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Check out Informing Families Summer Resources for great ideas for all Washington families caring for people with an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability (I/DD). You’ll find low-cost and free summer activities, outdoor recreational resources, and safety resources.
Continue reading below for local activities.
Preparing for Summer (YouTube) If you are like me, your heart starts to race after the holidays thinking about what the summer will look like for your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At the first of the year, many summer camps and recreational events start to open. In this training we will attempt to help reduce your anxiety and provide ideas and resources to make the summer break for your child structured and flexible to meet your family’s support needs after school breaks for summer. Bonus! Easterseals’ Camp Stand By Me director, Scott Webb, presents the benefits of summer camp and how to enroll.
Bainbridge Island Neurodiverse Student Conservation Corps provides neurodivergent high school-age young adults (15-21) with an employment learning opportunity, incorporating outdoor education and hands-on learning in conservation work in our parks. An expansion of our popular Student Conservation Corps Program, Neurodiverse Student Conservation Corps serves a need identified for a supportive environment where neurodivergent young adults can learn job skills necessary to pursue career and educational opportunities in conservation after high school.
Easterseals Digital Literacy Is for any young adult in Kitsap County age 18-24 with a diagnosed disability who is able to learn in a small group environment and work fairly independently in a community-based job setting.
Goodwill Kitsap Job Training And Education – Register for job training and education; see schedules for upcoming classes, the Open Job Lab, and the Employment Preparation Workshop.
Skookum’s Tracks to Success Summer Academy is a summer program designed to provide individual work-based learning activities and experiences for enrolled Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) students. The Summer Academy Program will include multiple Tracks to Success. All tracks will begin with workplace readiness training and self-advocacy training at Skookum’s Headquarters, located at 4525 Auto Center Way, Bremerton, WA 98312.
Program Requirements
Alta Vista Integrated Life Services We are committed to empowering our community! Whether you’re looking for an early learning class, sign language course, social skills groups, parent education class, or therapy support group, we are here for you! We offer in-house, as well as community-based learning opportunities. Contact [email protected] to inquire about a community class or group at your agency. Sliding scale fees available upon request and need, for all services.
Easterseals Gateway Adult Services – These programs provide enrichment for people who benefit from supervision but who require minimal assistance with most activities of daily living. New! Friday dance club.
Kitsap Art Center is a safe space with no judgement or competition, where students are encouraged to draw and create for themselves using the fine art skills learned through our curriculum. In this environment, students have room to explore and develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, leading to greater focus, concentration, and self-esteem.
Stephan’s House offers adults with developmental disabilities a supportive environment and healthy life-enhancing activities. They have all-day programs for adults with I/DD having more independence.
Snapology – Build Confidence In Your Child Through Hands-on Learning. At Snapology we help your child grow up with a thirst for knowledge. Snapology engages children ages 1-14 using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology. While the kids are having fun with familiar toys, laptops and iPads, we sneak in the educational concepts.
Tiny Notes Enrichment Center is an enrichment program that was created with the vision to educate children with developmentally appropriate concepts, reinforced through the joys of play and music.We pride ourselves on being an inclusive program that serves children with special needs and from all walks of life. Our staff has education and experience to provide the best early childhood programs for your child! We offer a multitude of programs from Preschool to Birthday Parties and even Parent Night Outs!
U.S. Naval Undersea Museum Summer Steam Join us on the Museum mezzanine for stay-and-explore style learning. We’ll feature a different STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) theme each week, with activities this week including engineering challenges! You can join us at any point while the programming is running, and stay as long as you’d like
vITAlize Kitsap Our individualized programming offers lifelong learning opportunities. Members gain new skills needed in developing independence, participating in the community, taking part in healthy living activities, socializing with friends, finding employment, and practicing mindful recreation.
Macaroni KID Kitsap is an awesome FREE resource for families in Kitsap. It’s a website and weekly eNewsletter containing free or inexpensive kid and family-friendly events and activities in Kitsap County. They also offer helpful articles, craft ideas, giveaways, fun things to do at home, and more!
Horses Guiding Humans (Graham) Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH/EAP) services for Military/Veterans, children, young adults, individuals and couples.
The Whole Horse Place (Port Orchard) partners senior horses with children and adults of all abilities, foster children, and the broader community.
Bowling Kids Club in Kitsap County! – All summer long, kids ages 17 and under are invited to bowl 2 FREE games at All Star Lanes in Silverdale and Hi Joy Bowl in Port Orchard. Just pay for the shoe rental, which is $4.50 plus tax at both locations.
Bremerton Ice Center Join us for a public skate session! Check out our calendar for open days and times.
Skyhawks Kids Sports Camps & Clinics – variety of sports camps available for different ages.
Special Olympics
YMCA – From chronic disease prevention to summer day camp, the Y provides programs and services to help everyone reach their potential.
Please note that accommodations can usually be made and we want people with disabilities and their families to feel welcome at any library program; our libraries are open to all. Call ahead to any event on the Library’s Events calendar and the librarians will ensure an accessible event for you and your children.
Summer Learning
The annual Kitsap Regional Library Summer Learning program offers self-paced reading and learning experiences for all ages. Summer Learning supports equal opportunity education through engaging reading and learning activities for school-age children and teens during summer break. Summer Learning also provides an engaging platform to participate in a self-selected learning activity and expand reading interests for adults.
Kitsap Live Steamers are a non-profit, 7.5″ gauge scale railroad located in the heart of Port Orchard. They offer rides to the public as well as provide demonstrations and promote education in railroad safety.
One Heart Wild Education Sanctuary – Public tours are available for families of children of all ages to come out, meet, and interact with our Sanctuary residents. Parents and youth groups can contact them to set up an animal assisted self- development event for their group or a family tour. Animal relationships can foster a stable, compassionate, and relational space for people.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium – certified as sensory-inclusive
The Seattle Children’s Play Garden is a 1-acre fully fenced garden in the heart of Seattle. Our mission is to provide children of all abilities a safe, accessible, and adventurous place to play.
Many municipal parks have summer programs and classes. Check their websites for updates.
Bainbridge Island | Bremerton | Kingston | Port Orchard (none listed) | Poulsbo
Kitsap County Parks is committed to providing quality-of-life enhancing opportunities through the management of natural areas and specialized facilities, fostering community stewardship, and offering an outstanding service-oriented environment.
PenMet Parks (Gig Harbor) has Specialized Recreation programs throughout the year.
Washington State Parks offers passes that reduce or waive camping, moorage, watercraft launch fees, and day use for limited-income senior citizens, disabled veterans, foster parents, and people with disabilities.
Keeping Kids Busy Through Summer: Summer Camp Alternatives
If you need help assisting camp staff with creating an inclusive experience at camps, ask us. Check out Macaroni Kid’s Summer Camp Guide for more camps in the area. Many camps begin registration in January or February. Plan to register early as many become full quickly.
Alta Vista ILS (Port Orchard) – Alta Vista Academy has you covered with our dynamic inclusive summer school classes for early learners and older kids alike! We are inclusive to kids of all abilities and experienced to support all types of learners with needed IEP supports.
Boys & Girls Clubs Bremerton | Kingston have summer day camps available for school age kids 5-18 years old.
Camp Beausite Northwest (Chimacum) has been serving the special needs community for over 30 years. Our story began in 1989 when it was discovered that the camp experience was not all inclusive – our mission strives for inclusivity, to this day, through the delivery of summer and weekend camp programs throughout the year. Ages 5- 99+
Camp Burton Christian Camp for Special Needs (Vashon Island) Our New Horizons Camp provides a welcoming Christian camping environment to youth who are developmentally disabled and/or who are mildly, physically disabled. Campers must be able to care for their own personal needs (eating, dressing, and restroom use) with minimal assistance and be able to participate in most camp activities. The Camp activities include swimming at the local pool, canoeing, carnival, games, archery, talent show, and campfires.
Camp Sealth’s (Vashon Island) longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion make our summer camp a unique and fulfilling place for all campers. See their inclusion program.
Camp Stand By Me (Vaughn) offers week-long and weekend sessions for children (ages 7 and up) and adults who have any disability at our 17-acre accessible camp. The camp operates year-round.
Hoog Camp (Vashon) is an outdoor exploratory experience for youth ages 4-18. This year’s sessions are Forest Play (ages 4-7), Forest Immersion (8+), and Builder Camp (12+). Contact Coach Hoog for more info at [email protected].
Kitsap Art Camps are a great way for young artists to create and explore different media outside of our regular school year program. Camps are offered during holiday and summer breaks.
Love Me For Me (Bremerton) at Marvin Williams Center. Day camps offer STEM and sports activities with a different theme every week. Check website in May for updated schedule.
Martha & Mary KIDS Summer Program Adventureland Creating, Exploring, Inventing, Challenging, and Imagining! Adventure awaits this summer with a variety of fun and exciting themes including: Galaxy’s Edge, Art in Action, Young Einsteins, Engineer Challenge Weeks and more! Martha & Mary KIDS Summer Program is offered at two convenient locations in Kitsap: Poulsbo Elementary in Poulsbo and at Cougar Valley Elementary in Silverdale.
One Heart Wild Kids and teens, join OHW for three or six days of camp and have the opportunity to learn about and interact with our Sanctuary animal residents. You will engage in teambuilding activities, create art inspired by our surroundings, and learn tools that support emotional regulation. You will develop a deeper appreciation for nature and its inhabitants while building strong healthy relationships with your fellow campers- often lasting for years after your camp experience!
Port Townsend Marine Science Center Summer day camps allow burgeoning young scientists and adventurers to spend a week exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts, and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park. Our science campers come back year after year and many of our past campers return again as camp counselors. Join us for a wet, sandy, adventurous, fun-filled week!
Poulsbo Parks & Rec Summer Camps – ages 3-17. Camp activities begin mid-July and offer options ranging from arts, science to sports. Choose either partial day to whole day experiences.
Right at School offers programs during school breaks and holidays. Their summer program is located at Manchester Elementary.
Skyhawks Kids Sports Camps & Clinics – variety of sports camps available for different ages.
Summer Camp Guide (Macaroni Kids) Explore exciting summer adventures and activities for kids throughout Kitsap County! Dive into a diverse array of local camps, blending cherished classics with fresh, innovative programs. From captivating themes, to immersive nature experiences, there’s something for every interest!
Tacoma Adaptive & Sensory Friendly Summer Camps provide inclusive environments tailored for individuals with diverse needs, including those with physical, developmental, or sensory challenges, fostering a supportive space where everyone can participate and thrive regardless of their abilities.
Tiny Notes Summer Programs – Camps begin on June 26 and have a different theme every week serving ages 3-10.
YMCA has both day and overnight camps for all ages.
There are many different benefits to participating in drama programs for children with IDD and/or Autism. Read article.
Central Kitsap Summer Musical – All CK area students from 3rd – 12th grade are welcome to be part of the next major summer musical production at the stunning Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center! There are no fees required to be a part of this production. The show is professionally produced and directed, with guest choreographers and vocal directors. It will feature a full, live orchestra, state-of-the-art lighting and effects, and elaborate costumes!
Enoch City Arts Improve your acting skills, make friends, and have FUN! Drama camps are for ages 8 – 18. Choose from three 2-week sessions.
Kitsap Children’s Musical Therapy (KCMT) Each summer, KCMT works with Poulsbo’s Park & Recreation Department to provide opportunities for a week of summer camp fun – Broadway-style! All camps are held at KCMT Rehearsal Hall.
Mountaineer’s Kitsap Forest Theater (Seabeck) – New session in August just opened for students entering 5-8th grades. Participants will spend a week creating an original musical theatrical experience with music, choreography and more. In addition to developing teamwork, creative problem solving, and confident performance skills, you will learn the joys of the outdoor theater experience.
Western Washington Musical Theatre Camp (Port Orchard) – At this musical theatre summer camp, your child can spend their summer singing, dancing, acting, and growing confidence!
Arc of Washington’s Summer Camp Directory lists even more camps to around the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho but some listings may be out of date.
Aspiring Youth (Seattle, Richmond, Bellevue) provides incredible enrichment choices from theater to climbing to art, fostering growth through once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Miracles and Memories Join us for an enriching summer camp created for children with varying levels of cognitive/ADD/ADHD, mobility, and developmental disabilities, ages K-12. This is a 10-week program, featuring a wide variety of activities, each designed to suit all skill levels. Our summer camp is designed to provide a safe environment that will allow and encourage the development of sensory, fine motor, and social skills as well as effective forms of communication.
Special Needs Camp Directory includes information on some of the Best Day and Overnight Special Needs Summer Camps in America
Bay Cliff Health Camp– Founded in 1933 and holding its first summer session in 1934, Bay Cliff Health Camp is a therapy and wellness center serving the needs of individuals living with disabilities. Bay Cliff provides multiple programs throughout the year and hosts several events for organizations aligned with our commitment to promoting health, happiness, and independence for people of all ages.
These events occur annually. Summer is over, but we can look at the past to plan ahead. This section will be updated in 2024 with new information.
Join us for bedtime stories in the parking lot!
Dates: tbd
Bethany Lutheran Church School & Early Learning Center
151 Tremont St, Port Orchard WA
360-876-1300
Our sign language interpreter, Miss Alisa, is able to be at all of these events.
Directions:
Fun at the Playgrounds is a free recreation program for Bremerton youth. Held at 3 playground sites in Bremerton, it is a drop-by program that provides safe summer fun geared towards children ages 6 to 12. Free lunches provided for students up to age 18 or 21 if enrolled in a program.
Visit Bremerton’s Summer Playground Program for details.
Concerts by the Bay is located at the Port of Bremerton Marina Park Gazebo in Port Orchard. They are every Thursday from 6:30-8:00 pm.
Vendor Shows Schedule (craft fair, fireworks, car show)
Movies in the Park | Free | Friday Nights in August
Movies begin around 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is available off of Battle Point Road near softball fields.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series | Free | Wednesdays | 6:30-8:30p
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends, and join us on to hear FREE live music from highly celebrated artists from the Pacific Northwest. Pack a picnic or purchase dinner from an on-site local food truck. Parking is available off of Battle Point Road near softball fields.
View Bainbridge Island Parks Special Events for detailed list.