Special Needs: YMCA

YMCA Special Needs Guide May 11

Various Locations, Upstate, SC

The YMCA of Greenville has multiple programs and opportunities for children and families with special needs to enjoy. These include Camp Greenville, iCan Bike, RECESS and swim lessons.

Camp Greenville  

Camp Greenville, operated by the YMCA of Greenville for 110 years, offers family camp weekends for families with members who have Down syndrome and Autism. Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp offers a spring and a fall weekend in a fun and safe environment to have amazing family fun. Enjoy the beauty and adventure of camp with others who understand how amazingly unique and talented we all are in our different ways. 

Spring Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp is May 6-8, 2022.
Fall Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp is September 16-18, 2022.
Registration for both weekends is currently open. 

iCanBike 

A vast majority of people with disabilities have never had the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this.  YMCA of Greenville collaborates with iCan Shine to defy these odds by running a 5-day camp called iCan Bike, which teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional, two-wheel bike. 

Camp host: Eastside Family YMCA
Camp dates: July 25, 2022 – July 29, 2022
Camp location: Taylors First Baptist Church 200 West Main Street Taylors, SC

RECESS

RECESS (Recreation, Education, Community, Exercise, Social and Service) is a signature program of The YMCA of Greenville for post-high school adults with diverse abilities. During programming, participants learn about nutrition, fitness, social responsibility, community outreach, and independent living skills. RECESS allows adults with diverse abilities not only a place to continue to learn new skills, but also gives them a place to connect with friends and gain a sense of belonging.

Swim Lessons

The YMCA of Greenville offers their own swim curriculum for those with diverse abilities. The Caine Halter Family branch and Prisma Health Family branch offer private lessons in addition to a monthly swim with YMCA RECESS participants. Contact your branch to set up an introductory session!