YMCA of Greater Brandywine Highlights Inclusive Approach to Summer Camp with Adaptive Programs Tour

Bumblebee Day Camp shows how children of all ages and all abilities can thrive with accessible, equitable programming

(BERWYN, PA) – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) welcomed families, partners and community members on Tuesday, June 29, 2025 to its Upper Main Line YMCA branch for a guided tour of its Adaptive Summer Camp programs. The event offered a firsthand look at Bumblebee Day Camp, YGBW’s adaptive summer program designed for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Bumblebee Camp provides a modified curriculum, a higher staff-to-camper ratio and specially trained counselors to meet a wide range of needs, all at the same cost as traditional YGBW day camp. The program is one of several adaptive offerings that reflect the YMCA’s mission to ensure every child, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to grow, connect and thrive in a supportive environment.

During the tour, attendees observed campers participating in tailored activities, spoke with staff and behavior specialists, and learned more about the intentional program design behind Bumblebee’s success. Erin Lacotta, YGBW’s board-certified behavior analyst and leader of the Bumblebee program, shared insights on the camp’s development and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of families. Lacotta also leads the Chester County Rapid Response Team, which delivers on-demand behavioral support to child care centers throughout the county.

“Our goal is to meet every child where they are,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “By adapting programs across our association, we are showing what is possible when inclusive, equitable care is embedded into every aspect of what we do.”

YGBW is one of the few YMCA associations in the country with a dedicated team of board-certified behavior specialists and a behavior analyst. Their expertise informs not only summer camp programming, but also a robust catalog of year-round adaptive offerings for youth of all ages and abilities. Through adaptive design, compassionate staff and a deep commitment to inclusion, YGBW continues to create spaces where every child can belong.

For more information about Bumblebee camp and YGBWs comprehensive adaptive programming, please visit https://ymcagbw.org/adaptive-programs-ymca