-tech devices to communicate.
Phone: 207.443.3341