Beary Cool Yogurt 

Review by Tara Henscheid

This little shop is one of our family's favorite places to visit. My husband and I found this place while out on a date. We were immediately greeted by a young man with a smiling face full of charisma and joy for his job. This young man also has Down syndrome but here he was helping us at the ice cream shop and brightening my day.  

Beary Cool Yogurt partners with Hearts and Hand of Care. At the yogurt shop this partnership allows for life and job readiness skills for people with special needs with a job coach. Sometimes this is one on one and other times there will be two people with one job coach. They are taught customer service skills such as greeting people when they enter the shop and explaining how the yogurt purchases work. They learn how to run a cash register as well. When the employees are not busy greeting or ringing up your order you can find them wiping down counters, cleaning out machines and getting a new batch of yogurt going, or filling up yogurt cups for the the 50% off freezer. Yes, that is correct--there is a 50% off freezer! As a flavor nears the end of a batch or end of the allotted time in a machine, the employee will fill cups of yogurt, label them, and place them in the 50% off fridge. No mix-in but it is 50% off.  

The yogurt served is dairy free yogurt with mix-ins and other toppings. There are sugar free options too. It is a pay by weight shop just like most soft serve yogurt shops in town. Beary Cool Yogurt is open 11-8 most days. However, sometimes they close early due to lack of job coaches. Beary Cool is located in Anchorage near the southside Costco at 1550 E 74th Ave. There is a second shop in Wasilla at 591 E Parks Hwy.

We loved this shop so much I had to take my children out for some yogurt. They were greeted by a nice young lady who immediately asked if they had ever been to the store. When they said it was their first time she responded with, "Well this is a really fun place and you are going to love it. Let me tell you about this store..." Her smile was big and her personality was bigger. She truly thought her days at the shop were the best thing ever. We left with warm happy hearts and great tasting cool yogurt.

Hours for both shops are 11-8pm Sunday-Thursday and Friday and Saturday 11-9. However, right now they are short on job coaches so often they close early.

SUMMER CLASSES

The Newest Season of Courses is available for online registration.

Join The Arc of Anchorage for an array of exciting classes and recreational activities. Spend time with friends, or learn fun things and meet new people!

SOLID ROCK BIBLE CAMP (Soldatna) Developmentally Disabled Camp

June 30 - July 3 | fully scholarshipped 

Check In: June 30 @ 3:00pm

Pick Up: July 3 @ 9:30am​

Provides the fun and friends of a classic camp experience for children with a variety of developmental disabilities. Campers will do crafts, ride horses, play games, and learn about Jesus. Through the generosity of donors, all campers are fully scholarshipped.

Special Olympics (Anchorage and Fairbanks)

Hope’s Summer Camp (Anchorage) provides a fun, educational, and inclusive experience for children and young adults (ages 9-20) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. From June 23 – August 8, campers will enjoy seven weeks of engaging activities and exciting adventures that promote teamwork, social skills, and confidence—all in a supportive environment led by our trained staff.

Each day features trips and outings throughout the Anchorage community, such as visits to parks, nature trails, and museums. Campers are encouraged to develop independence and make decisions, while receiving support from our staff to ensure a fun and safe experience. Our goal is for every camper to leave with a sense of accomplishment, confidence about their unique strengths, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Camp Fees

• $160 – $200 per week for campers receiving approved Medicaid services with Hope
• $1,008 – $1,455 per week (includes camp fees and hourly service costs) for campers not using waivered services
• Additional fees may apply per week based on activity
• Limited financial aid may be available for families in need

Who Can Join?

Our camp is open to children and young adults ages 9-20, and we welcome campers who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health challenges. Spaces are limited, so apply today and make summer 2025 one to remember. We look forward to welcoming you and your camper to Hope’s Lesko Discovery Center Summer Camp!

ROOTS (Anchorage & Mat-Su) believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities. Ages 3-18. This therapeutic camp may be covered by your insurance if your child has a dual diagnosis with Autism. You can also join the camps using cash pay or as a peer. Times and dates vary depending on age and location.

Calypso Farm and Ecology Center (Fairbanks) is a nonprofit farm that encourages food production and environmental awareness through educational programs in natural and farming ecosystems in Alaska. Most of their week- long camps are full, but they do have day-long mini camps that are available. Field trips are available for groups with disabilities. Their staff is very friendly and willing to work with you!

Join Us For barnyard buddies at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course Family Farm (Wasilla)

2025 Farm Day Registration is live! Join us for a fun and relaxing farm hour! Kids can meet and cuddle with our friendly goats, bunnies, and chickens while enjoying some hands-on time with our adorable animals. Sign up for a casual and heartwarming experience! 

National Summer Camps

PALS mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. Our volunteer-led programs change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire a world of belonging. PALS is excited to host week-long summer camps on university campuses this summer! 

Our long-term vision for Rising Light Ridge-Tim Tebow Foundation includes serving individual of all ability levels. Due to construction, we are only offering Day Camps this year. Join us for a summer of new friendships, laughter, and creating memories amidst the beauty of God’s creation in the great outdoors of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Day Camp adventures offered Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-5:30 PM each day! Open to campers ages 8-14.

Down Syndrome Foundation: Our camp takes place for 5 days and 4 nights each summer, located at the beautiful Camp Knutson on Trout Lake, located in the White Fish chain of lakes in Cross Lake, MN. Ages from 10-20. Camp staff are trained to work with children and young adults who have special needs.