Camps and Programs

The information and resources contained on this web page are for educational and informational purposes only and are not considered to be a full endorsement from the Autism Society of Iowa. 


ASI Offers Programming Grants.  The purpose of the grant is to encourage existing community recreation and leisure programs, to include individuals within the autism spectrum, by providing financial support to develop successful integration opportunities. 

For more information on Programming Grants available through ASI, click here. 

Grant applications will be accepted from January 1 until March 15. After review, grants will then be distributed on April 15.


CAMPS AND PROGRAMS

 2023 ASK Resource Center Summer Camp List Check out this link for a more comprehensive list put together by ASK Resource Center, of summer activities for those with autism and other special needs.

Under Construction

CENTRAL IOWA

Ames: All Aboard for Kids Day Camp

  • Click here for upcoming All Aboard for Kids Day Camps!
  • What: All Aboard for Kids offers unique summer day camp programs for all area elementary and middle school students, as well as for those on the autism spectrum entering K-5th grade! In addition, for those entering 6th-12th All Aboard offers S.T.E.A.M Academy. Our mission is to promote growth in all areas of development for autistic youth through dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
  • Where: Held at The Plex Community Center, these programs are fun, education-based, enrichment opportunities designed to help all kids to:
      • Prevent cognitive regression
      • Ease the transition to the next school year
      • Encourage social skills development with peers
      • Promote physical activity & practice gross motor skills
  • Website: https://allaboardforkids.com/
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: Please contact Lisa McCarty via email at info@allaboardforkids.com.

Ames: Cultivating Hope Farms

  • What: Cultivating Hope Farms is an inclusive, family centered, supportive environment using farm practices to help our friends that live with autism and special needs learn valuable life and job skills. We value kindness and acceptance above all!
  • Where: 5500 240th, Ames
  • Website: http://www.cultivatinghopefarms.org/
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: Please contact via email at info@cultivatinghopefarms.org.

Des Moines Metro: Can Play Courage Programs

  • Click here for upcoming Can Play Courage Clinics and Camps!
  • What: Can Play is a non-profit adaptive sports and recreational facility that offers year-round programming for children and adults who aren’t able to go full speed due to a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. By adapting the pace, equipment, or nature of an activity, Can Play can provide a safe and accessible environment where participants can go at their own speed.
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Website: https://can-play.org/
  • Contact Info: Please contact Melissa Clarke-Wharff, Co-Founder via email at Melissa@can-play.org; Roy Lowery, Programming Courage via email at roy@can-play.org.

Des Moines Metro – Des Moines: Easterseals & Camp Sunnyside

  • Click here for upcoming Camps!
  • What: Provides camp opportunities to children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities.
  • Where: 401 NE 66th Ave., Des Moines
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Website: https://www.easterseals.com/ia/
  • Contact Info: Please contact via email info@eastersealsia.org or call 515-289-1933 for more information.

EASTERN IOWA

Iowa City: STEM INSTI Camp

  • Click here for upcoming camp dates!
  • What: The Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital will host the Iowa National Summer Transportation Institute (INSTI), a free STEM summer day camp for 3 weeks during the summer. Students, with and without disabilities, in grades 7-9 during the school year are welcome to apply.
  • Contact Info: Patti Bahr, patricia-bahr@uiowa.edu

Monticello: Camp Courageous

  • Click here for upcoming Camp offerings!
  • What: Camp Courageous is a sleepaway camp dedicated to helping those with disabilities; children and adults. Camp Courageous offers many activities to campers and is a way for them to experience new activities and meet new people.
  • Where: 12007 190th St, Monticello
  • Website: https://campcourageous.org/
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: Please contact via email info@campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916 for more information.

Sherrill: Camp Albrecht Acres

  • Click here for upcoming Camp offerings!
  • What: Camp Albrecht Acres was founded in 1975 as a unique environment for people with special needs to enjoy new opportunities and challenges in a safe environment adapted specifically for their needs. From our humble beginnings, camping in tents, Albrecht Acres has blossomed into a 40-acre residential camp.
  • Where: 14837 Sherrill Road, Sherrill
  • Website: http://www.albrechtacres.org/
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Contact Info: Please contact via email office@albrechtacres.org or call 563-552-1771 for more information.

NORTHWEST IOWA

Sioux City: Camp High Hopes

  • Click here for upcoming sleep away and day camps!
  • What: The mission of Camp High Hopes is to provide fun, safe, and adaptive recreational experiences for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, special needs, and chronic illnesses.
  • Where: 5804 Correctionalville Road, Sioux City
  • Facebook:  Click here for more information.
  • Website: https://camphighhopes.com/
  • Contact Info: Please contact the Program Director via email info@camphighhopes.com or call 712-224-2267.

OUT OF STATE – MIDWEST

Naperville, IL: Career Development Camp 

  • Click here for more information on Career Development Camp!
  • What: Summer classes in independent living, social communication, and employability at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Classes will be a hybrid learning experience that combines virtual lessons and mock interviews with hands-on employability training from home.  Program is approved to provide instruction across state-lines.
  • Where: 1500 West Ogden Ave, Naperville
  • Facebook: Click here for more information.
  • Website: https://turningpointeautismfoundation.org/
  • Contact Info: For more information, please contact via email at contactus@turningpointeaf.org or call 630-570-7948.

Stewartville, MN: Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch

    • Click here for more information.
    • What: Our ConnectAbilities Cognitive Program offers year-round family recreation and respite events to enrich the lives of individuals and families challenged with cognitive or developmental disabilities.  The events are designed to meet the needs of individuals with all levels of abilities along with their family members to provide a place where families can enjoy time together and also build community with others who share their life experiences.
    • Where: 7291 County Road 6 SW, Stewartville
    • Facebook: Click here for more information.
    • Website: https://ironwoodsprings.com
    • Contact Info: For more information, please contact via email at office@ironwoodsprings.com or call 507-533-4315.