Camp Yakety Yak
Mission
Camp Yakety Yak (CYY) helps children experiencing disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and physical disability) grow socially and emotionally by improving their communication skills. The camp's educational mission is two-fold:
- 1.) Provide instruction in social-emotional skills to children experiencing disabilities and their siblings to support communication and friendship development in a day camp setting.
- 2.) Provide an opportunity for future professionals in educational and therapeutic fields to gain knowledge and hands-on experience.
Bottom Line for Portland
CYY is one of the few organizations in the Pacific Northwest offering a specialized summer day camp for youth experiencing a wide range of disabilities. The pandemic disproportionately impacted many of our campers, and their caregivers often cite that CYY is playing a vital role in their children’s recovery. By teaming up with local universities and schools, CYY also provides a strong foundation for future educators and therapeutic professionals while raising awareness about youth experiencing disabilities.
Quote
“Camp Yakety Yak is incredible. There are so many ways to describe this inclusive and neuro affirming camp. There is so much heart and acceptance at CYY, that it spills over to our children, and as parents we feel it at home. Amazing and life changing. Thank you Camp Yakety Yak!”
~ Camper Parent, Summer 2023
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Over 80% of younger campers and 100% of the Yak Apprentices are youth who experience disabilities including ADHD, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, genetic disorders, and Epilepsy. The other 20% of campers are siblings and friends of campers who can participate in a rich shared experience with their friend or sibling to help normalize recognition and the celebration of all abilities.
Partner(s)
Providing the insight to help companies challenge the status quo, ASW Global Consulting finds innovative ways to approach even the most complex business issues.
Camp Yakety Yak is in the Education category which is sponsored by Bank of America.
They're a little-sized organization with activities in Clackamas Co., Multnomah Co., Washington Co. and beyond.