WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Camp Mini (Ages 3-5, Pre-K), Camp Y-Ki (Entering Grades 1-6), & L.I.T. (Entering Grades 7-8)

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 and Camp Y-Ki,  eligible campers who would benefit from extra support in a camp group with an inclusion aide counselor (1:2 or 1:3 ratio) can apply at no additional fee to registrant for a maximum of two sessions (4 weeks of camp). Support is offered on a first come first serve basis as available. Inclusive Support counselors provide campers with encouragement to participate in camp activities with some adaptations as needed within the structured program.

Special Cares Inclusion Support is 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 a private or school supported staff.

ESY/Half-Day Option at Camp Y-Ki

Adjusted camp fee will be offered for those campers who would benefit from a half-day camp option with assistance, or who will be attending the morning ESY program and will attend Camp Y-Ki in the afternoons with school supported staff.

Participants will attend camp Monday-Thursday beginning at lunchtime and if appropriate, a full day on Fridays. This program is only available at Camp Y-Ki and to be eligible requires prior approval from YMCA Director of Special Needs and the Special Education staff at child’s school.

Specialized Program

Located at our Y, this 6-week camp is specifically designed to meet the needs of our participants with special needs who require additional direction and support, but do not require 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 therapy, music therapy, free play in Higgins gym, group fitness, with a personal trainer, drama, cooking, and Wednesday special events (ie: Animal Embassy, African Drumming, Mad Science, Ice Cream Truck).

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.

DATES (4-day sessions)

Session 1: June 24 – June 27
Session 2: July 1 – July 3 (no camp July 4)
Session 3: July 8 – July 11
Session 4: July 15 – July 18
Session 5: July 22 – July 25
Session 6: July 29 – August 1
*Register by week

Days Monday-Thursday

Hours 3:00-5:00 PM (Activities begin at 3:15 PM)

Registration

Registration for Camp Jam or YSN Support at Camp Mini and Camp Y-Ki needs prior approval and is done on a first-come, first-served basis as we can accommodate. Space is limited and enrollment is not guaranteed.

First-time participants must meet with Director of Special Needs prior to registering.

In addition to required camp forms, all YSN 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 Special Needs Programming at [email protected] or 203-920-1656.

Health Assessment

Authorization to Administer Medicine

Summer Camp Parent Handbook 2024