Camp Yakety Yak is primarily a social communication camp. Our specialists have designed a camp for children with special needs based on years of experience, advanced training and research. The philosophy, curriculum and individualized support of Camp Yakety Yak is best suited for children with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Communication Disorder
• ADHD
• Mild Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Children without diagnosed disabilities, but whose social-emotional development is less mature than their peers

Camp Yakety Yak strives to offer a fully-inclusive camp experience, so approximately 25% of our campers are considered typical peer models.Siblings and friends are encouraged to attend and we have designed activities that are challenging and interesting to children in first through fifth grade. Our goal is to have children from the same family sharing their camp experiences at the dinner table. We feel that thoughtful inclusion benefits all learners and offers siblings a chance to connect with other children who have a brother or sister with challenges. We offer special activities for siblings that encourages them to connect with each other, such as a Siblings Lunch.

Camp Yakety Yak is based on a "Reverse Inclusion" model which means we have designed an environment and curriculum for children with special needs and invite neurotypical children to join us. We believe that a Reverse Inclusion model is an effective way to teach children with special needs skills by peer example and encourage siblings to grow in their patience, empathy and leadership skills. Reverse Inclusion is a fairly rare model in Special Education classrooms and even more unique for a summer camp in the Portland area. We are proud of our service model at Camp Yakety Yak!