Special needs camps

Cooke Center Summer Academy

CAMP TOVA
Children with developmental and learning disabilities can enjoy an array of stimulating activities centered on socializing, swimming, sports, art and nature. Each Friday, campers head out on day trips to locales such as a beach, a zoo, an amusement park or a bowling alley. Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, Rockland County, NY (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Single session runs Jun 29–Aug 21; call for details on weekly schedule. $5,500. Free bus transportation provided round-trip to and from the 92nd Street Y. Bus transportation from other Manhattan locations $125 for the summer. Ages 5 to 13.

Cooke center summer academy
Youngsters with mild to moderate disabilities—such as speech and language impairments, ADHD, autism and Down syndrome—receive academic support within a camp structure. In the morning students play games in groups and get creative with art. Then they break into smaller teams to study reading and writing, with special attention paid to improving speech and computer skills. Before lunch the kids change into swimsuits and head to the nearby Tony Dapolito Recreation Center for a dip in the pool. More traditional camp amusements, like running, basketball and board games, cap off the day. The academy also leads weekly off-site field trips and sponsors an end-of-summer “Fiesta Jamboree Extravaganza,” in which students star in a variety show for parents. Our Lady of Pompeii School, 240 Bleecker St at Carmine St (212-280-4473, ext 15; cookecenter.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 7, Mon–Fri 8am–3pm. Three-week session $2,100. Ages 5 to 18.

FIREFLIES NY
Children with Autism, Asperger’s syndrome and ADD/ADHD are well suited to this therapy-based tae kwon do program. Unlike at a typical martial arts camp, students here learn to kick and thwack while being guided through applied behavioral analysis. The best part: a one-to-one staff-to-student ratio. 20 Terrace Pl between McDonald Ave and 20th St, #1B, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-355-9480, firefliesny.com). Call for dates. Camp runs Mon–Thu 4–7pm. Ten-week package (one 45-minute session per week) $695. Drop-in session $80. Ages 3 to 15.

snack august holiday program
At SNACK (the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids), children with physical and/or cognitive disabilities are encouraged to socialize as they develop practical and recreational skills. The ratio of staff to campers is high (two campers per counselor), and parents are welcome to send personal therapists along with their children if necessary. A typical day at camp is packed with creative activities: music, art, drama, dance, an introduction to sports and, of course, lunch and a snack. 220 E 86th St between Second and Third Aves (212-439-9996, snacknyc.com). Camp runs Aug 11–27, Tue–Thu 9am–3pm. One-week session $750; three-week session $2,000. Ages 3 to 15.

Standing Tall
At this oasis for children with neuromotor disorders—who struggle to stand, walk, write, sit and sometimes speak—every camper is assigned his own paraprofessional who helps with physical training. Four additional teachers and/or counselors lead fun-filled camp activities. In the morning youngsters play physical games adapted for their skill levels. In the afternoon they make art, sing songs, play instruments and ride bikes. One day a week the campers leave the building to tour a museum. 463 W 69th St at 200 Riverside Blvd (212-787-8315, standingtall.org). Single session runs Jun 30–Aug 14, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. $6,000. Ages 4 to 13.

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