Camp Yakety Yak

Mission

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

CYY is one of the few organizations in the Pacific Northwest offering a specialized summer day camp for youth experiencing a wide range of disabilities. The pandemic disproportionately impacted many of our campers, and their caregivers often cite that CYY is playing a vital role in their children’s recovery.  By teaming up with local universities and schools, CYY also provides a strong foundation for future educators and therapeutic professionals while raising awareness about youth experiencing disabilities.

Quote

“Camp Yakety Yak is incredible. There are so many ways to describe this inclusive and neuro-affirming 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!”

~ Camper Parent, Summer 2023

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Over 80% of younger campers and 100% of the Yak Apprentices are youth who experience disabilities including ADHD, autism, Down Syndrome, genetic disorders, and epilepsy. The other 20% of campers are siblings and friends of campers who can participate in a rich shared experience with their friend or sibling to help normalize recognition and the celebration of all abilities. 

Incentives

For Giving Tuesday, ASDF is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000, with your contributions supporting camp programs and their $1,000 match directly funding needs-based camper scholarships this summer!

Partner(s)

Umpqua Bank is a premier regional bank supporting consumer, nonprofit and business
customers across the West, committed to strengthening the fabric of the communities it serves.

ASDF supports children with autism spectrum disorder by providing information, education, and financial assistance to their families and relevant community service organizations.