The Bergen County Y welcomes people of any background with physical and intellectual challenges. We provide experiences that are appropriate for those with varying abilities, as well as offering innovative programming for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The YJCC’s program for children and teens with special needs focuses on reinforcing school experiences, developing social and life skills, enhancing self-esteem, and creative, social and recreational activities. An array of classes and social opportunities specifically for children on the autism spectrum are available as well. Swimming, sports and other activities offered to the YJCC community maintain an inclusive and accepting environment. The YJCC, a spacious, wheelchair accessible, barrier-free facility, continually seeks new ways to open its doors to all.

For complete information, please contact Gina Wellington, Special Services Director, at (201) 666-6610, ext.268 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To see current class offerings in our Program Guide, click here.

Camp Shalom
Camp Shalom offers a very special opportunity for children with autism or any physical or developmental delay to take part in a wonderful day camp program. A large number of our campers are on the autism spectrum; therefore, our camp provides considerable support to enable these campers to get the most from the camp experience, including a highly structured format, visual supports and social stories.

Under the supervision of professional staff, Camp Shalom campers participate in age- and ability-based activities, “team time” (specifically geared toward building interactions), integrated play groups (for younger campers), movement/sports, art, music, nature, karate and yoga. There are weekly picnics, theme days and shared activities with the YJCC’s KidsCamp.

To learn more about Camp Shalom, click here.

Programs for Children and Teens with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
The YJCC’s program for children on the autism spectrum encourages learning through recreation in a safe, comfortable environment. Our programs complement school programs, offering opportunities for social growth and development that enable children to build self-confidence, experience competency and develop their potential. Notably, autism programs at the YJCC incorporate “social buddies” – typically-developing peer volunteers who act as role models and mentors. The year-round program includes a highly-qualified, talented, and nurturing staff, and is supervised by a New Jersey Certified Teacher of the Handicapped who has a Masters in Special Education.

Program offerings may include:
▲ Boost! This class provides after-school programming for children with autism alongside typically developing social buddies. Within highly structured classes, children with autism are offered the same activities their social buddies enjoy, with the core objective of improving communication and promoting social skills. The program was developed with a grant from the New York Center for Autism.

▲ FUNday and FUNday 2 Each session includes a series of ability and age-appropriate structured activates designed to increase recreational and social skills.

▲ Social Thinking Groups This direct instruction class is best suited for those with high functioning autism. Participants work on individual as well as group goals to increase understanding of each other’s perspective and successfully navigate social interactions.

▲ Special Tween/Teen Scene This Saturday night program offers social activities for pre-teens and young teens along with typically developing social buddies. Structure and supervision enable positive social interaction and growth.

▲ Ceramics and Hand-Building The class provides guided instruction to encourage communication skills, creative thinking, and problem solving.

▲ Spectrum Science An environmental educator provides hands-on environmental nature programs for children with autism.

▲ Imagination in Motion Using guided imagery, the group’s educators encourage creative expression to improve coordination, focus, posture, and pretend play through music, dance, and exercise.

▲ Bear With Me: Therapeutic Martial Arts Martial arts therapy combines techniques of karate and uses them as a medium to provide therapeutic exercise and activity.

▲ Patiently Wading This water therapy class is designed to help children connect with their body boundaries and range of motion.

To see our brochure, click here.

Programs for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Special Needs
The YJCC welcomes children, teens and young adults with developmental delays and disabilities, physical challenges and neurological impairment, as well as those with multiple disabilities. Some of the programs listed above may be appropriate for those with a variety of special needs. Please contact Gina Wellington at (201) 666-6610, ext. 268 for complete information.

Additional programs include:
▲ FUNdamentals in Art Teens and young adults explore a variety of media using adaptive techniques and tools.

▲ Yoga Includes meditation and relaxation; parents welcome.

▲ Movement through Music Creative and expressive movement help build self-confidence and enhance peer interaction.

▲ Special Needs Sports Challenge Team and individual sports challenges provide fun and exercise, plus enhance flexibility.

▲ Bergen Bubbles Special Olympics swim team calls the YJCC home.

▲ Private Swim Lessons are available.

To see our brochure, click here.

For information about the YJCC’s day program for adults with developmental disabilities, click here.