B.E.A.R. Camp for Dyslexia

B.E.A.R. Camp for Dyslexia: Building Confidence, One Word at a Time

At Lake in the Woods YMCA Camps, we believe that every child deserves a summer filled with growth, confidence, and fun. B.E.A.R. Camp for Dyslexia is a two-week sleepaway or day camp program designed to help middle and high school students strengthen their reading skills while enjoying the magic of summer camp.

Using an innovative, research-backed approach campers will improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency in a supportive and encouraging environment. With reading specialists guiding the way, campers experience measurable progress that lasts long beyond the summer, preventing summer learning loss and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

But camp is more than just academics—it’s about adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. Between reading sessions, campers will enjoy classic summer camp fun, from swimming and sports to creative arts and team challenges. Here, they’ll build not just stronger reading skills, but also confidence, independence, and lasting friendships.

At B.E.A.R. Camp, we turn “I can’t” into “I did!”—one page, one adventure, and one summer at a time.

Curriculum

B.E.A.R. Camp for Dyslexia at Lake in the Woods is designed for middle and high school-aged children with dyslexia who are below grade level in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and oral reading fluency. Using New Century Noah Text Lessons for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges students will see measurable results and find enjoyment in reading. This program was developed with researchers at Michigan State University and Sarah Blodgett the developer of Noah Text. Orton Gillingham-trained reading specialists have tested and approved the lessons. It was also reviewed and approved by Rhode Island Tutorial and Educational Services (RITES).

B.E.A.R. Camp is designed for students entering grades 6-10 with a functional reading level between grades 4 through 7 or a non-emotional/behavioral IEP for reading support. 

A Day At Camp

B.E.A.R. Camp is fully integrated into the schedule of Lake in the Woods. During a typical day at camp, students use the state-of-the-art computer labs and classrooms for instruction and tutoring in the morning and then join the other campers for lunch and afternoon programs like swimming, archery, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Day campers will depart for the day, and Sleepaway campers will enjoy dinner and evening activities.