A Summer Oasis
Jewish Community Center offers camp experience
for youth with special needs
Each summer, a special group of campers descend on the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus’ (JCC) College Avenue campus, excited about the opportunity to enjoy days filled with activities from arts and crafts to music and swimming.
For 22 years, the JCC’s Camp Ayre has been welcoming youngsters ranging in age from 3-25 with special needs. It serves youth with physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental, and learning disabilities, offering a low 1:2 counselor/camper ratio to give campers the opportunity for adventure and accomplishment in a safe setting.
“We believe every person should have the opportunity to experience a recreational day camp,” said Tim Kauffman, assistant executive director of the JCC. “Our staff really embraces each camper’s individuality and supports them as they challenge themselves to achieve new goals.”
The 125 campers who are participating in Camp Ayre this summer are grouped by age and level of function. In addition to regular camp activities, teenage campers have the opportunity to take weekly community field trips to places like Slate Run Metro Park and Graeters' Ice Cream. Older campers (those 17-25) participate in work experiences each morning, before heading back to the JCC in the afternoon for favorite activities like music and swimming. All Camp Ayre campers take part in special events with youth in the JCC’s traditional camp programs.
“We don’t divide the kids—most of our camp activities are completely integrated,” said Mr. Kauffman. “Both typical and special needs campers benefit from the integration.”
A $5,100 grant from The Columbus Foundation helps support the operation of Camp Ayre.
To learn more about Camp Ayre and additional programs at the Jewish Community Center of Central Ohio, log on to PowerPhilanthropy to access their portrait, or visit their website, www.columbusjcc.org.
Questions?
Contact our Community Research and Grants Management Department at 614/251-4000.
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