Career Camp

“What I would really like to do is apply for a job working at a local veterinary hospital that is down the road from me that I can walk to. If I can take this on, I can take on anything — that’s how I feel. Camp has taught me I can do whatever I want to do — just focus.”

Paul LoCicero, Camper

Career Camp 2012

July 30 to August 10, 2012

2-week camp for students who have mobility and/ or cognitive impairments

sponsored by the Kessler Foundation

Click here Kessler Brochure

August 13 to August 24, 2012

2-week camp for students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disoder

sponsored by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

Click here ASD Brochure

These 2-week career exploration and skills training programs are offered on a nonsectarian basis to students, ages 14 to 21.

Program Components

Vocational Evaluation: Includes aptitude, interest, and achievement testing; assessment of work skills, tolerances and habits; physical and psychomotor capacities; functional strengths and limitations; and a comprehensive written report with specific vocational recommendations.
Situational Assessment: Based on results from the vocational evaluation and intake interviews, the student will have the opportunity to sample different work stations.
Work Adjustment Training: Includes goal setting, modeling, work pacing, and assessment of learning styles. Vocational videos will address topics such as dress, grooming and general hygiene.
Social Skills Training: An interactive computer program will be used to teach interpersonal and work acculturation skills for non-traditional learners. Topics will include communication with coworkers and supervisors, and conflict resolution. On Fridays, JVS will provide lunch accompanied by lessons on nutrition and social skills.
Recreational Activities: Games and stimulating activities designed to build social and life skills, address sensory and communication issues, and teach stress-reduction techniques.
Student to Teacher Ratio: 3 to 1

Program Staff

Peggy Himsl, Program Director holds an M.A. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Professional Counselor. Ms. Himsl is the Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services and has been with JVS for over 30 years.
Lauren A. Klein, Program Manager holds an M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, specializes in vocational evaluation and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
Patricia Fitzgibbon, Head Teacher holds an M.S. Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and is a special education teacher working with public school students with multiple disabilities.
Program Coaches