EXPERTS & RESOURCES
Experts and resources beyond REEL for families navigating twice-exceptionality, from diagnosis to thriving.
ND FRIENDLY SUMMER SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
Summer can be both a special and challenging time, especially without the routines and structure of daily life. For older kids, it can be a great opportunity to volunteer, get involved in the community, or try a part-time job. At the same time, it’s important to balance activities with what works best for your family—making room for downtime, rest, family time, and fun. As always, we hope you find what’s right for your kids and your family.
Name | Location | Community Comments |
|---|---|---|
Akeela | Vermont | “As the kids age, they can check out ‘Beyond Akeela’, which aims to prepare them with the life skills they need to live independently and/or on a college campus.” - C.T." |
Altitude | Santa Clara, California | “This is an outdoorsy, swimming, hiking, crafting camp. You can do an intake interview with the person who runs the program, and she will answer all of your questions.” - C.T." |
Camp Sequoia | Pennsylvania | “My son who has ADHD and social anxiety went to Camp Sequoia. He was 17 at the time but it was the best experience of his life and I only wish I had discovered it when he was younger.” - C.E. |
Hidden Villa | Los Altos Hills, California | "My son had a successful time at the Hidden Villa Residential (sleepaway) camp. They really do aim to be inclusive. Whatever they did, it worked for him, and he had a good time there." - L.L. |
Summit Camp | Pennsylvania | Sleepaway Summer Camp for youth that have social and emotional learning challenges, any age from 8 years to 21 years. |
Talisman | North Carolina | “This camp has a large variety of programs, for ADHD and autism (or both). The programs range from 1-4 weeks.” - L.L. |
Timbertop | Wisconsin | “Extensive intake process. Can deal with behaviors except for elopement. Structured activities in the morning, free afternoons at the lake. Farm animals!” - L.L. |
Yunasa | Michigan and Colorado | Designed and led by eminent experts in the field of gifted youth, Yunasa embraces gifted children for who they are, helping them understand and work with the unique joys and challenges. |
Summer Institue for the Gifted | Yale, Cornell, Bryn Mwr, Fairfiled University, UCLA | SIG provides dynamic and innovative approaches for supplementing the education of our world’s most gifted and talented students, ensuring that they receive the individual attention they require. |
Please Note: This is not a comprehensive list of resources, but rather a collection of known or sourced resources.
Many resources are specific to San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties in Northern California, while others may be helpful regardless of location. THESE RESOURCES HAVE NOT BEEN VETTED BY THE REEL TEAM. Individual experiences may vary. We encourage you to use the resources as a starting point.
If you would like to ask whether anyone in our community has direct experience with a particular resource, please join the REEL 2e Google Group. To request an addition to these resources or share an update, please email hello@reel2e.org.