The Dragonfly Forest specialty camp is a traditional overnight program for kids with Autism, 22q, Asthma, Sickle Cell Disease, and Hemophilia. We aim to make camp a reality for as many families as possible. By partnering with parents and experts in the medical field, we can provide accommodations for our campers that allow them to be successful at camp. Dragonfly Forest aims to provide a culture of inclusion while fostering confidence and independence in each of our campers. 

 Safety first, always! 

We are busy planning Summer 2023! This summer, we will be following all CDC, local, state, and government guidance. We will continue to keep lines of communication open and transparent as summer approaches. One thing we know for sure: Kids will need camp more than ever.

Read our Summer Safety Information

Specialty Camps

Persistent Asthma Program (grades 2 – 10)

1 Week Program: July 30 – August 4

We are fortunate at Camp Speers to have the support of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which sends volunteer medical support so that medically fragile campers can attend camp. This week is designed for campers with persistent asthma. Our medical support paired with engaging camp counselors allows these children to have an amazing camp experience and meet others who face the same asthmatic difficulties in their day to day life.

Hematology Program (grades 2 – 10)

1 Week Program: August 6 – August 11

We are fortunate at Camp Speers to have the support of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which sends volunteer medical support so that medically fragile campers can attend camp. This Week is designed for campers with blood disorders like Sickle Cell Anemia. Our medical support paired with engaging camp counselors allows these children to have an amazing camp experience.

Autism & 22q Camp (ages 7 – 17)

1 Week Program: July 16 – July 21 | July 23 – July 28

This program serves campers ages 7-17 with 22q Deletion Syndrome and Autism (in specified weeks). Campers get to spend time with other campers with the same diagnosis but also spend time with campers with different diagnoses. During these sessions we follow a 1:3 counselor to camper ratio.

Leadership Program (entering grades 10 -12)

2 Week Program: July 30 – August 11

This two-week session is designed for asthma and hematology campers ages 15-17 interested in developing leadership skills. These campers will engage in our camp leadership curriculum in addition to participating (and running) some of the fun camp activities. The leadership curriculum includes leading games, team building, learning behavior management, and shadowing staff members. Campers walk away with a foundation of outdoor skills, greater independence and confidence, and lots of new experiences.

Explorers Camp (ages 18 – 28)

1 Week Program: July 2 – July 7 | July 9 – July 14

This program serves teens and young adults ages 18-28 who are interested in independent life skills. Campers spend part of their day at life skills workshops and the remaining part of the day participating in the fun camp activities. Life skill workshops include cooking, cleaning, laundry, self-advocacy, social media and phone use, teamwork and money management. During this program we follow a 1:4 counselor to camper ratio.

Dragonfly Forest Planning Grid

Click the button below to view our Dragonfly Forest Camp Planning Grid! These grids are designed to help make your summer planning easy. White boxes signify available camp weeks/sessions for our camp options and add ons.