This older group of 20 teens – 50% special needs and 50% typically developing – is a cohesive, social group. Many have worked at Shutaf camps more than once and have been meeting monthly since 2009. This group will meet twice monthly for 90-minutes and will be staffed by Shutaf’s program director and teen program coordinator.
The year program will consist of four main sections: Developing Self-Identity, Educational Encounters, Vocational Training and Pre-Camp preparation.
Developing Self-Identity (October – December)
Focusing on personal skills and identity, this unit will include developing awareness as a self-advocate as well as self-esteem and empowerment building. El Halev’s trained team will work with each teen and the group as a whole on using self-defense as a way of protecting one’s self and developing one’s confidence out in the world. Teens will share these emergent abilities at Shutaf’s Chanukah camp in December.
Educational Encounters (January – February)
Sharing Shutaf’s message of inclusion and acceptance with others is the focus of this section, which will prepare the teens for two encounters with local, sixth-grade classes as well as presenting the program to adult visitors and special groups visiting Shutaf programs. Shutaf’s drama specialist will present the teens with a dynamic, drama-based approach – role playing the parts and imagining the different responses. The teens will visit the schools as pre-arranged by the program director, offering activities and discussions with the students that encourage questions regarding disability and inclusion in an interactive, fun and age-appropriate manner. The teens will also serve as Shutaf ambassadors, encouraging students to join Shutaf’s camp and Young Leadership Program. As part of their preparation, teens will assist with facilitating a family encounter at Shutaf’s Tu Bishvat family gathering.
Vocational Training (February – April)
This unit will help teens learn some of the skills necessary in running a business. A professional caterer will guide the group through the process of planning, creating, packaging and marketing a food product. The teens will also focus on planning, preparing and serving a meal to a larger group during a special extended day at Shutaf’s Pesach camp.
Pre-Camp Training (May-July)
Before every camp, teens take part in preparing for the upcoming session; learning to work as a team, taking criticism, helping others, understanding developmental issues as well as other areas. In addition to these three pre-camp training sessions, the group will plan and implement a small-scale fundraising event. Monies raised will be used to support the Shutaf Café, a special teen project that is used to teach independent living skills to all campers during camp.
