The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades will have limited hours during the Jewish Holidays in October.  Please view the full schedule here.

Guttenberg Center for Special Services

Special Services Summer Camps

Summer camp programs at the JCC for children and teens with disabilities provide social, recreational, cultural and fun camp experiences in natural community settings with appropriate supports.

Register

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Neil Klatskin Summer Camps strive to provide support and accommodations to enable children with different abilities to participate with age-appropriate peers at camp. We pride ourselves in welcoming a diverse camp community, fostering inclusiveness and respect.

With campers from all walks of life and communities, including those with a wide range of abilities, we aim to serve our campers and their families’ unique needs. If you are interested in enrolling your child in one of our Special Services Summer Camp Programs, you must participate in our extensive intake process to determine the best program and supports for your child.

Field day.
a young man looking to a fish tank.
a young male adult jumping into a pool.
Man holding up his arts and crafts project.
Boys playing with a toy together.
Boys playing in bubbles outside.
Counselor and camper sitting together.
Campers with shirts with handprints on them.

Camps

With the exception of Haverim, all of our programs below run for eight weeks broken down into four, two-week sessions. Haverim runs for two weeks only in August. All families identifying their children as potential campers for any of the programs listed below are required to go through NKSC’s intake process. Upon registering, a member of our team will reach out to schedule this appointment with each family.

INCLUSION IN NKSC (ages 3-6th grade)
Our inclusion campers ages 3-12, are fully integrated into their respective age group within Neil Klatskin Day Camp. We provide either one-on-one or shared (2 campers-to-1 counselor) assistance with a dedicated shadow. Each shadow is hired and trained by our Inclusion team to help their respective camper(s) fully maximize their experience. Our training program consists of both pre-camp and onsite education to ensure shadows are providing a successful environment where the camper can thrive.

SPECIALTY CAMP INCLUSION (3rd-8th grade)
An alternative option for our campers in grades 3rd-8th is to participate in one of our specialty camps. This includes Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Dance, Comedy, Basketball, Tennis or Big Idea. Like our NKDC program, we provide either one-on-one or shared (2 campers-to-1 adult) assistance by placing each child with a dedicated shadow*. Each shadow is hired and trained by our Inclusion team to help their respective camper(s) fully maximize his/her experience. Our program consists of both pre-camp and onsite education to ensure shadows are providing a successful environment where the camper can thrive.

TIKVAH MINOR (ages 5-12)
This diverse and specialized program is designed for campers with communication, social, and learning differences, and is led by highly qualified staff. Activities include social skills, sports, arts and crafts, ceramics, music therapy, adaptive physical education, both instructional and recreational swim, waterpark, theme days, playground time, carnivals, Shabbat and more. Group sizes are between 6 and 8 campers to meet individual camper needs and an intake assessment is required for all new potential campers.

TIKVAH MAJOR (ages 13-21)
For those teen campers that are seeking a more universal camp experience, we offer an 8-week life skills, vocational and recreational program for teens and young adults with skills to independently participate within a 1:4 staff to camper ratio. Activities include, but are not limited to, life skills, volunteer opportunities, swim, sports, and more.

HAVERIM* (ages 5-21) 9am-3pm, August 12-23 2024
Camp Haverim is a two-week camp in August for children and teens who attend 11 months of school (ESY). A high level of supervision is provided by professionals and trained volunteers. Campers participate in a diverse full-day program including social skills, swimming and water park activities, sports, yoga and adaptive physical education, academic enrichment, music therapy, art and therapy dogs. Sponsored in part through the MindWorks Charitable Lead Trust, the Hana and Dr. Stanley Goldberg Endowment Fund for Camp Haverim and the Ronald L. and Meryl Gallatin Camp Haverim Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Space is limited. Priority is given to returning campers, participants in Special Services programs, and JCC members. JCC membership is NOT required. Admission to camp requires approval by our Inclusion Director and Camp Director.

*Please inquire about pricing

Summer camps that are held at the Kaplen JCC, through the Neil Klatskin Summer Camps and the Guttenberg Center for Special Services are qualified through NJ Childrens System of Care/PerformCare and DDD.  For more information contact, Ruthie Bashan, Director of the Guttenberg Center for Special Services, rbashan@jccotp.org, 201.408.1489

FAQs

What are the groups sizes and counselor to participant ratios?

Group sizes for Camp Tikvah range from 5 to 8 campers staffed by a minimum of two caring and qualified counselors. Group sizes for Camp Haverim are between 4 and 8 campers.

Is there a waitlist?

Space is extremely limited. Priority is given to returning campers, participants in Special Services programs, and JCC members.

Is an intake interview required?

Yes. An intake interview is required for all new potential campers.

What are the safety protocols?

The JCC will follow all federal, state and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements. Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

What are the rates?

Please contact us for rates.

Are discounts available?

Please call for information.

Is financial assistance available?

State funding and scholarship assistance is available for families with documented financial need.

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