When you think of a “raspberry,” you might think of the delicate and delicious fruit that grows on vines. Here at Pascack Valley, something else grows within the community.
Camp Raspberry is an interactive program where PV and Pascack Hills students and staff unite to provide a safe environment for children with special needs. According to the Camp Raspberry website, their mission is to “give campers an experience they will never forget.”
“My goal is that the campers feel important [and] that they feel that they are able to model appropriate pro-social behaviors and interactions…..And they feel part of something,” Camp Raspberry founder, advisor, and PV Student Assistant Counselor, Christie Rossig said.
In the opinion of PV student and executive club member, Diego Albert, the campers feel welcomed so that they’re able to have fun and socialize.
Executive members take part in planning and coordinating a variety of events for monthly club meetings.
Additional meetings are held to ensure the staff and counselors are well-educated about how to interact and socialize with the campers to maintain a safe environment.
“I do at least something every single day for the club,” Rossig said. “Even over the summer, I’m constantly contacting people and preparing.”
Rossig has worked in programs for children with special needs for years. As a high school student, she worked at a recreation program for children with special needs.
“It’s what drove me to become a special education teacher,” Rossig said.
Additionally, it drove her to bring this recreation and socialization program to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District in 2009.
In the past 15 years, Rossig has remained a constant figure in Camp Raspberry. Even with her retirement, the club will continue to carry out her mission.
“Camp Raspberry is a club that’s like no other at PV,” Albert said. “We have a lot of great ones, but it is the best because you really see your impact in smiles on the kids’ faces, and that’s worth more than anything.”
