My Camp George Story: Summer 2001

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By: Ellyn Freedland and Rosalyn Mosko, former camper care directors and camp parents

“By a lake, by a tree, that is where you’ll find me….” The first line of the Camp George song captures the thinking that went into the development of the “inclusion program” now known as “camper care.” In the early days of camp, we felt that any child or young adult who wanted to attend a Jewish overnight camp should have that opportunity, if possible. We recognized that not everyone could come to camp and manage on their own. For those campers or staff who needed a bit of extra support in order to experience the excitement, camaraderie, and self-growth of camp, we made a plan that would not only include them but also make it a win-win for all.

We also had the privilege of witnessing Camp George grow and figure out what it was, beginning in 2001. How it fit into Jewish camping, into Ontario camping, and into the lives of the staff, campers and parents. Camp George is so many things to many people.

We both got so much out of being part of Camp George; much more than expected. Camp George gave not only ourselves but our families a sense of community and a way to give back. CG taught us a great deal about the interactions between parents and their children, that was different from our roles as seasoned professionals in a school board.

Jeff Rose, Ellyn Freedland, Deborah Cooper and Roz Mosko receiving the Itanu Inclusion Award from David Onley, Lieutenant Govnernor of Ontario,

In the early days we quickly learned that the “Inclusion program” was important to all our campers and staff, not just those individuals who were part of our program. We witnessed the profound positive effects that Camp George had on individual campers and we revelled in the lessons of empathy that were learned. We watched campers feel good about themselves and were impressed with what they could contribute to the camp community. We were also lucky to have worked with dedicated staff who ensured that all their campers felt included. Some staff even went on to work in the field of inclusion because of their experience at camp. In addition, Camp George became a role model for other URJ camps because of our inclusion program.

The board in the middle of our camp says it all. It has a picture of George and his quote, “Be good to each other.” We feel good about working towards that vision.

 

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