My Lessans Camp JCC Experience By Anderson Jones
By: Anderson Jones
I am so grateful to have been a part of the Avodah program the past few summers as
part of my Kochavim experience at Lessans Camp JCC. Avodah began three years ago
as a pilot program with just a few campers selected to participate, and with the help of
Kaitlyn Mora and Eva Cowen, it has really grown and expanded. Avodah participants
are given opportunities for work experience during the day with support from camp staff.
My first job involved one of my biggest passions, music, and being a DJ. It began
with small weekly dance parties in the music room that I planned for our Kochavim group. I would bring in my own DJ equipment and party lights, and everyone had a total blast. I think word must have spread about how much fun we were having because by the end of the
summer, I was asked to DJ a huge dance party for all of the campers to celebrate the
last day of camp. I was so excited for this huge opportunity! I had never DJ’d for such a large group before, but because of the support I had from being in Avodah, I felt ready. It was a big success, and it gave me confidence to start DJing other events and really helped to get my DJ business started.
I have been working as a DJ for a few years now, and you may have seen me
at other events around the JCC, like the Health and Harvest Festival, Shavim Soccer
Tournaments and even the staff summer picnic. I really love spreading happiness to others through music and seeing everyone having fun on the dance floor, filled with high energy
Last summer, I was given an amazing new opportunity through Avodah to work as an assistant to the Sports Specialist. Ben was an incredible mentor to me, and I was lucky to gain experience working with the younger campers. I learned so much about leadership, time management, and teamwork. When summer ended, I was looking for an internship for my final year of high school. I really loved working with the younger campers, and that experience helped me to get hired as an intern at Bethesda Elementary as an assistant to the PE teacher and to help in one of the Kindergarten classes. It has also crossed over into my job as a paid assistant coach for Open Door Sports, where I have been helping with the soccer program for players with disabilities.
Camp JCC’s inclusion program has been a very important part of my life. I am so lucky
to have spent my summers here since I was four years old. I learned how to swim here
(shoutout to Caroline!), performed in many shows while I was in Habimah, went on
amazing field trips with Zahav, and even had my first sleepover ever here. The Avodah
program is allowing people with disabilities to gain work experience in a supportive, inclusive environment while they continue to participate in Kochavim. This is a meaningful experience as we transition out of school and camp and are looking to our futures.
