Disability Summer Camp in Kansas City - SOAR Disability Day Camp 2026
Nation's Largest Disability Day Camp | Ages 3+ | All Abilities Welcome
Give your child an unforgettable week of fun, friendship, and growth at SOAR's special needs summer day camp. With two convenient Kansas City metro locations, 1:1 buddy support, and a full medical team, your family can enjoy true respite while your camper thrives.
❊ Registration
Registration Now Open - Limited Spots Available
Raytown Camp
July 6-10, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Connection Point Church
Lenexa Camp
July 20-24, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Westside Family Church
We’re proud to offer Camp Scholarships.
Please use this form to apply and once completed, email info@SOARspecialneeds.org
Why Choose SOAR Summer Camp?
The Nation's Largest Disability Day Camp
For over a decade, SOAR has provided Kansas City families with exceptional special needs summer programming. Our week-long day camp serves individuals ages 3 to 84+ with all diagnoses and support levels - from autism and Down syndrome to cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities.
What Sets Us Apart:
1:1 Buddy System
Every camper receives a dedicated volunteer buddy who provides personalized support, ensuring your child feels valued, safe, and included throughout the day.
Medical & Behavioral Support On-Site
Parents can have peace of mind knowing a full medical team and behavioral specialists are present at all times to address any needs that arise.
Inclusive for All Abilities
We welcome campers of all ages (3+), diagnoses, and severity levels. Our oldest camper was 84 years old! No one is turned away due to the complexity of their needs.
True Family Respite
While your child enjoys camp from 9 AM to 4 PM, you and your family can recharge. Run errands, spend time with siblings, or simply rest - knowing your loved one is in expert, caring hands.
All Meals Included
Lunch and snacks are provided daily for both campers and volunteers, accommodating some dietary restrictions* and sensory preferences.
*If your child has specialized diets or sensory preferences, please send their lunch/snacks to camp.
❊ Itinerary
A Day at SOAR Camp
Our special needs summer camp schedule balances structure with flexibility to meet diverse needs:
Morning Activities
(9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Outdoor games adapted for all abilities
Sensory exploration stations
Arts and crafts projects
Interactive storytime
Lunch & Community Time
(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Shared meals fostering friendship
Quiet spaces available for those needing sensory breaks
Afternoon Programming
(1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Calming worship and music
Mission-focused activities
Themed lessons (2027: SOAR Heroes)
Free play and socialization
Every activity is designed with sensory sensitivities in mind, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants.
Camp Locations & Service Area
Serving families from all over the U.S. and in the metro area:
Lee's Summit, MO
Lenexa, KS
Overland Park, KS
Olathe, KS
Kansas City, MO
Independence, MO
Shawnee, KS
North Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, KS
Both camp locations offer accessible facilities, ample parking, and indoor/outdoor activity spaces.
Cost & Financial Assistance
We believe every family deserves access to quality special needs programming. SOAR Summer Camp operates on a suggested donation basis with multiple payment options:
Registration: $499 plus $17.50 (non-refundable application fee)
Payment Options:
Pay in full
Payment plans available
Scholarship applications accepted
Scholarship Opportunities
We actively fundraise to provide financial assistance to families in need. Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Don't let cost be a barrier - apply today and we'll work with you to make camp possible.
Please fill out this application and email it to info@SOARspecialneeds.org.
❊ FAQs
-
We work hard to secure scholarship funding through grants and business sponsorships throughout the year. As funds become available, we notify families of their award amount.
Pro Tip: None of the scholarships are full scholarships, so making a payment, secures your spot!
-
Medical Support: A full medical team is on-site throughout camp to address any health needs.
Behavioral Team: Trained specialists help manage challenging behaviors and ensure all campers feel safe and supported.
Staff Training: All volunteers complete comprehensive disability awareness and safety training.
1:1 Ratio: Each camper has a dedicated buddy, ensuring constant supervision and personalized care.
Facility Safety: Both locations are ADA-accessible with secure entry/exit procedures.
-
Ages: 3 years old to adult (our oldest camper was 84!)
Diagnoses: ALL - We serve individuals with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Intellectual Disabilities
Multiple/Complex Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
Sensory Processing Disorders
And many more
Support Levels: All - from those requiring minimal support to those needing significant medical and behavioral assistance.
-
Currently, families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up. Both locations offer accessible parking and clear signage.
-
Comfortable clothing appropriate for indoor/outdoor activities
On water days, please have your camper bring swimsuits and towels (with their name on it)
Medications and medical supplies (to be given to medical team at check-in)
Any special comfort items or sensory tools
Diapers/change of clothes
Sunscreen (if preferred brand)
Lunch/Snacks for those with special diets/restrictions (no fridge available)
We provide: Lunch, snacks, all activity supplies, adaptive equipment as needed
-
Absolutely! Our 1:1 buddy system and small group activities create natural opportunities for friendship. Many campers return year after year and maintain connections with buddies and fellow campers. The "Be A Friend" philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.
-
While siblings cannot attend SOAR Summer Camp, this week provides an excellent opportunity for parents to spend quality one-on-one time with siblings. Many families use camp week for special sibling activities, appointments, or simply uninterrupted attention.
However, if the sibling is over 12 years old they can volunteer to be a buddy!
-
After 9 wonderful years at Grace Church, SOAR has partnered with new church locations to expand our reach and serve more families across the Kansas City metro. We're grateful for Grace Church's support and excited about these new partnerships!
❊ Testimonials
Stories From SOAR Parents
Our son has been participating in SOAR activities for the past decade. One of our favorite experiences is the summer camp in July. There must be hundreds of volunteers who give their time to put on a magical camp for children and adults with disabilities that just want to be included. We are forever grateful for the organization and we highly recommend SOAR to all families with special needs individuals.
— Carrie W., SOAR Parent
“
SOAR Summer Camp gave our family the first real break we've had in years. Knowing our daughter was safe, happy, and making friends while we recharged was priceless. The 1:1 buddy made all the difference!
— Judy L., Donor
“
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to make a difference? SOAR Summer Camp runs on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who give their time to create magical experiences for campers.
No experience necessary - just a heart to "Be A Friend!"
Volunteer roles include:
1:1 Camper Buddies
Activity Leaders
Medical Team Support
Meal Service
Photography
Outdoor Games
Parking Team (1 hour in the morning only)
Youth Ministry Mission Opportunity: Use SOAR Summer Camp as a short-term mission trip for your youth group! Serve Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM, then enjoy Kansas City in the evenings.
Register Today - Spots Fill Fast!
Don't miss this opportunity to give your family respite and your camper an unforgettable week of fun, friendship, and growth.
Questions? Contact us at info@SOARspecialneeds.org or call 816.782.SOAR (7627).