Gala Program Book - Flipbook - Page 9
Creating a Warm and Welcoming Place at Camp
and after School for our Community
At JCC Greater Boston, Belonging is one of our core values. Our mission is to welcome everyone and treat each person with
dignity, kindness, and respect. Whether you’re a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we want you to feel at home and
connected to our community. Our inclusive programs are thoughtfully designed with accessibility and diversity at their core—
from specialized classes for children to performances and events for adults. Below are just a few stories from our camp and
after-school programs that highlight how we bring inclusion to life.
My nephew Isaiah P. who lives in New Orleans
attended Camp Grossman last year for
the month of July. It was his first time
attending any camp and he absolutely
loved it. His goal was to learn how to
swim. He had little experience upon
arriving at camp and his progress was
amazing. In just over a month, he was
more confident around the water. He
learned to hold his breath and swim short
distances. He looked forward to the Maccabiah
games with his bunk, but his favorite part of camp was meeting
Gio. He got in the car one afternoon and showed me his bracelet
that said “Gio.” He said it’s his best friend’s name.
In New Orleans, they start school in early August, so he is only
in camp for the month of July. He told me he didn’t get to say
goodbye to Gio because he was on vacation the last week Isaiah
was at Grossman.
In November I received a lovely email from Gio’s mom asking to
get them together. In February we were able to do just that. Isaiah
came to Boston during his winter vacation, and we made plans
to get the boys together at TopGolf. I didn’t tell Isaiah that they
would be there. When we walked in he saw Gio and said “wait,
what!” and a huge smile came across his face. The boys were so
excited to see each other, they gave each other a big hug, and we
had the best afternoon together.
—Jennifer P.
Our children attend Discovery Club after school,
and the experience has been truly amazing.
The staff has made our anxious son feel safe
and loved, and everyone has been super
accommodating to his needs. Director Heather’s
approach is extremely thoughtful, and she has
shown incredible compassion toward our whole
family. We have had a very tough year, and she
has been a true light in all of the darkness.
The Discovery Club teachers are kind and caring
toward both our children and have handled
any issues with patience and empathy. One
particular teacher has been a constant source of
support and stability for our kids from the ELC
through Discovery Club. We continue to be super
impressed with Discovery Club, and we are very
grateful that our kids have such a warm, inviting,
and engaging place to go after school.
—3rd year Discovery Club parent
I was deeply impressed with the way Camp Kaleidoscope
truly delivered on inclusivity across all touchpoints of
the camper (and parent) experience this year. A thorough
intake was conducted to get to know my child and his needs
before he ever stepped foot into the camp. This included a
written survey, a phone conversation, and reaching out to
his teacher. We were invited to tour the JCC prior to camp
starting to help prepare him and make him feel comfortable.
Before we even started Camp Kaleidoscope, I could feel
the JCC was thinking about inclusivity in a very tangible,
meaningful and integrated way.
The counselors were confident, capable, and kind. They
knew how to redirect my son if needed, had activities
like bracelet making ready-to-go in their backpack during
moments of waiting that can be dysregulating for children,
and greeted him with genuine excitement each day.
I was heartened to see some kids use headphones during
very stimulating events like the Family Shabbat and to hear
my son mention that he can use the hula hoops if he didn’t
want to participate in sports at the end of the day. Of all
of the activities my son participates in during the school
year, I can say that I have never seen him separate so easily
as I have at Camp Kaleidoscope. He truly had a wonderful
experience and I think that’s because he was seen and loved
for who he is there.
—Alina S.
When Kelly was looking for summer camps,
she hoped to find a community that would
welcome and embrace her son, Ronan. At
Camp Grossman, she found exactly that.
With its highly structured and supportive
environment, including visual schedules,
thoughtful transition support, and a welltrained staff, Ronan was not only welcomed
but celebrated. When challenges were presented
to Ronan, the staff responded with understanding
and proactive strategies to reengage him. They also
partnered closely with Kelly, teaching her effective,
differentiated approaches to help Ronan stay regulated both at camp
and at home. Camp Grossman provided Ronan a safe space to grow
friendships and gain important life experiences to help him navigate
change. The community that Grossman created during the summer
months and beyond has been a deeply meaningful experience.
For Kelly and her family, Camp Grossman’s commitment to justice,
diversity, and inclusion offered a sense of comfort and belonging.
—Kelly D.
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