Embrace the Season: North Carolina Winter Camps for Children with Autism

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Winter Camp Options in North Carolina



YMCA of the Triangle Camps

If you're looking for a winter camp that your child with autism will love, the YMCA of the Triangle could be your best bet. They have a lineup of camps perfectly crafted to offer a safe and enriching environment for kids to explore and enjoy some tech-free fun.


Here's what they've got for you:


  • Traditional Day Camps

  • Sports Day Camps

  • Four Square Camps

  • Overnight Camps

  • School Holiday Camps

  • Track Out Camps


These camps ensure everyone feels welcome, providing a supportive atmosphere for kids with various needs. For more juicy details about what they offer and to check availability, dive into our section on autism-friendly winter activities in North Carolina.


Camp Caraway Winter Camp

Mark your calendars! Camp Caraway's Winter Camp is the place to be from January 17-19, 2026. It’s open to boys and girls in grades 3-6, along with their trusty chaperones. And for the ticket price of $185, you're in for a whirlwind of activities.


This camp is all about having fun, building skills, and making friends in a setting that’s as supportive as a hug from Grandma. The team there knows their stuff with special training to engage with kids with autism, ensuring everyone walks away with a smile and good memories.

Camp Name Dates Grades Cost
Camp Caraway Winter Camp January 17-19, 2026 3-6 $185

Want to get the full scoop on activities and how to sign up? Jump over to our article on North Carolina winter programs for kids with autism.


Choosing the right camp means a world of difference for parents and guardians. To explore even more fab winter activities and sports geared perfectly for children with autism, feast your eyes on North Carolina winter activities for kids with autism and North Carolina winter sports for children with autism.


Registration and Programs at Camp Royall

Families looking for a winter camp in North Carolina for kids with autism? Camp Royall rolls out the welcome mat with online sign-ups, help for those needing a hand with fees, and top-notch safety and care. Your peace of mind? Absolutely their priority.


Registration Process at Camp Royall

Get clicking in May for fall and winter fun. Spring and summer fans, your starting line is November. Held by late January, a lottery decides who goes where for summer, with a heads-up arriving early February.


Here's the lowdown on when to mark your calendar:

Program Season Registration Start Date Notification of Placement
Fall/Winter May Early February (for winter)
Spring/Summer November Early February (for summer)

Curious about the nitty-gritty? Head over to their site for all the details.


Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Money a bit tight? Camp Royall's got your back. They're all about breaking down barriers, so families can breathe easy. Scholarships are part of the online sign-up deal, making North Carolina's winter camps for kids with autism less of a financial stretch.

Assistance Offered Application Process
Scholarships During online registration
Financial Aid Available on request

Supervision and Safety Measures

Safety and comfort? Camp Royall's bread and butter. There's personal care for every camper, especially those who need a bit more help. Got a kiddo who might need that extra hand? They've got it covered with 1:1 supervision.


During overnights, it's safety in numbers—with 16 campers max per cabin and three caring staff champs looking after them, day or night.

Camp Aspect Supervision Details
Overnight Camps 16 campers per cabin, 3 staff members per cabin
Day and Rest Periods Staff always present
Individual Attention 1:1 supervision where needed

Families can keep their finger on the pulse with daily check-ins, night-time chats with your camper, and a peek into camp life through online pics. It's all about keeping you in the loop with junior's adventure.


Camp Activities and Experience

Winter camps in North Carolina have something special lined up for kids with autism. From fun games to spiritual happenings, it's a place where memories and friendships get made. Let's have a peek at what’s waiting for these campers!


Team Building and Challenges

At Winter Camp at Camp Caraway, it's all about getting kids to work together. Think of cool challenges and friendly competitions. Everything here is designed to make campers bond and transform strangers into buddies. The activities are crafted to be inclusive, letting every child shine in their own way. Whether it's running around obstacle courses or just chilling with games and play, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Team Activity What's Involved
Obstacle Courses Fun workouts that boost teamwork
Group Games Get social and make new pals
Team Challenges Solve puzzles together and think as one

Bible Teachings and Worship

Spiritual stuff gets its own spotlight at Camp Caraway. Kids get to dive into Bible lessons that make sense for their age, with worship tossed in to help them discover more about their faith. These sessions make everyone feel welcome, making sure all campers can join, learn, and grow spiritually.


Communication and Connection

You can't put a price on good communication, especially for kids with autism. Camp Royall nails this with systems that keep both campers and their families in the loop. Parents get daily check-ins about what their kid’s been up to mixed with phone calls to keep that connection alive from a distance. Plus, families can catch camp action through pictures online.

Communication Tool What's It For
Daily Reports Peek into daily happenings and growth moments
Nightly Phone Calls Real-time connect for parents' peace of hand
Online Photo Access See kiddos in action and snap those camp memories

This camp thinks communication is way more than just updates—it's about letting every child speak their mind, hang tight with their families, and know they’ve got a team backing them up.


Adventure Recovery Programs

Adventure Recovery shakes things up with one-of-a-kind programs aimed at helping kids with autism during the colder months. They marry therapy with the great outdoors to give a well-rounded, feel-good experience.


Program Offerings

Adventure Recovery presents a host of programs shaped to fit the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Imagine nature therapy, adventure-packed counseling, and plenty of physical activities—all rolled into one to help kids grow strong inside and out.

Program Type Description
Wilderness Therapy Taps into nature's playground to boost emotional and psychological health.
Adventure-Based Counseling Mixes thrilling activities like hiking and kayaking with a sprinkle of therapy.
Custom Individual Programs Crafted just for each kiddo with their likes and needs front and center.
Group Programs Fun group happenings to get everyone socializing and working as a team.
Family Sessions Quality time sessions that build strong family ties and open up understanding.

Adventure Recovery Team

The Adventure Recovery crew is a handpicked bunch, absolutely shining at guiding kids and families through life-changing outdoor escapades. Each member brings a treasure trove of know-how to make sure it's safe and eye-opening for kids with autism.

Team Member Qualifications Experience
Tim Walsh Wilderness First Aid, CPR & AED Instructor, ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and more. Founder and seasoned guide in the wonders of the wild.
Josh Flaherty Recovery Coach Trainer Armed with over 15 years in showbiz and a rich background in mental wellness.
Nate Bennick American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, B.S. in Psychology Knows his way around outdoor therapy and helping young folks.
Max Hyman Long-term recovery expert Guides through rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking, steering toward multiple roads to healing.

For those on the lookout for autism-friendly winter activities in North Carolina, Adventure Recovery's lineup serves up a welcoming and engaging space. The mix of skills in the team ensures every young adventurer gets the care and focus they need.


Additional Winter Camps in North Carolina

Need somewhere cool for your child with autism to hang out when the temperature drops? North Carolina has options. These winter camps come loaded with activities and create a warm, welcoming vibe for kids with special needs. Check these three camps out:


Camp CARE

Got a kid who’s been battling cancer in the Charlotte area? Camp CARE (Cancer Ain’t Really the End) steps in with a laid-back, community feel. While the main groove is a summer camp, they don’t stop when winter hits. Kids with cancer, aged 6-16, along with their siblings, can dive into year-round fun.

Age Group Siblings Allowed Location
6-16 Yes Charlotte

Camp Carefree

Since 1986, Camp Carefree has opened its arms to kids with chronic illnesses, offering a stress-free, one-week getaway. Not just for the kiddos in the trenches but also for their siblings and those with parents who are unwell. It’s free, it’s inclusive, and it’s especially understanding towards kids with autism.

Age Group Siblings Allowed Duration Fee
Varies Yes 1 week Free

Camp Rainbow and Camp Sunshine Dreams

Camp Rainbow, stationed in eastern North Carolina, is a haven for kids aged 6-18 with cancer and wraps arms around their siblings too. It’s a cost-free week jam-packed with experiences they’ll never forget. And even if it’s cancer that’s the focus, they’ve got an open heart for related challenges like autism.


Over in California, Camp Sunshine Dreams mirrors this vibe. Though further afield, it could give North Carolina families ideas and a nudge to discover or create similar setups locally.

Camp Age Group Siblings Allowed Location Fee
Camp Rainbow 6-18 Yes Eastern North Carolina Free
Camp Sunshine Dreams Varies Yes California Free
Fayge Orzel • February 22, 2025
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