Inclusion Camp
Everyone Has a Place at Camp!
If your camper has different abilities, they are welcome at Inclusion Camp at the J.
Springfield, MA | Ages: 5-18 | June 22 - August 14, 2026
We believe that every camper comes to camp for the same reasons: to have fun and make friends. Our inclusion camp program meets the unique needs of campers with different abilities so that they too can have the best possible summer camp experience.
*This camp must comply with regulations of the MDPH and be licensed by the LBOH.
Support to Participate with Peers
At the Springfield JCC, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcome through our Kehillah inclusion program. At Inclusion Camp, we strive to fully integrate children with mild to moderate disabilities into regular camp programming by offering individualized support and activity modifications.
Inclusion campers attend traditional camp activities with their camp group. It’s a busy day, full of active, outdoor fun, following a schedule much like this one.
During the camp day, campers are supported by an inclusion counselor who provides social, emotional and behavioral support. We can provide 1:1 or 2:1 camper-to-staff support based on the needs of your camper, helping them participate in activities and build friendships. Families may also supply their own support staff at a prorated cost, subject to our camp staff hiring criteria.
Finding Your Fit at Camp
Our goal is to create a camp environment where every camper feels happy and safe. To ensure a successful camp experience for your camper, please consider how well your child:
- handles a full day of outdoor activity involving sports, nature, heat and precipitation
- copes in a large group setting (we can have 300 children at camp)
- responds in a busy and sometimes noisy environment
- handles transitions, emotionally and physically.
If you feel that Inclusion Camp at the J is a good fit for your child, please visit our Camp Registration page to find out more and begin the registration process.
If you feel that your child would benefit from a different camp environment, several more options are listed here and will be published here on February 23.
If you have any questions about your camper’s specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Happy Campers = Happy Families
“Tyler absolutely LOVES the JCC! He has been attending Kehillah since being diagnosed with ASD. The staff were patient and kind and went above and beyond to make him feel included and safe. Tyler made a bunch of friends (which was something that was hard for him in the beginning). Inclusion Camp helped Tyler gain the socialization skills needed to overcome that barrier. Thank you for making Tyler’s camp experience successful, he had a wonderful time!”
for Tyler C, age 12 📸
“Alexus came home each day excited about her day. She enjoyed swimming and interacting with other campers. Each day she talked about the friends she met and how nice the counselors were. Alexus was so excited about attending inclusion camp she would wake up at 6:00 a.m. and get ready for camp. She is already asking if she can return next year.”
for Alexus R, age 12
Have questions about Inclusion Camp?
Please email Bridget Jones, Director of Inclusion, who will be happy to help.
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