We all know that we can personally make a difference, no matter how old we are, whether we’re rich or poor, male or female, disabled or typically developing. Make your coming of age celebration special with Shutaf.
As part of your project, explore what inclusion really means and why it’s a social imperative and important Jewish value for all members of society – with and without special needs. Learnabout disability, acceptance and community, along with Shutaf’s organizational mission, background and vision for the future.
Do something special in your hometown as part of your learning experience, plan a fundraiser for Shutaf children – we’ve got lots of ideas – and then, visit Shutaf in Israel and meet our community of kids, teens and staff. We’re waiting for you!
Read about Penina Beede’s Bat Mitzvah project with Shutaf.
Project Ideas
Each of these programs connects with a fundraising theme. Whether it’s raising money for art supplies, funds for new programs and equipment, you can find a way to connect – personally and meaningfully.
TwinUp: Sharing the day with a Shutaf kid here makes it personal. Correspond with a Shutaf celebrant – see what makes you similar, not different. Meet each other in Israel – visit and volunteer for a day at Shutaf.
Parsha Talk: Find out how you can share inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities in your Bar/Bat Mitzvah speech. We’ve got materials and stuff to read that will help you explore the Jewish approach to acceptance and inclusion.
Film Project: Get to know each other online with a camera. Find out what a person with disabilities’ life is really like. Watch other films about people with disabilities. Make a movie and share your message with others.
iShutaf: Share your favorite music with a Shutaf kid. Get to know each other’s musical tastes. Difference just isn’t difference when you’re both bopping to the same tunes. Make some CD’s of musical downloads for use at Shutaf programs. Boogie with Shutaf.
Shutaf and Facebook: Get involved in our Shutaf Facebook Cause. Help us spread the word in your home community. Have a Facebook Friend or Fundraising Goal as part of your project. Post your story and share the Shutaf story with others.
Friending: Friend a kid with special needs in your synagogue. Join them at Junior Congregation or help them in their Hebrew School class. You might discover some new things about what making friends is really about.
iInclude: How are you including in your home community – in your schools, synagogue, youth groups and camps? What can you do to be part of a new way of looking at people with disabilities. Be a young leader and start something new. Find out how you can share inclusion, community and the rights of people with disabilities in the world.
Projects: Prepare an art project, music project and collect funds for the supplies so that Shutaf can do your project at one of our camps or after-school youth groups.
Have your own idea? Email beth@campshutaf.org and let’s talk.
