What is Camp G.R.A.C.E.?
Camp G.R.A.C.E. is a day camp designed for children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. Each one-week session of Camp G.R.A.C.E. focuses on building specific skills and incorporates therapeutic ideas from many disciplines.
Camp G.R.A.C.E. Sessions
There will be eight weeks of Camp G.R.A.C.E. this summer. July 3 is a holiday, and camp will be closed.
We offer two different sessions: Social Skills and Building Blocks. Social Skills Sessions are designed for children who do not require one-on-one assistance. The focus of these sessions will be on activity skill building, teamwork activities and social situations. The Building Blocks sessions are designed with a smaller ratio to allow for more individual attention.
Throughout their camp session, children will work and play within their huddles to learn new games, complete art projects, participate in music and dog therapy times and much more. Children will also enjoy water and sensory integration activities, as well as time for character and social skills development.
Applications for Camp G.R.A.C.E.
Camp G.R.A.C.E. is an application-based program. The application process opens on Jan. 1 for returning participants. New participants may apply beginning on Feb. 1. Once completed, a director will reach out to you in 2-3 weeks about your child's participation at camp this summer. You will not be able to register for Camp G.R.A.C.E. until your application has been reviewed by a director.
Due to extremely high demand, we are no longer accepting applications for Camp G.R.A.C.E. at the Kraft Family YMCA for Summer 2026. At this time, all spots have been offered for this summer and there is no remaining space. We are proud to provide Camp G.R.A.C.E., and we regret that we cannot serve all families seeking this camp.
Camp G.R.A.C.E. FAQs
Additional information about Camp G.R.A.C.E. at Apex Elementary School
Rides In: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Rides Out: 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Rides In and Rides Out are located at the lower bus loop near the tennis courts at Apex Elementary. A staff member will escort your child to and from your car for your convenience.
At Rides Out, parents must present a pick-up card (provided on the first day of camp) or an ID as a safety precaution. At registration, you can also place additional friends and families on your approved pick-up list to help us ensure the safety of your child.
After camp closes at 2:30 p.m., a late fee applies. The fee is $5 for the first 10 minutes and $1 for every minute thereafter.
The Y is proud to provide a day camp for children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism. We focus on your child's growth, recognition, achievement, character and encouragement. We offer alternating two-week sessions called "Social Skills" and "Building Blocks" which differ based on the skills and abilities of the child.
Social Skills sessions are designed for children who do not require one-on-one assistance (1:3 ratio); the focus of the session will be on activity skill building, inclusive activities and social situations. We will work on building individual skills and also incorporating teamwork. The participants of Social Skills session should be able to do the following: communicate clearly, follow complex instructions, participate in group activities, independent self-help skills.
Building Blocks sessions are designed with a smaller ratio (1:2 ratio) to allow for more individual attention. The goal is to break down the activities in our smaller groups and work on teaching the basic skills. This session is developed for children who need more hand-over-hand assistance and simpler instructions.
Swimming
Campers ride the bus to the Kraft Family YMCA on M/W/F from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to swim.
Dog Therapy
Helping Paws comes on Monday at 10 a.m. to walk Crystal the Greyhound and Vincent the Lab around at camp.
Music Therapy
Voices Together Music Therapy comes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Kids enjoy singing songs to help learn about their feelings, practice movement and learn about different instruments.
Water Day
We will have fun with water on Tuesday or Thursday, depending on the week. (details in weekly email) Be sure to pack your swimsuit and water shoes!
Social Skills Field Trip (weeks 3, 4, 7, & 8)
Social Skills campers will ride a bus to a variety of field trips over the summer. Check out the weekly newsletter email for details about what the trip is for that week!
Family Day
Every other Friday at 2 p.m. families are invited to join us at camp while campers receive their Paper Plate Awards. Family Day usually ends around 2:30 p.m.
On Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, Camp G.R.A.C.E. campers are bussed to the Kraft Family YMCA to swim from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunscreen/insect repellent (lotions and sprays) requires a Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Distribution Form to be completed if you wish for the Y to apply it to your child. This is part of the YMCA Medication Distribution & Sunscreen Application form.
We recommend that your child bring spray sunscreen and repellent for personal use if you prefer they self-apply. Please mark your child's first and last name on the bottles.
Campers are asked to bring a change of clothes, a swimsuit, a towel, lunch, two snacks and a refillable water bottle. Most campers pack everything in a backpack.
We offer a wide range of activities to engage our campers. Daily activities include swimming and a multitude of group games. Special therapies are offered such as Dog Therapy and Music Therapy, through contracted programs. Camp G.R.A.C.E. campers are bussed to the Kraft Family YMCA on M/W/F to swim. The following are examples of activities that are incorporated into the weekly schedules. Please note, the activities will be adapted to meet the needs and skill levels of the children.
Scooters
Parachute Games
Relay Games
Sensory Activities
Bean Bag Games
Ball Games
Arts and Crafts
Teambuilding
Huddle Time
Camp G.R.A.C.E. Support
Individuals from the following organizations donated their time and expertise in the formation of Camp G.R.A.C.E.: The YMCA of the Triangle, A Small Miracle, LLC., the Autism Society of North Carolina, Community Partnerships, Maxim Home Health, and independently contracted behavioral psychologists. It is through the generosity and dedication of all of the above-mentioned organizations and donors to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign that we are able to provide Camp G.R.A.C.E.