Summer Camps
Michigan Special Needs Summer Camp for Teens and Young Adults
Get ready for an amazing summer at Living and Learning Enrichment Center! Our 2026 Summer Camp is designed for teens and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities, ages 11 and up. Across eight themed weeks, campers build real friendships, grow their confidence, and develop social and life skills that support success well beyond the summer — all while having an incredible time in Northville, Michigan.
Nestled on our beautiful 12-acre campus on the border of Northville and Novi, camp is a safe, structured, and joyful environment where campers explore their passions and form friendships that last. Every game, group challenge, and creative project is thoughtfully designed to build skills that matter — communication, teamwork, self-advocacy, and independence. And because learning is woven into the fun, it never feels like work. It just feels like the best summer ever. 🌞
All new campers complete a quick intake first so we can set your camper up for the best possible experience. Just send us an email to get started!
Email Our Intakes TeamWelcome back! Register directly for Camp Lotus or Camp Willow — or mix weeks between both. Don't forget code CAMP26 to save $50!
Register for Camp Lotus 🌸 Register for Camp Willow 🌿2026 Summer Camp Dates, Pricing & Registration
Camp runs for eight themed weeks, Monday through Thursday, from June 22 through August 13, 2026. Families may pay the full balance at registration, or pay a deposit and submit the remaining balance by the Friday before their registered week begins.
🌸 Camp Lotus
Best suited for campers who are ready to expand their social skills, independence, and self-confidence while building meaningful friendships. Campers in Camp Lotus thrive with greater independence and enjoy the chance to challenge themselves in a fun, inclusive setting.
Register for Camp Lotus🌿 Camp Willow
Best suited for campers who benefit from additional support and guidance. Our dedicated staff provides extra encouragement and structure to help campers strengthen social connections, build confidence, and feel fully at home within the camp community.
Register for Camp WillowMonday through Thursday
June 22 through August 13, 2026
8 weekly themes
Drop-off: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Pick-up: 3:30 to 4:00 PM
Flexible rolling windows for smooth arrivals
801 Griswold St
Northville, MI 48167
Beautiful 12-acre campus
How to Register
Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another incredible summer, registration is quick and easy. Here's how to get started:
New Campers
- Complete an intake appointment first. Contact our Intake Coordinator, Abigail Hanus, at 248-308-3592 ext. 210 or email intakes@llecmi.org to schedule your visit.
- Once your intake is complete, register online for your preferred camp weeks.
- Pay your deposit to secure your spot. Register by March 31 to save $50!
Current Members
Welcome back! Register directly online for your preferred camp weeks. You can choose Camp Lotus, Camp Willow, or mix weeks between both based on what works best for your camper.
Remember to sign up by March 31 to save $50 on your deposit!
Register NowQuestions? Reach us at programs@llecmi.org or call 248-308-3592.
8 Weeks. 8 Adventures. One Unforgettable Summer. 🎉
Every week brings a brand-new theme filled with hands-on activities, group challenges, and creative experiences, all designed to spark curiosity, build real-world skills, and bring campers together in meaningful ways.
Let your creativity shine! Campers explore art, music, movement, and collaborative projects that encourage self-expression and personal growth. From painting and crafting to team creations, it's a week full of color, confidence-building, and connection.
Get ready for a week packed with patriotic spirit, team challenges, classic summer games, and festive crafts. Whether racing, crafting, competing, or dressing in red, white, and blue, every camper gets to shine!
Pack your bags! Each day campers "visit" a new country, discovering games, music, art, and traditions from around the globe. Activities celebrate cultural diversity while encouraging teamwork and communication. ✈️
Step into the spotlight! This week is all about music, movement, and performance. Campers learn fun dances, create original songs, and prepare for a showcase at the end of the week. Every single camper is a star on this stage!
Jump in and cool off! Campers beat the Michigan summer heat with splash challenges, water-themed experiments, and exciting group games. A week built on movement, creativity, and teamwork under the warm summer sun. 🌊
Gear up for discovery and invention! Campers explore science and engineering through hands-on activities, stirring up surprising reactions, building structures, and testing creative designs. Ideas become real inventions! ⚙️
Explore the great outdoors! This week celebrates animals, plants, and the wonders of nature through farm visits, wildlife observations, nature hikes, and nature-inspired crafts on our beautiful 12-acre campus. 🦋
Time to celebrate the best summer ever! Summer Rewind brings back campers' favorite activities from every week, splash games, creative arts, STEM challenges, and outdoor adventures, all with exciting new twists. The ultimate send-off! 🎊
What Do Campers Get Out of Summer Camp?
At Living and Learning, social and life skills are not just lessons — they are the foundation of a fuller, more connected life. Here is what campers build over the course of a summer with us:
- Greater Independence: Mastering social and life skills gives campers the confidence to navigate daily tasks and interactions more autonomously, building the self-sufficiency that supports them at home, in their communities, and beyond.
- Real, Lasting Friendships: Camp gives campers a safe, joyful place to practice social skills alongside peers who truly get them, and to build friendships that continue long after August.
- Stronger Self-Advocacy: When campers learn to express their needs, preferences, and boundaries effectively, they gain a powerful sense of confidence and agency that carries into every part of their lives.
- Preparation for Adult Life: Summer camp provides a structured, supportive environment to practice the real-world skills that matter, from communication and problem-solving to kitchen safety and everyday responsibilities.
- A True Sense of Belonging: Every activity is designed so every camper can participate, contribute, and shine. That feeling of genuine inclusion, of being seen and valued, is one of the most powerful gifts camp can give.
- Confidence That Grows Every Day: As campers tackle new challenges and celebrate small wins, their self-esteem and resilience grow in ways that last well beyond the summer.
- Memories and Joy: Beyond all the skills and growth, camp is simply fun. The adventures, the laughter, the friendships — these are the moments campers carry with them for the rest of their lives. 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this summer camp appropriate for teens and young adults with autism or other special needs?
Yes! Our Michigan-based special needs summer day camp is designed specifically for teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental, learning, or thinking differences, starting at age 11. Campers experience a structured, sensory-friendly environment that builds social and life skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and independence — all while having a genuinely great time.
What is the difference between Camp Lotus and Camp Willow?
Both camps follow the same weekly themes and take part in the same activities. The difference is the level of support provided. Camp Lotus is best suited for campers who are ready to grow their independence and social confidence with a standard level of guidance. Camp Willow offers additional support and structure for campers who benefit from more individualized encouragement. Not sure which is the right fit? We are happy to help you decide during the intake process.
What types of social skills are taught at camp?
Social skills are woven into both structured activities — group games, collaborative projects, and theme-based challenges — and the natural, unstructured moments throughout the camp day. Key focus areas include initiating and maintaining conversations, navigating group dynamics, building peer relationships, interpreting nonverbal cues, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. Every skill campers build at Living and Learning is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.
What kinds of activities can campers expect?
Every week brings a rich mix of experiences tied to the weekly theme. Throughout the summer, campers enjoy:
- Art, music, drama, and creative performance
- Science experiments, engineering challenges, and STEM exploration
- Water games, outdoor adventures, and nature hikes
- Cooking, gardening, and farm activities on our 12-acre campus
- Animal care with our alpacas, bunnies, and chickens
- Cardio drumming, yoga, and movement activities
- Off-site field trips to local destinations (details coming soon!)
What qualifications and training do your staff have?
Our team is highly trained to work with neurodiverse individuals — and deeply passionate about it. Most staff members are pursuing degrees in psychology, special education, or related fields. All staff complete over 40 hours of training before camp begins, including Seizure First Aid Certification, CPR and First Aid, crisis prevention and de-escalation training, a week-long Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intensive, emergency preparedness, and Recipient Rights training. Camp is overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and a Clinical Therapist, ensuring person-centered, trauma-informed care that respects every camper's autonomy and potential.
Is the camp environment structured to support individuals with autism and other neurodiverse needs?
Absolutely. Our camp environment is intentionally designed to be predictable, inclusive, and sensory-friendly. We use visual aids, clear daily routines, individualized accommodations, and environmental adjustments tailored to each camper's needs. Before camp begins, our staff carefully reviews every camper's intake information so they are supported in a way that truly aligns with them. Our 12-acre campus is fully accessible for individuals with mobility needs, ensuring every camper can participate in every activity.
Are field trips included?
Yes! Field trip details for Summer 2026 are still being finalized and we will share the full schedule as soon as it is ready. Past summer field trips have included Comerica Park, the Detroit Zoo, SeaLife Aquarium, and more. All field trips are designed to reinforce real-world social and life skills while prioritizing safety and accessibility for every camper.
Can campers continue with Living and Learning programs after summer ends?
Definitely! The fun does not have to stop in August. Many of our campers also participate in our year-round social skills, vocational, and enrichment programs, providing ongoing peer connection, skill development, and personal growth throughout the year. We are happy to guide your family to the right programs based on your camper's age, interests, and goals. Explore our year-round programs here.
Your Camper's Best Summer Starts Here 💙
Spots fill quickly! Register by March 31, 2026 to save $50 on your deposit.
Not sure where to start? We would love to meet you. Contact Abigail at 248-308-3592 ext. 210 or email intakes@llecmi.org.
Register for Camp Lotus 🌸 Register for Camp Willow 🌿