Tennessee parents of children with special needs understand the importance of finding enriching summer experiences that cater to our kids’ unique abilities and challenges. Summer camps for children with disabilities offer a world of opportunities, providing a safe and supportive environment where our children can thrive, make friends, and develop essential life skills. These camps are not just about fun activities; they’re transformative experiences that foster independence, boost confidence, and create lasting memories. In Tennessee, we’re fortunate to have several exceptional special needs summer camps that understand and celebrate the diverse abilities of our children.
1. Camp Ability
- Location: North Blvd Church of Christ 1112 N Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
- Ages: 11-25
- Session Dates: June 9-27, July 7-11- 8:30 am-3:00 pm
- Cost: $325 per week + $100 registration fee
- Overview: Camp Ability is a Christian based camp that focuses on campers’ abilities and not disabilities. Low camper to counselor ratios, field trips, and tons of activities await your camper at Camp Ability! For more information checkout https://www.specialkidstn.com/camp-ability
2. Joni&Friends Tennessee Family Retreat
- Location: Fort Bluff Camp, 370 Fort Bluff Camp Road, Dayton, TN, 37321
- Ages: Any family navigating the challenges of disability.
- Session Dates: July 13-17, 2025, July 19-23
- Cost: $450 (18+), $350 (5-17), Free (0-4)
- Overview: Joni&Friends Tennessee Family Retreat is a faith based camp experience that bring families together who are experiencing challenges as they navigate disabilities. During the camp experience families will attend teachings, seminars, and discussion groups. During free time, campers will choose from accessible activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, sports and games, and more for the whole family. https://joniandfriends.org/event/tennessee-family-retreat-1-2025/
3. Camp Signal
- Location: Signal Center, 109 N. Germantown Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37411
- Ages: 4-11
- Session Dates: June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25
- Cost: $300 per week (assistance is available)
- Overview: Camp Signal, offered by Signal Centers in Chattanooga, is a unique summer camp designed for children of all abilities, focusing on social and emotional development through engaging activities like art, music, and technology. Activities are tailored to promote fun and learning across various disciplines, including movement, water play, and animal therapy. https://signalcenters.wixsite.com/camps-at-signal/camp-signal
4. Chatter Camp
- Location: Signal Center, 109 N. Germantown Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37411
- Ages: Nonverbal children 5-16
- Session Dates: June 2nd-6th
- Cost: Not listed, The camp is supported and funded by Friends of Special Children.
- Overview: Chatter focuses on teaching participants to effectively use augmentative communication devices, supported by highly qualified educators and volunteers. The camp is funded by the Friends of Special Children and provides a supportive environment for children to develop their communication skills. https://signalcenters.wixsite.com/camps-at-signal/chatter-1
5. EnVision Camp
- Location: Signal Center, 109 N. Germantown Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37411
- Ages: 16+
- Session Dates: June 9-13 and June 23-27
- Cost: TBD
- Overview: EnVision Camp in Chattanooga is a one-week program designed for teens and adults with low or no vision. It takes place on two separate weeks, June 9-13 and June 23-27, and is supported by Signal Centers’ Assistive Technology program to help participants navigate their environment effectively.The camp aims to provide a supportive and engaging experience for those with visual impairments. https://signalcenters.wixsite.com/camps-at-signal/vision-1
6. EasterSeals Tennessee Camp at Camp Widjiwagan
- Location: YMCA Camp Widjiwagan 3088 Smith Springs Rd., Antioch, TN
- Ages: 7-16
- Session Dates: 9AM-4PM– May 26-30, June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 20-July 4, July 14-18, July 21-25
- Cost: TBD
- Overview: Each camper is assigned a specially trained Easterseals counselor based on their level of need. YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, provides the facility, programming, food and housing. https://www.easterseals.com/tennessee/programs-and-services/camping-recreation/youth-camps.html
7. Camp Conquest
- Location: CAMP CONQUEST 3934 West Union Road Millington, TN 38053
- Ages: 8+
- Session Dates: June 4-9, June 16-21, June 23-28, June 30-July 5 (Each session is designed for a specific age and qualification. Find out which session is right for your camper https://www.campconquest.com/campers)
- Cost: $1075, scholarships are available
- Overview: Camp Conquest, located in Millington, Tennessee, is a Christ-centered, overnight summer camp designed for children and adults with special needs, chronic illnesses, and disabilities. The camp offers a variety of activities, including horseback riding, canoeing, and a zipline across the lake, with a focus on building friendships, confidence, and social skills in a supportive environment with a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio.
8. Tennessee Camp for Diabetic Children at Double G Ranch
- Location: 1854 Joseph Terrace Hixson, TN 37343
- Ages: 8-15
- Session Dates: June 15-June 28
- Cost: $600 for 2 weeks
- Overview: The camp offers one and two-week residential sessions, hosting up to 90 campers per session, where participants engage in traditional summer camp activities while learning about diabetes management through hands-on assistance, games, and videos. TCDC, which has been operating since 1954, is staffed by carefully selected counselors, many of whom have Type 1 diabetes themselves, and provides a supportive environment where children can make friends, build confidence, and develop skills for daily glucose controlhttps://tcdctype1.org/
9. Camp Able
- Location: St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center 4577 Billy Maher Road Memphis, TN 38135
- Ages: Children and adults with disabilities
- Session Dates: June 3-7
- Cost: $200, scholarships available
- Overview: Camp Able, hosted by St. Columba in Memphis, TN, is a week-long day camp designed for children and adults with disabilities or diverse abilities. It provides a safe and nurturing environment where participants can experience new activities with a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio, fostering dignity and inclusivity. https://saintcolumbamemphis.org/camp-able
10. Donald M. Gally Summer Camp
- Location: 2400 Prosser Rd Knoxville, TN 37914
- Ages: 5-14
- Session Dates: Coming soon
- Cost: TBD
- Overview: The Donald M. Gally Summer Camp is a day camp for children with special needs ranging from 5-14 years of age. Campers enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, and outdoor recreational games directed by staff therapists, special education teachers, a camp nurse, and adaptive recreation specialists. https://www.etch.com/community/summer-camps/#:~:text=The%20Donald%20M.,nurse%2C%20and%20adaptive%20recreation%20specialists.
