Ability camp is a “camp within a camp” designed for youth who, in order to be safe and successful, require smaller ratios than what you may find in a traditional camp environment. Ability camp is a fully mainstreamed, inclusive program that provides support for children and adolescents, in smaller ratios, alongside their age-similar peers of all abilities. Counselors work to provide physical, emotional, behavior, and cognitive support to help campers fully participate and succeed in outdoor/indoor camp activities.
To be successful in Ability Summer Camp, campers should be mainstreamed at least part of the day during school and be successful in a 1:3 ratio. Campers also must be independent with toileting and feeding. Students who require 1:1 support for any of the above are welcome at Ability Camp with the assistance of a personal care aid, TSS, or other support person provided by the family.
Ability camp is available at the following locations:
| Location | Dates | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Carr | June 17-Aug 16 | K-7th grade |
| Deer Path/Flemington | June 24-Aug 16 | K-7th grade |
| Doylestown | June 17-Aug 29 | K-7th grade and age 14-22 |
| Quakertown | June 10-Aug 29 | 1st- 7th grades |
Traditional Adventure, Specialty & Sports Camp for youth with disAbilities
Ability Adventure, Speciality and Sports camps are immersive, mainstream-inclusive summer camp programs for children with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities or behavioral health concerns.
Leaders in Training for teens & young adults with special needs
Age 14-22 | Ability Summer Teen Leaders in Training (LITs) is designed for teens ages 14-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop practical skills in volunteering/job training, community learning, and health & wellness.
Doylestown branch
How to Apply
Registration for Ability Summer Camp programs is by application only. Parent input and involvement in planning and managing behaviors is also expected. Prior to enrolling in Ability Summer camp at the Y, parents/guardians must complete an intake application packet. Please see below for details regarding the application process.
Application Process for Campers and LITs
- Contact Camp Leadership Staff to obtain an application intake packet.
- Complete the intake packet and return to camp leadership staff.
- The application intake packet is reviewed by Camp Leadership Staff.
- For NEW Campers/LITs*: Upon review, a new camper interview will be scheduled with camp leadership staff, at least one parent/guardian, and the camper present. Camp registration approval decision will be made after this meeting and then relayed to parents.
- For RETURNING Campers/LITs**: Form is reviewed by camp leadership staff. Camp registration approval decision will be made once form is reviewed.
If approved to register, proceed to the Welcome Center to complete the registration packet and camp selection grid. Financial and liability waivers will be signed at this time and camp payments schedule
*Your child is considered a new camper if they have never attended an Ability Summer Camp program at YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.
**Your child is considered a returning camper if they have previously attended at least one full week of Ability Summer Camp at YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.
Email our Ability Camp Coordinators using the buttons below: