Camp AIM
A Summer Where Every Ability Shines
Camp AIM is a YMCA-sponsored summer day camp designed specifically for children with special needs, serving families throughout the Pittsburgh area. Located in Carnegie, PA, Camp AIM blends the safety and structure children need with the joy, creativity, and connection of a true summer camp experience.
At Camp AIM, every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
What Is Camp AIM?
Camp AIM is a supportive, engaging summer day camp where children with special needs can grow socially, emotionally, and academically — all while having fun. Our program provides predictable routines, caring relationships, and hands-on experiences that help campers build confidence, independence, and friendships.
More than a summer program, Camp AIM is a community. Campers, counselors, and families form meaningful connections that last well beyond the summer months. Through shared experiences, teamwork, and daily encouragement, campers develop a sense of belonging, counselors become trusted mentors, and families are welcomed as true partners. Together, these relationships create an atmosphere of acceptance, joy, and growth that makes Camp AIM an unforgettable — and often life-changing — experience.
WHO CAMP AIM IS FOR
Camp AIM serves children with special needs throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Ages Served
Ages 5–21: Learning Support, Autistic Support, Life Skills
Ages 5–12: Emotional Support
Our inclusive environment and experienced staff help each camper succeed at their own pace, honoring individual strengths while providing the structure and support needed to thrive.
SUPPORT AREAS OF CAMP AIM
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Campers in Learning Support are curious, enthusiastic learners who enjoy hands-on activities and learning through games, projects, and movement. They may benefit from extra time, clear directions, and small-group instruction. Camp AIM provides encouragement, routine, and low-pressure opportunities to practice skills alongside peers in a fun and supportive setting.
Campers in Autistic Support bring unique interests, talents, and perspectives to camp. They often thrive with predictable routines, visual schedules, and clear expectations, while enjoying activities connected to their interests such as art, music, swimming, and STEAM. Camp AIM offers a welcoming environment where sensory needs, transitions, and social interactions are supported, allowing each camper to explore and shine at their own pace.
Campers in Life Skills focus on building independence while enjoying a full camp experience. Camp provides natural opportunities to practice communication, self-help skills, following routines, and participating in group activities — from lining up and making choices to helping with clean-up and celebrating small victories. Every moment is designed to support growth while keeping camp fun and inclusive.
Campers in Emotional Support are big-hearted kids who may experience strong emotions and benefit from calm, structured environments with trusted adults. Camp AIM emphasizes clear routines, movement, positive reinforcement, and relationship-building, creating a safe space to practice coping strategies, teamwork, and social skills while building confidence and joy.
SY-Focused & Compliance-Centered
Camp AIM is an approved Extended School Year (ESY) provider, supporting school districts in Allegheny, Washington, and Butler Counties.
Our program delivers a structured, predictable daily schedule that mirrors the routines of the school year while providing individualized, goal-based instruction aligned with each camper’s IEP. Programming is intentionally designed to prevent regression through targeted academic, behavioral, and functional skill support, including small-group instruction, guided practice, and planned sensory or movement breaks.
Ongoing documentation — such as data collection, work samples, and observational notes — ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with district requirements. Through clear communication, professional standards, and fidelity to IEP goals, Camp AIM serves as a trusted ESY partner for families and school districts alike.
A Day at Camp AIM
Each day at Camp AIM is filled with engaging, hands-on activities that allow campers to learn, explore, and connect while feeling supported and included. Campers rotate through daily specials such as:
Art
Home Economics
Music
Physical Education
Swimming
STEAM
Activities are intentionally structured so every camper can participate meaningfully while having their individual needs met throughout the day. Camp AIM also includes a daily lunch period and an on-site nurse available for medication administration and health services, providing families and districts with peace of mind from arrival to dismissal.
Special Events & Trips
Every special area at Camp AIM builds toward an exciting, motivating culminating event that campers work toward throughout the summer.
Music → Talent Show: Campers build confidence through singing, dancing, and performance.
Physical Education → Camp AIM Olympics: A celebration of teamwork, movement, and friendly competition.
Art → Art-a-Palooza: Tie-dye creations, artistic expression, and a colorful run/walk/wheel event.
Home Economics → A FEASTival: Collaboration, independence, and shared celebration through food and teamwork.
STEAM: Hands-on challenges that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
Campers also enjoy special trips to the Spencer YMCA, Crafton Pool and Park, and an unforgettable visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, extending learning and fun beyond the camp site. Each experience is joyful, inclusive, and designed to give every camper a moment to shine.
Contact Information
For more information about Camp AIM, please contact:
Julie Blanc
412 680 1384
campaim@ymcapgh.org
MORE THAN A CAMP
Camp AIM is more than a summer program — it’s a place where children feel accepted, capable, and proud of who they are. It’s where friendships form, confidence grows, and every child gets the chance to experience the joy of camp.