Camp JJ to hold Family Fun Day

By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

Summer camp is seen by many as a right of passage for children. But typical camps are not always equipped to handle the needs of all kids.

For the last 40 years, Camp JJ at Highlander Christian Camp in Kane has been giving special needs children the opportunity to have an inclusive summer camp experience. The staff strives to meet each camper where they are – helping them to thrive while making lasting memories.

While camp itself lasts for one week in July, the organization hosts regular fundraising events throughout the year. They will host their third annual Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Park in Kane.

The free event will feature activities for children of every age and ability, such as crafts and games.

‘We will have a children’s corner, where kids can come and do free activities like face painting, crafts and more,’ said Brooke Gelesky, of the Camp JJ team.

Food and refreshments will be available, including a bake sale. Plenty of vendors will be on hand, so come out and support a small business.

‘We are expecting a variety of vendors from

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Children and counselors at a previous Camp JJ walk to their dining hall. The camp for children with special needs is run by volunteers and is always in need of donations.

Era file photo e 3D printed creations to tumblers, keychains and trinkets,” said Gelesky. “We even have a DIY silicone bead bar and laser engraved earring bar set to be there.”

In addition, there will be 50/50 and basket raffles and a penny war.

“A penny war pits a few contestants against each other for the ‘prize’ of being pied in the face at the end of the event,” said Gelesky. “Guests can put change in the jars to add or subtract from the total scores.”

Funds raised during Family Fun Day will go into the Camp JJ account to be distributed as needed.

“The funds we raise at JJ Day allow us to introduce at least one new item or activity to camp each year,” said Gelesky. “We’ve been able to get a projector and screen for movie nights, a snow cone machine and a popcorn machine.”

For those who can’t attend in person, organizers are still looking for donations. Baskets are needed for the raffle and yummy treats are still needed for the bake sale.

“At its core, Camp JJ Family Fun Day is meant as a community outreach and awareness event,” said Gelesky. “We want people to know about us, fall in love with our mission and help the organization thrive for another 40 years or more.”

Camp JJ was originally inspired by Bill and June Johnson, who wanted to create a summer camp that their daughter could enjoy as much as any other child.

“They created camp JJ as a way to ensure their daughter and other children who have special needs would have a summer camp where they could go and fit in, experience real summer camp and not stand out as different,” said Gelesky.

Four decades later, volunteers for Camp JJ continue to focus on that mission to serve local children with special needs.

“It is important that all children have a place where they feel safe, where they fit in and where they can forget all about the troubles of their everyday lives,” said Gelesky. “At Camp JJ, we focus on the person; extra needs do not equate to being different or a burden.”

Each year, about 25 children attend Camp JJ. Throughout the week, campers enjoy a schedule packed full of fun activities that can include everyone. The mission is to ensure that no camper feels excluded.

“We are able to provide activities and experiences that can be adjusted to be accessible to everyone at camp,” said Gelesky. “No one is left out or singled out, and that is not an experience most of our campers have in their everyday lives.”

Crafts include tie-dye, birdhouses, building rockets and Pinewood Derby-style cars and creating walking sticks and boondoggles. Campers do activities throughout the week such as kickball, scavenger hunts, nature walks and water games like slip and slides.

In the evenings, the staff tries to bring in the “wow factor.” Every year there is a dance or prom where kids get their makeup and hair done and dress to impress. Campers go through a grand march, where each is introduced to a cheering crowd. They then attend a formal-sit down dinner before dancing the night away.

On other nights there are carnivals, block parties, talent shows, movie nights and tent campouts.

The staff starts a year in advance to plan out the theme of each week and what activities will be able to be adjusted for all skill levels. Most campers are repeat customers who are welcome faces to their councilors.

“Most of our campers are kids we’ve known for years, so we have an idea of what they are capable of,” said Gelesky. “As we get new campers, we learn about them and can develop new ideas along the way.”

Many volunteers are professionals who work with children and individuals who have disabilities as their vocation. They try not to focus too much on what makes the kids different.

“First and foremost, we are a summer camp for kids,” said Gelesky. “We try not to focus too heavily on perceived limitations.”

Camp JJ cannot continue without donations and volunteers, Gelesky pointed out.

“We invite teens to apply and become councilors,” said Gelesky. Teens must be 14 years of age and have two references.

“We are a co-ed, overnight camp and we supply all the training they will need,” said Gelesky. “Our adults are always around and available for questions, concerns and support.”

Adult volunteers are also needed.

“We have a lot of responsibilities throughout the week that we are happy to accept help with,” said Gelesky.

Examples include everything from helping with craft times, setting up game booths at a carnival, to assisting with general cleanup and maintenance of the grounds. Any volunteer must be 18 or older and have the appropriate background check and child abuse clearances. Those who would like to volunteer or donate can reach out through the Camp JJ Facebook page.

Although camp takes place over one week, children and volunteers create memories that will last forever.

“The impact camp has on everyone involved,” Gelesky said, “is one that ripples out into the world and spreads a message of acceptance, belonging, empathy and love.”