When your child faces behavioral health challenges, finding the right support system is crucial. While traditional summer camps are fun and engaging, they often lack the specialized support needed for children dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or other behavioral and emotional issues. That’s why camps designed specifically for children with behavioral health challenges are a great option—they offer the opportunity for your child to build confidence, develop social skills, and feel truly understood in a safe environment.
In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 camps from our Camp Listings that focus on supporting kids with behavioral health needs. Day camps foster emotional growth, and overnight programs provide structured, therapeutic environments that help children thrive.
What to Look for in Behavioral Health Camps
Before diving into the list, it’s important to know what to look for in a camp that specializes in behavioral health. The right camp should have:
- Trained, compassionate staff experienced in working with children facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Low staff-to-camper ratios to ensure personalized support and guidance.
- Therapeutic activities that help build coping skills, social understanding, and emotional resilience.
- Behavioral strategies that focus on positive reinforcement and individual growth.
If a camp seems overly focused on strict discipline or promises to “fix” your child’s behavior, it may be a red flag. Look for camps that prioritize emotional support, positive reinforcement, and have a track record of working with mental health professionals.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best camps available.
10 Behavioral Health Camps for Children
1. ADHD Summer Treatment Program (Ohio, National)
This seven-week structured program supports children ages 6-14 who have ADHD and related behavioral challenges. Campers participate in a variety of fun activities designed to help them learn and practice important social skills. Plus, the camp includes parent training sessions to extend positive outcomes into the home environment.
2. Barstow Acres (Maryland, National)
Serving children ages 5-13 with behavioral and socio-emotional issues, Barstow Acres is more than just a summer camp. Their therapeutic day program focuses on developing pro-social behaviors through engaging activities and structured group interactions. The camp’s comprehensive approach also addresses anxiety and emotional regulation.
3. Camp Attaway (Maryland, National)
This three-week day camp in Maryland serves children ages 7-13 with emotional and behavioral disorders. They use a variety of therapeutic interventions, including art, music, and outdoor play, to support emotional growth in a fun and nurturing environment. The camp also offers a scholarship program to help cover tuition fees for eligible families.
4. Camp Nuhop (Ohio)
Camp Nuhop is a camp with both day and overnight options. They offer specialized programming for children and young adults ages 6-29 with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and other neurodiversities. Camp Nuhop creates a supportive and inclusive environment that meets each camper’s unique needs.
5. Camp Starfish (New England States)
A beloved choice for families throughout the New England area, Camp Starfish provides day, overnight, and weekend respite camps for children with emotional, learning, and behavioral difficulties. Their structured setting and individualized approach make it a safe space for campers to grow, explore, and gain confidence.
6. Child Mind Summer Program (New York)
This camp serves children ages 5-10 who struggle with ADHD or other behavioral issues. The Child Mind Summer Program uses a comprehensive treatment approach that includes therapeutic play, social skills building, and family involvement. With a focus on improving behavioral, learning, and social outcomes, this four-week program aims to provide lasting benefits. The program offers financial aid to families who qualify.
7. Community Therapeutic Day Camp (Washington)
This camp provides a great option for children ages 5-18, tailored to kids with behavioral issues, mental health diagnoses, or developmental disabilities. Their compassionate staff works closely with campers to develop behavioral strategies and improve social and emotional well-being through group and individual activities.
8. Camp Roger (Michigan, National)
Camp Roger offers day and overnight summer camp sessions for campers in grades 1 through 9. They provide a limited number of spots for children with special needs, including behavioral disorders. This camp focuses on creating an inclusive environment where all children can experience a traditional camp setting while receiving the extra support they need.
9. Jameson Camp (Indiana)
Jameson Camp provides both day and overnight options for youth ages 5-15 with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. What sets this camp apart is its emphasis on fostering resilience and emotional well-being through experiential learning, group activities, and individualized support. Whether it’s your child’s first time away or they’re returning for another summer, Jameson Camp’s welcoming environment helps campers feel right at home.
10. Quest Summer Camp (California)
This camp is for children and teens ages 6-18 with mild to moderate behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. They offer a balanced blend of recreational activities, group therapy, and structured support. By providing a therapeutic environment where kids can enjoy the fun of summer while developing key social and behavioral skills, Quest Summer Camp makes a meaningful impact.
Search for Behavioral Health camps today
On our website, you can browse over 2,000 camps that support a wide range of diagnoses and conditions. You can even filter your search for camps that offer financial assistance to eligible families. Visit our Camps section to explore even more programs and find the support your child deserves!
