Autism-Friendly Summer Camps and Programs

Disclaimer: This blog post has been updated in accordance with the AutismBC 2025 Communication Guide. Any mentions of “respite” have been changed to “caregiver wellbeing support” as part of our commitment to nurturing safe and inclusive spaces through language. Support for caregivers to take time for themselves— to rest, restore balance, and care for their own well-being. It offers space to reconnect with what nourishes them—whether that’s family, community, culture, or personal healing—so they can continue to care for others in a good way. We use this term instead of “respite,” which can carry a negative implication about disability and disabled people.

Summer can be the highlight of a child’s year, but it can also be full of adjustments. We have compiled a list of Autism-Friendly Summer Programs; Overnight & Day Camps, Skill Building Programs, Online Social Events and more to help you and your family plan! This list will grow as we discover additional programs, so feel free to check back regularly.

Do you know of a Summer Camp program that we should have included on this list? Let us know here. 

All camps are day camps unless otherwise noted. Some programs also offer spring break and after-school programs. We do not oversee these programs, but we wanted to make a searchable and regional list to help you plan for your loved ones. Please note not all camps listed take autism funding, so please reach out to the camp before registration.

Online: 

Canucks Autism Network — CAN is no longer requiring a formal autism diagnosis for individuals 13yrs+ to participate in CAN programs & services. Various in-person, regional programs and camps. Also offers online programs and support groups. 

Creative Interventions — Art therapy for autistic children   

Easter Seals Summer Programs —  a unique camp experience that allows for children, youth and adults to have personal, genuine camp connections online. Through interactive, fun and social online activities and programs, campers of all ages and diverse abilities learn with trained counsellors through role-playing game adventures, crafts, drawing, cooking and more. 

Exceptional Minds Summer Workshops Exceptional Minds is now offering virtual Summer Workshops! We are excited to provide students on the autism spectrum with digital art classes for summer fun or exploring a possible career path. 

Workshops are taught over Zoom by our professional instructors and include: 

• Character animation
• Motion graphics 
• 3D modeling 
• Video game creation and more 

Mentoring | MindJam — MindJam offers emotional support and guidance for children and adolescents through gaming and game design. UK based, available worldwide  

Pivot Point – Offers online camps and groups as well as in-person options throughout BC.

Recreational Respite — Our recreation professionals work one to one with children, youth or adults with disabilities, mental health or those that face social isolation due to disease, illness or injury. Services are provided in-person or virtually and promote inclusion, participation and connectivity with others. One to one services can be short or long term and goal directed. 

• Note:  Support for caregivers to take time for themselves— to rest, restore balance, and care for their own well-being. It offers space to reconnect with what nourishes them—whether that’s family, community, culture, or personal healing—so they can continue to care for others in a good way. At AutismBC, our chosen term is “caregiver wellbeing support” instead of “respite,” which can carry a negative implication about disability and disabled people.

Therapy Through Arts  — Offering 1:1 Counselling & Expressive Arts Therapy 

Vancouver Coastal & Fraser Regions 

Camps: 

Arts Umbrella — Registration is now open for 2025. Our Spring Break and Summer programs in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, Film, and more provide young people with an opportunity to discover new artistic passions, develop their skills, and enjoy the break alongside their peers.

BC Association for Advancing Communications (bcaac.ca) – PANDA AAC Camp 2026 is open to children ages 5-14.   

• Camp dates: Tuesday-Friday, July 21-24 (9:30am-2:30pm) and Saturday, July 26 (9:30am-12:30pm) 
• Where: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC  
• Cost: $150 (includes camp fees and a T-shirt for camper) 

BC Wildlife Federation – Wild Kidz — Registration is now open! Designed for children and youth ages 8 to 12 to learn outdoor skills, wilderness safety and about their community’s wild spaces in a fun, safe environment. This year they have camps running in Surrey, Kelowna, and Nanaimo.

Canucks Summer Day Camps — Ages 7-12 (Must be of correct age when starting the program). Have an autism diagnosis and be registered with the CAN Community

City of Vancouver Supported Summer Day Camps (Vancouver Area) – “Four supported summer day camps are offered by the community centre associations at Champlain, Dunbar, Hastings and Hillcrest community centres”
Email: [email protected] 

Community Outings – Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy – Community Outing Service is a program designed to enhance social skills, foster community integration, and provide a supportive environment for individuals with diverse neurological profiles.

Cornerstone – Camp Brave for kids with selective mutism — Intensive summer camp for children aged 4-9 with selective mutism

Down Syndrome Resource Foundation — Inclusive summer camps. DSRF cannot guarantee one to one support, but we always welcome support workers and will do our best to accommodate the needs of potential campers.  

Easter Seals Summer Programs (Squamish/Zoom) — Overnight and virtual options. Support ratio is 3:1 and autism funding can be used for payment.    

Empowered by Nature — Activities for All Abilities  (Maple Ridge) — inclusive social groups, recreational therapy, educational programs, and outdoor programs 

LDS Society Camps — Our customized and creative week-long Vancouver summer camps focus on helping students with learning differences develop new skills through fun, hands-on camp programs with high instructor to camper ratio. This summer they’re offering a Detective Academy and a STEAM camp.

PosAbilities: Laurel Behaviour Support Services — Various Programs available, check to confirm summer camp availability.

Semiahmoo House Society, Day Programs — Camps we have offered in the past are: Musical Theatre camp, Rec Rockers band camp, Sports Stars fitness camp, Life Skills Camp, and Local Leisure Daze transit camp! Dance, Sing, Act, play baseball and try yoga, bus to Crescent Beach and Skytrain downtown! The ratio for all School Break Camps is 3:1 and for all Adapted Camps it’s 5:1.

Sasamat Outdoor Centre — Registration is now open for summer 2026 (Overnight)

Science AL!VE @ Simon Fraser University — Summer Camp Registration Open Now! Grades 1-8

Science World Camps – Science World offers engaging, hands-on science camps year-round, including winter, spring, and summer breaks. Each season introduces exciting themes with age-appropriate activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire scientific thinking. 

Scouts Canada – Camp McLean — Camp McLean is pleased to offer weekly Summer Day Camps starting on July 13th and ending August 21, 2026 for youth ages 5–11, Monday to Friday. Also offering traditional youth overnight camp.

Simon Fraser University — Autism & Developmental Disabilities Lab — Camps — The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab hosts two annual day camps for youth with and without a diagnosis of Autism.  

Spectrum Skateboard Society – Summer’s on the way, and we’re super excited to get back to skateboarding outside! Skateboarding at Rolla through the winter was a blast, but nothing beats skateboarding in the sunshine and fresh air. We are a recognized service provider and accept autism funding, and we also have a scholarship program for families who could use some financial support to join in. Register here for the Kirkstone location, and here for Hillcrest. 

Surrey ACL – Summer Camps — Spring Break Camps and Summer Day Camps are community recreation programs that provide one-to-one support. The programs run in partnership with City of Surrey Day Camps and YMCA Day Camps.SACL provides staff support to allow children with special needs the same opportunity as others, to participate in an inclusive camp setting in their neighborhood. This is an MCFD contracted program.

This World’s Ours Centre — Offering camps, social programs and birthday parties for neurodivergent children and youth. 

This World’s Ours Centre – Camps for neurodivergent kids and youth — Registration opens April 15th at 9am. Campers will engage in a variety of activities from arts & crafts, cooking, physical activity, visits to local parks, and more! Camps are Full Day (9am – 4pm). Social Skills camps run at a 1:6 ratio. We offer morning and afternoon camps with 1:1 support. You can use Autism Funding for all of our camps. 

Camps (ubc.ca) — Registration is open. UBC Camps is a leading provider of high quality camps for children ages 3-17. We offer a vast selection of summer camps, including adventure, art and music, enrichment, and sport and recreation programming. In addition to our extensive summer camp offerings, we offer winter break, spring break and pro-d day camps.

UBC Camps is launching a pilot 1 on 1 support program for Summer 2026. Families can request 1 on 1 support from a UBC Inclusion Support Staff for one week during the summer. This service is offered for campers who require additional support at no additional cost for any of the camps listed on the main UBC Camps website here. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Unique Get Together Society  Offers day camps outdoors. Limited space, 15 spots per week.  First come, first serve basis. 

YMCA — Registration now open! Children ages 5 to 12

West Coast Centre for Learning – Summer camps aimed at neurodivergent youth, including executive functioning and ADHD support.

Zajac Ranch  — *Registration now open for summer 2025 (Overnight). Support ratio is 3:1 and autism funding can be used for payment.   

Programs: 

Active Kids (UBC Vancouver Campus) — The Active Kids Program is an Outreach program of the UBC School of Kinesiology. We provide recreational gymnastics, sport, and physical activity programs and classes to individuals and communities of all ages and levels of ability. Our philosophy emphasizes fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, organized, safe, purposeful, and active movement experiences.  

Adapted Sailing Association of BC — Inclusive, adaptative sailing programs for youth ages 8+. 

All Bodies Dance  (ABDP) is an inclusive dance company located on unceded Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh), and xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) territories (Vancouver, BC, Canada). Our mission is to create opportunities for people of all abilities, genders, sizes, and backgrounds to practice, research, and create innovative, inclusive dance. 

Canucks Autism Network — Various Programs for autistic children, youth and adults. BC-wide.  

City of Vancouver — Adapted Programs  

Club Aviva Gymnastics — Camps will be led by a Certified Gymnastics Coach and include a daily gymnastics class (60 to 90 minutes), gym games, crafts, outside play, therapeutic music activities once a week and fun interactive educational activities daily! 

Easter Seals, Ready. Set. Volunteer — Empowering young adults ages 17-29 with disabilities to participate in volunteering by providing the appropriate support, education, and exposure to both volunteers and community organizations.  

Empowered by Nature (Maple Ridge) —  inclusive social groups, recreational therapy, educational programs and outdoor programs.

Exceptional Minds Summer Workshops  – Exceptional Minds is now offering virtual Summer Workshops! We are excited to provide students on the autism spectrum digital art classes for summer fun or exploring a possible career path. 
Workshops are taught over Zoom by our professional instructors and include: 

• Character animation 
• Motion graphics 
• 3D modeling 
• Video game creation and more 

Girls Club — Envisions a world where girls with neurological/developmental differences feel celebrated, included and connected – where they make and enjoy friends.

Martial Arts (Sirota’s Alchymy) — We have been at the forefront of global pioneering, creating, and implementing Martial Arts and Self-Defense Programs for people with various Special Needs and Impairments. Our mission is to use the various modalities to create an empowering environment for all to grow physically, emotionally, and psychologically. 

Pedalheads (Victoria and Nanaimo) Offers biking camps and programming throughout the year.  

Power for All Adventure Therapy – Power for All Adventure Therapy provides universal access to adventure-based activities to people from all walks of life. We are supported by community partners and volunteer efforts! 

Theatre Terrific pioneers inclusive opportunities for artists of all abilities to develop performance skills and collaborate in the production of theatrical works.

Soccer Shots – Fraser Valley – Soccer Shots offers three core programs to meet the developmental needs of children ages 2 to 8.

Spectrum Skateboard Society — Safe, fun, and inclusive skateboard camps designed specifically for Autistic children and youth ages 6-17. We operate camps out of Vancouver and North Vancouver, British Columbia. 

SpeechEase – Social Groups, Book Club, Adult Choir (Burnaby, Coquitlam) 

Summer Programs | LDS (ldsociety.ca) — Learning Disabilities Society is a nonprofit charity and our mission is to empower all children, youth, and adults with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong independence, confidence, and success. Camps for grades 3-12, specializing in students with learning disabilities. 

Watermelon Sessions | Social Groups | Vancouver Autism Services — Watermelon Sessions was created to celebrate neurodiversity and build on inclusivity and communication. We are not here to ‘fix’ our students. We are here to build on how they engage with the world around them; to help all our kiddos integrate socially and have fun with peers without losing themselves.

Whistler Adaptive Sports Programs — Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a not-for-profit society that provides year-round, recreational programs for people of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Our programs are run in private (one-on-one) sessions, groups, and camp settings. 

Skill Building Programs: 

Autism Campus Prep by Sinneave Foundation — This Course covers the topics of selecting academic programs, understanding how to fully participate in work/social life on campus, and maintaining health and wellness.

Daybreak Summer Programs — For autistic children ages 5-15. Eligible for autism funding.

Delta Life Skills Program — Delta Life Skills Summer Program opens in January or February each year, and late applications (post-Annual General Meeting) are accepted until March. The Delta Life Skills Society is to help special needs children in Delta. We have room for 35 to 50 children in the summer program

Exceptional Minds Summer Workshops  — Exceptional Minds is now offering virtual Summer Workshops! We are excited to provide students on the autism spectrum with digital art classes for summer fun or exploring a possible career path.
Workshops are taught over Zoom by our professional instructors and include:

• Character animation
• Motion graphics
• 3D modeling
• Video game creation and more

Girls Group — (Cloverdale & Clayton, Surrey & New Westminster)  This specialized group for neurodivergent girls  and non-binary youth (Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, social difficulties…) is specifically designed to encourage skills in developing and maintaining friendships; while acquiring and generalizing specific skills and strategies.  Groups encourage neuro-affirming support,  individualizing strategies to meet the needs of each participant.

Pivot Point Family Growth Centers — Day camps, online and in-person programming for neurodivergent youth and adults. 

City of Vancouver — The Vancouver Park Board offers many adapted and integrated recreational activities for children, youth, adults, and seniors with disabilities. 

Young Engineers — (Richmond) The build-up program offers engineering skills to children with special needs. 

Interior Regions

Camps: 

Agur Lake Camp — (Summerland) Agur Lake Camp is a nonprofit organization that operates a wheelchair accessible, barrier free campground. The camp is for people of all ages with various abilities to enjoy nature in a safe, inclusive environment, along with family, friends & caregivers.

Blue Lake Camps — *Registration now open for Summer 2025 (Overnight) (Kootenays) * Support worker costs not included in camp fees

Camp OC — The perfect place to engage kids in their interests and passions such as engineering, arts, music, science, culinary arts, trades, and computers.  

Canucks Autism Network — (Kelowna & Kamloops) Various programs across various ages.

City of Kelowna Adaptive Summer Programs — More than 35 programs are provided each season for adults and children including assisted, adapted and wheelchair options. We also work with parents, caregivers, agencies and support workers to ensure special needs are considered in finding the right fit for each individual.

City of Kelowna Summer Camps — Various summer programming for all ages.

Eagle Bay Camp — Provides a wide range of activities for children ages 8 to 15. 

Easter Seals Summer Camps — (Kelowna/Winfield) The Support ratio is 3:1, and autism funding can be used for payment. Registration now open for Summer 2024 (Overnight)

MacKenzie Camp (United Church of Canada) — *Registration now open for Summer 2026 (Overnight)

Okanagan Science Center — (Vernon) Offers science-themed day camps. SAge 6-8, 9-12 available.

People in Motion — (Kamloops) People In Motion is a non-profit which has been “Creating A Better Tomorrow” for people living with disabilities since 1989 by providing fitness, recreational, educational and social programs and services.

Pivot Point Day Camps  — (Kamloops) Day camps, online and in-person programming for neurodivergent youth and adults.

Pivot Point Day Camps — (Cranbrook) Day camps, online and in-person programming for neurodivergent youth and adults.

Reach the Peak Camps – (Kelowna) Summer camp and outdoor adventure groups. Accepts Autism Funding.

Silver Lake Camp, Autism Camp — *Registration now open for Summer 2026 (Overnight) Various ages and weeks available. 

Watermelon Sessions – (Naramata) Family summer camp for neurodivergent families! From their website: “We are excited to present our Summer Camp in the beautiful Naramata Village, designed specifically for families with neurodivergent children and teens. We understand that it can be incredibly challenging for families to get away and enjoy quality time together, especially when caring for children with unique needs. Our camp offers a unique and inclusive environment where families can relax, connect, and create lasting memories without the usual stress and difficulties.”

Programs: 

Autism Okanagan – (Kelowna) Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf, ages 6-18

Kelowna Art Gallery – Art Adventure Summer Camps 

During the months of July and August, the Kelowna Art Gallery’s popular children’s art camps return. Art Adventures are week-long, full-day art camps for children ages 6 to 12.  

Each week explores a different theme and a variety of art materials, techniques, and creative approaches to making art. Class sizes are limited so that children receive one-to-one instruction in a friendly, non-competitive environment. 

Okanagan Science Center — (Vernon) Offers science-themed day camps. SAge 6-8, 9-12 available.

UBC Geering Up – (Kelowna) Geering Up’s mission is to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) exciting and accessible for ALL students! They are dedicated to empowering and inspiring B.C. youth to explore STEM, so they offer summer camps for participants entering grades 1-12 at their UBC Okanagan campus located in Kelowna! 

Skill Building Programs: 

Access to Angling Program  — (Summerland) Access to Angling is People In Motion’s newest program, with our inaugural launch of the program beginning in the Spring of 2022.  We have some fantastic volunteers lined up, along with a great location at Agur Lake Accessible Camp near Summerland.

Pivot Point Family Growth Centers — Day camps, online and in-person programming for neurodivergent youth and adults.

Vista Academy — (Kelowna) Every child at Vista Academy receives direct one-on-one teaching support from highly skilled Behaviour Interventionists. In addition, every program is implemented with the consultation of a RASP Category A, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.

Northern Region 

Camps: 

Camp Cal (campcaledonia.ca) — (Smithers) Overnight camp. Camp Caledonia, owned and operated by the Diocese of Caledonia of the Anglican Church of Canada, is located on beautiful Tyhee Lake. We encourage and welcome campers of all backgrounds to a unique camping experience. (Non-Secular)

Easter Seals Virtual Kids Camp@Home (Ages 6 – 18)(Online) —  A unique camp experience that allows for children, youth and adults to have personal, genuine camp connections online. Through interactive, fun and social online activities and programs, campers of all ages and diverse abilities learn with trained counsellors through role-playing game adventures, crafts, drawing, cooking and more.

Ness Lake Bible Camp — A variety of day, overnight, family camps and leadership training. (Non-Secular)

Pivot Point Day Camps  — Group Activities available for children, teens and adults with Autism or Diverse Abilities, as well as our groups for Caregivers and for Professionals & Service Providers. 

Rough Acres, Family Camp (Smithers) Now the parents can be campers too at this lively camp for families! Kickstart your summer with a family adventure at our Rough Acres Family Camp. You’ll enjoy just the right balance of free time and optional planned activities, all in the beauty and peace of the Rough Acres property. (Non-Secular)

YMCA, Camp Kanannaq — Our mission is to provide opportunities and enriching experiences that challenge oneself and build confidence while developing respect for the outdoors. We are a values-centered camp, based on the YMCA values of caring, honesty, responsibility, respect, and inclusivity. (Ask about supports needed and if additional support worker is needed)

Programs: 

Active Minds Active Bodies | University of Northern British Columbia (unbc.ca) — Jump in and engage in a world of sports and science! Keep your child active this summer with UNBC’s blended Active Minds science and Timberwolves sports camp for kids ages 9–12. 

Canucks Autism Network — Online programs for autistic children, youth and adults. BC-wide.

Cimarron Way~Equine Assisted Learning – Your Life…Unbridled! — (McBride) Offering Horse Facilitated Development and Leadership Programs.  

Northern BC — inGIRLS CLUB Monthly activities for neurodivergent girls, (trans inclusive).

Summer Club – YMCA of Northern BC, Summer Club — (PG) YMCA Licensed Summer Club is the best way for school age children to spend their summer as our caring and enthusiastic staff guide your child’s development through fun and engaging programs. Weekly themes ensure that the whole summer is filled with fun from start to finish as children laugh and play in our inclusive environment. Children can join by the week or on a part-time basis to meet every family’s needs.

YMCA of Northern BC Outdoor Education — Camp Kanannaq, located on the beautiful and quiet Nadsilnich (West) Lake, is the perfect setting for your child to find new friends, discover new experiences, and create new memories that last a lifetime. Our enthusiastic Counselors will build positive relationships with each camper in our inclusive camp community that focuses on the YMCA Core Values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and inclusivity.

Skill Building Programs: 

Active Minds Science PALS Camps (Ages 6-8) | University of Northern British Columbia (unbc.ca) — Camps run weekly IN-PERSON from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm daily. In each session, leaders will walk campers through the activity explaining the science and encouraging questions along the way, introducing them to physical activities and brain breaks.

Active Minds Science Camps (Ages 9-12) | University of Northern British Columbia (unbc.ca) — Science camp ages 9-12. In each session, leaders will walk campers through the activity explaining the science and encouraging questions along the way, introducing them to physical activities and brain breaks!

Active Minds Programs | University of Northern British Columbia — Active Minds offers a full slate of science, engineering, and computer camps, event and workshops for kids ages 6 to 16. 

EdGE Learning Centre — (Smithers) We serve school-age students of the Bulkley Valley, by creating diverse and rich learning opportunities through various mentorships. Come back often, as we are continually adding enrichment learning programs, classes, workshops, tutoring and mentorship programs.   

Good Time Games — (Prince Rupert) LARPing and Dungeons & Dragons drop-in programs.

Possibilities — (Online) Laurel Behaviour Support Services offers a series of individualized training and workshops for parents, caregivers, professionals and para-professionals involved in supporting individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. 

Prince George Tennis and Pickleball Club —  We are a not-for-profit organization focused on providing our members and visitors with a quality tennis and/or pickleball experience. Whether you are new to the game, a seasoned player, or just looking to learn more about the sports, you are always welcome at our Clubhouse and courts. 

Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association — We offer therapeutic and recreational horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities. By focusing on the ability of each rider, our program complements the other types of treatment given to physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled individuals.

Rain or Shine Art Studio | Facebook — (Prince Rupert) We are a fun and supportive space where we get to explore all types of art materials, develop individual creativity, connect, be inspired, build confidence, and enjoy creative mess! We are all about the process of art making, over the finished product – and we commend thinking outside the box. 

Orchestra North  Orchestra North has been a place for musicians of all ages and abilities to spend a week learning from world class teaching artists while engaging in workshops, chamber music, and orchestra in Prince George, BC.  

STEM at Home | University of Northern British Columbia (unbc.ca) — We compiled some of our favourite STEM activities perfect for you to try out at home so take a look and dive into the world of STEM! 

Vancouver Island 

Camps: 

Home | A Taste of Learning — (Nanaimo) Summer camps run by the Learning Centre, will take autism funding. 

Easter Seals Summer Programs — (Shawnigan Lake) Easter Seals summer camps are for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities from the age of six and up. With fully accessible facilities and specially trained staff, our programs can accommodate campers with, but not limited to developmental challenges, anxiety disorders, Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy/seizure disorders.  These nature-based day and overnight camps are offered at Shawnigan Lake *Registration now open for summer 2025. 

Embrace Arts for All — Abilities Embrace offers a range of performing arts-based day camp programs for individuals of all abilities. We have programs available for kids, teens, and adults. 

Camp Homewood — (Quadra Island) Family and Individual camps are available; please get in touch with the camp to learn if their programs suit your needs. (Non-secular)

Little Steps Therapy Services —Camp Registration will open on March 1st, 2025 at 9:00am PT. Our camp is a place where children can explore and discover new things in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, crafts, games, and more that are designed to engage and challenge campers while encouraging them to make new friends and create lasting memories. For our teenage campers, we offer the opportunity to not only enjoy camp as a camper but also to take on minor leadership tasks within the camp setting to build their confidence and skills.

Power to Be — Inclusive Camps in the Victoria area. 

Sooke Community — Living Camps All activities are planned to provide enjoyment, skill development and appropriate social involvement. Activities are carried out in an age-appropriate manner and are flexible to allow for the different abilities of the participants in a way that ensures success. 

Stepping Stones Therapy – Offers camps and services for neurodivergent children, accepts autism funding.  

Programs: 

Canucks Autism Network — Programs for children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum. Province-wide.  

Summer Groups | CVST (comoxvalleyspeechtherapy.com) -Based on Social Thinking (™) methodology, our Summer Social Groups will help children learn to: Build social observational skills, Strengthen perspective-taking skills, Determine one’s own and others’ thoughts and feelings, Strengthen and conceptualize physical presence and self-awareness in a group, Follow a group plan, Develop problem-solving and language skills, and Become a social thinker!

Cowichan Therapeutic Riding — (Duncan) Offers various therapeutic programs. Using the horse’s movement and equestrian principles, therapeutic riding achieves various objectives in a safe and enjoyable environment. It can improve balance, posture, coordination and basic physiological functions. It also encourages confidence, promotes self-esteem and improves communication and social skills. 

Girls Club — Monthly activities in Victoria for neurodivergent girls (trans inclusive).   

Island Clinical Counselling Summer Groups (Nanaimo) ICC offers regular child and youth specific group programming throughout the year. Child therapists provide groups for children and youth that are inclusive. Groups allow children and youth to receive both connection and support. We use creative methods to engage participants and make them feel comfortable.  All groups are neurodivergent and diverse ability friendly.  We welcome the Autistic community.  Ages are based on your child or youth’s developmental age and fit for group rather than just chronological age. 

Kaleidoscope Theatre Kaleidoscope’s Day Camps are designed to give kids the tools they need to succeed in the world of theatre. Students will learn invaluable practical techniques, develop their instincts as performers, and craft stories with other aspiring artists. Whether your child is interested in acting, musical theatre, improvisation, or performance, we have a program that will meet their needs and challenge them to grow. *Summer camp registration opens April 1, 2025. 

Pivot Point — (Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo) Social skill groups, behavioural therapy and online programming.  

Rise — Behaviour Social skills groups in both the Victoria, Comox and Coutney locations. Limited spots available.  

Spark Therapy Group — (Campbell River) Offering behavioural therapy, social groups and and girls empowerment group.  

Victoria Conservatory of Music – Therapy Summer Program — For children ages 1-8 with visual, cognitive, sensory, communication and motor challenges. Offered at Victoria and Westhills locations.  

Vertical Performing Arts — Offers adaptive music, movement and dance camp.  

Victoria Therapeutic Riding—VTRA is offering four weeks of summer camps to children and teens with diverse abilities! Note: Participation in camps requires completing the regular intake process for VTRA programs, including the physician’s forms. 

Skill Building Programs: 

Engineering for Kids – (Victoria) Various programs based in S.T.E.M. 

Just for Kicks, Nanaimo United FC —Just for Kicks is a dedicated soccer program for players in the diverse needs community who would benefit from an adaptive sport environment. Just for Kicks allows players to explore the sport of soccer, learn skills, make friends, and participate in an activity with their peers. Schedule for Spring: Friday Sessions (May 2nd – June 20th) 3:30-4:30pm | Merle logan Turf

Kiowa Farms Therapeutic Riding — A research-based equine assisted therapy intervention focused on building stress resilience. The program integrates riding and/or horsemanship activities with movement, social communication, stress management skills, challenges, enjoyment, and rest.

Pivot Point Family Growth Centers — (Various locations) Pivot Point’s Group Activities available for children, teens and adults with Autism or Diverse Abilities, as well as our groups for Caregivers and for Professionals & Service Providers.

PISE — (Victoria) Our kids’ programs provide a friendly, safe and welcoming environment to explore movement. Through providing a quality physical activity experience that focuses on games and play, children develop their physical literacy. We aim to inspire children to play their way to confidence, skill development, fun, teamwork, cooperation, respect and inclusivity

RISE Behaviour Services — (Victoria, Courtenay) We provide Social Skills Summer Camps to allow children a chance to connect with others of similar age and ability. We facilitate socialization by teaching, guiding, and supporting communication, appropriate (pro social) behaviour, and tools when dealing with potentially stressful situations. By practicing with peers, we give children the confidence they need to make friends in real-life contexts.

SUPA Surf’s Up Program — Registration opens annually in February and winners will be selected. The event invites autistic kids (ages 7-17) and their siblings to participate in a supported surf lesson and a fun day for the whole family.

Workshop & Learning Opportunities: 

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) 

Family Smart “In the Know”

Province Wide 

BC Wildlife Federation Youth Camps (day and overnight) Offering a variety of conservation programs for all ages, such as summer camps, leadership opportunities, classroom education, and more.

Social Diversity for Children Foundation Summer and year-round programming. Offering music, art, drama and more.

Need something more? 

Camps.ca 

Special Olympics BC 

Support Worker Central 

Aide Canada Summer Fun Collection – collection of activities, ideas, low cost and accessible organizations.   

Autism on the Road: 10 Tips for a Successful Summer Vacation  

Playing Outdoors: Building Skills, Exploring and Creating Memories for Autistic Children 

Summer Fun at Home 

Sensory Regulation Tips for Summer 

Funding

Camp Fees Supplement BC  

Jumpstart – Individual Child Grants  

Kamps for Kids Funding  (Victoria BC only) 

Kid Sport Canada Funding   

Ensuring Recreation Includes Everyone Resource Guide  

ACT (Autism Community Training) also has a more in-depth list of summer activities HERE