While it goes without saying that we LOVE Camp Yakety Yak, we couldn't be more thrilled about the launch of the Yak Apprenticeship program! 
 

My boys have attended CYY every summer since 2014. My oldest son, who is neurotypical, has volunteered each year as a high school camp counselor. He's worked with campers in a group setting and has also worked as a one-on-one with young campers who require additional supports. 
 
This year, my oldest will leave for college. Camp Yakety Yak has played a large part in helping to equip him with many of the skills that he'll need to be happy and successful in the next chapter of his life and beyond. Not only has he learned the value of compassion, acceptance, and kindness to all no matter their ability, but he's learned how to work and collaborate well with a large group of people who hold the same vision in order to be successful. He has learned about the importance of time management, self-discipline, team-work, and how effective, respectful communication plays an important role in any job or position that he'll ever hold. His experiences at CYY have helped to shape him into an incredible young man who cares deeply about the world around him, and who takes seriously the power that he has to create a positive impact. 
 
My youngest son, who is neurodiverse, started with Camp Yakety Yak 6 summers ago as a camper. He graduated to a JCC (Junior Camp Counselor) 3 years ago, and last year was invited to participate in the Yak Apprenticeship pilot program. The basis behind this program is pure genius, and so very needed for our neurodiverse youth! Much like my oldest son experienced as a camp counselor, these work apprentice teens have a unique opportunity to get to experience and learn about the working world in a safe, respectful, supportive environment. This phenomenal program helps them to recognize and to call on their strengths and abilities in order to reveal to them their capabilities. The guidance and support of highly trained staff who enable them to build on each success, ultimately building confidence that lasts a lifetime, is without parallel. 
 
Last summer, I watched proudly as my son pushed beyond his own perceived limits within the safety net of the team. He worked hard, had a blast, made some new friends, gained incredible skills, and in the end was able to earn time at our local archery range, as well as a brand new bow that he'd been wanting- something that I chose to incentivize him with for his hard work and dedication.
 
Only a few years ago, Camp Yakety Yak was a hidden gem in a small neighborhood. I have had the great honor of watching it grow quickly in attendance, staff, and in reputation, due in large part to the tremendous impact that it's had on the families whose lives it's touched, and in their sharing of their own experiences of CYY with our greater community. Despite its rapid growth, it has not suffered in quality. In fact, CYY has only continued to thrive and to improve on its existing programs, while continuously introducing new ones. We are so incredibly fortunate to have a program such as this available to our young people year after year, and we truly can't imagine a summer without Camp Yakety Yak!"                           

                                                                                                           - Kristen Rasmussen, Parent of a Yak Apprentice