With inclusion in mind, JCC creates ‘The Cove’
Flexible, multipurpose building will accommodate diverse needs at J&R Day Camp
Cracking frozen earth should melt some hearts. Amid Pittsburgh’s winter weather, members of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh broke ground on a nearly $3 million project at the James & Rachel Levinson Day Camp. The mid-January ceremony in Monroeville signaled a new phase in the JCC’s inclusion efforts.
For more than five years, the organization has invested in hirings and resources to increase inclusivity. Establishing a “sense of belonging and value,” as the American Camp Association describes, required a shift in culture and approach, according to Rachael Speck, JCC chief program and innovation officer.
Efforts developed thanks to a partnership between the JCC and inclusion experts, including April Artz. Over time, implementing positive behavior supports, embedding professionals on site and meeting each camper’s needs demonstrated benefits for not only neurodiverse but neurotypical campers as well; as such, a quest for inclusion bettered all.
Speck believes a “new investment in the facility” will similarly improve the collective camp experience.
Savoring sun and shade
J&R dates to 1969. The suburban camp is beloved by those who cherish childhood summers filled with open fields, hot sunny days, popsicles and bus songs. Situated on the 100-acre Henry Kaufmann Family Park in Monroeville, J&R’s near endless outdoor space enables numerous activities, including swimming, archery, creek hikes and gardening.
“Family Park is a treasured community asset,” said Speck, who directed the camp before her promotion as the JCC’s chief program and innovation officer. The challenge, however, is that as enrollment and needs have surged, an absence of abundant shade and shelter has become more glaring.
“Our enrollment has increased by 30% over the past five years,” she said. “Expected enrollment this summer is around 600 unique campers.”
With help from state Sen. Jay Costa and state Rep. Brandon Markosek, the JCC secured a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to expand facilities at the Monroeville park.
The funding, JCC’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Fara Marcus said, was from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project and will support improvements benefiting the “entire community, with a special focus on neurodiverse children.”
In addition to the state grant, the JCC has raised private funds to cover the almost $2.8M project, Speck added.
Creating a cove
Both during the groundbreaking ceremony and in related materials, JCC administrators called the new building “The Cove,” and said its construction incorporates principles from ASSPECTS (Autism Supportive Space Evaluation Criteria for Transition Spaces). Based on specific guidelines, the design index incorporates regard for minimizing background noise, logical sequencing and defined functions.
Once complete, The Cove will offer flexible, multipurpose spaces that accommodate diverse needs. The building’s 5,000 square feet aren’t just vacuous, but contain dedicated areas for low-stimulus options that reduce distractions and “promote a calm and inviting atmosphere,” Speck said.
The benefit of these adaptive spaces will be utilized all summer, but perhaps most noticeably on “challenging weather days,” she continued. Previously, there was little respite from thunderstorms or scorching heat. The Cove, and its sizable and accommodating areas, will “enhance the safety and quality of the camp experience for every camper and staff member.”
Among The Cove’s numerous benefits are air conditioning and adjustable recessed lighting. Additionally, multimedia and STEM areas will provide children with alternative environments throughout the day.
“The building is being intentionally designed for neurodiverse kids to be successful, but this is for the entire camp community,” Speck said. “It checks a ton of boxes in terms of what our needs are.”
New numbers, renewed commitment
Several summers ago, the JCC recognized the necessity of adapting its camping experience. The desire to promote inclusion mirrored growing awareness of increased rates of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses.
A 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that one in 36 children, aged 8, was estimated to have autism spectrum disorder. The estimates, which covered 2020, were higher than those during 2000–2018.
Similar findings were reported in October by JAMA Network Open, which noted that diagnoses among young adults rose between 2011-2022.
Jason Kunzman, JCC’s president and CEO, pointed to the growing numbers and said the JCC is “committed to redefining what’s possible and creating a welcoming space for every child.”
Speck said that little time will elapse before campers, parents and community members can observe the organization’s pledge firsthand: With J&R set to begin June 23, fewer than five months remain until the start of camp.
Completing The Cove requires adherence to a dedicated timeline, but the JCC is committed as ever to promoting inclusion and serving its constituents, Speck said.
“We broke ground in January, and this is going to be done in time for summer 2025,” she continued. “It’s going to be a game changer.” PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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