Adaptive Camp for Special Needs

YMCA Adaptive Camp in Meriden, CT

The Meriden YMCA Adaptive Camp is a welcoming and inclusive summer experience designed specifically for children with developmental disabilities in grades K–8. This specialized program provides individualized support—whether through one-to-one aides or additional staff assistance—to ensure each camper can fully participate in engaging, age-appropriate activities alongside peers in a safe and supportive environment. Campers enjoy the full range of typical YMCA summer camp fun, while benefiting from structured, sensory-friendly experiences that promote confidence, social interaction, and personal growth. Our adaptive camp offers two options to meet varying needs and comfort levels, and our dedicated team works closely with families to support each camper’s unique goals.

Register your child online for this upcoming season and join us for a summer filled with learning, friendships, and meaningful memories at Mountain Mist Adaptive Camp!

This program is designed for children with developmental disabilities, active IEPs, 504s. Participants will receive individual attention, with a one-to-one aide throughout the day or support as needed to continue current plans. Participants will also be integrated into the camp programming with peers their own age and participate in daily camp activities.

Before and after camp care is not available for this camp.

2026 Camp Dates

Session 1: June 15 - June 26, 2026 (there is camp June 19)
Session 2: June 29 - July 10, 2026
Session 3: July 13 - July 24, 2026
Session 4: July 27 - August 7, 2026
Session 5: August 10 - August 21, 2026

Adaptive Camp 1:1

For students who have completed grades K-8 as of June 2026
Full Member per session: $1,390
Program Member per session: $1,442
Interested participants must contact Carolyn Daniels at cdaniels@meridenymca.org to be accepted into the program.

Adaptive Camp with support

For students who have completed grades K-8 as of June 2026
Full Member per session: $695
Program Member per session: $721
Interested participants must contact Carolyn Daniels at cdaniels@meridenymca.org to be accepted into the program.

All children must be potty trained. Please contact Carolyn Daniels for all Adaptive Camp questions at cdaniels@meridenymca.org.

My Y Story
Heather Bors

This is our first time at Mountain Mist Adaptive Camp. Our boys are twin six year olds with Autism. We were very anxious about sending the boys to an all day camp but the counselors have been exceptional to say the least. Carolyn Daniels and her adaptive team are amazing.

Pam checks in with me throughout the day with pictures and updates and puts all my worries to rest. Bailey, Katie and Austen are all very experienced and it’s obvious they genuinely love what they do. If I reach out to Carolyn or her staff with a question they quickly answer me. The staff is very accessible.

The amount of relief I feel to know the boys are in a safe, stable environment and are really enjoying it is indescribable. My boys come home every day tired and happy!