Camp Exchange USA

These camps serve campers with one or more disabilities including those who are emotionally, mentally, or physically disabled. Specialty needs camps often offer the most challenging camp experience, yet can be the most rewarding. Many of these camps serve more than one type of disability, serving campers with a range of mental and physical disabilities during one session or specializing in one disability each session.

These camps are affiliated with a social or advocacy agency that assists with funding. Many serve co-ed campers—from all walks of life—in the same facility, on separate campuses, or through different sessions for boys and girls. These camps can range from very rustic to traditional in their cabins and buildings. Many agency camps appear to be similar to private camps, but often follow a mission aligned with the affiliated agency.

These camps only serve female campers and are often run in one- to two-week sessions throughout the course of the summer. Girl Scout camps are generally focused on building wilderness skills and participating in outdoor activities. Most Girl Scout camps use primitive tent cabins for their housing.

These camps—run or sponsored by outside community groups—often serve low-income campers from inner cities or extremely rural backgrounds. These camps are often quite rustic in nature as they are dependent on philanthropic organizations and other groups for funding.

Most of these camps are affiliated with either the Christian or Jewish faiths and incorporate both religious and non-religious activities. The emphasis on religion varies greatly from camp to camp.

These camps focus on a particular sport or activity like horseback riding, sailing, or theater. Specialty camps may also serve specific populations such as campers who have ADHD or have suffered a loss.