Community Connections: Summer 2006 WSCN

Welcoming Spiritual Communities Newsletter
Summer 2006

From the University of Maryland:
www.communityconnections.umd.edu

Tips & Resources

Publicize your community on our web site

In this Issue: Keeping the Spirit Throughout the Summer

Opening doors for people with disabilities and their families
Strengthening support for children with disabilities
Collaborating with other communities to enhance programs
Energy and cost-saving tips, resources, and links
Creating inclusive camp and vacation Bible programs for children

	Articles
	Planning Perspective: Developing Camp Philosophy, Culture & Organizational Effectiveness by Randall Grayson Leader Perspective: The Camp Rena Collection: What Every Recreation Leader Should Know, and the Best Camp Songs, Games, and Fun Activities for Kids! by Rena Azevedo Dein Recreation Perspective: Keshet by The Jewish Federation
	Kids Corner
	Wisdom by Kids for Everyone: "As It Was in the Beginning" A summer playground poem by a nine year old boy with a disability.
	Tip Sheets
	Check out these tips: Top 10 Questions to Ask when Speaking to a Camp Director or Visiting a Camp Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for the Child with Learning Disabilities Packing Checklist for Travel, Camping, and Hiking Camp programs in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC Areas
	Spotlight
	Check out this conference: Children's Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives 2nd Triennial Conference June 4-6, 2006 at Concordia University in River Forest, IL Check out this church: St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Washington, DC Check out this website with crafts for children who are Jewish: Chadis' Crafts Fun Pages
	Recommended Website
	Bulletin Board Themes for Summer Programs Ideas For Summer Camp Activities And Games Mega-List of 2000+ Free Online Descriptions of Games to Play with Groups Camping Research Findings Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience Directory of Religious Organizations with Camp/Activity Programs that Include Children with and without Disabilities Religious Recreation Camp Directory Camps for Children with Disabilities Directory
	Book Corner
	Recommended gift books
	Humor for the Spirit
	The Preacher's Son

Feature: Building Better Bridges of Love and Inclusion

Strengthening support for children and adults with disabilities makes your community more loving for all because it sensitizes people to respond to the real needs of all people.

Spiritual communities collaborating with each other share successes and ideas that save energy and resources.

One in five families includes a person who faces barriers that prevent them from participating in a faith community because of a disability. Disability can be present at birth, or result from illness, age, trauma, or accident. Families dealing with disability need faith communities where members show their love by responding to the special needs of all other members.
A 'welcoming spiritual community' is one that allows long-time members to remain active as they age, and one that attracts and retains new families because members make their congregation accessible to all.

Check out our newsletters, resources, and website (www.communityconnections.umd.edu) for lists of easy, inexpensive ways to welcome people with disabilities into your spiritual community, and to create a sense of belonging for everyone that is so essential to religious communities.

Articles

A Program Perspective:
Developing Camp Philosophy, Culture, and Organizational Effectiveness
by Randall Grayson

Abstract: Research has shown that camps which deliberately cultivate a positive personal growth culture and program philosophy have much greater impact on self-esteem and self-concept than more recreationally-based camps. The links from this website offer excellent resources for developing a camp philosophy and supportive cultural environment. There is also information about: organizational effectiveness (e.g., 'learning camps', staff training best practices), camper development (e.g., emotional intelligence, self-esteem, behavior management), evaluation (e.g., process maps, measures), and various camp activities (e.g., special days, rainy days). The material is comprehensive, practical, accessible, and useful not just for camps, but many other youth training and outdoor education/recreation type organizations. Most of the resources are downloadable for free. For more information, go to: www.visionrealization.com

A Leader's Perspective:
The Camp Rena Collection: What Every Recreation Leader Should Know, and the Best Camp Songs, Games, and Fun Activities for Kids!
by Rena Azevedo Dein

Abstract: The author has put together a collection of the recreation basics. She began with the thought: "What if I were stranded on a deserted island with 50 kids, what books and tapes and games would I want to have with me?" After considering her choices, she thought about how she could turn those few resources into a recreation program that would entertain, educate, and stimulate for months on end. The result is an extensive list of camp songs, games, arts and crafts, science and nature, and just plain silly activities. Right in the beginning, she reassures visitors that they don't need to know a thing about working with a large group of kids coming into this adventure, because she has developed recreation leadership training videos that will show viewers step-by-step how to teach that cool camp song or lead an action-packed game. The information on this website is useful for those who are recreation novices and also for those who are responsible for training others, including those on limited budgets.

This information can be found on the http://www.camprena.com/ website

Be sure to visit the FREE Tips For Leaders section for fun activities, ideas for staff training, icebreakers, and recreation for teens at: http://www.camprena.com/free-tips/free-tips.html

A Recreation Perspective:
Keshet
by The Jewish Federation

Abstract: Founded in 1983, Keshet is an organization that provides educational and recreational programs for children with special needs. Keshet's philosophy centers around the belief that every child deserves the opportunities to participate in the mainstream of their community. Because of this deeply held concept, the children of Keshet integrate into schools and camps alongside their typically developing peers. By being able to assist these children to become a part of their community, Keshet fulfills its most important mission -- to bring the rich flavor of life's experience to all children. The information in the opening essay and other pages of this website explore the philosophies of this program, as well as the various services offered to children and families. For more information, go to: http://www.juf.org/services_resources/directory.asp?id=0010

Kids Corner

This poem was written by a young man who lived with a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie J.T. Stepanek, when he was nine years old:

As It Was in the Beginning

When the playground is
Roaring with kids.
When the sky is
Thundering with sunshine.
When the atmosphere is
Electrified with glee.
Then is when we know
For sure that life is
Thriving.
Reverberating.
Exhilarating.
It is good, indeed.

By Mattie J.T. Stepanek © (Summer, 2000)
In Celebrate Through Heartsongs (Hyperion/VSP, 2002)

Tip Sheets

Top 10 Questions to Ask when Speaking to a Camp Director or Visiting a Camp

When determining if a camp is right for your child, you may want to evaluate the program and services provided by those camps that interest you. This tip sheet provides you with questions to ask regarding medical concerns, age and experience of the staff and the camp format. You will also find questions that allow you to ask the camp director about religious services, camp costs, and their policy with handling children who are homesick. To view the 10 questions in full, please click on the following link: http://www.summercamps.com/Tips.htm

Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for the Child with Learning Disabilities

If you want practical information on how to make summer camp work, check out the tips provided by Ann Cathcart, a parent of a child with a learning disability. In this article she gives six tips to consider when choosing a camp for your child. You will find suggestions on deciding what type of program is right for your child. Ideas such as discussing with your child his wants, talking with the camp director, and considering your child's abilities are all included in this tip sheet. You will also be challenged to find out the camp's policies, staff-to-student ratio, and size of the camp to assist you with your choice. There is also a list of online camp resources included in this tip sheet. To view it in full, please click on the following link: http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/parenting/camp_tips.html

Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for the Child with Learning Disabilities

Packing Checklist for Travel, Camping and Hiking

Whether you are sending your child on a camping adventure or the whole family will be out enjoying nature together, the checklists provided in this tip sheet are essential. You will find information on tips for packing including first aid items, clothing, toiletries, eating items and much more. If you want to get a jump-start on getting ready for camp, click on the entire tip sheet below: http://www.saferchild.org/list.htm

Camp programs in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC Areas

Click here to view a list of various summer camp programs in the DC metropolitan area that include children with and without disabilities: http://communityconnections.umd.edu/resources/camps.htm

Spotlights:

Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders is a ministry designed to identify and break down barriers that keep people with disabilities and their families from being able to fully participate in their spiritual community. Located in Columbus, Ohio, this ministry works with other spiritual communities seeking to include children and families living with disabilities in church programs and events. Their programs include inclusive and special Children's Ministry classes, classes for teens and young adults with specific special needs, 'Buddy Connections' (teens and adults trained to support one or two children during specific activities and services), children's healing and hope services, friendship and interaction outreach to community residential programs, and a baking ministry designed to use home-baked goods (primarily cookies) to support short term outreaches in local communities such as homeless camps, children's hospitals, and group homes. For more information, visit their website at http://www.bridgebuilders.4mg.com/ or click here: http://www.vineyardcolumbus.org/ministries/bridge_builders/index.asp

Disability Concerns
This organization helps congregations establish disability ministries in various churches. They support congregations as they eliminate barriers to participation of people with disabilities, assist people with disabilities and their families in expressing their spiritual needs and offering their spiritual gifts, and provide information on disability resources and services, such as consulting services and disability ministry workshops. They plan jointly with a church, a group of churches, or an organization of church leaders, etc. to conduct workshops that train people to organize disability ministries, whether they be respite programs or support groups of various types. Support groups may be for people with a specific disability or group of disabilities (developmental, emotional, mental, physical, sensory), or they may be support groups for parents or siblings of people with such disabilities. For more information, click here: http://www.crcna.org/pages/disability.cfm

Recommended Websites

Bulletin Board Themes for Summer Programs

This website offers useful ideas for creative summer bulletin boards and an archive of activities for children ranging from making pinwheels to making summer memory books. For more information, go to: http://www.proteacher.com/160023.shtml

Ideas For Summer Camp Activities And Games

This website links viewers to multiple sources that offer rich descriptions of activities and games for children across ages and with all abilities. For more information, go to: http://www.wilderdom.com/games/IdeasSummerCampActivities.html

Mega-List of 2000+ Free Online Descriptions of Games to Play with Groups
This website provides information about THOUSANDS of activities and games for groups of children. some of them are sure to bring back fond memories of summer camp and Vacation Bible School exerperiences! For more information, go to: http://www.wilderdom.com/games/index2.html

Camping Research Findings

These websites offers links to research related to the benefits of various summer camp programs. For more information, go to: http://www.wilderdom.com/camp.html#Research and http://www.wilderdom.com/research/ResearchReviewsMetaanalysis.html

Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience

This website offers information on research conducted between 2001 and 2004 by the American Camp Association on the outcomes of camp experiences as expressed by more than 5,000 parents and children. For more information, go to: http://www.acacamps.org/research/ydo.php

Directory of Religious Organizations with Camp/Activity Programs that Include Children with and without Disabilities

This website offers links to religious programs and events include children and/or adults with various disabilities. It is useful to visit the various links provided and gather ideas for other programs that are beginning or furthering inclusive summer programs. For more information, go to: http://www.lifepages.org/comm/search1.asp?categoryid=12&categoryname=Spiritual%20Events/Groups

Religious Recreation Camp Directory

This website offers links to camp programs organized by religious affiliation, including Jewish, Christian, and Universalist Camps. Even if a particular camp program is not in a viewer's geographical area, the site is useful in offering ideas for philosophical approaches and activities for other Vacation Bible School programs. For more information, go to: http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Camps/Religious/

Camps for Children with Disabilities Directory

This website offers links to camp programs organized by disability category. It is not an exhaustive list, but offers ideas for philosophical approaches and activities for other camp programs that include all children. For more information, go to:

http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/Leisure/camps.html

Book Corner

Recommended reading:

Kids Camp! : Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness (Kid's Guide series, A) (Paperback) by Laurie Carlson and Judith Dammel. A guide to outdoor adventures for inexperienced young campers and their families. The authors believe in the importance of having a hands-on relationship with nature while maintaining a healthy respect for it, and stress safety precautions and preparation. The chapters feature directions for making inexpensive equipment and projects while exploring nature, crafts, outdoor games, and recipes for snacks and meals. The large pages are illustrated with black-line drawings and diagrams placed alongside detailed instructions and, often, special boxes with helpful "stay safe" and "nature note" tips. There is an error in the bowline-knot diagram and there is no mention of the need for reservations in many state and national parks. Other than these minor flaws, the book will prevent the uninitiated from making the numerous little mistakes that can become annoying and even dangerous. Review information and availability from www.amazon.com.

The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children With Special Needs, a Guide for Parents and Teachers (Paperback) by Sue, Ph.D. Schwartz. A resource for teaching children in churches and other community programs about disabilities in general and how to befriend special needs' kids not just tolerate them. One of the best things about this book is that it is a simple read and very easy to implement, making it a good starting point for introducing a special needs ministry. Review information and availability from www.amazon.com.

Special Needs, Special Ministry (Paperback) by Group Publishing and other contributors. True, inspirational stories from families who share the struggles and successes of parenting children with special needs. This book is a practical, real-world guide that offers the opportunity to learn from the successes and failures of churches that have established special-needs programs for any group that is launching or furthering their development of such a ministry. Review information and availability from www.amazon.com.

Copious Hosting: A Theology of Access for People With Disabilities (Paperback)
by Jennie Weiss Block. By a theologically trained caregiver, this book offers a "theology of liberation" for people with disabilities. The author is passionate about creating inclusiveness ministries and liturgies. Her intention is to make ministers more aware of the hurt that results from language that is not sensitive and programs that are not inclusive. After treating the history and philosophy of the disability movement, Block offers a critique of the Christian tradition from the perspective of the disabled, examining, for example, the images used in Christian hymns. Finally, she presents a theology of access, with suggestions for making those with disabilities more welcome in the church. Review information and availability from www.amazon.com.

Humor for the Spirit

The Preacher and His Son

There was once an old country preacher who had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought along the line of choosing a profession. Like many young men, then and now, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do and he didn't seem overly concerned about it.

One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table these three objects: a Bible, a silver dollar, and a bottle of whiskey. "Now then," the old preacher said to himself, "I'll just hide behind the door here, and when my son comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which of these three objects he picks up. If he picks up the Bible, he's going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he's going to be a businessman, and that would be okay, too. But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a drunkard, a no-good drunkard and Lord, what a shame that would be."

The old man was anxious as he waited, and soon he heard his son's footsteps as he came in the house whistling and headed back to his room. He deposited his books on the bed, as a matter of routine, and as he turned around to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With a curious set in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. First, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. Then he picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He then uncorked the bottle and took a big drink."Lord have mercy," the old man whispered, "He's gonna be a politician!"

We currently offer training and technical consultation to businesses, churches, and other community organizations to help make them more welcoming to families and children with special needs. If you know of a business or other organization that would like to take advantage of these services, please e-mail us at: communityconnections@umd.edu
OR
If you know of a business that is already welcoming to children with special needs and their families and you would like to share this information with other families and professionals, please send us your name as well as the name and contact information for the business with a brief description of why you believe they are welcoming to families. If appropriate, we will post the business on our website and we may even feature it as a 'Spotlight if the Month'. E-mail your submissions to: communityconnections@umd.edu

*Questions or Suggestions about our newsletter? Have an idea you would like to submit? Please feel free to contact us at communityconnections@umd.edu

Thanks for subscribing to the Welcoming Communities newsletter! Welcoming Communities is put out by Community Connections, which is a grant at the University of Maryland at College Park funded by the United States Department of Education. The goal of this project is to facilitate the participation of young children with special needs in community settings. We do this by increasing opportunities for kids with disabilities to participate in the community, promoting awareness of disabilities, and providing support to parents and organizations that include children with special needs.

For more information about Community Connections, please visit our website at: http://www.communityconnections.umd.edu/
Our website is updated regularly…Check back often for new info!

The Community Connections Team

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Helping to Facilitate the Participation of Children with Disabilities in Community Settings

Welcoming Spiritual Communities Newsletter Summer 2006