Youth Summer Program

ACHIEVE’s 6 week Youth Summer Program is offered to participants ages 5-21 with an IEP or 504 plan that reside in Broome, Chenango or Tioga Counties.
This unique program helps participants maintain knowledge learned throughout the school year by applying skills during fun and meaningful therapeutic recreation-based programming. Structured activities are offered in the following categories: expressive arts, crafting, culinary arts, literacy, media, STEM, sports & recreation.

ACHIEVE 2026 Youth Summer Program General Information

Early Bird Registration is now LIVE!

Register by May 31, 2026 to secure Early Bird Pricing.

Program Dates/Times

July 6, 2026 – August 13, 2026
Monday through Thursday
8:30 am – 2:15 pm

Special note: The program will close at 12:00 pm on August 13, 2026. Please make necessary arrangements to pick up students either at the program or at the designated pick-up/drop-off location.

Program Location

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

151 Helen Street

Binghamton, NY 13905

 

Cost of Program: 3 Ways to Pay

Medicaid Waiver:

  • For campers who are currently enrolled in OPWDD Medicaid Waiver Program.
  • Tuition rate is billed to Medicaid as Waiver Respite.
  • Waiver rate is set by OPWDD, not ACHIEVE.
  • No out-of-pocket expense.
  • All 6 weeks: 576 hours/144 quarter hour units.

Contact your Care Manager, as they need to submit additional documentation.

Self-Pay:

  • $150/week or $800 for all 6 weeks.
  • This option is available for campers that are not OPWDD eligible.
  • Ask about payment plan options and Best Buddy (sibling) discounts.
  • Applications completed and payment received by May 31, 2026 will receive a 10% discount.

Accepted methods of payment: Visa, Mastercard, Personal Checks (subject to a fee if returned) Cash, & Money Orders.

Arrangements to make a cash payment can be made by contacting Melissa Massaro at 607.422.1652 or via email mmassaro@achieveny.org

ACHIEVE Scholarship Opportunity:

  • Families may qualify for tuition assistance.
  • This option is available for campers that are not OPWDD eligible.
  • Additional scholarship application required.
  • Proof of income required.
  • Income restrictions apply.

Awarded on a first come, first served basis for those that qualify.

FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Families have the option to sign their campers up for individual weeks! Registering for all 6 weeks is still an option as well.

YOUTH PROGRAM FORMS

Please complete and submit necessary forms below:

All Applicants                                     Scholarship

2026 Physician Form                          A-NY Scholarship

Level of Support*

Academic Information

Agency Policies*

General Information

2026 Registration Application

 

 

*Read and keep for records

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Applications, tuition payment, and all required documentation must be submitted by May 31, 2026. *If Physician’s certificate is not obtained due to insurance restrictions, please submit all other documents, and provide a date when it will be available. Space is limited; enrollment will be on a “first come first serve” basis..

*BEST BUDDY PROGRAM

Our Best Buddy program offers an ideal chance for youth siblings (6-12 years of age) to enroll and attend with eligible campers. This unique experience allows campers to share the joy and adventure of camp with their best buddy, promoting inclusivity, fostering stronger relationships, and creating cherished memories.

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

Program acceptance letters and additional program details will be e-mailed the 1st week of June to those that have submitted all necessary paperwork.

All documentation must be submitted prior to acceptance.

LUNCHES

We may be able to offer free lunches as in past years, however, we are not able to make that determination yet. Parents/guardians should be prepared to have a packed lunch each day for their camper. Notifications will be sent via email as soon as a determination has been made.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation may be provided by your home school district. Pick up and drop off times will be determined later and communicated through the local school districts. Achieve provides limited transportation to and from the program, depending on distance of camper home in relation to program location. If your school district does not provide transportation and Achieve is unable to transport, you will be responsible. Please direct transportation questions to your home School District.

SUMMER WORK STUDY PROGRAM

The Summer Work Study Program offers campers (14-21 years of age) a unique opportunity to work one hour each day, learning valuable vocational skills they will need for future employment. This program works on skills such as following directions, teamwork, communication, responsibility, and much more, all while earning a paycheck! Space is limited. Working papers are required for participants under 18.

INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) or 504

For a camper to attend the Summer Program they must have a current IEP or 504 plan. Please have the IEP or 504 plan submitted via email. Campers graduating in 2026 are still eligible to attend the ACHIEVE Summer Program. *N/A for Best Buddy (siblings) campers.

PHYSICIAN’S CERTIFICATE

Schedule an appointment with your camper’s Doctor ASAP to get the Physician’s Certificate filled out. A completed form must be submitted before a camper can be accepted into the Summer Program.

COMMUNICATION

Parents can download the Remind App on their phone or tablet to get reminders from counselors as well as communicate directly with the Summer Program Leadership Team.

‎For IPhone/Apple technology: Remind: School Communication App – App Store

For Android technology: Remind: School Communication – Apps on Google Play

 

Looking forward to another Great Summer!