Summer Camp
At Aaron’s Acres, Summer Camp is where kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities (age groups 5–21 or 22-40) get to do real camp—swimming, games, making friends, and new adventures—in a setting that fully accepts and supports them.
Apply for Camp Staff Positions
Click Here for Summer 2026 Dates and Times
Summer Camp (5-21)
Location: New Holland Community Park; 400 E Jackson St., New Holland, PA 17557
- Session 1: June 15 – June 26
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 12:30pm or 9am – 4pm
- Session 2: July 6 – July 17 (AAAOK and A-TEAM)
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 4pm
- Session 3: July 20 – July 31
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 12:30pm or 9am – 4pm
Adult Summer Camp (22-40)
Location: Lampeter Strasburg YMCA; 800 Village Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602
- July 7-9 and July 14-16
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- 9am – 1pm
A Summer Camp Where Every Ability Belongs
Therapeutically Based Recreation
Summer Camp at Aaron’s Acres is a therapeutically based half-day or full-day camp where activities are designed and led by specially trained staff to support social, emotional, and communication skills.
Relationship-Focused
With low staff-to-camper ratios (often 1:1 or 1:2) for ages 5-21, our team can meet the complex needs of our campers while encouraging independence, friendship, and fun.
Who Summer Camp Is For
Summer Camp is designed for children, teens, and young adults with disabilities ages 5–21 who benefit from extra support in order to fully participate in typical camp activities.
- Ages 5–21 with developmental, physical, or complex needs.
- Campers who may not be able to participate in traditional summer camps without additional support.
- Families looking for a program that embraces the whole family and offers emotional and educational support as well as recreation.
We now offer an Adult Summer Camp for ages 22-40; a two-week summer camp program with a staff ratio of 1:4!
Click Here More Details about Adult Summer Camp
The camp runs for a total of six days over two weeks: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00am – 1:00pm.
During these weeks, we have games, activities, swimming, and field trips that encourage socialization and communication within the group alongside the daily schedules and routines created by our staff with a ratio of 1:4.
Activities include swimming, fitness/exercise, group games, crafts, snack, special entertainers, field trips, and community outings.
See Year-Round Programs for Ages 18–40
What Camp Days Include
During Summer Camp, campers take part in a full range of classic camp activities adapted so everyone can participate. Each day blends movement, creativity, and connection with plenty of time for breaks and sensory needs.
Activities include:
- Swimming and water play
- Horseback riding
- Arts & crafts, music, and drama
- Outdoor games, sports, and playground time
- Nature activities and sensory play
- Special theme days and camp traditions
Special visitors include:
- Magician
- Ventriloquist
- Reptiles
- Musicians
Camp Day Options
AM Camp Sessions (ages 5-21)
Morning sessions follow a classic camp rhythm—games, crafts, swimming, music therapy, horseback riding (at select locations), circle time, and snack—all adapted so every camper can join in.
PM Camp Sessions (ages 5-21)
Afternoon sessions continue the fun with more games, crafts, swimming, and visits from special entertainers and local businesses, plus occasional community outings to enjoy nearby attractions.
Aaron’s Acres Acts of Kindness (ages 13-21)
AAAOK is an afternoon option where adolescents head into the community to complete age-appropriate service projects with their peers—visiting nursing homes, helping in thrift stores, and sorting or bagging food at local food banks.
A-TEAM (ages 13-21)
The A-TEAM is a specialized afternoon program for teens with low support needs. Campers take part in age-appropriate recreational activities and community outings—like bowling, therapeutic riding, and visits to local businesses—along with games and challenges designed to strengthen socialization and communication skills.
Adult Summer Camp (ages 22-40)
Adult Summer Camp is a two-week, daytime camp experience for adults ages 22–40. During each session, participants focus on getting to know one another while practicing communication and social skills through games, activities, swimming, cooking classes, craft projects, and community outings.
Note: To participate in PM Camp, AAAOK, or A-TEAM, campers must be registered for both the AM and PM programs for that session.
View Photos & Videos from Camp
Where & When Camp Runs
Aaron’s Acres offers Summer Camp that runs over several weeks in June, July, and August. Camp sessions operate five days a week, giving campers time to settle into routines and build lasting relationships.
- Counties served, but not limited to: Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon, York, and Lancaster
- Format: Day camp (no overnights)
- Schedule: Multiple sessions across the summer; exact dates and times listed in the application portal each year
Click Here for Summer 2026 Dates and Times
Summer Camp (5-21)
Location: New Holland Community Park; 400 E Jackson St., New Holland, PA 17557
- Session 1: June 15 – June 26
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 12:30pm or 9am – 4pm
- Session 2: July 6 – July 17 (AAAOK and A-TEAM)
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 4pm
- Session 3: July 20 – July 31
- Monday – Friday
- 9am – 12:30pm or 9am – 4pm
Adult Summer Camp (22-40)
Location: Lampeter Strasburg YMCA; 800 Village Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602
- July 7-9 and July 14-16
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- 9am – 1pm
Each year’s dates, locations, and available session options are posted in our online registration portal as soon as applications open.
How to Apply
1
Create or log in to your account: Visit our registration page to set up your family profile and camper information.
2
Complete the Summer Camp application: Select your preferred session(s), locations, and transportation options (where available). Share important details about your child’s needs, strengths, and supports.
3
Submit required forms & confirm placement: Upload medical or support documentation. Our team reviews each application and will contact you to confirm your camper’s placement or discuss options. Once your application has been submitted, you can log back in to your Aaron’s Acres/Camp Brain account and complete the necessary forms and documents.
You can also download the medical forms below and return them to ElaineBurnett@aaronsacres.org
Note: If applications are currently closed, you’ll see a message in the portal. You can still create an account and sign up for email updates so you’re ready when next summer’s dates open.
Waitlisting: Please note that our programs have a limited capacity in order to maintain our staffing ratios. You may be placed on a waiting list once you apply.
Cost, Funding & Financial Assistance
Rates and ratios are determined after the intake appointment and based on the needs of the child. Aaron’s Acres is committed to making Summer Camp accessible to as many families as possible. No child is turned away due to disability or an inability to pay, and we work with families to explore funding and support options.
- Camp fees and available funding sources vary by session and county.
- When you apply, you’ll see current rates and can note if financial assistance is needed.
- Our team can help you navigate potential funding options and community resources.
Aaron’s Acres requires a $30.00 nonrefundable application fee, which is separate from the summer camp fees, and due at the time of application.
Ask About Financial Assistance
Questions?
We’re happy to talk through whether Summer Camp is a good fit for your child, walk you through the application, or answer questions about supports and accommodations.
To learn about programs in the future and stay up to date on what is happening at Aaron’s Acres, sign up for our newsletters.
- General Questions Email: info@aaronsacres.org
- Camp Questions Email: ElaineBurnett@aaronsacres.org
- Phone: 717-917-6101
- Contact Form: Contact