CAMP IS COMING: Another Remarkable Summer with Lessans Camp JCC
Rockville, MD, May 20, 2024 – Every Bender JCC member contributes to our mission of being an inclusive community where thousands of individuals of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds can fully participate year-round. You may only come to use a lap lane, work out in our Weinberg Health and Fitness Center, or participate in a group exercise class. Still, when you commit your dollars to the Bender JCC, you share in our community’s defining values: “Welcoming and Inclusive (Hachnassat Orchim),” “Respect (Kavod),” “Community (Kehilla),” and “Working Together (B’Yachad).”
These values come into clear focus for seven weeks every summer when our Lessans Camp JCC campers, counselors, and staff fill nearly every square inch of our building and outdoor spaces with non-stop fun! While Lessans Camp’s arrival and presence may impact our members’ daily routines at the Bender JCC, we’re all reminded that there are hundreds of children and young adults with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the summer camp experience they deserve if not for Lessans Camp JCC and our members’ commitment to our community’s value of inclusion.
What does it mean for our community to be inclusive? Our Director of Inclusion, Kate Falls, often reminds us that inclusion goes beyond programs or platitudes and is bigger than any individual. Inclusion is belonging, the feeling of being welcomed, valued and needed by our community. Regardless of ability, each of us should feel that our community accepts us “as we are” and for “who we are.” All members — including people with disabilities — deserve to feel equally at home at the Bender JCC.
While our hallways do get busier and louder over the summer, Lessans Camp JCC is a daily reminder that every individual can bring their whole self to the Bender JCC as our members understand that a person’s differences and unique gifts make our community stronger; indeed, the work of inclusion belongs to all of us.
We are deeply grateful for your membership contribution year-round. During these polarizing and complicated times, the Bender JCC continues to open our doors to the diversity of Greater Washington. Our ability to build bridges in and for our community is possible because of your commitment. We’re planning a series of member appreciation experiences this summer to show how much we value your essential role in our incredible community – keep an eye out for more information on these gatherings.
I hope you have a safe and rejuvenating summer! In friendship,
Josh