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Community Corner

Camp Hosts 6th Annual Special Day For Special Kids

Kids with special needs participate in sports, games and dance at West Hills Day Camp.

Hundreds of kids and adults filled the West Hills Day Camp grounds on Saturday as they enjoyed a special day of fun at the 6th Annual Special Day for Special Kids, hosted by non-profit organization Custom Education Foundation (CEF).

Event coordinator Dennis Garetano said the day, dedicated entirely to children of all ages with autism spectrum disorder, Tourette's, Asperger syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other related neurobiological disorders, gave these kids an opportunity to do some things they typically wouldn't be able to do.

"We want kids today to have fun in a non-threatening atmosphere," Garetano said. "West Hills Day Camp has paddle boats, swimming, bowling, pony rides, arts and crafts, interactive dance presentations, miniature golf, inflatable rides and even a rock climbing wall for the kids to enjoy today."

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Huntington resident and 11-year-old Jordan Goldberg, who has a neurobiological disorder, said he recently started attending West Hills Day Camp and was excited to take part in the sixth annual event. "I love ATV motorbikes and going to the camp here," Goldberg said.

Goldberg's mother, Judy, said this event and the day camp are both helping her son's socialization skills and confidence. "My son now makes up songs, sings and he loves the counselors and social workers," she said. "This camp and event fosters relationships and gets the kids to come out of their shell to participate in activities and talk."

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Kevin Gersh, co-owner of West Hills Day Camp and founder of the Gersh Academy, a special education school where children with learning disabilities can spend their entire career, from kindergarten through college, in a coordinated learning environment customized to their individual needs, explained that the academy provides specialized education for his students.

"We look at skilled deficits, not labels," Gersh said. "If a parent tells me their child has slow thinking or repetitive movements, then we teach them flexibility and brain skills."

Most of the kids enjoyed swimming, inflatable slides and interactive dance sessions with students from Michelle Ferraro's Dance USA which ranged from hip-hop to freestyle and tap.

"It's my first year here with my dance students and I want to come back every year," Ferraro said. "My hope is to start a special needs dance program for children ages five through mid-20s."

Huntington residents Neille and Julie Hibberal brought their two six year olds, Kayla and Jared, who danced with the group, and said that the interactive dance was their favorite part of the day.

"I am considering West Hills Day Camp for both my kids that have special needs," Neille Hibberal said. "Jared loves dancing and both kids love the pony rides and the other activities."

Garetano said he hopes all that attended got something special out of this great event.

"This is a day for relaxation and fun for the kids and their parents," Garetano said. "This is a great summer festival for special kids."

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