In partnership with the Young Adult Institute (YAI), Frost Valley YMCA welcomes children with developmental disabilities to join the wider camp community during supervised daily activities. Our values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect point the way toward the development of interdependent relationships among our young campers. In integrated groups, children experience the joys of pure play and the abundance of the natural world. Children of all abilities gain a sense of belonging on the shores of Lake Cole, on the playing fields, on the climbing tower, singing songs over lunch in the dining hall and storytelling around the campfire at night. They encourage one another to try new things, and, together, they grow confident in their newly-acquired skills. A culture of caring based on empathy, respect, and empowerment grows strong, and friendships flourish. The Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) Program fosters development, independence, and joy in all of the children who attend Frost Valley.
MAC campers integrate with the entire camp throughout the day and reside in their own village with trained staff at night. Ask our campers, counselors and year-round staff about this program and you’ll hear how it is a gift to everyone at camp that enriches our view of each individual’s contributions in the world.
If you are interested in having your child attend Frost Valley’s MAC program, please contact Tim Allen at YAI. His contact information is listed below. Tim can set up an in-person interview at the YAI office in Manhattan in New York City so that both parties can determine if Mainstreaming at Camp is a good fit for your child. There is no cost to apply, though parents will be responsible for their own travel expenses to get to the YAI office for the interview.
For more information, visit www.yai.org/camping
NOTE: Application and Registration for the MAC program is completed through the camping department at YAI Network.
To Apply, Please Contact:
(212) 273-6298
YAI
460 West 34th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
