• im cD
ing ceremonies. Games participants visited Detroit landmarks, Bob-Lo Island
and the Detroit Zoo.
Vo/n yao-
LCYr 1 011/10/1 O,
Vom,oifio Kra4ace
The Games came back to Detroit in 1990, when 2,300 athletes, accompanied by
their coaches, competed for medals in a variety of sports. The JCC coordinated
housing for the visitors and served as "command central" for the Gaines. More
than 15,000 people packed the Palace of Auburn Hills for the spectacular open-
ing ceremonies.
The largest-ever Maccabi Games competition came to Detroit in 1998, when the
JCC took the spotlight as coordinating agency. More than 3,600 athletes and
coaches were on hand for the Gaines and festivities, which were made possible by
hundreds of volunteers who made the week an outstanding success.
Campers have all kinds of
indoor and outdoor activi-
ties from which to choose
at the JCC Summer
Camps, held at both JCC
locations.
Q-9
ee d 4
c_
topom, eatulecia
z 1 /21/ Q
D • al
et
eia%
o
V0,171/11,1111#
Since 1935, the JCC Summer Camps program has been helping young children
learn about themselves, discover hidden talents, make new friends and enjoy the
great outdoors. The program has grown from a traditional day camp to one that
includes travel experiences, theater adventures, overnight opportunities,
Imagitivity arts and sciences camps, Pro Sports camps and a C.LT program. The
outdoor pavilions at Camp Ruth provide youngsters with a wilderness type of
experience close to home.
Each camper's experience is enhanced by lots of mach (spirit) supplied by the
Israeli shlichim (emissaries) who teach Israeli culture, the Judaic song leader and
a full-time Judaic specialist to help program Jewish themes throughout the slim-
mer. The camp inclusion program promotes the successfiil participation of chil-
dren with special needs. Parents are active partners in the JCC Summer Camps
program.
This year, for the first time, daily camp news will be posted on the JCC Web site
and information will be included in the JCC E-Mail Club, which is transmitted
monthly to members.
aeild
LCIfizeo./
71;
eMazaii L_anzei
ait
Not once, not twice, but
three times the JCC was
honored to host the inter-
national JCC Maccabi
Games, where Jewish ath-
letes from all over the
world compete in sporting
events and participate in
social activities.
In 1984, the second year
of the Games, the JCC
was the hub of activity for
1,000 visiting athletes and coaches. As the home base for the Games, the JCC
worked with West Bloomfield High School, which served as the site of the open-
4
Debra Nelson, center, is
congratulated by her
parents, Alicia and Rabbi
David, at the 2001 West
Bloomfield Community
Fame Games for persons
with special needs.
Building on the foundation set during the administration of Irwin Shaw, the
Northwest Child Rescue Women started a program for people with special needs
at the JCC in 1961. Today, the program has grown into a full-service Special
Needs Department to benefit children and adults with special needs and their fam-
ilies with classes and services at both JCC locations. Those with special needs
can choose to participate in a wide variety of self-contained and inclusive oppor-
tunities, such as the Thursday Night Social Group, the Summer Day Camp Kids
All Together Program and the West Bloomfield Community Fame Games.
The importance of the program has not gone unrecognized. Both Northwest Child
Rescue Women and the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan pro-
vide support for programs for adults with special needs. At the same time, new
sponsors have come on board, the Edward and Judith Narens Endowment for
Children with Special Needs, The Jewish Fund and the Skillman. Foundation, to
ensure that the JCC's inclusive programming for youth continues.
Richard Cherkasky, co-chair of the Special Needs Committee, has been involved
for more than 25 years, providing volunteer services and friendship. He cites out-
reach and inclusion as major accomplishments. "I doubt that there are other
organizations like the JCC that offer such a well-rounded program."