Inclusion Is in Our DNA

We support campers with a variety of needs, including those who may not have a formal IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plan but would benefit from extra guidance to help them thrive in the camp environment.

During the intake process, which is led by our Inclusion Manager, we work together to determine the appropriate level of support needed to ensure a meaningful and successful summer camp experience.

Each summer, we tailor our support to meet the unique needs of our campers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate fully and have a meaningful camp experience.

At JCC Chicago, our process begins with a thorough intake meeting with the family to learn about their child’s strengths, interests, and areas of need. The intake process may also include:

• Collaboration with teachers, therapists, or other professionals who can provide insights on how to best support the child in a camp environment.
• An observation in the school environment to gain a better understanding of the child’s needs.
• Review of pertinent documents including but not limited to IEP, Individualized Education Program, 504 plan or other provider reports.

Based on this information, we develop an Individualized Camper Plan (ICP) to guide the staff in supporting each child’s unique strengths and needs.

Each Apachi Day Camp location is supported by a seasonal Inclusion Site Director who provides guidance to both counselors and campers. They ensure that the strategies outlined in each camper’s Individualized Camper Plan are implemented to help every child thrive. Inclusion Site Directors also work closely with families, sharing regular updates that highlight progress, celebrate successes, and address any challenges through weekly communication.

Families can also choose to get the support their camper(s) need through Keshet. Visit keshet.org to learn more about their programs and the support they provide.

Our team of qualified staff members receive specialized training to meet campers’ social emotional, communication, and behavioral needs.

Laura Brown

Inclusion Manager, M.Ed, LBS-1

Laura Brown is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every camper can thrive. As the Camp Inclusion Manager at Apachi Day Camp, Laura oversees disability inclusion across all Apachi Day Camp sites, working closely with families, schools, and therapists to ensure that campers of all abilities have positive experiences. She also mentors and supervises Inclusion Site Directors to maintain high standards of support. With more than 15 years supporting neurodivgent students and students with other disabilities, she is dedicated to using each camper’s strengths and interests to create an empowering, meaningful and inclusive Apachi experience.

With over 20 years of experience as a special education teacher in public and therapeutic day schools, Laura has focused much of her career on supporting students with autism and other support needs. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from Elmhurst College, an LBS1 certification from National Louis University, and an Assistive Technology Certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago. Laura is also a PECS Certified Implementer and a CPI Verbal De-escalation Trainer.

Having learned to swim at Mayer Kaplan JCC and attended Camp Chi for seven summers, Laura is passionate about providing recreational opportunities for children with disabilities, and she is committed to creating a camp environment where all kids can enjoy the joys of summer and be included with their peers.

On-site at Apachi Day Camp, the camp team includes:

Inclusion Site Director (background in Special Education, Social Work, or related field)
On-site daily to offer guidance and support to both counselors and campers, ensuring families are kept informed about their camper’s successes and challenges.

Support Counselor/Camper Advocate
The Camper Advocate receives specialized training to support one or two campers, implementing strategies and tools from the Individualized Camper Plan to ensure each camper has a successful camp experience.

The fee is $190 per week (in addition to camp tuition). JCC Chicago otherwise subsidizes costs to provide the specialized care and support needed to ensure our campers have the best possible summer experience.

JCC Chicago is proud to provide a variety of financial solutions to support families in need. Explore these financial support options to find the one that best fits your family.

At Apachi Day Camp, our Community Care team is dedicated to supporting the social-emotional well-being and development of all campers. Comprised of social workers and special education teachers, the Community Care team prioritizes both the mental and physical safety of campers. As the ultimate goal is for children to enjoy a summer full of fun, friendships, and confidence-building activities, the team assists children in navigating big feelings, managing peer relationships, and addressing unexpected behaviors with thoughtful and sensitive interventions. Community Care staff help train counselors during orientation and throughout the summer to ensure they are well-equipped to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all campers.

Each camp offers a physical space for calming and regulating emotions and counselors are trained in mindfulness and team-building activities for transitions such as belly breathing or sensory treasure hunts. Additionally, the Social Services team deploys a resource toolkit with social narratives, visual tools, and activity adaptations to aid in camper support.

To register for extra support through JCC Chicago, simply complete the registration for your preferred Apachi Day Camp location. During the process, you’ll answer questions about any additional support your camper may need. Once submitted, the camp director will reach out to discuss how we can best support your child. If you have any questions, please email Laura Brown, Inclusion Manager.