Inclusion Programs

Feel Welcome, Supported and Celebrated

Inclusion is at our core

Inclusion is an attitude at Camp Yachad. Our Inclusion Programs provide individualized support and meaningful opportunities for campers and young adults with a range of needs. Through the Shadow Program and Skills Training Program, participants can build independence, develop new skills, form friendships, and be an active part of the Camp Yachad community.

1:1 Individualized
Support

Same-Age
Camp Inclusion

Building
Independence

Skills
Training

Shadow Program

1:1 SUPPORT FOR THE CAMP EXPERIENCE

For 25 years, the Camp Yachad Shadow Program has provided 1:1 staff support for campers with higher levels of need. Campers participate within their same-age camp group while receiving individualized, discreet support designed to help them participate as independently as possible, build relationships with peers, and enjoy the full camp experience.

Early Registration
Available

Full Camp
Day

Enrollment Not
Guaranteed

Questions About The Shadow Program

What Does Individualized Support Look like?

Every camper’s supports are determined through a thoughtful intake process. Depending on the camper’s needs, accommodations may include:

Picture or written schedules
Fidgets and sensory supports
Headphones for loud environments
Repeated, rephrased, or simplified instructions
Movement breaks
Support creating social opportunities
Individualized positive reinforcement

Shadow counselors provide these accommodations as discreetly as possible, helping campers participate in social and recreational activities with the greatest amount of independence possible.

Will My Child be Accepted?

The Shadow Program is highly competitive, and enrollment in Camp Yachad does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Enrollment priority is given to: Returning campers first, JCC members in Good Standing and finally the community at large

All new and returning campers requesting a Shadow Counselor must complete the intake process.

Acceptance depends on: Available space in the Shadow Program, Timely completion of the intake, and Camp Yachad’s ability to provide the reasonable accommodations needed

How Can My Child Apply?

Complete the Intake Form
A parent or guardian completes the Shadow Program Intake Form.
Submit Supporting Documents
If applicable, upload the camper’s current 504 Plan, IEP, or other relevant documentation through the secure portal.
Release of Information
Parents/guardians complete a Release of Information allowing the JCC to contact the camper’s teacher and/or case manager.
Review & Observation
JCC staff review the materials and may conduct a referral call for returning campers or a classroom observation for new campers.

When Will If my Child Was Accepted?

AUGUST
Enroll in Camp
Register for Camp Yachad and request a 1:1 Shadow Counselor. A deposit is required and is fully refundable if your child is not accepted or does not move off the waitlist.

SEPTEMBER
Intake Forms Sent
Parents/guardians of campers requesting Shadow support receive their intake forms.

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER
Intake Review
Forms are reviewed in the order received. Intake paperwork must be completed by November 17. After November 17, newly enrolled families have one month to complete the intake.

DECEMBER–JANUARY
Acceptance Decisions
Shadow Program decisions are provided on or before January 31.

MARCH
Final Enrollment Changes
Changes to enrollment, including participation in a district Extended School Year program, must be made by March 2.

How Much is the Shadow Program?

$200/week additional fee

Families receiving a Shadow Counselor pay an additional $200 per week. Much of the program’s cost is offset through grant funding and contributed support.

For families for whom cost is a barrier, needs-based financial assistance is available.

Skills trainging
Program

PAID, SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT AT CAMP YACHAD

The Camp Yachad Skills Training Program offers paid, supported employment for high school students entering 10th grade+ and young adults with higher levels of need. Assistant Specialists work alongside Camp Yachad Specialists in areas like art, sports, yoga, music, and more while developing vocational and social skills in a supportive camp environment.

8-10 OPENINGS

10th Grade +

Weeks 2-7

Questions About The Skills Training Program

What do Assistant Specialists Do?

Assistant Specialists help prepare and set up activities, engage campers and counselors during programming, and clean up materials between groups. Camp groups rotate through specialty areas every 35 minutes, giving Assistant Specialists hands-on experience working in a busy camp environment.

They also participate in major Camp Yachad traditions and events, including Boker Tov, Color War, the annual Color Run, and Friday Shabbat.

What Kind of Mentorship & Skill Development is Offered?

Assistant Specialists receive mentorship from a Camp Specialist and the Skills Training Program Director, along with formal, skill-specific feedback every two weeks.

Daily meetings also focus on developing hard and soft vocational and social skills. Participants are expected to build skills such as following multi-step instructions, independently navigating schedules, adapting to changes, interacting appropriately with others, and accepting and implementing constructive feedback.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

8:30 AM — Arrival & Assistant Specialist meeting
9:30 AM — All-camp Boker Tov
10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Work in specialty area + break
12:00–12:30 PM — Lunch
12:30–2:30 PM — Work in specialty area + break
Afternoon — Possible free swim, meetings or additional activities
3:10 PM — Dismissal
3:30 PM Fridays — Dismissal after Shabbat

How can My Child Apply

The Skills Training Program is highly competitive, with only 8–10 positions available each summer. Priority is given to applicants who have been successful in other JCC programs, including the Camp Yachad Shadow Program.

Applicants must complete:

General Camp Yachad employment application
Two reference checks
Parent/Guardian Feedback Form
Skills Training Applicant Form
In-person interview, if selected to move forward

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.