How Tamarack Helped Jack Shine
I grew up at Jewish summer camp, where some of the most formative moments of my childhood — the friendships, the freedom, the sense of Jewish joy — happened. Camp shaped who I am, and when I became a parent, I hoped my children would one day feel that same sense of belonging.
But as my son, Jack, got older, I worried. As a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he experiences the world in unique, beautiful ways — but in environments not built for him, he can feel misunderstood or left out. I wasn’t concerned about him being “different.” I was afraid he wouldn’t flourish.
Tamarack Camps changed that for him and for our whole family.
Through the Yachad Inclusion Program, Jack lived with his peers while receiving the support he needed. His counselors were extraordinary — taking time to understand Jack and how to help him shine. Camp photos showed Jack smiling, participating and surrounded by kids. Then the stories poured in — he won a Teva (nature) award, helped his team win Maccabiah Games and came home calling it the “BEST SUMMER EVER.”
The following year, the transformation deepened. The very first picture I received showed Jack high in the trees on the ropes course, grinning from ear to ear. He wasn’t just adjusting; he was thriving. His counselors found roles that matched his strengths — like serving as scorekeeper during Maccabiah, perfect for a kid who loves rules, structure and fairness. This is true inclusion: making space for each child to shine in their own way.
The most unexpected change came after he returned home. Jack began mapping out his future at Tamarack — “Next year Hermelin, then Pioneer, then Outpost… maybe someday I’ll work at camp.” Tamarack gave him something he’d never had: a vision of his future — and excitement about it!
Jack’s Jewish connection has also deepened — camp brought Judaism to life for him. He often chose Jewish activities, brought home rituals we now practice, and is genuinely excited for his bar mitzvah.
Tamarack didn’t just give my child a place to go in the summer. It gave him confidence, independence, Jewish pride and a community that is his mishpacha. For our family, that means everything.
Tamarack Camps provides a safe, inclusive environment for all children to grow, live Jewishly and thrive. Your gift to the Send a Kid to Tamarack annual campaign provides scholarship and greatest needs support to ensure camp is affordable for families.
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