The Camp Yachad Shadow Program, which has been in existence for 25 years, provides an accommodation of 1:1 staff for campers with a higher level of need so they can participate to their best ability in the camp experience within a neurotypical, same-age camp group. Click here for an overview of a typical camp day by unit. The Shadow Program is a highly competitive program. Please note that some of the outdoor camp terrain is uneven and most specialty areas are located outdoors.
All supports are determined on an individual basis through a thoughtful intake process. Sample accommodations provided by shadow counselors include:
- Picture/written schedules to foster ease of transitions
- Fidgets to help maintain calm hands
- Headphones to reduce noise in loud environments
- Repeating, rephrasing and/or simplifying instructions
- Movement breaks when needed
- Creating social opportunities for your camper
- Individualized positive reinforcement
Shadow counselors implement individualized accommodations so that the campers they shadow can participate in social and recreational activities with the greatest amount of independence possible through discreet support. The shadow counselor also focuses on helping their camper cultivate relationships with their peers. As a result, our campers and shadow counselors form a very special bond throughout the summer. Many of our shadow counselors have experience babysitting or volunteering with children with disabilities or are studying in a related field in a college or graduate program.
1:1 Shadow support is available during the length of the camp day. 1:1 support is not available for bussing to and from camp or in our early arrival and late stay programs.
Applying for the Shadow Program
Camp enrollment for all campers begins in August (for the next summer).
Acceptance into Camp Yachad does not guarantee enrollment into the Shadow Program.
- The Shadow Program is a competitive program and returning campers have enrollment priority followed by JCC members in good standing and then the community at large.
- Early registration is highly recommended, and all campers (new and returning) must complete an intake process to be considered for the Shadow Program.
- Acceptance into the Shadow program is contingent upon:
- Completion of the intake in a timely manner.
- Our ability to provide the reasonable accommodations needed to support your camper’s successful participation.
- Available space in the Shadow Program.
- Click here for information on Summer 2026 dates, rates and registration.
The Intake Process
Components
- Parent/guardian must complete the Shadow Program Intake form.
- If in place, the child's current 504 Plan, IEP, etc. must be uploaded to our secure portal.
- Parent/guardian must complete a Release of Information form giving the JCC permission to contact the child’s teacher and/or case manager for a referral and/or to observe the child in a general education setting.
Enrollment and Intake Timeline for Campers
August
Enroll in camp and be sure to check off the box requesting a 1:1 Shadow Counselor. A deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit is fully refundable if your child is not accepted to the Shadow Program or does not move off the wait list.
September
Intake forms will be emailed out to the parent/guardian of the shadow campers.
October-November
Intake forms for shadow campers will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. All intake paperwork must be completed by November 17 or your space both in camp and in the shadow program will be forfeited and your deposit refunded. All enrollments received after November 17 will have 1 month to complete intakes or your space both in camp and the Shadow Program will be forfeited and your deposit refunded. Once the intake forms are received, our staff will review the documents and schedule a referral call (for returning campers) and/or a classroom observation (for new campers).
December-January
Decisions on acceptance for shadow campers will be provided on or before January 31. Should your camper not be accepted to the Shadow Program, we will provide a full refund and will do our best to provide alternative camp referrals if requested.
March
Any changes to enrollment must be made by March 2 including intent to participate in your district’s Extended School Year program so we can staff appropriately.
Families whose child is in our shadow program with a Shadow Counselor will incur an additional fee of $200/week; however much of the cost of the Shadow Program is offset by grant funding and contributed support. If cost is a barrier, please click here to learn about our needs-based financial assistance program.