Summer is a time for adventure, learning, and making lifelong memories. Finding the right summer camp can provide not only fun but also opportunities for growth, independence, and connection. That’s why we created a special guide —to share valuable resource information on summer camps designed for individuals with disabilities.
From day camps to overnight programs, these camps offer a range of activities, trained staff, and an environment where every camper can thrive. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, engaging in creative arts, or participating in team-building exercises, these programs provide safe and engaging experiences tailored to different needs.
At Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we know that these spots fill up fast so we are dedicated to helping families find the right summer camp options. Our Summer Camp Resource Guide connects families to various programs across Tennessee, ensuring that campers have access to an enriching summer experience.
We’ll continue to update this guide to provide a comprehensive list of available camps, making it easier for families to find the best fit. You can also download a printable copy here (coming soon).
For more information and to explore camp options, visit TNPathfinder.org or call 1-800-640-4636 to speak with a specialist who can help you find the best summer adventure!
📍800 Fort Negley Blvd
Nashville, TN 37203
📞 (615)-862-5160
📧 camps@adventuresci.org
🔗 www.adventuresci.org/events-programs/camps/summer
Adventure Science Center’s goal is to spark curiosity about science and technology, helping us better understand ourselves and the world. Our camps bring this mission to life! They offer a safe, fun, and educational experience where kids explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through hands-on activities and experiments. Campers develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a love for learning while making exciting scientific discoveries.
📍1710 General George Patton Dr. #107
Brentwood, TN 37064
📞 (615) 567-3977
📧 info@backlightproductions.org
🔗 backlightproductions.org/backlight-summer-camps/
A theater arts camp for individuals 16 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Camps run for five days, with two-hour sessions each day, ending in a final performance.
Belmont University Summer Camps
📍1900 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212
📞 (615) 460-6346
📧 belmontacademy@belmont.edu
Belmont University offers a variety of summer camps for elementary, middle, and high school students, focusing on music, sports, and academics. Camp details are updated as schedules are finalized.
Camp Ability
Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center
📍2208 E. Main St
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
📞 (615) 809-2632
📧 aramsey@specialkidstn.com
🔗 www.specialkidstn.com/camp-ability
A day camp for children and young adults (ages 11-25) with special needs. Campers engage in fun, social, and faith-based activities designed to highlight their abilities. With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, each participant receives personalized support to ensure a meaningful experience. Camp Ability is held at North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN.
📍3934 W Union Rd
Millington, TN 38053
📞 (615) 809-2632
📧 info@campconquest.com
🔗 www.campconquest.com
A weeklong overnight Christian camp for individuals with special needs, chronic illnesses, or disabilities. Campers experience exciting outdoor activities such as zip-lining, horseback riding, canoeing, and rock climbing, all while receiving 1:1 counselor support and on-site medical care.
Camp Davis
📍Gordon Jewish Community Center
801 Percy Warner Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37205
📞 (615) 356-7170 (ask for camp office)
📧 campdavis@nashvillejcc.org
🔗 www.campdavisnashville.com
Camp Davis at the Gordon JCC provides kids ages 5-16 with their best summer ever! From cooling off in our outdoor pool, to flying high in the trees at the Adventure Park, to late nights around the camp fire with best friends, this will be a summer to remember.
Camp Discovery
📍400 Camp Discovery
Gainesboro, TN 38562
📞 (615) 504-1727
📧 vicepresident@jayceecamp.org
🔗 campdiscoverytn.org/summer-camp
A residential camp for individuals ages 7 and older with physical and intellectual disabilities. Located in Nolensville, this five-day camp features hiking, music, sports, swimming, campfires, and more. Multiple sessions are available.
Camp Horizon
📍University of Tennessee – Chattanooga.
Chattanooga, TN 37403
📧 lindsey@camp-horizon.com
🔗 www.camp-horizon.com
A camp designed for children with physical disabilities, providing them with opportunities to connect with peers and enjoy outdoor activities in a supportive environment.
Camp Horsin’ Around
📍1159 Claunch Rd
Perryville, KY 40468
📞 (502) 227-2557
📧 kusumneal@gmail.com
🔗 camphorsinaround.org
A camp for children with special needs or health challenges, offering an outdoor adventure experience in partnership with various organizations.
Discovery Stable
📍1800 Neelys Bend Rd
Madison, TN 37115
📞 (615) 829-6311
📧 discoverystable@gmail.com
🔗 www.discoverystable.com/
Donald M. Gally Summer Camp (East T ennessee Children’s Hospital)
📍Kiwanis Club Fresh Air Camp
2400 Prosser Rd
Knoxville, TN 37914
📞 (865) 690-8961, ext 3005
📧 Dcseiber@etch.com
🔗 www.etch.com/community/summer-camps
A day camp for children ages 5-14 with special needs. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, and outdoor games, led by therapists, special education teachers, and adaptive recreation specialists.
📍621 E 11th Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403
📞 (423) 803-6944
📧 downsideupinc@gmail.com
🔗 downsideupinc.org
A family-centered camp that fosters growth and connection through creative experiences. Programs include family camps, activity centers, and community events designed to support children and their families.
📍960 Maddox-Simpson Pkwy
Lebanon, TN 37090
📞 (615) 444-0597
📧 downsideupinc@gmail.com
🔗 www.easterseals.com/tennessee
A fully inclusive summer camp for youth ages 7-16, in partnership with YMCA Camp Widjiwagan. Campers participate in activities like canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and daily swimming. Support is tailored to individual needs, with a 1:3 counselor-to-camper ratio and a limited number of 1:1 spots. Day and overnight options are available, with transportation provided.
📍Lebanon, TN 37088
📞 (615) 453-0005
🔗 www.empowermecenter.com
A summer day camp for children ages 5-17 with mild to moderate developmental, physical, or mental disabilities. Offers week-long sessions in June and July, as well as one-day enrichment camps throughout the year.
FUN ED (FUNctional EDucation) (AutismTN Community Partner)
📍Virtual – Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 200-7419
📧 functionaledventures@gmail.com
🔗 www.functionaledventures.com/classes
Virtual Summer Camp designed for students with disabilities
Justin’s Place Camp
📍93705 High Bridge Rd
Wilmore, KY 40390
📞 (859) 215-7111
📧 dhello@justinsplaceky.com
🔗 www.justinsplaceky.com
The Barn Buddies program provides interactive experiences for children ages 3-12 with disabilities. Activities include therapeutic horseback riding, a sensory petting zoo, learning games, and more.
Lakeshore Camp & Retreat Center
📍1458 Pilot Knob Road
Eva, TN 38333
📞 (731) 584-6102
📧 office@lakeshorecamp.org
🔗 lakeshorecamp.org/summer-camp/special-needs-camps/
Camp Joy and Camp Wonder provide a traditional summer camp experience with activities, sessions, and worship. While each cabin has 3-4 counselors, one-on-one care is not available. Campers should be able to follow safety guidelines, participate in group activities, and manage personal care with minimal assistance.
Nashville Zoo – Zooperheroes Camp
📍3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
📞 (615) 833-1534
📧 pr@nashvillezoo.org
🔗 www.nashvillezoo.org/
A specialized camp for children with special needs, offering one-on-one support, small class sizes, visual aids, quiet areas, and structured activities. Campers meet animals, explore the zoo, and participate in hands-on learning, arts, and games.
Next Steps at Vanderbilt
📍230 Appleton Place
Nashville, TN 37212
📞 (615) 875-8090
📧 NextSteps@vanderbilt.edu
🔗 peabody.vanderbilt.edu/departments/nextsteps/
Next Steps Summer Institute is a week-long residential college experience for students between the ages of 17-25 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This week provides students with the opportunity to picture themselves as college students with the hope that it will confirm their college dreams.
R & M Stables
📍1060 Goshentown Rd
Hendersonville, TN 37075
📞 (615) 875-8090
📧 NextSteps@vanderbilt.edu
🔗 www.randmstableshendersonville.com
A weeklong day camp for children ages 6-12, where campers learn about ponies, horseback riding, and animal care in a fun, interactive setting.
Saddle Up!
📍1549 Old Hillsboro Rd
Franklin, TN 37069
📞 (615) 794-1150
📧 info@saddleupnashville.org
🔗 www.saddleupnashville.org/
The region’s largest therapeutic riding program, exclusively serving children and youth with disabilities. Offers year-round equine programs, including summer sessions focused on riding and horsemanship.
The Center for Courageous Kids
📍1501 Burnley Road
Scottsville, KY 42164
📞 (270) 618-2900
📧 info@couragouskids.org
🔗 www.courageouskids.org/
A no-cost camp for children with serious illnesses, providing a safe space for activities like fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and climbing. Each weeklong session serves children ages 7-16 with specific medical conditions.
📍3743 Bear Creek Rd
Thompson’s Station, TN 37179
📞 (978) 376-8062
📧 susan@whitefawnfarm.org
🔗 whitefawnfarm.org
YMCA – Full Circle Programs
📍Bellevue, Brentwood, Green Hills and Donelson-Hermitage Locations
🔗 www.ymcamidtn.org/programs/special-needs-diverse-abilities
An outreach program offering inclusive classes and activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Available at multiple YMCA locations, the program promotes self-sufficiency, socialization, and active living. Summer camps provide a variety of options for ages 6-17.
Founded at the Brentwood Family YMCA in 2001, Full Circle’s presence has since expanded to the Bellevue, Green Hills and Donelson-Hermitage locations.