Become An Inclusion Counselor Inclusion Camper Options
The J welcomes and invites all persons, including those with disabilities, to participate in its camps and other programs. Program participation is based upon an appropriate match between the individual and a particular program. Where feasible and suitable, the J provides necessary supports, including individualized programming.
1:1 Support – J Day Camps
The Life Enrichment program provides the opportunity for children with special needs to attend camp with their typically developing peers. Our goal is to include all campers. To best assess if a child is a good fit for our program, families must participate in an intake process. If a child is aggressive, a threat to him/herself or others, or even with extra support from our staff cannot participate in our program safely, J Day Camps may not be a good fit.
Life Enrichment Counselors are hired specifically to work with children with special needs. They have backgrounds in special education or a related field and/or other life experiences that provide them with the necessary skill set. Additional training is provided and required for all Life Enrichment counselors. All of our staff must participate in an application, interview and background check process. All Life Enrichment Counselors are First Aid/CPR certified and must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma.
There is no additional fee (in addition to the J Day Camps fee) for Life Enrichment support at J Day Camps up to 40 hours/week. A nominal fee may be assessed for campers who attend camp more than 40 hours per week. Limited space available so please inquire early.
Register Your 1:1 Support camper
The Life Enrichment department at the J provides accommodation and accessibility services to ensure that everyone can access and participate in our wonderful programs, regardless of ability or diagnosis. We also provide programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
During camp, we provide specialized staff to provide various supports to qualifying campers so they can participate fully and get the most out of camp alongside their peers. These supports are individualized to the camper and can include behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support with up to a 1:1 staff to camper ratio.
Creve Coeur Pricing
| Member | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 3-6 | Baer Focus (9am - 3pm) | $320 | $345 |
| Grades 7-9 | Baer Adventures (9am - 3pm) | $340 | $365 |
| AM Care (7:30-9am) | $55 | $60 |
| PM Care (3-6pm) | $85 | $90 |
| 15-21 year-olds with development disabilities | Teen Skills | $340 | $365 |
| Plus Lunch! | $40 | $40 |
Chesterfield Pricing
| Member | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 3-6 | Essman Focus (9am - 3pm) | $310 | $335 |
| AM Care (7:30-9am) | $55 | $60 |
| PM Care (3-6pm) | $85 | $90 |
| Plus Lunch! | $40 | $40 |
Last week of Life Enrichment Services is the week of July 29
Typically, one of the following diagnoses is required to qualify for Life Enrichment services.
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Head Injury
- Intellectual Disability
- Learning Disability
- Mental or Physical Impairment
Please note that we are unable to support individuals who…
- Elope (run away)
- Create an unsafe environment to themselves or others
- Are not bathroom independent
- Destroy property
Families can register their camper on the day camp registration page on the JCCSTL.com website. Please select the course option of “J Day Camps for Campers who Require Additional Support & Accommodation Services” to register to receive Life Enrichment services during camp.
For any questions about Life Enrichment services, eligibility, or the registration process you can contact our Life Enrichment & Camp Services Manager, Sarah Loos at sloos@jccstl.org or at 314-442-3295.
Other Important Information
Cancellation Policy
- Notify the Day Camp Registrar in writing of any cancellations.
- Cancellation of registration, at least 14 days prior to the start of each registered week results in a full refund; less the non-refundable deposit.
- No pro-rated or full refund shall be permitted if a camper leaves before the end of the period for which he or she has been registered.
- No refunds for missing camp due to illnesses. We do not offer partial payment for days missed.
Financial assistance for the J Day Camps is open! Please contact scholarships@jccstl.org for more information on scholarship applications.
In order to be considered for financial assistance, a J Day Camp Registration, non-refundable deposit, and scholarship application must be on file within two weeks of registering. Due to the high volume of applications, the scholarship process takes three-four weeks. Day camp scholarship applications will only be accepted through April 15. However, scholarship dollars are limited and awarded on a need-based first come-first served basis.
Life Enrichment Contacts
Ashley Stockman
Director of Adult Day at the J
314.442.3245
Sarah Loos
Manager, Life Enrichment & Camp Services
314.442.3295
Become A Camp Counselor
Our caring and enthusiastic Inclusion Counselors provide one-on-one support to children and youth with developmental disabilities as they participate in regular camp programming and participate along with campers in a variety of activities including swimming, outdoor activities, crafts, drama, sports and nature. Camp runs Monday-Friday, May 27th-August 2nd.
Counselors will follow general direction and perform other duties as assigned of by the Day Camp Site Director, Unit Heads, and/or the Director of Sports, Recreation, and J Day Camps. Utilize sound judgment and discretionary skills in accordance with The J policies. Maintain positive relationships with many diverse people, including staff, parents, volunteers, and program site administration. Ensure The J policies and guidelines are always followed. Maintain an environment that ensures children’s safety and well-being. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities. May serve as support staff based on needs of program participants, ensuring approved levels of support, assistance, and record keeping. Counselors organizing team games such as soccer, softball, and basketball, explaining the rules and acting as referee or umpire throughout the game. Leading activities such as crafts and art, demonstrating various techniques and encouraging children to produce ideas. Communicating with parents, providing updates where required and answering questions about the camp. Providing guidance, motivation and support all camp visitors.
Counselors work daily form 8:45AM – 3:15PM. Counselors will be scheduled for pre-care and post-care shift weekly but will not be daily.