The Open Hearts/Open Doors (OH/OD) special needs inclusion camp program provides accommodations for children with disabilities to fully participate with age-appropriate peers at the JCC Camps at Medford and Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC. Campers in the OH/OD program span a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and communication impairments.
The majority of our OH/OD campers receive one-on-one assistance, though some share assistance with other campers. Integrated within camp, a trained shadow (advocate) helps each child fully maximize his/her experience. Advocates are hired and trained directly by our leadership staff team, and all camp staff also receive training from our Open Hearts/Open doors team about creating an inclusive camp experience.
There is no additional cost for a child to participate in OH/OD program as this is made possible through generous donations and fundraising events throughout the year. Space is limited for the OH/OD program. Please contact Sara Sideman, JCC Camps at Medford Camp Director, at ssideman@jfedsnj.org.
