The Road to Chi: Anything But Ordinary
On Monday, 74 athletes competed under the direction of eight coaches, highlighting how easily campers with disabilities can competitively play alongside their typically developing peers.
“Days like this make me smile,” commented a 13 year old camper as he walked off the soccer field.
Jewish camp is a leader in advocating for inclusive environments where every child shines and is able to thrive within a Jewish environment. The event was an example of how Jewish camp is pushing the boundaries in showing the world that with the right attitude, the right goals and the right training – anything is possible.
The day was much more than competitive fun and games. Camp Chi athletic staff, village leaders and counselors participated in a Lunch and Learn with the Special Olympics coaches to learn about the program background and tactics to use on the field.
“Working with the Special Olympics is a great way to shake up what we do at Camp Chi every day. It’s a natural piece of inclusion here,” commented Guy Robertson, Athletic Director at Camp Chi.
Tobin summed it up. “In the end, the Special Olympics staff walked away with as much learning as they offered. The coaches were overwhelmed by the comradery they saw between the campers at Camp Chi. The organizations will continue to provide feedback and suggestions to strengthen each other’s programs and others across Jewish camp”
Tobin pointed out that Camp Chi’s commitment to inclusion is also in thanks to a partnership with Keshet, an outstanding organization that provides educational, recreational, social and vocational support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and the FJC Ruderman/Alexander Inclusion Initiative. “We look forward to building more relationships like this.”