Thank you for helping my son go to camp every summer! We couldn't do it without you!
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This summer was our first experience with Camp Yakety Yak. We are definitely coming back! Our son was an apprentice. He learned so much during the program and actually made two friends! He had a real sense of pride from working hard every day. His mood at home was better, too. Thank you for an awesome program!!! And thank you for the generous scholarship that really made this possible for our family.
Camp Yakety Yak is such a special place that has been so welcoming and fun for my kids. Camp has been the highlight of their summer! We are also so grateful for the scholarship our son was awarded that made camp possible for him this year! Thank you Camp Yakety Yak and donors!
Happy New Year!! In our family, this is how we experience the beginning of Camp Yakety Yak every summer- the start of a new year, a clean slate, a fresh chance, and so much hope. Our son, age 15 and living with ASD, ADHD & anxiety disorder, exclaimed “I’m HOME!” on Monday when we pulled up to the drop off area and he saw the staffers getting ready to welcome him and all the campers. He is, thankfully, finally attending a private therapeutic school during the year that meets his needs, but even with this perfect fit for school, the last few months have been pretty rough. But finally- Hallelujah!- we’ve made it through another year to this most wonderful annual milestone. This will be his last year of “Explorers” before he hopes to enter “Yak Apprentice,” and he is relishing every moment. Don’t give him the microphone in morning assembly unless you don’t want it back! But at least he does a great job leading the crowd. Thank you so much to the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation for your generous gift again this year that helps us afford this absolutely essential program!
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Our 13-yr-old son tried one week of Camp Yakety Yak in 2021, and in 2022 he made sure to be there every day for all four weeks! He blossoms into his full potential in this amazing environment. After an extremely difficult spring semester, the start of Camp Yakety Yak 2022 was the first day I was able to stand down from eyes-on 24/7 vigilance in such a long time. Our son lives with autism, ADHD and anxiety. His inability to stay safe in school had led to a decision to place him out-of-district where he could receive mental health support on-site. With the support and fun that Camp Yakety Yak provided, and the skills he honed, he was able to stay safe almost every day, develop his leadership as a JCC, and express his exuberance. He went on to take three successful family trips out of state in August, and amazingly was able to stay safe in school through December (!) at the same school as the spring semester, while he waited so patiently for a spot to open up at his new therapeutic school. We are a one-income family because even though I have a master’s degree, I have not been able to return to working outside the home since our son’s birth, because of the support he needs. We were so very grateful for the scholarship funds provided to help our son attend Camp Yakety Yak. This program is essential for his development and we look forward to supporting it however we can for many years to come.
Our neurodivergent son attended this camp the last two years and is excited to be attending again this year with his (also neurodivergent) little sister! It is always challenging finding activities outside of school where I felt like he is fully included, accepted, supported, and safe. CYY really takes the time to get to know campers ahead of time through detailed questionnaires and put supports in place that are needed to enable their participation. Camp leaders provide feedback to parents at the end of each camp day on how things went and they usually share a bunch of photos at the end of the week as well. My son always has a great time and without CYY I don't know that my son would ever be able to have a normal summer camp experience. We look forward to returning for many years to come and hope that both kids have a wonderful time this year!
Our eldest son has been a camper at Yakety Yak for over 5 years with his younger brother attending the neurotypical program for about 3 of those years. Camp has been such an amazing experience for both boys. My eldest has severe ADHD and has never been able to last a full day at any other camp he has attended. This meant we would be on the edge of our seats all day waiting for a phone call to pick him up due to camp leaders not understanding his needs or how to handle his behavior. Since finding Yakety Yak, he absolutely loves camp and looks forward to it each summer. Now that he is 16, he will be experiencing Yak Internship for the first time and through the gracious Lane Donaldson Memorial Scholarship he was awarded, it helps our family financially. Thank you Yakety Yak for helping my son continue to learn and grow without the stigma of being the "bad kid" at camp.
This camp has been exceptional for my daughter who has CP. Not only has the staff been wonderful and accommodating, but they make a tremendous effort to make camp affordable to participants. We have a lot of out of pocket costs for my daughter, and so appreciate the assistance of generous donors. Thank you!
Camp Yakety Yak is the best!!! Our son Theron is on the Autism spectrum so finding the right summer activities where he feels comfortable has been difficult. Last summer Theron’s OT recommended Camp Yakety Yak and were so happy she did (especially Theron)!! All the staff is so patient and kind to the kiddos and Theron was so excited to go back every day. Last year Theron went to two weeks of camp but this summer he’s requested to attend 3 weeks and he is so excited to go back. We also received a partial scholarship from The Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation which has made sending Theron back to camp this summer so much easier and we are incredibly thankful. Camp Yakety Yak and all of the foundations they work with are truly helping all these special kiddos.
Last year my two children were successful campers at camp yakety yak. We have tried other camps that were difficult to get through the day. Camp yakety yak meets my kids needs and they have a great time. It's a big deal for them to make friends and feel included in this type of setting. We are so grateful to donors for making it possible to attend a second year. Thank you so much!!
We are so excited that our foster son will get to experience going to summer camp for the first time with the support of donors and his scholarship. He has been in foster care for quite some time and stability has been tough. This will give him the opportunity to be with peers and experience summer camp. We are so thankful for this experience.
This is our 2nd year at CYY and we couldn't be more thrilled. Getting my son to do anything can be such a struggle, but he loves CYY and looks forward to returning. He's made a friend there that he saw several times a month the entire year after camp was over. We both look forward to him getting outdoors, hanging out with people he connects with and making more friends, and developing a strong sense of self through the various activities. Who knows, he might become a camp counselor there in a few years! As a single mom, I absolutely couldn't pull it off without financial aid from generous donors. Thank you for making this possible for us!
Camp Yakety Yak is the place to be, they’re so inclusive and accepting of everyone. I have been coming here for 10+ years and it’s always been a blast each year that I’ve been here. It’s always been the best part of my summer. I can’t wait to come back next year!!
I joined the Board of this amazing organization 2+ years ago and continue to be inspired by the spirit and talents of the campers, families, staff, and volunteers in the Camp Yakety Yak community!
My daughter had a great first week at camp yakity yak. She felt include, welcomed, and important. She looks forward to going back next year
Camp Yakety Yak (CYY) has changed my son's life. My son has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the "regular world" is down right cruel to him and others like him. In public school my son is bullied, is not supported, ignored, and his "needs" are pushed away as too much for them to support. Camp Yakety Yak is a breath of fresh air, is hope, and is a model for rest of the world to follow. Sincerely, there was life before Camp Yakety Yak and there is life now. Last year was the first year my son got to go to Camp Yakety Yak. CYY was prepared to receive my child when we arrived. For many families who have a child with complex needs, it's fear inducing to drop your child off. But at CYY, they were and are prepared and are ready and happy to serve children with disabilities. Last year, my son immediately made a friend- who is now his best friend whom we spend a lot of time with. It is such an honor and blessing for my son to get to go to CYY. At Camp Yakety Yak my son is treated like human being, honored, and celebrated for his differences; instead of being shunned and mistreated in dominant world. If all public schools operated like Camp Yakety Yak our schools would be inclusive and our disabled kids would not segregated and mistreated. My son will continue to go back to CYY over and over again, for the number one reason- that he gets to be a person there and he is not defined by his disability.
My 22 yo daughter attended CYY as a camper in 2014 and 2015, and this year, in 2023, she returned to participate in CYY's Apprenticeship Program, where she is being mentored in employment skills. She just completed the first week (of 4) and I knew when I picked her from camp on day 1, that this program is 1000% what she needed!
She came home bubbly, happy, confident and motivated!! COVID was HARD on her and she'd receded into a state of depression and anger. That sad young lady is gone, and the joyous, adventurous can-do kiddo has returned. I literally cried tears of joy and gratitude for what CYY has accomplished. They are superstars and I will unequivocally tell any family considering enrolling their child at CYY to run - don't walk; it is life-changing and we are eternally grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone at CYY for your dedication, hard work and generosity. We appreciate you to the moon and back!!
This will be our 2nd summer with Camp Yakety Yak and we can't say enough great things about this organization! The level of care and love that is provided for our son, while allowing him to build social skills and have fun with peers, is a true blessing for our entire family. We love that our neurotypical daughter is welcome as well and can join in on the fun with her brother and other campers! Thank you so much, Camp Yakety Yak!
Camp Yakety Yak is incredible. There are so many ways to describe this inclusive and neuroaffirming 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!
We had our son with autism attend Camp Yakety Yak for his very first time and he fully enjoyed the experience, the people and activities. We plan on having him attend again this summer 2023. We recommend this camp for a good experience... We also had our daughter attend and she also enjoyed her time with Camp Yakety Yak. Special thanks to Don and Heather, the administrators, for their special attention to our questions and concerns that we had as parents to give us worry free camp time. Also the staff and helpers were great and the camp was well organized.
I first started coming to this camp in 2011, and I have loved it ever since. It was such a positive environment for me and I have made a lot of long-term friendships from this camp. The moment I got dropped off there for the first time, I already felt like I was at home. I feel like I can just be myself and all the activities are so fun. I started from being a camper, to a junior camp counselor, to being a camp counselor. I have been a camp counselor now for the past 6 years. The staff here are the best, they’re all so understanding and kind. It has always been the best part of my summer, I can’t wait to come back next year and there will be many many MANY more years to come at this camp.
Camp Yakety Yak is an innovative camp that provides a place for neurodiverse kids and neurotypical kids to do fun activities while everyone learns how to be more social. I love to volunteer there because the kids are great. They laugh and learn and make new friends. For many of the kids, it's the best experience of their summer.
Camp Yakety Yak has been such a gift for so many. It is a magical, inclusive place where kids can make friends, experience joy and belong. There is no other place like it.
This is a great special needs camp that brings together Children and families. There is not another camp like this in the area. They do amazing work with kids!!!
My son has been attending Camp Yakety Yak for four summers and it is a wonderfully unique enrichment program. It offers kiddos the opportunity to learn, play, and grow together in a completely affirming atmosphere. The camp is incredibly well staffed with dedicated professionals, volunteers, and interns, creating a true sense of community. Even with his limited verbal communication, my son talks about Camp Yakety Yak long after attending the camp. Camp Yakety Yak is his happy place. We are grateful for the generous funding from the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation.
This was my son's first year at Camp Yakety Yak, and it was a wonderful experience. We felt comfortable with him at this camp, as we knew he was being well supported. He had a great time, and was excited to attend. He made some new friends, and we appreciate the flexibility of the support staff having our son's best interest always in mind! We look forward to having our son return next summer. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to CYY staff and volunteers for making my daughters first year at camp a huge success. I was very apprehensive sending my nonverbal, autistic daughter to camp. The staff made us feel comfortable from day one, with a friendly first day drop off and a first day parent meeting. We had daily communication notes sent home and sweet updates during camp pickup. My daughter was also awarded a scholarship to make this all possible.
My three children have such a fabulous time at Camp Yakety Yak. My son is on the autism spectrum and is starting high school. He has been a Junior Camp Counselor for the past two years and loves the friendliness and care that each of the teachers, "blue shirts," and camp counselors have given him each week.
I love how the camp gives him an opportunity to acquire some leadership skills he would not usually be able to acquire, as he has some social anxiety.
My other two children are neurotypical and I am grateful they can spend time with kids their age who may have special needs. They love crafts, games, friendships, and camp counselors. They also are big fans of the daily talent show and dance party! We love the fun and inclusivity of Camp Yakety Yak.
Thank you so much to the donors who make attending this camp possible for my family!
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We are in deep gratitude to the Oregon Community Summer Grant, as my 8-year-old son was able to experience summer camp for the first time. My son has ADHD and has spent the past two years homeschooling due to having difficulty at school. Camp Yakety Yak provided him the opportunity to re-engage with other children just like him and made him feel like he belonged. The staff and volunteers made his experience possible, making sure he was well supported. I also as a parent was able to enjoy some well-needed time for self-care. I can't thank Camp Yakety Yak and the Oregon Community Summer Grant enough for making this opportunity possible. Thank you!
What a powerful experience for my 13 year old son who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and ASD. He bonded with his two camp buddies and was a friend to all the new friends he met. He had so many questions for me after camp days as he was learning to navigate literal or symbolic relational aspects. We are so proud of him.
We were rewarded a generous scholarship that made it possible for our two sons to be part of two weeks of camp. Thank you
CYY is such an exceptional camp. I cannot say enough about how great they are. My son is 5 years old and really needed some social outlets before attending kindergarten, but he also has ASD. Camp Yakety Yak goes above and beyond for their campers. They gather extensive information about their campers and provide personal supports daily so that children with special needs can play and learn in a fun environment. My son was provided a 1-1 support for his entire week of camp. We where also so over the moon excited when we found out that we where awarded a scholarship. It has helped so much for our family to send our son to a camp and know he's being truly cared for.
Every day at camp I would learn that my son was playing along side other kids, participating in activities I'd have never thought he'd try. It just shows that the environment and care provided at CYY is set up so kids feel safe and cared for. They also provided daily reports for the parents, and feed back incase we had any concerns. We will be returning again!
This camp has been financially out of reach for us, but this summer we decided to invest in it for the experience for my daughter who has Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy and is deaf/blind. We were so excited to receive a scholarship for almost the entire cost of the camp with the help from generous donors. What a blessing! We are so excited, as we've heard this camp is amazing for kids with as many mobility and communication challenges as my daughter has. Looking forward to making memories this summer!!
Camp Yakety Yak is well run, uses its resources wisely and provides a much need experience for kids who are experiencing disabilities.
One of the best volunteer experiences I've had. I was nervous about stepping too far out of my comfort zone by working with children with special needs, but the training and support I received far exceeded my expectations. I learned so much about working with both children and adults with special needs, and by the end of my time there, felt prepared to handle any situation that could arise. I have no regrets and am deeply thankful to have had an opportunity to volunteer here!
Camp Yakety Yak has been life changing for our children! Our family has been involved with CYY for over 10 years. Our three children who experience special needs have been part of every program in the camp, Buddies, General Camper, Jr. Camp Counselor and Yak Apprentice. Each summer provides the opportunity for them to learn new skills, grow socially and most importantly have fun in a safe and enriching environment. CYY provides them with what I call the "Camp Yakety Yak Boost" which sustains skills through the summer and catapults them into the school year accelerating their social skills and learning in ways we cannot replicate at home or in other programs that are not tailored to meet their needs. We are enthusiastic supporters of CYY and strongly recommend this program!
An amazing camp experience for kids with special needs and professional learning for educators. The curriculum and activities are engaging and designed by educators with extensive experience working with children experiencing disability.
I have never been so supported as a staff member than I have at Camp Yakety Yak! Not only is this a great work environment, the kids are actively engaged in their day to day activities while creating stronger social communication skills and friendships. There is no camp out there like Camp Yakety Yak hence why we have kids coming back every year from around the world! :) I will definitely be telling my own community members about this fun day camp as well as returning to volunteer and work. It's truly an amazing experience for everyone involved.
Thank you to the Camp and Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation. It was my daughters first year going and she had a great time. She was always excited and happy after leaving camp. Eager to show me eveything she made.
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Camp Yakety Yak is a camp that is like no other. A camp that everyone is welcome. There is so much I can say about this camp. There are no boundaries to this camp! This camp has touched our families' life. We will be forever grateful of this camp and the friendships we have made and support we have received from this camp! This camp has changed so many lives of kids across the board from typical to non typical.
Thank you Camp Yakety Yak and Autism Spectrum Disorder Foindation for a wonderful experience our son had for the first time this year. Without the generosity of ASDF our son wouldn't have been able to try it out for a week! And he had a blast along with his younger neurotypical brother, his very best friend. They both had positive & fun time and flourished. They asked to come back next year. Thank you again and blessings!
This year was the first year that our two boys went to camp Yakety Yak. Firstly I would like to thank the Autism Spectrum Orders Foundation for their generous scholarship that helped us pay for the camp. We are really impressed by the positivity of the staff and volunteers and high staffing levels. Our youngest has really grown from the challenges and opportunities offered by camp. Most of the time he is so engaged in camp, and it's wonderful to see the camp counselors enthuse about these successes. When he has struggled, the camp counselors have been committed to helping him feel safe and validated, so that he can grown from these challenging experiences. Thank you so much, Iain and Tui
This past year has been particularly hard in my niece. She has been hit with so many challenges. Because of this , I really wanted to make this summer extra special. This will be her first year at Camp Yakety Yak and we are both looking forward to the four weeks she’ll spend in the Apprentice program. She is especially looking forward to making new friends!
We will forever be grateful to the Austism Spectrum Disorders Foundation for this incredible gift they have given us and to so many other families. We just can’t thank you enough!
The generosity of The Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation had made it possible for my son to attend his beloved Camp Yakety Yak this year despite many months of medical and financial hardships for our family.
My 17 year old has attended CYY every summer since 2014, with the exception of 2020 when covid hit. It was heartbreaking for him to not get to attend or to see his friends last year, so getting to return this summer is extra special. My 20 year old has dedicated many summers to volunteering as a camp counselor.
Both of my children have learned and grown so much, in such a variety of ways, as a direct result of this incredible camp and their phenomenal staff.
We truly are so fortunate to have such a thoughtful, inclusive, well organized and executed camp offered in our area. The individuals who work so hard to support our campers- from the professional staff to the interns to the volunteers- genuinely love what they do and it shows. I hope they know what a difference they're making.. not only in our community but in our world as these young people grow, learn and continue to spread awareness, acceptance and love wherever they go.
We are so grateful to you all for your dedication and the work that you do to provide our kiddos a safe space to thrive, to play, to learn and to create lasting, meaningful relationships.
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While it goes without saying that we LOVE Camp Yakety Yak, we couldn't be more thrilled about the launch of the Yak Apprenticeship program!
My boys have attended CYY every summer since 2014. My oldest son, who is neurotypical, has volunteered each year as a high school camp counselor. He's worked with campers in a group setting, and has also worked as a one-on-one with young campers who require additional supports.
This year, my oldest will leave for college. Camp Yakety Yak has played a large part in helping to equip him with many of the skills that he'll need to be happy and successful in the next chapter of his life and beyond. Not only has he learned the value of compassion, acceptance, and kindness to all no matter their ability, but he's learned how to work and collaborate well with a large group of people who hold the same vision in order to be successful. He has learned about the importance of time management, self-discipline, team-work, and how effective, respectful communication plays an important role in any job or position that he'll ever hold. His experiences at CYY have helped to shape him into an incredible young man who cares deeply about the world around him, and who takes seriously the power that he has to create positive impact.
My youngest son, who is neurodiverse, started with Camp Yakety Yak 6 summers ago as a camper. He graduated to a JCC (Junior Camp Counselor) 3 years ago, and last year was invited to participate in the Yak Apprenticeship pilot program. The basis behind this program is pure genius and so very needed for our neurodiverse youth! Much like my oldest son experienced as a camp counselor, these work apprentice teens have a unique opportunity to get to experience and learn about the working world in a safe, respectful, supportive environment. This phenomenal program helps them to recognize and to call on their strengths and abilities in order to reveal to them their capabilities. The guidance and support of highly trained staff who enable them to build on each success, ultimately building confidence that lasts a lifetime, is without parallel.
Last summer, I watched proudly as my son pushed beyond his own perceived limits within the safety net of the team. He worked hard, had a blast, made some new friends, gained incredible skills, and in the end was able to earn time at our local archery range, as well as a brand new bow that he'd been wanting- something that I chose to incentivize him with for his hard work and dedication.
Only a few years ago, Camp Yakety Yak was a hidden gem in a small neighborhood. I have had the great honor of watching it grow quickly in attendance, staff, and in reputation, due in large part to the tremendous impact that it's had on the families whose lives it's touched, and equally so because of the support that it's received from its generous doners. Despite its rapid growth, it has not suffered in quality. In fact, CYY has only continued to thrive and to improve on its existing programs, while continuously introducing new ones. If not for the continued support from organizations like the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation, these CYY programs would not only not be possible, but they would be inaccessible to many families. We are so incredibly fortunate to have a program such as this available to our young people. I'm sincerely thankful for ASDF and for their contributions as they have made it possible for my son to attend CYY year after year. We truly can't imagine a summer without Camp Yakety Yak!
This is our daughter's first year at Camp Yakety Yak and we are amazed at how much she has grown in such a short period of time. She went from having really hard transitions and acting out, to being able to fully participate safely at camp. For her to have this opportunity is simply amazing. The staff and volunteers are absolutely amazing and we are so thankful for their hard work and genuine care for our daughter. Without the generosity of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation contribution, our daughter might not have gotten the chance to participate at camp and we will be forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Our son has attended Camp Yakety Yak for four years now, and has always enjoyed the experience. Camp Yakety Yak has helped him to grow, to learn, to interact with other children in a meaningful way, which helps him to deal with other children in other settings. Without Camp Yakety Yak, our son would not be the person he is today. We are immensely grateful to the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation for the financial assistance this year to let him attend camp once again.
Thank you to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation and Camp Yakety Yak for making it possible for my son to attend Camp Yakety Yak again this year. Camp Yakety Yak has been a great experience for my son for several years now. It is a wonderful blessing having an organization such as yours help children with special needs and camps such as Yakety Yak that will teach children the skills and tools they need to flourish as they grow. Thank you!
Thank you for your support in helping our son attend Camp Yakety Yak. This will be his first summer there and we are all very excited about it.
This is our son's second summer at Yakety Yak and the staff are stellar. They take the time to connect with families to ensure that each child's needs are met. I love the reverse inclusion model, which offers opportunities for neurotypical peers to take advantage of all the fun. Camp Yakety Yak leverages local and community resources, including leading researchers at Portland State University. I am grateful for the Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation and its financial support for my 6 year old son on the spectrum to attend.
I learned so much while working at this camp last summer! As a returning student preparing for graduate work in Speech-Language Pathology, this camp was a challenging and rewarding introduction to the field. I highly recommend it!
I worked here for 2 sessions in the summer of 2013. It's a fantastic learning experience for both volunteers and campers! Whether or not children are neurotypical or have special needs, they will enjoy their time at this camp and will make new friends too!
In the summer of 2014, I volunteered at Camp Yakety Yak as a 1:1 assistant for a boy severely impacted with Autism. This experience taught me a flexibility and patience I have never before known. I am honored to have been a part of this amazing camp and look forward to spending another summer with remarkable children and highly qualified and passionate professionals.