Camp MAK

Welcome to Camp Mak!

Camp Mak is the YMCA of Easley, Pickens & Powdersville’s first childcare program that is specifically designed to support and enrich children with disabilities. Our goal is to provide an inclusive summer camp experience where your child can participate side by side with our on-site camps in age-appropriate activities such as outdoor exploration, worship and devotions, sports, swimming, and arts and crafts.

Mission Statement: Building an inclusive camp community where children find belonging, develop confidence, and grow together in Christ. 

Click Here to begin the Registration Process

2026 Camp Dates:
Session 1: Weeks of June 8-12 and June 15-19
Session 2: Weeks of July 6-10 and July 13-17

Location
Powdersville YMCA
9115 SC-81
Piedmont, SC 29673

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Drop-off: 9:00 – 9:30 AM
Pick-up: 3:30 – 4:00 PM

Daily programming begins promptly at 9:30am, so we ask that your child arrive on time to allow for a smooth transition into our camp day. We require advanced notice of any late drop-offs or early pick-ups. Please see the Childcare Parent Handbook for additional information regarding late pick-ups and fees.

Who is Camp Mak for?

  • Campers must be aged 6-11 at the start of camp.
  • Campers must be able to use the bathroom independently.
  • Campers must be able to operate in a group of 8 children with a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio.
  • If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation in camp, please reach out to us. You can contact Emily Snelson, Powdersville Childcare Director at [email protected] 

2026 Camp Fees:
Registration Fee: $50 per camper

Weekly Fees: 
Members: $230
Non-Members: $295

Billing & Attendance
Payments will be drafted weekly on the Tuesday following the week of care.
Session cancellations will only be accepted in cases of illness or other emergencies. 

Swim schedules will be listed in your registration information.

Every child will have the opportunity to participate in adaptive swim lessons on swim days. During free swim, the children will be closely supervised in their 1:4 ratio. Participating volunteer therapists will be encouraged to swim alongside the children.

Camp Mak’s smaller staff-to-child ratio allows our team to provide more individual attention for each child and offer behavioral accommodations that may not be possible in the traditional camp setting. Prior to your child’s registration being complete, we require that you set up a meeting with our Camp Mak team to collaborate on an individualized plan for your child’s success and to help us have a clear picture of your child’s goals, interests, and needs.

Examples of Behavioral Accommodations May Include (but are not limited to): 

  • Use of alternative communication resources and visual aids
  • Access to a sensory room for de-escalation or breaks
  • Noise-cancelling headphones or other sensory materials 
  • Visual schedules or timers to assist with transitions

While Camp Mak is designed to offer accommodations for behavioral and emotional needs, disciplinary action may still be deemed appropriate. Please see the Childcare Parent Handbook or reach out to the Childcare Director for more information regarding our behavior management policies. 

Any behavior that creates an unsafe environment or puts participants, staff, and volunteers in direct harm may warrant immediate suspension or expulsion from YMCA programs. 

Interactive Christian Worship Songs & Devotion
Hands-on learning with STEM exploration, sensory play & crafts
Outdoor Sports, Camp Games & Physical Activity
Fun Fridays!
Swimming, Swim Lessons & Water Games

FAQ

Can my child's therapist attend Camp Mak or provide services during camp hours?

Parents may choose to have their child’s therapist (ABA, OT, Speech etc.) hold sessions during program hours or attend alongside their child. Therapist inclusion must be communicated to the Camp Mak team during the pre-registration meeting for them to participate. All participating therapists must register as a YMCA volunteer, which includes a background check, reference check, and child abuse prevention training. The Powdersville YMCA reserves the right to dismiss a therapist volunteer if any volunteer policies or child safety policies are violated.

The YMCA will only administer medication when directed in writing by the child’s parent or guardian. YMCA staff will not administer shots or medications that have to be inserted into body cavities, with the exception of Epi-pen injections. Please communicate all necessary medical accommodations in your pre-registration meeting with the Camp Mak team. Failure to provide accurate medical information may result in program removal.

Camp Mak staff have been chosen for their experience and love of working with children. In addition to the typical 15 hours of camp staff training, the counselors at Camp Mak are trained in working with children with disabilities, advanced behavior management, and the use of accommodations in camp settings. All childcare employees are screened with a criminal background check, reference checks, and are trained in CPR, first-aid, and child abuse prevention. 

Camp Mak volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Their role is to build relationships, model activity participation, and provide individual attention to campers under the supervision of the camp staff. Camp Mak volunteers will receive specific training on child safety, working with children with disabilities, and how to build impactful connections with children. All YMCA volunteers are required to complete a background check, reference check, and child abuse prevention training prior to participating in any of our programs. 

Yes! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at Camp Mak, please Click Here and fill out our volunteer interest form.