• 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."