New Canaan YMCA hosts February vacation camp for special needs children

Thursday, 04 February 2010 13:40

The New Canaan YMCA’s Special Needs Initiative will be holding a Winter Break Camp for children with special needs and their families over the February school holiday in addition to its regular vacation camp. The four-day program runs from Monday, February 15 through Thursday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and is open to Y members in kindergarten through grade eight and their families.

“The New Canaan YMCA believes that all children are first and foremost children, regardless of need or ability,” said Marisa McBride, director of special needs programming. “We celebrate individual differences either through inclusive or specialized recreational programs. Our Winter Break Camp is a great new addition to our Special Needs Initiative offerings.”

Daily activities include family swim, kids gym, a caregiver’s social, a family lunch and arts and crafts time.

YMCA Special Needs Initiatives programs are funded in part by contributions to the Y’s All Kids Are Our Kids annual support campaign. In 2009, the Y served more than 125 children and adults with special needs through inclusive and specialized programming.

The Y’s annual Vacation Camp program will also run that same week during school break.

Designed for children in kindergarten through grade six, the program runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. are also available to accommodate the needs of working parents. Parents may sign their child up for the days of their choice, or for all four.

“The YMCA recognizes that it can be a challenge for parents to find safe and fun activities for their children on school holidays,” said Davie Cedela, program director. “The YMCA’s Vacation Camp program-staffed by full-time Y directors and part-time staff- addresses this need in our community and at the same time allows kids to have a really fun time with their friends on a day off from school.”

Vacation campers will participate in swimming, specialty gym activities and arts and crafts. Special events include visits from the Krazy Kool Lego Lady, Danny Magic and Chris Evers from the Animal Embassy.

These programs are open to both YMCA members and non-members, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Registration is in progress and space is limited. For more information call 203-966-4528 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .