Gabriella Kopelowitz, along with her brothers Yaniv and Itai, has become a loyal Shutaf camper.
Her parents, Debbie Perla and Ezra Kopelowitz, long-time Jerusalemites originally from Long Island, New York, have been delighted with their children’s response to Shutaf’s camp programs.
The Perla-Kopelowitz’s sent their three eldest to Shutaf for the first time in August 2008. The two younger children, Gabriella and Itai were initially signed up for two weeks. They signed up for the third week on the second day of camp. Debbie said that “she enrolled the children because she liked the idea of the kids being mixed together, meeting people who are the ‘other’ and learning to be comfortable with them. The kids just think it’s fun,” added Debbie, “and we like that everyone is friends with one another, all playing together.”
Gabriella has made lots of new friends at camp and reports that “the kids are nicer at Shutaf; they are more friendly.” While she admits that sometimes “it’s hard because the kids are different”, she acknowledges her growth: “I’m not afraid now of children who are different.”
Gabriella and her brothers can’t wait for the next Shutaf camp – it’s not about the special needs for them, it’s the fun activities and having a really great time – isn’t that why all kids look forward to camp?
