We're excited to share the news that we have broken ground on a new YMCA Adaptive Sports Complex on the campus of the South County YMCA!
This project has been made possible through a generous partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cardinals Care, the team's charitable foundation, Boniface Foundation, and Miracle League. Located on the South County Y campus, the centerpiece of the $5.2 million sports complex is a custom-designed Miracle League Baseball Field with a cushioned, barrier-free surface and barrier-free dugout to provide accessibility for players with disabilities.
The field is designed to have a look and feel similar to Busch Stadium and provide participants and their families with a "major league" experience, including a silhouette of the Gateway Arch on the outfield, just like the St. Louis Cardinals home field!
Adaptive Fitness/Swimming
For individuals of any age with documented developmental disabilities in qualified areas, the Y provides 1:1 support in fitness/swimming, as well as virtually.
The program is designed to support and instruct in a manner that incorporates participant interests to develop their socialization, independence, as well as fitness goals. Workouts are age-appropriate, encouraging, and fair, while at the same time accommodating the needs of the client. No equipment needed. Parents or guardians need to remain in the facility while we are working with participants.
Adaptive Sports Programs
Adaptive sports programs at the Y provide children and adults with disabilities the chance to play sports and participate in learning opportunities in a safe, fun atmosphere.
The Y, in partnership with The Miracle League, provides a chance to experience the joys and benefits that come from playing baseball. Learn about our new $5.2 million Adaptive Sports Complex being built on the South County YMCA campus, in partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cardinals Care, the team's charitable foundation, Boniface Foundation and Miracle League.
In addition, we are offering Adaptive Basketball and Adaptive Bowling.
Early Childhood Education
We provide support for children to attend one of our five Early Childhood Education Centers where they can play, explore and interact.
We have programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Y Club and Summer Day Camp Inclusion Services
The YMCA welcomes participation by children of all abilities to our Summer Day Camps and Y Club Before and After School Enrichment Programs.
While participating in these programs children are given support to no extra cost to the family when needed. We ensure a safe environment, where children can play and grow with their peers, while having fun at Y Club or summer camp.
Please note that during high enrollment times it may take up to two weeks to process your child’s information. We are also constantly in staff recruiting mode, but on occasion an extended amount of time is required to secure the best match between a child and support staff.
Although every effort is made to provide reasonable accommodation, there may be instances where a child’s needs may exceed the parameters of the scope of our program.
Thank you to our generous funders, who help support the Inclusion and Adaptive Support Services Department.
This packet must be completed annually.
YMCA Program Support
Trained and caring staff at the Y provide the assistance and support needed to ensure that children and adults are able to have a fun, meaningful experience in all of our programs, including:
- Child Care (Early Childhood and School Age)
- Summer Day Camp
- Summer Overnight Camp Lakewood
- Youth Sports
- Swim Sessions
- Group Exercise
YMCA Facility Support
The Y welcomes natural supports that families may already have in place, and is ready to provide the same scope of services for all members, regardless of ability:
- Work Out Buddies (natural supports)
- Child Watch/Family Hub (a safe place for children while their families work out)
- Modified/Adapted Facility Orientations (support/accommodations provided as needed)
- Aquatic classes/programs (support/accommodations provided as needed)
- ADA compliant facilities (to facilitate comfortable access for everyone)
The Y is also able to provide facility use, programs and assistance to specialized agencies and group as space allows.
Teamwork
For young adults with disabilities to transition from high school into adulthood with meaningful experiences and job skills.
YMCA Camp Lakewood
Ages 6-17 have the opportunity to stay away from home and enjoy outdoor activities and the residential camp experience when they attend YMCA Camp Lakewood.
YMCA Trout Lodge
We offer outdoor recreation to veterans with disabilities and other groups. YMCA Trout Lodge is a family resort and group destination that is 90 minutes from St. Louis. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, archery, horseback riding, zip lining and so much more.
The Y is the Recipient of the 2022 Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Award
Our diversity and inclusion efforts continue to be a priority in the workplace and in the communities we serve. We're honored to be selected for the 2022 Champions for Diversity and Inclusion Award by the St. Louis Business Journal!
Andrew's Y Story
"Adaptive Fitness has helped my son gain confidence, become more socially engaged and most importantly, has taught him to swim independently! There are so many benefits to this wonderful program and we hope to continue in it." – Kate P.
Sam's Y Story
Sam has lost 128 pounds through the Adaptive Fitness program. Sam’s mom says, “You are truly changing Sam’s life! What you do matters. I’ve been involved in a great deal of programming for people with disabilities over the years and yours is top tier.
Colin's Y Story
"Have you ever met someone who exudes joy and excitement? Colin is that person! He joined Adaptive Fitness in February 2022. His goal is to become stronger, lose weight and breathe better. Colin works extremely hard to achieve his goals with a big smile on his face. If you see Colin working out, he does not mind if you stop to say hello!" - Dominique ,Adaptive Fitness Instructor
Contact Us
We're thankful for the generosity of our partners who provide additional support funding.
