Summer options

Well, spring has just begun but summer will be here before you know it! Most summer camps are already registering and some are filling up fast! There are so many options here in Central Ohio for summer camps for our kids. I wanted to share a bunch of opportunities for you in case you are looking. Here are the ones I know about:

Miracle League Baseball...their website is www.ohiomiracleleague.org and registration is underway. They play on Saturdays from May-July and it is for children of all special needs and abilities. It is a WONDERFUL league, every child is assigned a volunteer buddy (if needed) and the entire league is VERY laid back. Every child has fun! Brady played last year at age 4, and this year Ty is playing too, and he just turned 3 last week! Definitely check it out, its an enjoyable time for the whole family.

Adapted Rec at Ohio State...their website is www.recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/youth-family-programs/adapted-recreation. They offer swim classes as well as other sports for children with special needs. We have not tried this yet, but I have many friends who attend every session and are thrilled with the programs there.

Top Soccer...their website is www.hosa-soccer.org/Programs/TOPSoccer/tabid/10247/Default.aspx. and the season begins April 2nd. They play on Saturdays, indoors for April and outdoors for May. This will be our first year playing Top Soccer, so I don't know much about it yet. I do know they run a league in both Hilliard and Westerville.

Locker Soccer...their website is www.lockersoccer.com. They offer typical soccer, but do list a special needs class on Sundays and special needs options for their summer camps. Brady took part in their Sunday class last year and he did enjoy it.

Helping Hands Center...their website is www.helpinghandscenter.com and registration is underway. This year they are offering full time and part time summer camp options that last 10 weeks. Both of my boys will be there for camp and have gone there for therapies (and Brady this year for school) for years. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this school and staff is for my boys.

The Learning Spectrum...their website is www.thelearningspectrum.com. They are offering a wide variety of camps that are half day or they have a full day option. They also have specialized once-a-week groups in eating, sensory, hand writing, etc. My boys both do some Saturday social groups and peer play groups at TLS and they LOVE to go there!

Pediatric Therapy Partners...their website is www.ptpohio.com. This is actually a therapy center that offers occupational therapy and speech therapy year round. Often they offer some groups over the summer, so check their website for further information as summer gets closer. They also do a great parent information series so look for that as well. We have gone to PTP since 2007 and it is an amazing atmosphere for young kids on the spectrum or with sensory issues.

Music Together...phone number is (614) 262-7520 or email is vrobinson@helpinghandscenter.com. Valerie, a music therapist at Helping Hands, leads a class for children birth to age 5 that combines music, movement, and parent socialization.

Recreation Unlimited...their website is www.recreationunlimited.org. A camp environment providing year-round programs in sports, recreation and education for individuals ages 5-19 with disabilites and health concerns. Autism weekend camps are offered twice a year.

Wendy's Gymnastics...their website is www.wendysgymnastics.com. They offer special needs classes with fun, safe gymnastics activities.

Lose the Training Wheels...their website is www.dsaco.net.
A summer camp focusing on bike riding for children with special needs, held at Worthington Kilbourne High School June 13-17.

There are many more programs available through recreation and community centers, the YMCA, Easter Seals, and other organizations. I will keep adding to this list as I learn of more offerings in Central Ohio. Feel free to post or email me with additional camps you know about!