Summer Fun Packet updated 04_2015

Summer camps, recreational orgs, ideas and tips!
The Westside Family Resource and
Empowerment Center
5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 320
Culver City, CA 90302
(310) 258-4063
www.wfrec.org
Updated May 2015
Name of Agency
Name of Camp
Type of Camp
Ability First
Camp Paivika
Segregated/
Residential Based
(877) 768-4600
(626) 396-1010
Broadway
Gymnastic School
Summer Camp
Integrated/
and Special Ed
Residential Based
Summer Camp
(310) 302-0035
Carousel School
After School
Segregated/
Program/ Camp Residential Based
Developmental
Etta Israel Center Summer @ Etta Disability Age 1465
The Vista
Julia Ann Singer
Inspire Program
Center: A Service
All Types
Extended
of Vista del Mar
School Year
LA Speech &
Language
Say N’Play
Integrated/
Summer Speech
Residential Based
Camp
Contact Person 1
Tel 1
Jeanne Peraza
(310) 645-9222
ext. 105
Leah Schachter
(818) 439-5951
Naomi Salamon
(310) 836-1222
ext 322
Pamela Wiley, Ph.D.
Vista Del Mar Campus
3200 Motor Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
5761 Buckingham Parkway
(310) 649-6199
Culver City, CA. 90230
(310) 821-0963
Various
Prime Time
Prime Time
Sports Camp
Integrated/
Residential Based
(310) 838-7872
Santa Monica, West LA, Silver
Lake
The Help Group
Kids Like Me
Segregated/
Residential Based
818-778-7136
Various locations
The Painted
Turtle
The Painted
Turtle
Segregated/
Residential Based
(310) 451-1353
1300 4th Street, Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cali-Camp
Summer Day
Camp
Integrated/
Residential Based
(310) 455-0404
1717 Old Topanga Cyn Rd,
Topanga, CA 90290
42121 Seven Oaks Road
Angelus Oaks CA 92305
(909) 794-2910
www.Abilityfirst.org
www.carouselschool.c
om
leah@etta.org
Segregated
Craig Johnson
Website
7899 La Tijera Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Summer Camp
Crazzys Camp &
Integrated/
Retreat
Residential Based
Email
5433 Beethoven Street, LA CA info@broadw www.Broadwaygym.c
90066
aygym.com
om
Leaps N Boundz
Wase Wagan
Heather Hallum
Location
Lake Arrowhead
San Bernadino National
Forest
https://www.etta.org
/
Naomisalamo
www.vistadelmar.org/
n@vistadelma
vistainspire
r.org
info@speakla.
com
www.SPEAKLA.com
heather@leap
http://leapsnboundz.c
snboundz.com
om/
http://www.primetim
esportscamp.com/ind
ex.php
kidslikeme@t
http://www.kidslikem
hehelpgroup.o
ela.org/summerrg
camps/
info@thepaint www.thepaintedturtle
edturtle.org
.org
www.calicamp.com
crazzycraig@e http://www.wasewag
arthlink.net
an.com/
Updated May 2015
Camp is Achievable!
Just because children are out of school for the summer, doesn't mean that learning has to stop! Summer camp is a fun and exciting way for
children of all ages to stay social and learn all summer long.
Camp can be especially rewarding for children with autism who face challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction,
and psychosocial functioning. Specialized summer camps incorporate diverse and fun activities that are adapted to a variety of special
needs. These camps provide a safe environment for children with autism to develop independence, confidence, self-reliance, valuable life
skills, and self-esteem. At the same time, sending a child to camp provides much-needed respite opportunities for deserving parents and
caregivers.
Each year, Achievable provides camp scholarships to approximately 90 economically disadvantaged children with autism who do not have
the financial means or supports to have a typical camp experience. Through Camp is Achievable!, these individuals have the opportunity to
attend specialized summer camps in Southern California that promote healthy learning, improve socialization and communication skills, and
provide enriching social experiences.
Apply today! Learn more about the application process and print the application at
http://achievable.org/Programs_Services/Camp_is_Achievable_/index.html. Please mail your completed application with all relevant
financial documentation to Achievable Camp Committee at 5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 320, Culver City, CA 90230. You may also
email your application to info@achievable.org or fax it to (310) 338-9744. If you have any questions or need assistance filling out your
application, please contact us at (424) 266-7474.
GOOD LUCK!
Updated May 2015
Summer Ideas for Children from WFREC
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Plan a day camp with other families and take turns hosting it.
Visit your Local Beach
Zoo
Accessible Parks (www.shanesinspiration.org)
Plan a picnic
Ride bikes
Go on trail walks (local campgrounds or parks)
Nature walks
Treasure Hunts
Visit local Pools
Visit your Local Library (they plan many events and programs for summer)
Matinee Movies
Dollar Movies at certain movie theatres (South Bay Galleria)
Buy season pass to theme parks
Museums
Sight seeing- visit different cities
Aquariums
Play dates with school friends (exchange phone numbers and addresses with child’s classmates)
Plan a calendar with different fun events or projects
Become a member to your local YMCA
The man made beach by Redondo (Sea Side Lagoon)
Have a Backyard camp
Backyard water camp
Camping
Home Depot offers Kid Classes to learn crafts and building http://www.homedepot.com/
Michael’s stores offers arts and crafts classes http://www.michaels.com/
Plant a garden
Visit animal Shelters
Take a train ride
Ride the bus to different cities
Go to the local “swap meet”, flea market, rodium open air market (great time to show child the use of money)
Visit Farmers Markets
Get teenage kids/neighbors to volunteer and help you with playdates, sports etc..
Start a sports camp and talk to your local parks and rec.
Ask local churches to borrow space to make camp or activities (work with other parents to form something)
Visit Post office, take child shopping, Visit factories that make tours (great vocational support)
Visit local fire department or police department (great way to teach your child but also let your local fire
department and police department know about your family)
Work on goals like potty training. Sensory etc. Make Goals for your child at home (Make your own Home IEP
with your own ideas and goals)
Join a book club
Take music lessons
Go for walks and learn about your neighborhood
Some parks offer free lunch for kids during the summer
Visit senior centers
Ask neighbors for minor jobs your child/teenager can take on during the summer (rake leaves, sweep, wash
cars, clean windows, walk groom or feed pets even pet babysitting etc..)
Perfect time to have your children help you prepare an emergency kit and plan for an emergency
More Summer TIPS
Compiled by WFREC
It’s summertime, school is out, and many families are at their wit’s end about how to fill three months of their
children’s free time. Images of summertime are usually cast in a light of hot, lazy, relaxing days by a lake, but the
reality for most working families is the struggle to balance the demands of adult work schedules with providing
safe activities for children. This dilemma often results in hectic, stress-filled days comparable to those during the
school year. While summer camp is an option for some, the cost of day and overnight camps can be too expensive
for many families’ budgets. Structured activities are beneficial, but parents and caregivers should also keep in
mind the advantages of unstructured time for children.
So what do we do to keep young children busy, yet also allow them to enjoy the summer months? Whether your
child is a preschooler or school-age, a wealth of opportunities for fun, educational, and even relaxing activities are
possible. Here are some tips that may be useful for families and caregivers:
Visit the library
Until recently, libraries offered little or nothing for children below the age of three, but in the past few years, many
have introduced programs for toddlers. Children and adults can participate in activities that may include reading
aloud, storytelling, finger plays, rhymes, and songs. Preschoolers usually enjoy the group activities offered by
libraries, where they can participate in puppet shows and arts and crafts activities. For elementary school children,
there are variations of the read-alouds and storytelling hours that often include discussions and presentations by the
children themselves, as well as summer reading programs. Many public libraries also offer training courses for
children in using different software or educational programs.
Discover geography
What makes a place special? What are the physical characteristics of your hometown? Take children for a walk
around your neighborhood and look at what makes it unique. Point out how it is similar to other places you have
been and how it is different. If you live near a park, a lake, a river, a stream or a creek, take your children there and
spend time talking about its uses. Read stories about distant places with children or sing songs to teach geography,
for example "Home on the Range" or "California, Here I Come." Make a wish list of places you would like to visit
with your child. Look them up on a map and plan a trip there--real or pretend.
View and create collections
Go to a children’s museum to view hands-on exhibits or suggest that your children start a "collection" and build
their own museum. They can collect natural materials, such as acorns and leaves from a local park or sea shells
from the beach.
Nature’s best
Older children can learn about weather by using a map to look up the temperature of cities around the world and
discovering how hot each gets in the summer. Watch cloud formations and imagine. Do the shapes look like
horses, ducks or other animals?
At night, children can collect fireflies in jars, or depending on their age, camp out in a tent in the back yard. Create
a treasure map for children to find hidden treats in the yard. Read about your state bird and state flower, and if
possible, bicycle ride to a nearby park to find them.
Use community resources
Watch for special events, such as free outdoor music festivals or concerts. Many communities host evening
concerts in local parks--pack a picnic dinner and enjoy time with your family. People are resources too--collectors,
painters, and backyard naturalists may live in your neighborhood, eager to share their knowledge with children.
Rainy day activities
Summertime often brings thunder clouds. On days when outdoor activities are not possible, you can share family
history and photos with your children. Pull out the old videotapes of past family gatherings and events. Prepare an
indoor picnic with your child or cook dinner together.
Whatever the activity, children can enjoy and appreciate the summer months in ways that are both educational and
stress-reducing for all involved.
Helpful websites
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www.Activitytree.com
www.Familyfun.go.com
http://losangeles.parenthood.com/
http://www.quixo.com/los_angeles_toddler_activities.htm
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/index.jspx
Continue to calendar of ideas…..
June
June 3 Make a poster of summer safety tips with your child.
June 4 Share family history, photos with your child.
June 5 Watch an educational television show with your child and discuss it.
June 6 Pick up a library reading list appropriate for your child's age and help your child get a library card.
June 7 Count the number of steps it takes to walk to the corner with your child.
June
10
Read a newspaper article about the environment with your child.
June
11
Have your child look for bugs. How many different kinds of bugs can he or she find? Size? Color?
June
12
Have your child list all uses of math around the house.
June
13
Cut pieces of paper into shapes and paste them in a quilt pattern with your child.
June
14
Cook dinner with your child and show him or her the do's and don'ts of preparing food.
June
17
Make up a board game with your child.
June
18
Have your child tell you a favorite story.
June
19
Have your child put an ice cube outside. How long until it melts? Until it evaporates?
June
20
Look up events on the day your child was born.
June
21
Take your child on a field trip.
June
24
Make finger puppets with your child. Cut the ends off the fingers of old gloves. Draw faces on the fingers
with felt tip markers, and glue on yarn for hair.
June
25
Help your child find your town on a map.
June
26
Teach your child a new skill like setting the table.
June
27
Ask your child to watch for numbers in TV programs and commercials.
June
28
On trips, make a game of measuring distances and times.
July
July 1
Encourage your child to check out 2 books this month from the library.
July 2
Write a list of your child's favorite animals. Talk about what makes each animal special.
July 3
Include your child in preparing a healthy meal.
July 4
Explain origin of holidays, such as Independence Day.
July 5
Ask your child to write a thank you note or write a note to a relative or friend.
July 8
Ask your child to watch the moon & record changes in size and color.
July 9
Have your child decorate a shoe box to store treasures.
July 10 Talk to your child about fire safety. Discuss a fire escape route and have a mock fire drill.
July 11 Make a grocery list that fits within a budget with your child.
July 12 Learn a tongue twister with your child.
July 15 Talk to your child about avoiding strangers.
July 16 Hide a treasure with your child and draw a map to find it.
July 17 Practice printing or handwriting with your child. Make a certificate for job well done.
July 18 Take a walk or bike ride with your child.
July 19 Discover when things were invented with your child. Make a timeline.
July 22 Have your child swap favorite books with a friend.
July 23 Tell a story. Ask your child to tell it back to you.
July 24
Ask your child to make a collage from things found around the house -- ribbons, string, buttons,
pebbles.
July 25 Show your child how and when to dial 911.
July 26 Take your child to the grocery store. Talk about prices and weights of food.
July 29 Make a wish list of places you would like to visit with your child. Look them up on a map.
July 30 Make a personalized bookmark with your child.
July 31 Read a poem aloud with your child.
August
August 1
Ask your child to study town history from old newspapers.
August 2
Make fingerpaints with soap flakes, water and food coloring with your child.
August 5
Tell your child a story about looking both ways before crossing the street.
August 6
Ask your child to organize the coins in a coin jar.
August 7
Find and use a computer with your child.
August 8
Look for community service activities that can include your child.
August 9
Have your child read a story with a friend or sibling.
August 12
Have your child talk with a person from another state or country.
August 13
Cut a snack, such as an apple or orange, into equal parts and talk about fractions with your
child.
August 14
Turn off the TV for family reading time.
August 15
Compare history as presented on TV and in reference books with your child.
August 16
Have your child read your recipe to you.
August 19
Take your child to the park or playground.
August 20
Have your child find 3 jobs in the classifieds that interest him or her and discuss them.
August 21
Ask your child what being responsible means to him or her.
August 22
Measure objects in a room with your child. Make a floor plan.
August 23
Read about your state bird and state flower with your child.
August 26
Visit the library for a special children's program.
August 27
Help your child organize his or her own library.
August 28
Have your child be a pet detective and observe an animal.
August 29
String a macaroni necklace with your child. Have him or her count the pieces of macaroni.
August 30
Make a time capsule with your child and save it for a year or two.
Look up your local Seasonal or Year-Round Pools
 For City of Los Angeles please visit:
http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/aquatic.htm
 For the Culver City Municipal Plunge call (310) 253-6680 or visit:
http://culvercity.org/Government/PRCS/Recreation/Aquatics/rec_swim.aspx
 For Santa Monica Swim Center call (310) 458-8700 or visit:
http://www01.smgov.net/aquatics/
 For City of Inglewood swimming pools call (310) 412-5111 or visit:
http://cityofinglewood.org/depts/rec/recreation_and_cultural_services/park_facilit
ies/default.asp
 For City of Hawthorne Aquatics call (310) 970-7228 or visit:
http://www.cityofhawthorne.com/depts/publicworks/commservices/aquatics/
 For Malibu Community Pool call (310) 589-1933 or visit:
http://www.malibucity.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/DetailGroup/navid/174/cid/3754
/
 For Lennox Park services call (310) 419-6712 or visit L.A. County online at:
http://parks.lacounty.gov/Parkinfo.asp?URL=cms1_033407.asp&Title=Lennox%20Pa
rk
 For City of Torrance swimming pools call (310) 781-7113 or visit:
http://www.torranceca.gov/Parks/10012.htm
 For El Segundo Urho Saari Swim Stadium (The Plunge) call (310) 542-2738 or visit:
http://www.elsegundo.org/depts/recreation/parks_n_facilities/recreation_facilities
/urho_saari_swim_stadium_(_the_plunge).asp
In partnership with The Autism Society, we bring AMC Sensory Friendly Films to families
affected by autism on a monthly basis to select communities.
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and
other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment
on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie
auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in
their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the
movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other
words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is
questioned.
Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.
All shows are at 10:00 am local time.
*Dates and films are subject to change.
Los Angeles AMC Theatres:
Covina 30: 1414 North Azusa Ave. Covina, CA
Del Amo 18: 3525 Carson St. Torrance, CA
Downtown Disney 12: 1565 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA
Ontario Mills 30: 4549 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764
Promenade 16: 21801 Oxnard Street Woodland Hills, CA
The Block 30: 20 City Blvd West Orange, CA
For questions and showtimes call 888-AMC-4FUN or visit
http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films .
Vineland Drive-In Movie Theater
Enjoy a night at the Drive-in! Fun for all ages, affordable, and best of all kids can do whatever they want
and no one complains 
443 N. Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA
24-hour telephone Information: 626-961-9262
Email: feedback@vinelanddriveintheater.com
Open 7 days a week! Gates open at 8:00pm, shows start at dusk.
Prices: Adults $8.50, children $2.00.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights the first feature is repeated after the second feature is over. All
films are broadcast in FM Dolby Stereo sound.
Call or visit http://www.vinelanddriveintheater.com/ for times and
current movies
Films are not shown in 3-D
Epilepsy Foundation Greater Los Angeles Camp/Retreats
Epilepsy Teen Retreat
A week-long summer camp for teens with epilepsy, the Epilepsy Teen Retreat in the San Bernardino
mountains has been an annual event since 2000. Teen Retreat provides an opportunity for teens with epilepsy to socialize, have fun, build
confidence, and learn from each other. Our friends at the Art of Elysium provides a day of creative arts and entertainment, while the other
days include exciting activities such as ice skating, hiking, swimming day at the lake, horseback riding, ropes course, bowling, a skit night
and a closing party.
Camp Coelho
We are partnering with the other two Epilepsy Foundations in California to offer Camp Coelho at Yosemite
National Park. Camp Coelho provides a safe, weeklong residential camping experience for children with
epilepsy. Fun, nature-oriented activities help promote self-esteem, self-confidence and independence as
well as build long-lasting friendships. Children ages 9 - 15 who have epilepsy as a primary diagnosis are
encouraged to apply.
Adults & Friends Retreat
This all-day retreat for adults with epilepsy was first launched in 2008 as a partnership program with
Keith’s House Foundation. Regardless of the length (previously 2.5 days and now 1 day), the Retreat
provides a rare opportunity for adults and their guests to share challenges and coping skills, develop
supportive friendships and have fun together. Activities have included ropes challenge courses, hiking,
games, dinner parties, dances, seminars, skating, museum tour and discussion groups.
For more information about these events, to volunteer, and/or to register, please contact us.
Contact | Patricia Leyva | 310.670.2870 ext.104 | 800.564.0445
Visit Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Website to see all the free or low cost
festivals going on throughout Los Angeles in 2015 at www.culturela.org or get a PDF catalogue of
all their events at:
http://www.culturela.org/events/Festivals/festivalguides/festivals15/2015-Festival-Guideweb.pdf
Some sample events include the following, but visit the site to see events for all summer:
26th Annual Los Angeles High School Choir
Festival
The Chorale opens the doors of the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the city
free-of-charge for its annual Los Angeles Master Chorale High School
Choir Festival. One of the largest high school choir festivals in the nation,
it showcases the remarkable vocal talents of more than 900 high school
students from 25 Southland schools in a massive choir conducted by
Grant Gershon. The community is welcome to enjoy the vitality and power
of these young voices raised in song in the splendid setting of Disney Hall.
WHEN: May 1, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.y
SITE: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown
Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Master Chorale
INFO: www.lamc.org
Cinco de Mayo
A celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French forces in Puebla, Mexico
in 1862, with popular and traditional music, cultural presentations, dance,
and food booths for everyone to enjoy.
WHEN: May 2 - 3, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
SITE: El Pueblo Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza,
Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSORS: El Pueblo Historical Monument, Olvera Street Merchants
INFO: 213-628-1274, www.elpueblo.lacity.org
29th Annual Annual Bug Fair
This annual celebration attracts vendors, artists, and insect aficionados to
celebrate all things creepy and crawly.
WHEN: May 16, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County,
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Free with paid admission: $12 Adults, $5 Children 3 to 12,
$9 Seniors and Students
SPONSOR: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
INFO: 213-763-DINO, www.nhm.orgCOST: Free
SPONSOR: Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival
INFO: 626-307-1390, www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us
The Eco Station in Culver City has a $60 family membership for the year. One time visit prices are adults $8,
Seniors $7, Children $6, ages 2 and under are free. Eco Station is an environmental science museum, an exotic
wildlife rescue center, and a haven for endangered and illegally-trafficked exotic animals confiscated by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife. At the Eco Station experience amazing hands-on lessons in ecology and environmentalism
through a breathtaking encounter with rare birds, exotic reptiles, wildcats and ocean life in a tropical jungle setting.
The STAR Eco Station is located at 10101 Jefferson Blvd. in Culver City. For information, call the Eco Station at
310-842-8060 or visit their website www.ecostation.org .
The California Science Center offers fun and informative permanent exhibits presented in interactive
worlds. Through hands-on experiences in our galleries, you'll learn about human inventions and
innovations, the life processes of living things and more. The Science Center also features fantastic
special exhibits that change all the time, so visit often to find out what's new!
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The best times to visit are on weekends or on weekday afternoons after 1:30 p.m. Weekday
mornings from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. are often busy.
FREE ADMISSION to permanent exhibit galleries, IMAX admission prices vary.
Conveniently located at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037, south of Downtown
Los Angeles.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Parking is $10 for cars.
For general information call, (323) SCIENCE.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
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protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years.
is an authority on the "big picture" of the planet, the natural and the cultural world.
tracks the Earth's biodiversity, because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation.
Located at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90037; open daily 9:30am to 5pm. Adults $12, Children 13-17 are $9;
children 3-12 are $5; children under 3 are free.
Call (213) 763-3466 for more information or visit their website at www.nhm.org .
La Brea Tar Pits:
5801 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-PAGE (7243)
Open 9:30 am to 5 pm every day of the year, with four exceptions.
Prices:
Children under 3, EBT cardholders with I.D., CA teachers with I.D., and active military with I.D.: Free
Children 3-12: $5.00, Youths 13-17, Seniors 62+, and college students with I.D.: $9.00, Adults: $12.00
Free general admission on the first Tuesday of every month except July and August.
The Getty Center in Los Angeles presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against
a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. View calendar at www.getty.edu to get more
information on events like the family festival or free garden concerts for kids.
Address
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
(310) 440-7300
Admission is Free
Admission to the Getty Center and to all exhibitions is FREE; reservations are required for general admission. Parking is $15.
Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 10am-5:30pm, CLOSED Monday.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Come see all the animals, like monkeys, bears, tigers, elephants, giraffes, alligators and enjoy
the gardens. Visit their website for more information and to view the map of animal
attractions. http://www.lazoo.org/home/
Check the calendar for special events.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park at the junction of the
I-5 (Golden State) and the 134 (Ventura) freeways. The Zoo is directly across from the Autry Museum of
Western Heritage at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90027.
Monday-Sunday 10am to 5pm, please note the zoo starts putting animals in for the night at 4pm.
General admission tickets allow you one day admission to the Los Angeles Zoo any day of your choice during posted regular
business hours. General admission tickets are valid for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
Adult General Admission (ages 13-61) $19; Senior (62+) $16; Child (ages 2-12) $14; Children under 2 no ticket required.
GROUP DISCOUNT: If you plan to visit the Los Angeles Zoo in a party of 15 or more, you may want to take advantage of the Zoo’s
Group Rate discount program, which includes $3 off per regular adult and $1 off per regular child admission ticket. PARKING is
free.
Greater Los Angeles Area
Special Camps for Special Kids is a website with great resources for summer programs. Camps are
listed by diagnosis. Go to http://www.specialcampsforspecialkids.com/ for more information.
AYSO SOCCER CAMPS – VIP PROGRAM
With more than 40 years of experience, AYSO brings our "kids first" philosophies to soccer camps, creating a camp
experience unlike any other. We can accommodate and welcome kids with all special needs. Our coaching staff is trained to
work with special needs kids through our VIP training.
Conditions: Various disabilities
Debbie Goodman
AYSO Soccer Camp Coordinator
12501 S. Isis Avenue
Hawthorne, CA 90250
800-872-2976
Web: http://www.AYSOsoccercamps.org
CALI-CAMP DAY CAMP
Traditional summer day camp in rustic Topanga Canyon. Integrated camp can accommodate children with asthma, behavior
disorders and learning disabilities.
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA 90290
310-455-0404
fax: 310-455-0408
Web: www.calicamp.com
Email: info@calicamp.com
POOLS OF HOPE - Warm water rehabilitation and wellness
www.caaquaticstherapy.com
6801 Long Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90805
310-537-2224
fax: 310-537-2255
KIDS LIKE ME CAMP
The Help Group's Kids Like Me Program conducts four unique camps, each one specifically designed to address
varying ages, abilities and needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental challenges.
Our four camp programs create exciting opportunities for children and teens to engage, experience and explore.
Village Glen and Camp Sunshine campers enjoy weekly themed schedules of fun-filled activities, including, art,
nature, drama, music, sensory and water play, sports and games, animal-assisted activities, field trips, special
events, contests and much more! Teenagers enjoy Teens on the Go camps that feature daily group trips and
adventures as well as a 6-day travel camp experience. Highly-trained Help Group therapists and counselors
ensure that social skills building practices are integrated into every daily camp program, fostering greater
opportunities for campers to connect with peers and build friendships. Camp Discovery is a ONE WEEK ONLY day
camp adventure at the exciting Tumbleweed Day Camp site for children ages 4-13 with mild to moderate special
needs. An exceptional staff team helps young campers safely explore, experience, and enjoy a wide variety of
fun, traditional outdoor camp and nature activities.
The Help Group
13130 Burbank Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
Web: www.thehelpgroup.org
http://www.kidslikemela.org/summer-camps/
CAMP ESCAPADES
Camp Escapades is an innovative two-week summer day camp for children with special needs and developmental
delays who are 5 to 14 years of age. Our highly trained multidisciplinary camp team includes two PTN
occupational therapists with numerous years of camp experience who oversee programming and staff.
Occupational, physical or speech therapists consult with every group while all groups are staffed with
paraprofessional educators and one-on-one teen volunteers who are the child's "buddy" throughout the week.
Pediatric Therapy Network
1815 W. 213th St. #100
Torrance, CA 90501
310-767-9848
310-328-0276
http://www.pediatrictherapynetwork.org/campescapades/index.cfm
CAMP OAKES - YMCA
Integrated camps for teens with developmental disabilities, ages 16 and up. Located in Big Bear.
C/o Long Beach Adaptive Recreation
1150 E. 4th St. Rm. 223
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-570-1784
P.O. Box 452
Big Bear City, CA 92314
909-585-2020
fax: 909-585-8038
Web: www.campoakes.org
Email: camp@lbymca.org
YMCA of Greater Long Beach – Camping Services
P.O. Box 90995
Long Beach, CA 90809
800-642-2014
562-279-1710
fax: 562-279-1639
CAMP PAINTED TURTLE
Welcome to The Painted Turtle where children with serious medical conditions celebrate just being kids! Through innovative, camp-based
programs that offer a great big dose of fun and support, children with more than 30 medical conditions visit The Painted Turtle each year,
reclaiming the joys of childhood. A member of Paul Newman’s renowned SeriousFun Camps (formerly the Association of Hole in the Wall
Camps), The Painted Turtle has offered thousands of children and their families hope and encouragement through its Summer and Family
Weekend camps since it opened its gates in 2004.
There is no billing department at The Painted Turtle—campers and their families attend free of charge. And there’s no limit to the amount of
laughter campers take home with them either!
To register, go to www.thepaintedturtle.org.
Santa Monica (Administrative Offices)
Toll Free: (866) 451-5367
Phone Number: (310) 451-1353
Fax Number: (310) 451-1357
1300 4th Street, Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Camp Office
Phone Number: (661) 724-1550
Fax Number: (661) 724-1340
17000 Elizabeth Lake Road/P.O. Box 455
Lake Hughes, CA 93532
CAMP RAMAH - Tikvah Program
Tikvah Program provides a mainstreaming summer camp program for children 11-18 years old. Two 4-week sessions
designed for Jewish adolescents with learning disabilities and other developmental delays.
Camp Ramah in CA
15600 Mulholland Dr. #252
Los Angeles, CA 90077
310-476-8571
fax: 310-472-3810
Web: www.ramah.org
SPECIAL OLYMPICS/SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Provides information on Special Olympics sports programs throughout Southern California. Ages 8+.
Tony Carpowich
310-458-2201, ext. 2018
tcarpowich@sosc.org
Web: www.sosc.org
TUMBLEWEED DAY CAMP
Traditional summer day camp that can accommodate children with asthma, behavior disorders and learning disabilities
depending upon the severity of the diagnosis. Located in Brentwood.
310-472-7474
Web: www.twforever.com
Email: info@twforever.com
REMEMBER: Check your local Parks and Recreation department for free and low cost
events, activities, or camps in your area.
Some websites:
Los Angeles County: http://www.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lac
City of Los Angeles: http://www.lacity.org/index.htm#Menu
Beverly Hills: http://www.beverlyhills.org/
Calabasas: http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/
Culver City: http://www.culvercity.org/
El Segundo: http://www.elsegundo.org/
Gardena: http://www.ci.gardena.ca.us/
Hawthorne: http://www.cityofhawthorne.com/
Inglewood: http://www.cityofinglewood.org/default.asp
Lawndale: http://www.lawndalecity.org/home.asp
Malibu: http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/
Santa Monica: http://www.santa-monica.org/
Topanga Canyon: http://www.topangaonline.com/
Don’t forget to check local community colleges who can also offer fun or educational
classes for very low fees (art, music, tutoring etc). Check their schedule to
see if your children would be interested.
West La College: http://www.wlac.edu/
El Camino College: http://www.elcamino.edu/
Santa Monica College: http://www.smc.edu/Pages/default.aspx
Local libraries offer many free or low cost events or reading times with other children,
visit their website or find them in the listings below:
County of Los Angeles Public Libraries http://colapublib.org/
Public Libraries
Free Internet Access
* Some libraries have circle reading time, interactive read alouds, homework time, tutoring classes, or book
clubs. Call your local library for their schedule of events or visit their website:
Florence Library
1610 E. Florence Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 581-8028
West Los Angeles Regional Library
11360 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 575-8323
Baldwin Hills Library
2906 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 733-1196
Cahuenga Library
4591 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 664-6418
Jefferson Library
2211 W. Jefferson Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 734-8573
View Park Library
3854 W. 54th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 293-5371
Washington Irving Library
4117 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 734-6303
Woodcrest Library
1340 W. 106th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 757-9373
Memorial Library
4625 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 938-2732
Westchester – Loyola Village Library
7114 W. Manchester Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 348-1096
Willowbrook Library
11838 S. Wilmington Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 564-5698
Hawthorne Library
12700 Grevillea Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 679-8193
AC Bilbrew Library
150 WE. El Segundo Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA90061
(310) 538-3350
Wiseburn Library
5335 W. 135th St.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 643-8880
Palms-Rancho Park Library
2920 Overland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 840-2142
Hermosa Beach Library
550 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 379-8475
Mar Vista Library
12006 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 390-3454
Huntington Park Library
6518 Miles Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 583-1461
West Hollywood Library
715 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-5340
Lawndale Library
14615 Burin Ave.
Lawndale, CA 90260
(310) 676-0177
Central Library
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7000
Manhattan Beach Library
1320 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-8595
Culver City Julian Dixon Library
4975 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 559-1676
Venice–Abbot Kinney Memorial Library
501 S. Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 821-1769
Gardena Mayme Dear Library
1731 W. Gardena Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 323-6363
Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library
4533 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 821-3415
Masao W. Satow Library
14433 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90249
(310) 679-0638
Inglewood Public Library
101 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 412-5380
Inglewood Crenshaw-Imperial Public Library
11141 Crenshaw Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 412-5403
Lennox Library
4359 Lennox Blvd.
Lennox, CA 90304
(310) 674-0385
Playa Vista Library
6400 Playa Vista Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 91326
(310) 437-6680
Palisades Library
861 Alma Real Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 91331
(310) 459-2754