Surrounding Counties, Oakland, Children with Special Needs, Summer Camps, Statewide
A listing of summer resources

Summer Camps, Statewide
Youth Haven is a Christian-centered camp for any disadvantaged teen ages 7 to 13. Youth Haven defines "disadvantaged" as a teen having economic, family, social or emotional difficulties. This camp is a ranch-style camp on 390 acres in Rives Junction, Michigan. Youth Haven is not a correctional camp, but rather is preventative--its goals are to use Christian principles and activities to provide support and spiritual guidance to young people so that they make good choices. A typical day at the camp involves music, outdoor activities, exploring the on-campus petting farm and chapel. Campers have to be referred, but the camp is unique in that it is absolutely free to campers, as sponsors cover costs. The camp is NOT denominational.

Summer Camps, Statewide

• The Airborne Challenge is a rigorous 48 hour experience designed to draw a clear distinction between productive and non-productive thinking patterns, between effective and ineffective problem-solving strategies, between constructive and destructive attitudes, between relationships that enhance growth and relationships that impede growth, and between persevering effort and the “try once and quit”  approach.
• For youth 11-18

Summer Camps, Statewide
Midcourse Correction (Covenant Hills Camp) is a military-style boot camp located in Otisville, Michigan, just northeast of Flint. The program operates as an outdoor challenge camp and is designed to help what Midcourse Correction describes as "incorrigible" teens. All the activities at the camp are designed to give teens a "wake-up call" that their choices or lifestyles are harmful to themselves or others. Time at the  camp, open to any youth ages 11 to 17 years or who is still in school, is very short (only 46 hours). Campers learn about the impact of jail, how choices influence life outcomes and what a teen's actions say about them. The camp includes 2 hours of parenting seminars at no extra charge. Cost is approximately $425 per camper per weekend, as of 2010.

Summer Camps, Statewide
Highfields is a Michigan "adventure" camp for at-risk teen boys and their families. Founded in 1962, the camp stresses the importance of relationship building and behavior responsibility, offering various types of counseling. The summer camp is open to groups, but other Highfields services are open to individuals. As with the other options Highfield offers, eligibility for the main adventure camp extends to boys ages 12 to 17. (Other camps through Highfields Breakthrough program are open to boys 10 to 16.) Highfields takes a goal-oriented approach with its adventure campers. Those who visit the main Onondaga, Michigan campus explore activities such as archery, crafts and fishing. The adventure camp lasts between 3 to 5 days. Groups are charged a fee, which varies based on the size of the group.

Summer Camps, Statewide
 The Farmington Hills Campus is a residential facility that provides a safe, therapeutic environment for adolescents ages 12 to 18, who are experiencing cognitive impairments and emotional disorders.

Children with Special Needs, Summer Camps, Statewide

Camp FAR Away (June 16-21): Camp FAR Away is a camping experience especially for youth, ages 13-19, with special needs, and is offered in partnership with the FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts. Music, art, dance and recreational therapy as well as canoeing, fishing, hiking, exploring, drama, campfires, therapeutic horseback riding with LifeHorse, cooking, archery, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, talent shows, animal therapy and much more! Visits with our miniature goats are a highlight for many, but nothing tops the Thursday night Dance!

 Camp for Us (June 28-July 1): Camp for Us welcomes families who have children with special needs seeking a peaceful and supportive environment to relax and play together. Mornings we provide games, music & crafts for children ages 6-18, and optional free time for adults. Afternoon & evening family programs include swimming, canoeing, fishing, drumming, archery, farm visits, hiking, hayrides, campfires, crafts, and therapeutic horseback riding with LifeHorse. Don’t miss our Family Dance with DJ Dazzle Do Time. Design your own program on the spot, it’s all up to you. Lodging in Focus, cabins or tents Friday evening until Monday morning. Meals include Saturday breakfast through Monday breakfast & evening snacks

 Step Up Camp (July 22-25): Step Up Camp is making its debut this year, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan: a three day overnight camping experience for middle and high school adolescents with Down Syndrome. Each camper will be paired with a peer for support and consistent positive social interaction. Look forward to new friends, games, hayrides, swimming, campfires, crafts, music, therapeutic horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, group building on our low ropes challenge course, delicious camp food, community living and much more! Lodging in Focus Hall.

Summer Camps, Statewide

Awards scholarships for one or two weeks of expense-paid summer resident camp, plus supportive services. Services may include clothing and gear, medical examinations, an orientation session with representatives of participating camps, and transportation to and from camp. In addition, a Reunion Picnic is held each autumn for campers and their families

Summer Camps, Statewide

Ages 13-17

July 9-20 and July 26-August 6

A 12-day, intensive wilderness experience for adolescent youth. Teens who are first-time offenders, struggle behaviorally at school and in the community or who may be in need of additional support services would be ideal participants.

 Able to bill/invoice adoption subsidy as long as parents are able to provide approval from the subsidy office

Scholarship fund

Summer Camps, Statewide

Ages 10-13

 June 18-25 and June 28-July 5

An 8-day camp experience for pre-teens for early intervention. This program is for youth beginning to have difficulty managing their anger and emotions, struggling to transition into a place of personal responsibility, and lacking respect for others.

Able to bill/invoice adoption subsidy as long as parents are able to provide approval from the subsidy office

Scholarship fund

Region 5, Calhoun, Summer Camps

Specialized summer camps designed for teens and children, including self-esteem building programs and job skills training for teens.