By Sydney Glass, Camp Firefly Unit Head

One aspect of Firefly Teen Camp is the service project which gives teen campers an opportunity to mentor future campers and give back to the Camp Chi grounds. The teens love being able to work with the younger Firefly campers to make an impact on their campgrounds. 

In today’s technology focused world, it is important that quality time in the outdoors is still a priority. “Spending time outdoors without technology is a nice opportunity for children to become independent and learn responsibility,” said Liz Robbin, Camp Firefly Director. 

It was a great summer for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade who attended the JCFS Chicago Hinaynee camp, which provided therapeutic support while school was out.

As the prevalence and understanding of Autism Spectrum and Social Communication Disorders has grown, families have become inundated with treatment models and approaches that are being touted as the next best thing.  Camp Firefly recognizes that many evidence-based, effective approaches do exist, and appreciates the benefits that each has to offer.  However, in order to meet the needs of our campers, we have found that the Social Thinking ® approach developed by Michelle Garcia Winner has proven to be the most appropriate for our recreative camp therapy model.

For as long as I can remember, camp has been a part of my life. From day camp as a young child to my first summer at overnight camp when I was 12, my experiences at camp shaped the person I am today. It helped me become independent and go outside of my comfort zone. Anyone who knew me growing up knew that Camp Chi was the place where I truly shined and was my best, happiest self.  

As camp begins to feel more and more like a reality, it is normal for your child to start to feel anxious about leaving home. Even campers who have been away before may still feel nervous. Our Camp Firefly staff has put together some tips that can help your child get ready for the summer.

After watching her older brother and sister go away to overnight camp, Melanie had been asking to go. We knew it would be a struggle for her to make friends and fit in, so we didn't send her to that camp. A few years later, we discovered Camp Firefly.

Reflections from a teen camper and camp counselor

Jewish summer camp welcomes everyone - and I mean everyone. Our son Danny, who is now 23 years old, has attended Jewish summer camp for nearly 20 years. His journey began at the Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie. And since Danny was headed to Jewish camp, I signed up his younger sister as well. At three and five years of age, Debbie and Danny were eager and enthusiastic to follow in the footsteps of their older siblings as campers. However, for Danny there was a difference.

Danny is on the autism spectrum, and the secular day camp that his older sisters attended did not offer the services and supports Danny needed. Fortunately, an inclusion program jointly sponsored by Keshet and the JCCs did, and off we went.