Here’s something that gives us all the good feels: Not only does the YMCA of Greenville work to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for all in GVL, but it’s also part of the Y’s nationwide Diversity, Inclusion, and Global (DIG) Innovation Network. Through its operations, organization + programming, YMCA of Greenville makes an intentional point of leading with empathy, embracing diversity + working towards the greatest possible inclusion and place of belonging.

The Y’s commitment to inclusion is evident in their local programming, which provides some pretty incredible opportunities for kids + adults with diverse abilities here in Greenville.

Here are four of those programs making a difference for Greenvillians:

Stargazers Camp + Spectrum Camp 🏕️

What they are: Two weekend-long camps that are part of Camp Greenville, both including fun activities like crafts, archery, hiking, ziplining + more.
Who it’s for: Stargazers Camp offers a fun + safe environment for families with a child/adult who has Down Syndrome ($100/person; scholarships available upon request). Spectrum Camp does the same for families with a child/adult on the Autism Spectrum ($95/person; scholarships available upon request).
When + where it happens: The next Stargazers Camp runs Sept. 6-8 (register here) and the next Spectrum Camp runs Nov. 1-3 (register here).
Why it’s important: Families get to create their own schedule and bond over a long list of outdoor + indoor activities and programs (with well-trained staff on hand). The camp staff takes care of things like sensory-friendly activities, picture charts for easier transitions, and menus designed to accommodate diets (upon advance request).

RECESS 👨‍🎓

What it is: A program for adults with diverse abilities that stands for Recreation, Education, Community, Exercise, Social and Service.
Who it’s for: High school graduates with diverse abilities. $55/week. For more info + to apply, contact Rebekah Cunningham at rcunningham@ymcagreenville.org or 864-679-9622 ext. 210.
When + where it happens: January-May (15-week Spring semester), September-December (12-week Fall semester), and one-week Summer sessions in June, July + August. Days vary between locations: Caine Halter Family YMCA, Youth Program Center (Simpsonville), and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Why it’s important: In many places, there is a lack of resources for people over the age of 21 with diverse abilities. This program allows these young adults to learn new skills while fostering friendships + a sense of belonging. A new job coaching/volunteering program was recently introduced to prepare participants for employment or volunteerism by giving back to their community.

Swim Angelfish 🏊‍♀️

What it is: An adaptive swim program that provides one-on-one instruction, allowing teachers (certified + trained by the national Angelfish program) to adapt to participants’ individual needs.
Who it’s for: Children of all ages with diverse abilities, including (but not limited to) Autism, Cerebral Palsy, MS, ADHD + Down Syndrome. $100 (members), $149 (community) for four lessons; $185 (members), $275 (community) for eight lessons. Financial aid is available.
When + where it happens: The program is being developed to be offered year-round at all YMCA of Greenville branches with swimming pools: Caine Halter Family YMCA, Eastside Family YMCA + the YMCA Program Center. Contact your local YMCA branch for more info.
Why it’s important: Learning to swim can be intimidating for any child, but it can be especially so for children with diverse abilities. This program is designed to help these kids gain confidence so they can be comfortable in the water.

iCan Bike Camp 🚴‍♀️

What it is: A five-day camp that focuses on teaching individuals with diverse abilities how to ride a bike. The program was created by iCan Shine, an international nonprofit. Using specially-designed bikes (seen in this news clip from WYFF), participants gain balance + confidence with the goal of riding independently at the end of the week.
Who it’s for: Children ages 8+, teens + adults who are able to side-step + walk without assistive devices ($100/person, scholarships available). Call 864-292-2791 or email rbarnes@ymcagreenville.org for registration info.
When + where it happens: Next year’s camp will take place July 27-31, 2020 at Pelham Road Baptist Church.
Why it’s important: 80%+ of people with Autism and 90%+ of people with Down syndrome never get to experience riding a two-wheel bicycle independently. This camp exists to defy those stats and let all people experience the thrill of riding a bike; giving them a lifelong skill and something else in common with their friends + siblings.

Contact your local YMCA branch to check on the availability of any of the programs above – or just to let them know they’re awesome for serving our entire community. Ⓟ