For the past five years, Nadirah has explored nature trails, sung around a campfire and swum in a lake in the Catskills every summer at YAI’s Mainstreaming at Camp program. This year, her younger brother Paul was able to share the experience with her. Like his big sister, Paul gained new skills, abilities, maturity and confidence that he brought home with him, to the pleasant surprise of his family. This unique experience was made possible by the Brighter Futures Society (BFS) Camp Scholarship Fund.

The BFS is a group of young professionals who raise funds and awareness to benefit the YAI Network.  Members work hard to support the mission of YAI by volunteering their time and efforts. Members volunteer at recreational programs, plan social events and network with other young professionals who want to make a difference. The group holds an annual event every spring to raise funds for crucial programs. The BFS raises money for the Scholarship Fund all year long, sending as many children to camp as possible.

The BFS Camp Scholarship Fund provides New York City children with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome the opportunity to attend summer camp in the Catskill Mountains. For many families who can not afford it, a BFS Scholarship makes camp financially accessible. The program emphasizes inclusion, where campers participate alongside their typically developing peers and learn skills to become more independent.