Mainstreaming at Camp

Here at YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities, we believe that summer camp is just as much about building confidence, social skills and self-awareness as it is about swimming, horseback riding and hiking.

Adventures and learning experiences abound for children and young adults with developmental and learning disabilities in our Mainstreaming at Camp program. Our knowledgeable and supportive staff adapt the camp experience to your child's needs and abilities - from one-on-one supervision for campers who need a lot of support, to our job skills program for older campers preparing for the transition from school to work.

What is MAC?

Since 1988, MAC has offered inclusive, safe and caring summer camp opportunities to children with disabilities. Frost Valley in New York's Catskill Mountains hosts our MAC program. Campers are fully included in all summer camp activities with additional support as needed. Specially trained counselors provide caring guidance in our MAC cabins at a ratio of one staff member for every three campers.

The MAC program promotes acceptance of diversity within the entire camp community by providing typically developing campers with a new awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. MAC is also a valuable resource for families and caregivers seeking respite services.

How to Apply

Our intake process begins in January and ends in April. We fill our open sessions on a first come first served basis; calling early is best. The first step is to complete a phone screening with one of our camping staff members. This is an opportunity for you to ask specific questions you might have about the program and to go over the type of support your child would need in order to be successful at camp

To start the application process contact Joe Medler (212) 273-6298 or Sarah Baier (212) 273-6658

Who are the MAC Campers?
 
Our MAC campers are:

• between the ages of 6-18
• people with developmental or learning disabilities
• people who get along well with their peers and staff
• fully ambulatory
• able to use the bathroom independently
• successful with a staff-to-camper ratio of 1-to-3

Our Staff

Shaylyn (Shay) Decker, MAC HIRD Girls Village Chief:
This summer will be my tenth summer at Frost Valley and fourth working in MAC. I'm really looking forward to this summer and I think it will be one of the best summers yet! I am a student at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse New York, I'm going into my junior year. Working at Frost Valley has been the highlight of my summers - to be honest my entire year and I cannot wait to start camp this year.

Alisha Simms, STEP Village Chief:
I was lucky enough to grow up with the MAC program at my summer camp. I believe every child should have the chance to have a positive summer camp experience. I have worked for programs like The Allegro School in north New Jersey, as a counselor with MAC, as staff with YAI’s travel program, Leisure Trax as well countless in home and school respite programs. I am looking forward to the new experience of STEP at Frost Valley this summer and am ready to change the world!

Justin Batton, MAC Wawayanda Village Chief:
I have spent my entire life in New York City and have been a camper at Frost Valley since age 11. During my CIT (Counselor In Training) summer I worked with the MAC program and instantly fell in love. This summer will be my 5th year in MAC and I am more excited than ever. Outside of camp I attend Cornell University as a Fine Arts major and was a varsity athlete throughout high school. I hope to continue to bring creativity, fun, and new experiences into this summer for the campers. Can’t wait!!!

Alexis (Lexi) Cariello: MAC Director/YAI Onsite Supervisor:
I am so excited to be returning to camp for Summer 2009. This will be my second summer as the MAC director. I've been at Frost Valley since I was a kid, and this is my sixth summer working with the MAC Program. This May I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a Bachelors of Social Work. I will be attending graduate school this fall to obtain my MSW at Columbia University. I am always looking forward to camp---and continuing my long-held title as best marshmallow-roaster! See you soon!

Anthony Albanese, MAC HIRD Boys Village Chief:
As a kid, I spent many summers at Frost Valley. Once I became a counselor, I fell in love with the MAC program. I worked as a MAC counselor for 2 years and then as Village Chief of Mini MAC in 2007. Coming back to camp in the summer has always been the highlight of my year. Next fall I will begin my senior year at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 2010 with a degree in Sociology and Health Studies. I plan to pursue a career in Public Health. After spending a semester abroad in Spain, I am so excited to be back at Frost Valley working with the MAC Boys, one of my favorite villages on camp. It's going to be a fantastic summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

YAI/NIPD's Mainstreaming-at-Camp Program 
The Mainstreaming-at-Camp (MAC) Program, offered through YAI/NIPD's Clinical and Family Services Department, provides children and young adults with developmental and learning disabilities a fun summer experience in a traditional summer camp setting.
  MAC was started in 1988 to offer inclusive, supportive summer camping opportunities to children with disabilities. Rather than segregate individuals with disabilities from their typically-developing peers, MAC offers a camping experience within traditional summer camps to foster YAI/NIPD's goals of inclusion and independence. In the course of our partnership, the program also promotes acceptance of diversity within the entire camp community by providing typically-developing campers with a new awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. MAC is also a valuable resource for families and caregivers in need of respite.

Who are YAI/NIPD MAC campers? 
Campers must be between the ages of 6-18, have a developmental disability, be fully ambulatory, able to use the bathroom independently, and be successful with a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio.

Who are the MAC staff? 
 YAI and the YMCA are committed to recruiting and training the best possible summer staff. All our staff have a positive attitude that reflects the genuine desire to provide a unique and valuable experience to children with special needs. MAC staff are provided with training and support prior to the start of the summer and continuing throughout your child's stay at camp.

What is the STEP Program? 
 STEP is the Supportive Training and Employment Program. The STEP program typically serves young adults who would benefit from a job skills training program within the summer camp environment. Participants in the STEP program enjoy independent living quarters that are set up dormitory style. Here, with the supervision of two STEP counselors, they develop daily living skills. At camp, STEP campers explore their vocational interests, create a resume, undergo interviews with camp staff, and are matched with a position in the dining hall, laundry, arts and crafts center and other camp locations.

Do the camps administer medication? 
 Yes. There is an infirmary with a registered nurse who is responsible for administering each child's medication. Counselors are aware of when each child's medication is to be given. The camp nurse is the only staff member to pass out medication.

How do I apply for YAI/NIPD summer camping programs?
 To find out more contact Joe Medler (212) 273-6298 or Sarah Baier (212) 273-6658

Testimonials

"We are very grateful to all staff for providing a wonderful, safe and enriching experience for Justin and all of us! His counselor was absolutely terrific in helping him feel comfortable and more independent. Thanks to everyone who made this first sleep-away experience a memorable one!"
 
Parent of first time camper
 
"We can't say enough about how well-run this program is! From my very first phone conversation through the 12 days of camp I've been very impressed. An incredible combination of efficiency and warmth. And it all just felt like a fun, typical camp experience for our son. What a gift to all of us! And it really seems like everyone on staff loves what they do. No wonder everyone keeps coming back!"
 
Susan, parent of first time camper
 
"I feel so grateful that Max has had this wonderful opportunity these past years to experience himself outside the restrictions/comfort zone of his home and family in such a safe and friendly environment. I think it helps all of us to have a little time apart and I know Max loves the adventure! Thanks so much!"
 
Cindy, parent

"This is the best program that I have encountered. The representatives are well informed and very professional, and extremely nice."
 
Annette, parent
 
Thank you - my daughter had such a wonderful time at camp. She was very excited about all her new experiences and has shared the dances and songs/chants she learned."
 
Parent of first time camper.

"Thank you for providing such a great experience for Jack! We love that Jack can attend the same summer camp as his sister, while getting the extra support that he needs!"
 
Elaine, parent, summer 2006