ABOUT SNAPkids!

Since 1991, SNAP has empowered children with special needs to exercise, swim, connect with others, make friends and enjoy the gifts of childhood through a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program. SNAPkids gives children with special challenges and gifts a place for their lights to shine brightly, to be respected and included, to exercise, play and have fun! Our volunteers work one-on-one, creating unique bonds with our swimmers and developing insights and sensitivities which ultimately make our communities more accepting and inclusive.

Water is the great equalizer, welcoming and forgiving, enabling the freedom of movement with joyfulness of play. The water can help children with balance, coordination, strength, fitness, focus, communication, social skills, and confidence. Many of the children in SNAP use the water as their primary source of physical activity and exercise. SNAP is a great social outlet and creates a caring and open community for the children, families, and volunteers who participate.

CLASSES & SERVICES

Update: SNAPkids will be returning to the water in Fall 2022! We will be updating our webpage in the coming weeks. Please complete the Registration Form and we will contact you with class information when it becomes available. See our virtual class info for resources.

At SNAPkids we respect each child’s gifts and challenges and let the beauty of each swimmer shine. Discovery happens each week as children with special needs swim, play, make friends, and have fun as they gain confidence and independence. Children participate in adapted aquatic programs tailored to address their physical, developmental, and social needs. Along with individual attention, swimmers participate in group games, songs, and activities which foster communication, social and play skills, and friendships. With the help of our dedicated volunteers each swimmer receives the attention, support, and love they need to reach their potential.

SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs. Common diagnoses include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays, and a variety of genetic conditions. Swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program. For our youngest children, parents may be requested to participate as well as you enjoy the benefits of playing and learning together in the water.

Each swimmer is partnered with 1-2 volunteer helpers who provide individual attention and enthusiasm and implement programs tailored to the needs of the child. Programs are developed by our director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, a pediatric physical therapist and our most experienced volunteers, and implemented by volunteers overseen by our site manager.

Please check with us regarding class fees. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program because we feel that financial need should not be a barrier to participating.

SNAPkids Berkeley

Classes are held at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA (2001 Allston Road). We swim in warm water pools with chair lifts available. Fall and Spring sessions run for 10 weeks, and Summer session for 5 weeks.  Classes are 45 minutes and meet on Fridays at 5:15, 6:15 and Sundays at 11:45, 12:45, 1:45.

SNAPkids Palo Alto

Classes are held at the Palo Alto Family YMCA (3412 Ross Road). We use the warmer instructional pool and the cooler lap pool. Our Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions run for 7 weeks, and Summer for 5 weeks TBD. Classes are 45 minutes and meet on Fridays at 4:30, 5:15, 6:00.

In-water Assessments and Consultations

Swimmers begin with in-water assessments so we can design a program that can best meet their needs. We also work with families, swim teachers, and/or therapists to design aquatic programs.

Training

We offer professional training and support to aquatic and therapy professionals and agencies that support children with special needs.

Update: SNAPkids will be returning to the water in Fall 2022! We will be updating our webpage in the coming weeks. Please complete the Volunteer Form and we’ll send you class details when they are available. Check out our virtual class calendar for resources.

VOLUNTEERS

Our swimmers need partners to swim and you make that happen! Swimming with our special swimmers may just be the highlight of your week and change you forever. The relationships built between our volunteers and swimmers are extremely special – you’ll find beauty each week, grow in ways you didn’t expect, and see the world through a new lens. We hope you will bring your new insights into your day-to-day life to help make our world a more inclusive and welcoming place. On the practical side, the skills you learn at SNAP can help in future schooling, careers, and beyond!

To volunteer you must be a good swimmer, 15 years old and up (retirees are welcome), have a playful side, be open to learning, and enjoy being with children. SNAPkids currently has two locations, Berkeley and Palo Alto.

SNAPkids Berkeley

Classes meet at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA (2001 Allston Way), walking distance from UC Berkeley and one block from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. We hold classes on Fridays at 5:00 and 6:00 and Sundays at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30. You may volunteer for one or more classes for a minimum of one semester (Fall, Spring, Summer).

SNAPkids Palo Alto

Classes meet at the Palo Alto YMCA (3412 Ross Road). We hold classes on Fridays at 4:30, 5:15, 6:00. You may volunteer for one or more classes for a minimum of two 7-week quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring). Summer classes are determined on a yearly basis.

Helpers work directly with our swimmers, encouraging, coaching, playing, making friends, and learning the next piece of the puzzle. You make SNAPkids possible and your swimmer looks forward to seeing you each week! Training and support are provided on an ongoing basis.

Volunteer with SNAPkids! Open your heart, have fun, and make a difference!