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The New Canaan YMCA offers inclusive support services to campers with varying abilities, providing the opportunity to actively participate in a traditional camp experience. Offered at Camp Mini (ages 3-5) and Camp Y-Ki (entering grades 1+ only), eligible campers who would benefit from extra support in a camp group with an Inclusive Support Counselor (1:2 or 1:3 ratio) can apply at no additional fee for a maximum of two sessions (4 weeks of camp). Inclusive Support Counselors provide campers with encouragement to participate in camp activities with some adaptations as needed within the structured program.
Inclusion and support services are designed for campers who benefit from additional direction, some adaptations to camp schedule, and extra time for sensory breaks. Campers who require 1:1 intensive behavior support/intervention are welcome to attend camp with assistance of private or school staff.
*To register for support at camp, please contact Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion & Support Services. Support Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please see the corresponding camp pages for fees, dates, and times at specific camps. To ensure proper accommodations can be made, a new camper interview is required for all new campers.
An adjusted camp fee will be offered for campers who would benefit from a half-day camp option with assistance, or who will be attending morning ESY programs and would like to attend Camp Y-Ki in the afternoons with school-supported staff. Participants may attend camp Monday-Thursday beginning at lunchtime and if appropriate, a full day on Fridays.
*This program requires prior approval from Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion & Support Services, and special education staff at the child’s school.
See the “How to Apply for Support at Camp” section below for registration information.
Our Camp Jam program is specifically designed to meet the needs of our participants with varying abilities who require additional direction and support, but do not require 1:1 or intensive behavioral and/or physical intervention.
This specialized camp offers a high staff-to-camper ratio and a structured schedule that rotates weekly to offer: swimming, art, dance, music therapy, yoga, group fitness, with a personal trainer, drama, cooking, and weekly special events (ie: Animal Embassy, African Drumming, Magic Show).
Camp Jam offers participants the opportunity to participate in an enriching summer camp experience while developing skills, building friendships, staying active, and most importantly having fun!
Monday-Thursday, 3:15-5:15 PM (camp activities begin at 3:30 PM)
Session 1: June 29-July 2
Session 2: July 6-July 9
Session 3: July 13-July 16
Session 4: July 20-July 23
Session 5: July 27-July 30
Session 6: August 3-August 7
*Register by week
Summer camp registration will be available online and in-person or over the phone at our Member Services Desk (203-966-4528).
*All camp forms are due June 1 through CampSpace.
If you are new to New Canaan YMCA programming, please contact Carolynn Kaufman prior to registration at 203-920-1656 or by email.
To register, for additional information, or to set up a new camper interview, please contact Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion
& Support Services at 203-920-1656 or by email.
Registration for support services at Camp Mini, Camp Y-Ki, or Camp Jam needs prior approval and takes place on a first-come, first-served basis as we can accommodate. Space is limited and participant enrollment is not guaranteed. To accommodate as many campers as possible, there is a maximum of four weeks of support services per camper at Camp Mini and Camp Y-Ki.
In addition to required camp forms, all camp paperwork must be completed to register for YSN support and specialized camps. *CAMPERS MUST BE TOILET-TRAINED*
To register or for additional information, contact Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion & Support Services at 203-920-1656 or by email.