Camp Yakety Yak

Mission

Camp Yakety Yak (CYY) helps children experiencing physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD), grow socially and emotionally by improving their communication skills. CYY'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

Welcome to Camp! We're Glad You're Here!

At Camp Yakety Yak, belonging is the foundation of everything we do. Camp is intentionally disability-centered, designed for youth and young adults ages 5–22 experiencing complex medical, orthopedic, and developmental needs. Siblings and typically developing friends are invited to join in the fun, creating a community where every camper is valued, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
 

What Makes Camp Yakety Yak Unique

Licensed nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and special educators provide continuous medical and therapeutic oversight. This allows campers to safely participate in games, recreation, and social activities that build confidence, communication skills, friendships, and a genuine sense of belonging.

A Disability Centered Model 

Many of our campers experience differences in communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and sensory processing. Some also have significant medical and orthopedic needs.

We built a responsive support model anchored by a 1:1.5 adult-to-camper ratio, bringing together licensed professional staff, university students, and high school volunteers to deliver individualized support and ensure every camper truly belongs.
 

A Nervous System Informed Approach

Camp Yakety Yak prioritizes emotional regulation and sensory supports rather than behavioral interventions. When adults and youth feel safe and emotionally regulated, belonging becomes possible. Creating a relationship-centered environment where everyone can thrive as they are—that’s the magic of camp everyone talks about!

Quote

In Their Own Words…

“I can be as autistic as I want to be!” Camper A.

“My son felt like he belonged for the first time in a very long time. Every morning my son was excited to go to camp and every day he came home with stories about his new friends. It’s so rare for him to want to leave the house or participate in any group activity.” Angela S., Parent

Incentives

Let's Raise $5,000 for Camp Yakety Yak on Giving Thursday, December 1st! 🎉

Thanks to AIM Wealth Advisory Group, every Giving Tuesday donation will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $2,500! Your $1 = $2 for camp! Together, let’s raise $5,000 in one day!

CESAR the NO DRAMA LLAMA! 🦙 

Be our FIRST Giving Tuesday donor and Cesar the No Drama Llama will make a special appearance at your next party, fundraiser, or community event!

Cesar is a sensory match made in heaven! Our campers love to hug on this chill guy, and now it’s YOUR turn! ❤️

Gift Matching

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000! 

ASDF supports children with autism spectrum disorder by providing access to recreation and enrichment programs. In Oregon, ASDF partners with Camp Yakety Yak to provide access to low income and cultually diverse youth!

Partner(s)

Camp Yakety Yak would like to thank our nonprofit partner, Greater Than, for its work supporting historically underserved students, families, and educational institutions in the pursuit of educational equity. Please check our their organization and consider supporting them as well!