Inclusion Program

The Friedberg JCC offers inclusion programs in both Summer @ the J for children in grades K-6 based out of our Oceanside building and for children ages 5-13 at Island Quest Day Camp at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights.  We welcome children with varying disabilities.  Many campers have autism spectrum disorder, have speech and language delays, or other developmental delays.

For more information about the inclusion program at Island Quest Day Camp, visit: https://islandquestdaycamp.org/

SUMMER @ the J Inclusion Program*

Summer @ the J is the Friedberg JCC’s summer camp.  Summer camp includes children with disabilities in all aspects of its programming; hence, it is an inclusive summer camp.  We offer fun opportunities for children to participate in recreational activities, engage in and expand their interests, and socialize with peers.  These planned opportunities are a combination of structured and less structured fun activities, including but not limited to games, arts and crafts, swimming, and more!

Summer camp is most appropriate for children who can comfortably participate in groups of about 15–20 children with minimal to moderate additional supports, such as extra staff for supervision. 

A child with an IEP, 504 plan, Functional Behavior Assessment, and/or Behavior Intervention Plan, Medical Plan, or Student Specific Protocol may be considered for the program.  Children with special education needs and/or other noted disabilities are considered on an individualized basis, so that the appropriateness of our program for the child can be determined.  

*As of February 1, 2026; the 2026 Summer at the J Inclusion Summer Camp program for children with disabilities is currently full.  However, we are accepting applications for our waitlist.  

Summer @ the J Inclusion Program: Registration Process

After the initial registration application is completed, our disability and inclusion leadership staff will conduct an intake with the parent or guardian to learn more about their child’s strengths and needs from their perspective.  Friedberg JCC summer camp and disability/inclusion leadership staff will request that the parent/guardian review their child’s disability-related documentation with them or provide consent for the review of such documentation.  Together, the completed intake and review of disability-related documentation will help determine the most appropriate placement within Summer @ the J’s inclusion program. 

Because we receive a high volume of registration applications, please allow up to two weeks for summer camp leadership to contact you with either confirmation of your child’s acceptance or a notice that we are unable to offer a spot at this time.

 Please note that a decision to not accept any child into the inclusion camp program will be based on our program’s ability to accommodate that child’s needs, with health and safety at the forefront of such decision-making.  

To ensure the health and safety of all participants, parents or guardians must communicate openly about their child’s needs. If this information is not provided or communication is limited, we may need to reevaluate the child’s placement in the program. 

We value parent and family partnerships and encourage confidential communication about health and safety needs for all campers being considered for the Summer @ the J program.  

Summer @ the J Inclusion Program Staffing: 

Our typical staff-to-camper ratio is 1:3 (one staff person supervising three children).  On a very limited basis, we may be able to provide 1:2 (one staff person supervising two children) or 1:1 (one staff person supervising one child).  An inclusion specialist oversees the inclusion portion of the summer camp program, and counselors are typically college students with experience supporting children with disabilities. 

Is Summer @ the J Inclusion Camp Appropriate? 

Children with or without disabilities who participate in the Summer @ the J inclusion program must be able to change clothes, feed themselves, and toilet themselves independently.  

Campers who may be successful in the Summer @ the J inclusion program are those who: 

• Can tolerate peers near them and share common spaces
• Can communicate wants and needs with limited verbal skills, a communication device, or other means of communication
• Can tolerate and/or enjoy large peer groups, but may need some minimal or intermittent breaks from the large group as well
• Can do well with multiple transitions from one camp environment to another and can tolerate some unexpected changes to the schedule or activity, when they have supports in place

Campers who may require a different camp setting (special education-based or therapeutic) are those who: 

• Cannot communicate any wants or needs using any means
• Exhibit elopement behaviors (walking or running away from the group and/or staff in an unsafe way)
• Present with self-injurious behaviors
• Present with physically aggressive behaviors towards others
• Engage in the destruction of property
• Have a tendency to use or repeat inappropriate, prohibited, or abusive language 
• Have impulse control challenges that prevent them or others from being safe
• Are defiant, oppositional, or non-compliant to the extent that their participation in activities or the safety of themselves or others is compromised

Please contact Danielle Berman for more information at camp@friedbergjcc.org or 516.634.4153 about the inclusion summer camp program.  You may then be asked to schedule the pre-camp intake appointment or to discuss which kind of program may be a good fit for your child with the Director of Disabilities and Inclusion Services, Kimberly Greenfield.  We can help determine if our program can provide the accommodations or supports that would best benefit your child.  

At Friedberg JCC, we aim to promote a safe and fun summer experience for all and are happy to assist you with your inquiries.