Mildred Lasch
Special Needs Inclusion Program
Inclusion Support for Campers of All Abilities
Campers with special needs are welcome at Camp Kef as part of our Mildred Lasch Special Needs Inclusion Program. The goal of this program is to help foster an inclusive environment, where neurodiverse campers and campers with disabilities can enjoy the full benefits of everything Camp Kef has to offer. This program is tailored to support and facilitate social development, peer interaction, and independence through experiences. Campers in this program spend much of their day in their assigned bunks amongst their peers.
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This program is subject to our admission process and availability of a qualified and trained staff member. Please contact camp director, Katie Hausman, to find out more about this program.
Partnered Support Through the Social Enrichment Center
The Social Enrichment Center partners with Camp Kef and the Kaiserman JCC for an inclusive summer camp experience! This special needs inclusion program offers full-time, part-time, or hourly support with bunks led by a therapeutic facilitator who targets campers' social skills, behavioral needs, sensory and emotional regulation throughout the camp activities. Campers will go through an intake process with SEC to help determine which level of support is right for them.
Camp Kef Itinerant Support
Campers in this group are placed in an age-appropriate bunk at Camp Kef and are assigned a 1:1 or 2:1 camp counselor, supervised by the special needs coordinator of Camp Kef, who is available to assist the camper intermittently with social, emotional and behavioral challenges throughout their camp day. Campers will travel with the bunk and are encouraged to participate in all camp activities.
Campers at the itinerant support level have the option of adding additional SEC service hours (i.e. therapeutic instruction, behavior management support, emotional and regulation support) into their schedule at an additional cost.
SEC Full Support Program
Campers in this group are placed in a bunk led by a therapeutic facilitator from SEC providing full time social, emotional and regulation support. The campers are assigned a SEC-support staff member, trained by SEC mental health counselors. These SEC led bunks are paired and linked with other Camp Kef led bunks throughout the camp day for inclusion opportunities.
Campers in this group receive social skills, behavior management, and emotional regulation group therapy throughout their day. Campers have access to a fully equipped sensory room and receive occupational therapy support for any gross or fine motor or sensory regulation needs.
*SEC full support program registration is completed through SEC and not Camp Kef. Pricing varies between programs. Check with your insurance for possible reimbusments.
Support Beyond Formal Inclusion
Some campers may benefit from a supportive, structured camp environment without needing dedicated inclusion services. Camp Kef’s trained staff work to create a welcoming experience for all campers. Families unsure about support needs are encouraged to connect with our camp leadership to discuss placement and fit.