AGES: 5-13
MON – FRI | 8:30AM-3:00PM
COST PER WEEK OF CAMP
WEEKS 1, 3-8
Members: $505 | Community Members: $605
WEEKS 2: Jul 1-5 (No camp 7/4)
Members: $420 | Community Members: $520
TO REGISTER
• A copy of child’s IEP must be submitted to complete registration.
• All registrations are reviewed with Camp Leadership to ensure your camper’s needs can be met in the best way possible.
• A meeting with Camp Leadership may be requested to ensure your camper has the best summer possible. If it is deteremined camp is not a good fit, a full refund will be issued.
• We work to pair the best counselors and aides for your child. Camp provided aides are usually staff who have experience with or are studying special education.
• To serve as many special needs campers as possible, registration is limited to 4 weeks of camp per camper
• Extended day care is not currently available for Special Cares Campers.
• There is no Special Cares Camp available for Week 9.
SPECIAL CARES CAMP TESTIMONIALS
“This letter is long overdue.
I am the parent of a now-seven-and-a-half-year-old Special Needs child who attended Camp Mahackeno last summer (2023) for the first time. I was late in learning about the camp’s options for neuro-diverse children, and so, didn’t hold out much hope when I called and was directed to speak to Brittany Williams, the Special Ed Coordinator. I am so glad I persevered in reaching out to her!
From our very first conversation, it was evident to me that Brittany was an expert in working with parents of Special Needs children. It requires a certain sensitivity, familiarity with the challenges and knowledge of the right questions to ask. Additionally, it requires an ability and desire to think outside of the box in order to arrive at appropriate accommodations for children whose inclusion in the camp experience depends upon so many unusual details.
Brittany had it all! Add to that, the smile in her voice and an unwavering commitment to making it work throughout my son’s (sometimes rocky, but always adventurous and joyful) experience at Camp Mahackeno, changed my perception of what could be possible for him, as well.
Beyond all expectation, Brittany communicated with me daily, including sending me photographs that assured me my little boy was having the time of his life. She arranged for him to have a lovely, responsible counselor which enabled him to participate in activities he would otherwise not have been able to enjoy (such as boating, sliding down that ENORMOUS water slide, archery, and more) and, most poignantly, she made it clear that his happiness was her ultimate goal.
I will forever be in her debt for the sensational camp experience she created for my son. Because of Brittany’s exceptional care and attention, as well as the wonderful facilities and camp grounds, I would recommend the Y Camps of Westport and Weston to any family that seeks to provide their child/ren (Special Needs or no) with the camp experience that is quintessential to childhood.”
-Special Cares Camp Parent
“I wanted to reach out and commend the exceptional impact that Camp Mahackeno made for our son, Apollo, who attended his first summer there utilizing the special cares program. Firstly, the fact that such a program exists to give my autistic son an equal opportunity to experience countless outdoor experiences sold me at my first inquiry! Lily Bloomingdale was so thorough every step of the way and explained such an exciting experience that I KNEW I had to give my son the chance to experience Mahackeno firsthand! Her responsiveness and diligence leading up to camp and throughout our time there was well beyond anything I anticipated! She answered all of my questions and was able to accommodate our requested dates for camp. Brittany Williams who directed the special cares programs accommodated my son’s needs and exceeded my high expectations! I’ve been an educator for 17 years with high standards for neurodiversity affirming practices, and she brought accessibility to Camp Mahackeno—giving my son access to all the camp areas, accommodating his sensory needs, and had an open line of communication any time I needed her! Jenny who was Apollo’s one-on-one counselor was the best fit for him! Brittany assigned her perfectly! He had a blast canoeing and swimming with her and participating in whole group activities! She was vigilant over him and made me feel safe, knowing he was in good hands!
I can’t thank you for such an overwhelmingly positive summer camp experience!! Apollo is STILL talking about camp, two months later! We will DEFINITELY be back! Keep up the great work!
BRAVO!”
-The Apazidis Family