Social Groups for Children, Teens and Young Adults

The JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031,  offers a number of social groups:

1. The JCC Clubhouse is a social club for children in grades 4-6 with and without special needs. J Club is designed to provide fun, social opportunities in a structured, supportive environment for young children.  Trained staff assist children in navigating through challenging social interactions and engaging in meaningful relationships.  Contact Arlene Lechner for more information. arlene.lechner@jccnv.org or (703) 537-3032.

2. Going Places! are monthly social groups for teens, young adults and adults with Asperger's Syndrome.  Groups are divided into ages 14-17, 18-26 and 27 and up. Contact Melissa Hochberg@jccnv.org or (703) 537-3040 for more information.

Social Skills Classes-The Jewish Community Center offers social skills classes for kids in the following age groups (6-8), Let's Play, (9-12), Friends, and (9-12) Gal Pals. All classes run from January 4-March 8.  Contact Arlene Lechner at arlene.lechner@jccnv.org (703) 537-3032 for more information.

New summer camp for children with special needs

SolPlay Trekkers
Ages 12 - 17

SolPlay's Trekkers camp is for youth who struggle with social 
interactions and communication and may benefit from a structured 
setting, moderate adaptations, and/or behavior management system. 
Campers must be independent or require minimal support in following 
directions, participation, remaining with the group, and self-care. 
SolPlay trekkers of all abilities will build strong relationships as 
they learn about life outdoors. The group will spend the first day 
getting to know each other, hiking, and learning outdoor skills,such 
including outdoor cooking, how to set up camp, and Leave-No-Trace 
principles. The next three days will be spent backpacking, hiking 3 to 
6 miles a day in the stunning wilderness. The camp is designed for 
campers with a range of experiences and abilities.

It will be run by Ariel Schwartz, a graduate student in occupational 
therapy who has worked with children with a wide range of abilities for 
over ten years. She ran Arlington TOPSoccer, a soccer program for 
disabilities, and has worked for Arlington County Therapeutic 
Recreation and other summer camps. She has lead backpacking trips for 
campers with disabilities and was active in her college's outing club. 
She was a counselor at SolPlay's Land Air and Sea camp last summer.

Cost: $650
Dates: August 18-22 (leaving Arlington Monday morning; arriving back 
Friday afternoon)

For more information, please contact Michael Swisher at 703 740 6946, 
or mswisher23@gmail.com