Camp Jened

Camp Jened was a summer camp for people with disabilities, specifically cerebral palsy, polio, and other physical disabilities, located in Hunter, New York. The camp was established in 1951 by a group of parents and Jewish Federation leaders, including Judy Heumann's parents, who were inspired by the National Society for Crippled Children and the March of Dimes. The camp's mission was to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for children and young adults with disabilities, where they could participate in various activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, and team sports, alongside American Red Cross-certified lifeguards and YMCA-trained counselors. The camp's founders were influenced by the work of Helen Keller, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the National Organization on Disability, and they sought to create a space where people with disabilities could experience independence, self-advocacy, and community building, similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps and the 4-H.

● History of

Camp Jened The history of Camp Jened is closely tied to the disability rights movement and the work of pioneers like Ed Roberts, Justin Dart, and Judy Heumann, who attended the camp and later became leaders in the movement. The camp was also influenced by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which aimed to promote inclusion and accessibility in education and employment. During its operation, the camp hosted various events and activities, including music festivals, theater performances, and sports tournaments, which were often attended by notable figures like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Jesse Jackson. The camp's history is also marked by its connection to other organizations, such as the National Easter Seal Society, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and the American Association of People with Disabilities, which provided support and resources to the camp and its attendees.

● Location and Facilities

Camp Jened was located in Hunter, New York, in the Catskill Mountains, on a site that was previously a summer resort and a farm. The camp's facilities included dormitories, dining halls, recreation centers, and sports fields, which were designed to be accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. The camp's location was chosen for its natural beauty and its proximity to New York City, which made it easily accessible by bus and train. The camp's facilities were also used by other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the USA, and the YMCA, which hosted their own programs and events at the camp.

● Summer Camp Programs

The summer camp programs at Camp Jened were designed to promote independence, self-advocacy, and community building among attendees. The programs included a range of activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, team sports, and music therapy, which were led by trained counselors and instructors from organizations like the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and the National Recreation and Park Association. The camp also offered educational programs and workshops on topics like disability rights, self-advocacy, and independent living, which were led by experts from organizations like the National Organization on Disability, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and the World Institute on Disability. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in community service projects and volunteer work with organizations like the Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, and the Special Olympics.

● Notable Attendees and Staff

Camp Jened was attended by many notable individuals, including Judy Heumann, Justin Dart, and Ed Roberts, who later became leaders in the disability rights movement. The camp's staff included trained counselors and instructors from organizations like the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and the National Recreation and Park Association, as well as volunteers from organizations like the Peace Corps, the AmeriCorps, and the Volunteers of America. The camp also hosted visits from notable figures like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Jesse Jackson, who performed at the camp's music festivals and benefit concerts. Other notable attendees and staff included Frank Lanterman, George H.W. Bush, and Nelson Rockefeller, who supported the camp's mission and programs.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of Camp Jened are closely tied to the disability rights movement and the work of its attendees and staff. The camp played a significant role in promoting inclusion and accessibility in education and employment, and it inspired the development of other organizations and programs that support people with disabilities, such as the Independent Living Movement, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and the World Institute on Disability. The camp's legacy is also marked by its connection to other social justice movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement, which shared similar goals and values. The camp's impact can be seen in the work of organizations like the National Organization on Disability, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, which continue to promote inclusion and accessibility today.

● Closure and Preservation

Camp Jened closed its doors in 1977 due to financial difficulties and changes in the disability rights movement. However, the camp's legacy lives on through the work of its attendees and staff, who continue to promote inclusion and accessibility in education and employment. The camp's site has been preserved and is now home to a summer resort and a conference center, which hosts events and programs that promote disability rights and inclusion. The camp's history and legacy are also preserved through the work of organizations like the National Organization on Disability, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, which continue to promote inclusion and accessibility today. The camp's story has also been documented in films like Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released on Netflix.

Category:Summer camps in the United States Category:Disability rights movement Category:Inclusive education