YMCA Camp Independence: Where "We Can Do That" Is Just the Beginning

"Whatever a child's needs are when they arrive at Camp — they’re met with a smile and a 'we can do that' attitude." Those words come from Kylie Mattioda, mom to YMCA Camp Independence camper Mila — and they say everything. 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago's Camp Independence is a specialized overnight camp program serving individuals who have spina bifida where accessibility isn't an accommodation — it's just how things are done. For campers of all ages — youth, teens, and adults — it's a place built entirely around their needs, designed to foster confidence, independence, and the kind of friendships and connections that last well beyond a single summer. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Dr. Robin Bowman and her incredible team, in partnership with Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago," says Jason Kuffel, Executive Director of Camp Independence. "Their collaboration helps us create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where campers can build independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships." 

For a lot of parents, handing your child off to any camp takes courage. Handing your child off when they have complex medical needs takes something extra. What Camp Independence offers is something rare: peace of mind. "Camp Independence has trained staff who know what to look for, how to keep kids with Spina Bifida safe," says Kylie. "They know these kids' strengths and limitations. So just knowing that the counselors and staff there have that knowledge gave me peace of mind." 

Of course, peace of mind doesn't mean it's easy! When Kylie dropped seven-year-old Mila off for the first time, the emotions hit fast. "Mila was not afraid as we walked away," Kylie laughed. "I'm sobbing uncontrollably on my walk back to the car, and my husband's like, 'She's fine! You need to be fine!' I'm like, 'I'm not fine, okay?'" But that moment — the one where your kid walks away without looking back — is exactly the point. "It was good for everybody to see that independence," Kylie reflected, "and to step back and let her take control." 

So, what is Camp Independence actually like for campers? Ask Mila, and she'll tell you exactly what mattered most. "The cheesy eggs were my favorite!" She then asked that cheesy eggs be on the menu every day. This interviewer couldn't help but promise to pass the request along. 

Mila continued, "And we went swimming — the swimming was really fun. Oh, and we made tie dye shirts, that was fun." The swimming, the eggs, the tie dye — these aren't small things. They're the stuff of a real, full, joyful childhood. And the moments kept coming: a counselor who braided Mila's hair for the dance; a space helmet built for an outer space-themed week. "Getting that [astronaut helmet] in the car in one piece was fun," Kylie laughed. 

That's the power of camp — cheesy eggs and space helmets and swimming pools adding up to something much bigger. When asked what she'd tell other potential campers, Mila didn't hesitate: "You should definitely go. Because there's a bunch of fun activities. It's really fun." 

Kylie added a little more context for parents: "It's a safe place for our kids. Dropping them off the first time is going to be difficult for you, but your kids will thrive there, and they'll come back with great stories and new independence, new foods, and an overall positive experience. I don't know what bad could come from letting your kid learn that they can do it by themselves." 

Jason is also grateful for Camp Independence’s partnership with Matt Larsen and the Illinois Spina Bifida Association. “Their shared commitment to the spina bifida community has helped strengthen Camp Independence in meaningful ways, allowing us to serve more campers and families with the care, support, and opportunities they deserve. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us create a camp experience where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow in independence and confidence.” 

This summer, there's even more to celebrate. For the first time since 2020, Camp Independence is offering three full weeks of youth camp programming — a milestone that reflects both the growing demand for the program and the Y's deep commitment to serving more families in meaningful ways. 

More weeks. More campers. More moments where a kid walks away without looking back — and a parent cries happy tears all the way to the car.