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 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

As a developmental psychologist and mother to neurodivergent children, I can attest that I have never seen or experienced a program quite like Camp Yakety Yak. CYY feels like a warm hug every day, and we consider it one of the greatest blessings in our lives. 

Campers at CYY are encouraged to ‘come as they are’, do their best, become confident in their strengths, and feel connected to and appreciated by a supportive community.

The staff and administration work tirelessly to make sure all campers feel safe and happy, and this camp has single handedly convinced me and my husband that self-care and respite for weary parents of special needs children is actually possible!

-Amanda Leeder, PhD 

Incentives

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Foundation (ASDF) is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $8,000 for donors up to age 35, with your contributions supporting camp programs and their match directly funding needs-based camp scholarships!!

Partner(s)

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