JCamps to Grow Inclusion Program in Summer 2022
An Inclusion camper at JCamps enjoys the foam pit with his friends. Photo Credit: Jon Kniss
By Alexa Rosenblat
It’s that time of year! JCamps, Shalom Austin JCC’s summer camp program for children grades K-10, is gearing up for another amazing summer on the Dell Jewish Community Campus. This summer, they are growing their inclusion program.
The inclusion program was created so that campers with special needs can receive individualized support at JCamps. This program is for children with learning, developmental, social, emotional, and/or physical disabilities.
Inclusion counselors, along with the JCamps administrative team, keep an open line of communication with inclusion families from registration onward to ensure campers are set up for success.
“My son was able to participate in camp activities with his peers which is a huge accomplishment for him. JCamps has staff who are trained to work with special needs kids, and they did a wonderful job of helping Lucas through many obstacles and of keeping me updated on how his day went,” explained the mother of a camper in the inclusion program.
Depending on the need, campers will be paired 1:1 or 2:1 with an inclusion counselor and will join their bunk in all camp activities.
“[My son] had individual support to address specific needs and concerns, and the communication between staff and family was top notch! I saw my son mature each session, and he needed less and less support as the summer progressed! My son does not have many Jewish peers in school, and I was excited for him to make more Jewish friends and learn Hebrew words and blessings,” said a mother whose child participated in the JCamps inclusion program.
Last summer, JCamps was able to provide support for six campers in the inclusion program. This year, they aim to double that. With the help and contributions of community members, JCamps can provide more staffing and supplies, and successfully welcome more children into the inclusion program.
For more information visit shalomaustin.org/camp.
Latest Posts
TJHS Kessler Fund Aims to Reach Goal for Funding Educational Outreach
In July 2023, the Texas Jewish Historical Society (TJHS) established the Rabbi Jimmy Kessler Educational Outreach Fund to honor the late Rabbi Jimmy Kessler of Galveston and to further his commitment to promoting and preserving the history of Jewish experiences...
Driving with Purpose: One Driver’s Mission to Serve Those in Need
Vinnie Hogan, Shalom Austin transportation specialist gives a ride to those in need. Credit: Rebecca Golden In the vibrant city of Austin, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Transportation Specialist Vinnie Hogan begins each day with a deep sense of purpose. As dawn...
Jewish Students at Texas A&M Enjoy Eventful Semester
L to R front row: Ilanit Agranatti, Noam Weiss, Rachel Smet, Eva Lemeshev, Amber Traub, Dylan Frank, Neil Lazarus, Eli York. L to R back row: Dylan Mandel, Michal Epstein, Sarah Rozen, Lauryn Adams,Emily Davis, Riley O'Banion. Courtesy: Risa Bierman By Risa...
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness
Swimming
Tennis & Pickleball
Sports
EDUCATION
Jewish Culture & Education
Early Childhood Program Preschool
After School & Childcare
Camps
ARTS & CULTURE
Literary Arts
Visual Arts
Theatre & Film
Dance
COUNSELING & SUPPORT
Jewish Family Service
Counseling & Groups
Case Management
References & Resources
Copyright Shalom Austin 2025. Privacy Policy.