Summer is nearly upon us. Camp HASC has been planning, training, and preparing for the upcoming season throughout the year. Now, as part of Camp HASC’s staff orientation, over 500 staff members will spend an intense 4 day training for the upcoming summer. Over the course of an extended weekend, presentations and workshops will be led by professionals from Camp HASC, as well as outside experts in the field of developmental disabilities and special needs. Topics covered will include sensitivity trainings, communication, understanding disabilities, state rules and regulations, and halachic and hashkafa perspectives on issues pertaining to being a staff member at Camp HASC. Another aspect of the training sessions is a focus on autism, facilitated by leading behavioral therapists and autism specialists.
There are more than a dozen departments at Camp HASC, including therapy, a professional medical and academics program, and a robust recreation program. In this carefully crafted orientation, staff members are professionally engaged and learn the necessary skills for application in these programs. They learn various methods to engage and enable individuals with respect and appropriate care. They are taught to ensure the safety and well being of their campers, and to create the magic that Camp HASC summers are known for.
The most heartwarming video ever.
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While the content can be heavy and even overwhelming at times, the Camp HASC administration emphasizes creating an inspiring and uplifting environment for an unforgettable growth experience. The orientation is packed with learning, singing, and reach, prepping hundreds of staff members for an unforgettable chesed-filled summer.
For a group of young men and women out of Yeshiva and seminary, this experience can be daunting. Administering a feeding tube for the first time, washing and dressing campers, and working collaboratively with occupational and physical therapists is a completely new, and impressive responsibility.
Bu these are not just typical teenagers. They are the angels of Camp HASC, the dedicated and altruistic caretakers that go way beyond their zones every day throughout the summer, manifesting a breathtaking level of selflessness. In the words of Mr. Goldsmith from Cedarhurst: “We take our teenagers, and we send them to Camp HASC. We make them responsible for the care and feeding of another human being – and they astound us with their capacity!”
“In the eight short weeks of camp, you were able to bring happiness to our daughter and bring her back to life. Bassie progressed in more ways over this one summer than she has in years of intense therapy.”
Yisroel and Chany Silberstein, Miami, FL
Here’s to these incredible young men and women, and another awesome season at Camp HASC.
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Camp HASC operates at a steep deficit, while working to give children and adult with disabilities the summer of their dreams . They need your support to keep doing their special work. Every donation helps.
Summertime is expensive. We get it.
But just imagine: with just a small addition to your budget, they can go to camp too! Catapult them into a summer where dreams come true, and the wonderful magical days spill into each other, and kids can dare to be kids. Where wishes are granted and the sun never stops shining.
Please open your heart and donate generously!
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One Response
In the few months I worked next to Chaya Miller in HASC I was impressed at her devotion and efficiency in getting the campers and every minute detail of help they need in place for the season. She is amazing, she works incredibly hard and SHE deserves the credit for every successful summer the campers experience.
Kol Hakovod Chaya, Best regards from Israel.