5 Summer Programs & Extracurricular Activities for Your Loved One

Summer is almost here, and if you’re a parent or caregiver, you know what that means—no structured schedules. And the question that starts echoing in your head: “What do we do now?”

While a slow summer might sound nice in theory, the reality is very different. Summer breaks can throw off routines, interrupt the progress your loved one has been making, and leave long days feeling unstructured and sometimes overwhelming for the whole family.

Luckily, a number of summer programs and extracurricular activities are available, offering opportunities for growth, connection, and enjoyment. And your support coordinator is here to help you navigate the options.

Why Summer Programs Matter

Summer programs do a lot for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They keep routines on track by maintaining the daily structure that many people thrive on. They build skills and confidence in a fun, low-pressure setting. They create real engagement and purpose. Plus, they give families a chance to recharge knowing their loved one is participating in something meaningful.

RELATED: Strategies for Building Independence in Young Adults with Autism

5 Types of Summer Programs to Explore in New Jersey

1. Inclusive Summer Camps

Camps designed specifically to welcome participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ranging from day camps to overnight programs. Look for trained counselors, low staff-to-participant ratios, and clear communication with families.

Examples: Camp Oakhurst and local YMCAs often run inclusive day camp programs.

2. Recreational Programs

Community programs like sports leagues, swimming lessons, art classes, and music programs actively welcome participants of all abilities.

Examples: Special Olympics New Jersey, local parks and recreation departments, and YMCA swim programs.

3. Community-Based Activities

Free or low-cost programming in your neighborhood.

Examples: library summer programs, open recreation time at parks, and community center events.

4. Skill-Building Programs

Programs focused on learning life skills, vocational exploration, social communication, or independence skills like using public transportation or managing money.

5. Extended School Year (ESY) Services

Educational services available through your school district are designed to prevent regression. Eligibility is determined by your IEP team and typically covered at no cost.

How Your Support Coordinator Can Help You Find the Right Fit

You don’t have to figure this out alone. That’s what your support coordinator is here for.

Here’s how they can help:

• They get to know your loved one. Your support coordinator takes time to understand not just what your loved one can do, but what they enjoy, what motivates them, and what their goals are for the summer. Do they want to build confidence? Try something new? Make friends? Build specific skills? These conversations matter.
• They recommend programs that fit. Based on your loved one’s interests, abilities, and goals, your coordinator can point you toward programs that are actually a good match, not just what’s available.
• They help you understand your options. Inclusive vs. specialized programs? Day camp vs. recreational classes? Your coordinator can explain the differences and help you think through what makes sense for you and your loved one’s availability.
• They connect you with trusted resources. Your support coordinator often has relationships with community programs, camps, and providers. They can introduce you to places they know and trust, and they often know which programs have experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• They help you evaluate safety and quality. When it comes to staff training, safety protocols, accessibility, and supervision ratios, your support coordinator can help you ask the right questions and evaluate whether a program is a good fit for your loved one’s needs.
• They can help with funding. Summer programs aren’t always affordable. Your support coordinator understands the funding available through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and can help connect you with resources to help cover costs.

RELATED: Navigating NJ DDD Funding Limitations Without Compromising Care

How to Get Started

Ready to explore summer programs for your loved one? Here’s the path forward:

Step 1: Have a conversation with your support coordinator. Talk about what summer could look like. What are your goals? Is your loved one looking for social connection, skill-building, just fun engagement, or a mix of everything? What does success look like for your family? Be honest and transparent about budget, transportation needs, and any support requirements.

Step 2: Understand what’s available and what’s affordable. Your support coordinator can walk you through available services under your plan and help you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Knowing your budget upfront makes the search easier.

Step 3: Start researching and applying early. Popular programs fill up fast. Once you’ve identified a few options you’re interested in, reach out and apply. Many programs have application deadlines in April for summer sessions.

Step 4: Ask good questions. When you’re considering a program, ask about:

• Staff training and experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Staff-to-participant ratios
• How the program adapts activities for different abilities
• Communication with families (how will you hear about your loved one’s day?)
• Physical accessibility
• Flexibility if your loved one needs adjustments

Step 5: Start small if you’re uncertain. If you’re unsure about a new program, maybe start with one week instead of committing to the whole summer. This gives your loved one a chance to adjust and gives you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be a blank slate or a source of stress. With the right program, the right support, and the right planning, it can be one of the best parts of your loved one’s year.

That’s where your support coordinator comes in. Reach out to them this spring. Share your hopes for summer. Let them help you find programs that align with your loved one’s interests, abilities, and goals.

Because every young person deserves a summer that matters, one filled with growth, connection, and joy.

Interested in exploring summer programs for you or your loved one, but don’t have a support coordinator yet? Contact Skylands Family Support to get started.