Camp Boggy Creek is a year-round camp specifically designed for children with chronic or life threatening illnesses that allows them to safely enjoy the activities of a "traditional" camp. The camp also offers weeklong summer sessions for children and family retreat weekends for the whole family.

There is no charge for the children or families who attend Camp Boggy Creek. Summer programs allow the child a week of fun, adventure, and independence with activities like swimming, fishing, boating, arts & crafts, theater, singing, and dancing in a setting that provides complete medical care. Sessions are divided among 13 different illness groups. The cost of staffing and operating the camp is covered by contributions from individuals, healthcare partnerships, foundations, and corporations.

One of the small, but important, highlight of camp are the hand-made bears made of cotton fabric, colorful print, or plaid that each camper receives. These bears, more often than not, become treasured family members upon departure from camp.

The camp utilizes nearly 1,500 volunteers per year to accomplish its mission. Additional information on ways your family can volunteer (including how to make the popular bears) is detailed on the camp website.

To request an application to attend camp, fill out online form or call 352.483.4200, ex 252.

The City of Orlando Families, Parks & Recreation Department includes the Parks Division, Recreation Division, Harry P. Leu Gardens, After-School All-Stars Orlando, Dubsdread Golf Course, Mennello Museum of American Art, and more.

The After-School All-Stars Orlando offers structured before and after-school programs at area middle schools, and a seven-week summer camp program for elementary and middle school age children. The summer camps, held at recreation and neighborhood centers across Orlando, offer diverse activities including swimming, crafts, outdoor activities, nature programs, field trips, computer labs, cultural arts, puppets, game room activities, music, dance, and more. Register online at cityoforlando.net or by calling 407.246.4081.

Easter Seals Florida has its headquarters in Orlando and has seven regional offices in the state helping individuals with disabilities and special needs - and their families - live better lives.

The Sprint Easter Seals Community Playground in Ward Park is a fully accessible playground for all children. The state-of-the-art playground, which has abundant handicap parking and access to handicap restrooms, is open to the public. An adaptive physical education teacher is on hand for Community Playground Play Days on the third Saturday of every month at 10am to show families how to use the equipment.

Easter Seals Florida also operates Camp Challenge, a fully accessible summer camp for children and adults in Sorrento. Campers participate in arts & crafts, nature activities, a universal high and low ropes course, music, dancing, outside entertainers, farm animals, and other camp activities.

Since 1969, Quest�s Camp Thunderbird has been dedicated to providing a real summer camp experience for children and adults with special needs, giving them a chance to learn key skills while making new friends and unforgettable memories.

The Therapy Place provides children from infancy to young adulthood with special needs with programs for developmental growth, learning, socialization, and full inclusion in society.

The center works with children diagnosed with a variety of disorders including developmental delay, autism/spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Downes Syndrome, sensory integration dysfunction, and other health-related and developmental disorders.

Services include Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Horsebackriding, and more. The Therapy Place also offers developmental pre-school and after school programs.

Staff members consist of experienced health care professionals and licensed pediatric therapists. Call to set up an appointment.

The United Cerebral Palsy Child Development Centers offer enrichment and development programs for special needs children of all ages.

Some of the services and programs provided include a Pre-School Charter School, a Middle School Charter School, Before and After School Programs, Summer Enrichment Programs, Developmental "Parent and Child" Playgroups, Pediatric Therapy, and Family Support and Training.

The website offers a wealth of information regarding each program, as well as information on volunteering and what it takes to become a Special Kids Foster Care Parent.