About
Friendship Club is a student-driven, teacher-led school inclusion program for students of all abilities, including students with disabilities and their neurotypical peers. It includes organic friendships, social-emotional wellness, art, science, physical fitness, and social skills enrichment. Participants with special needs are paired with general education peers in a one-to-one buddy system, and activities include board games, art projects, music instruments, and fitness exercises.
Programs
- Friendship Club — Students of all abilities; students with disabilities and their neurotypical peers · Student-driven, teacher-led school inclusion program focused on organic friendships, social-emotional wellness, art, science, physical fitness, and social skills enrichment.
- Friendship Camp — Inclusive camp with art, music, science, dance, cooking, special vendors, and adaptive sports.
- Beach Camp — A week of ocean fun where campers spend time in the water and in the sand doing fun activities.
- Ocean & Surf Therapy — Surfing instruction from professionals and ocean therapy with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.
At a glance
- Ages: 5–18 years old
- General schedule: Friendship Club is active in over 80 schools across 22+ school districts. Summer program registration begins May 7, 2026 for participants and May 12, 2026 for volunteers. Summer programs include Friendship Camp, Beach Camp, and Ocean & Surf Therapy.
About the provider
The Friendship Foundation was established in 2007. It is active in over 80 schools across 22+ school districts in the South Bay and Los Angeles area, Central California, Arizona, and Georgia. The mission of the Friendship Foundation is to empower youth and adults with disabilities to build lasting friendships, achieve independence, and lead purposeful lives through community-based social, arts, educational, and vocational programs.
Summer Programs registration is on Sawyer. Starting April 20, 2026, all families must create a Sawyer profile to sign up for summer programs. New adult volunteers (ages 18+) require a background check via Livescan fingerprinting before attending. Friendship Foundation will reimburse up to $25 in fees with proof of receipt. Scholarships are available.
What families say
“I adore the Friendship Foundation because of the connection my children receive from the volunteers. They feel included instead of ostracized which is important in our lives. Knowing how much they look forward to the activities that the Friendship Foundation provides keeps me uplifted in spirit!” — Cherrone Davis, Parent
Last updated September 16, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.