In the summer of 2013 Courtney Haworth, director of Camp Simcha, the summer day camp held at Scottsdale’s Congregation Beth Israel, was approached by temple member Daniel Openden with an interesting question. Would the camp consider partnering with SARRC, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, to provide a camping experience for some of their kids? Danny had just become president and CEO of SARRC, after having served as vice president for six years.
Courtney responded with an enthusiastic, “Sure, let’s give it a try!” Enthusiasm is only one of the many joyous descriptive terms to use for Courtney. She has been Camp Simcha director for five summers and started her sixth year of teaching 3-year-olds at the Chanen Preschool this fall. She beams when she talks about the kids, and in turn each of them has a special hug just for Courtney. She exudes a positive attitude and sincere love for the children.
In 2013 the camp included three children who had diagnoses on the autism spectrum. They were high functioning and each came with a facilitator. The program was so successful that in the 2014 camp, 21 kids from SAARC enrolled in camp. Courtney comments on how the other campers show so much understanding and empathy; she feels it’s an enriching experience for all the kids. “One of my favorite stories,” Courtney confides, “was about a 5-year-old who came to our first four-week session with his facilitator. He had a great time and wanted to come back for the second session, but no facilitator was available. I talked to my staff and his parents, and we felt strongly that he could try on his own. He came back and had a wonderful second session!” Courtney explains that the first camp session had given the boy the tools he needed, such as communication and peer negotiation, to meet his goals. Being able to attend camp on his own was an important step in his development.
The Camp Simcha staff and the facilitators from SARRC work closely together. “We’re all like one big family,” Courtney says. “They come to our staff training day and staff thank you dinner, and many of the teachers from the two groups have become personal friends.”
Courtney believes the reason their camp is so well suited for this type of integration is that it is well structured, with scheduled activities and daily routines. “These are all important factors in the lives of kids who have a diagnosis of autism,” she says. And of course, the camp is full of fun as well, with swimming, the new splash pad, special guests and field trips, as well as Shabbat on Fridays.
Congregation Beth Israel’s winter camp will be Dec. 22-Jan. 2. The camp runs through fourth grade and is open to members and non-members. For winter camp, parents can sign up by the day or week. There is no camp on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Summer camp information will be available by March, and Courtney looks forward to working with SAARC again.
480-951-3398 | cbiaz.org
