Summer of 2014 saw the inaugural offering of Camp Ometz, a summer day camp experience created for those children who need some assistance to join the summer fun. A first for the VOSJCC, it was originally scheduled for just one week, but the program was in such demand that a second week was quickly added. Ometz’s success was recently recognized with the Jewish Community Association’s Belle Latchman Community Service Award, which is presented in recognition of an outstanding current contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix area by a local nonprofit Jewish agency, organization, institution or committee.
Building on the positive response from last summer, Ometz 2015 expands to four weeks. The camp will once again be directed by Alex Sachs, known affectionately as Coach Alex. Alex worked at the JCC for a number of years before she became the executive director of KEEN (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now). KEEN is a national nonprofit that provides recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its participants through noncompetitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.
Similarly, Ometz programs recognize each camper’s potential in all skill areas. Activities are designed to enhance social, motor, language and other vital life skills that promote greater independence. Emphasis is placed on helping campers make new friends while having fun in a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment. Campers are grouped by age, skill level, camper readiness (and gender for older age groups). All camp groups participate in community-based field trips. Campers’ days are filled with traditional summer camp activities adapted to meet their individual needs. Adaptive physical education, movement, music, adaptive art, swim lessons, socialization and free swim are part of campers’ days.
“The learning goes both ways. Many of our kids and counselors have had little exposure to special needs kids,” says Alison Johnston, VOSJCC camp director. “This program is a great opportunity for them to gain exposure and recognize that although special needs kids may have some challenges, they also have their own special gifts. Our project is unique because it highlights the spirit of partnership and how working together we can make a larger impact, not only for the children with special needs and their families, but also in the community at large. And we are proud of the fact that we can offer exposure to Jewish values.”
Camp Ometz is offered May 26-29, June 15-19, July 6-10 and July 27-31. Fee is $280 for members and $330 for nonmembers. Contact youth@vosjcc.org for more information.
The Valley of the Sun JCC is located on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. 480-483-7121, vosjcc.org
