Inclusivity Specialist helping kid with activity.

Harnessing Special Needs Inclusion at Camp

At Jewish Silicon Valley, supporting inclusivity – whether it be in our programs, facilities, the local Jewish community, and even the community at large – is always on our minds. We see inclusivity as the vehicle through which we can achieve our vision to ensure a vibrant Jewish community in Silicon Valley and promote the well-being of all people. 

Recently, through the generous support of our community, we were able to hit a major milestone in the pursuit of inclusivity by welcoming an Inclusion Specialist to our team. Our new Inclusion Specialist, Henrietta Garcia, joined us as an experienced professional who will support families and children on the special needs journey, as well as our preschool teachers as they create welcoming, inclusive classrooms. With camp just around the corner, Henrietta will also focus on ensuring a memorable summer at our camp inclusion program, Chaverim.

Chaverim (meaning ‘friends’ in Hebrew) campers will enjoy a true summer camp experience alongside our Camp Shalom campers in daily activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, cooking, field trips, and Specialty Camp activities. Each camper will be paired with a trained counselor on a 1:1 basis to advocate for the camper’s needs and facilitate social inclusion and friendship.

JSV is also committed to harnessing the fullest scope of inclusivity by building safe, healthy environments for children of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds to grow. With the Jewish value of kavod, or respect, at the heart of both camp and preschool philosophies, we build a community that is caring, nurturing, and supportive for all. 

Equally, we believe that sustaining a respectful and equitable community begins with teaching self-respect at a young age through experiences that build children’s confidence and encourage curiosity. In our eyes, every child is a future change-maker, and we’re committed to raising them as such. 

To support inclusion efforts at JSV, please make a gift to our Annual Campaign today.