GLOUCESTER COUNTY PARKS
&
RECREATION
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM
MISSION STATEMENT
The Parks and Recreation Department provides the Therapeutic Recreation Program as a service of the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The program is designed to provide a planned program of recreational opportunities and leisure related activities for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. The program was developed as a comprehensive year round service that would meet the leisure needs of individuals with disabilities and assist them in their desire to enjoy community recreation.
Our primary goal is to provide the opportunity for our citizens with disabilities to interact and be included in community recreation and teach the necessary social skills in order for them to succeed. The program is an affordable and accessible way for individuals with disabilities to enjoy community recreation with their peers. A wide variety of activities are provided and designed to meet individual needs in a least restrictive environment.
A vast network of county, state, municipal and community service organizations as well as private donations and fund-raising incentives assists Therapeutic Recreation in its program development.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PARTICIPANTS
In 2008, Therapeutic Recreation will serve 425 participants in a variety of specialized and community recreation activities. Our primary objective is to serve Gloucester County residents.
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
The program has been the recipient of local as well as state and national awards for its innovative and cost effective programming for individuals with disabilities.
- The National Association of Counties bestowed a National Achievement Award in 2003 in recognition of our innovative summer program, “Summer Day Camp for Children with Asperger Syndrome”.
- The Arc of Gloucester County selected the program for its Community Service Award in April 2000, for developing outstanding service for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- The ARC of New Jersey awarded the Boggs-Mitchell award to the program for developing excellent programs in the state of NJ in December 2000.
- The National Association of Counties awarded five National Achievement Awards to the program for designing innovative and efficient county programs worthy of replication. Awards were given in 1990, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
- The New Jersey Commission on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities awarded Therapeutic Recreation its Service Delivery in 1989 for excellence in recreational programming.
PROGRAMS WE OFFER
YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS
- “THE LEISURELY EVENINGS FOR ADULTS”: Adults with Developmental Disabilities over the age of 16
- 300 active members
- Meets two times a month on Friday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 PM
- Activities are social in nature and emphasize leisure skill development and interaction with peers. Designed to increase self-concept and friendships.
- Third Friday every month – Dances at the Deptford Elks Lodge
- Serves non-profits: Arc, Bancroft, Devereux, and other Group Home, Supportive, and Independent Living support agencies.
- Also serves independent consumers and consumers who reside with a family member or a guardian.
- “THE FRIDAY FANATICS”: Adolescents and Young Adults with Physical Disabilities/Neurological Impairments or Emotionally/Behaviorally Involved over the age of 13
- 60 active members
- Meets two times a month on Friday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 PM
- Activities designed to teach social skills develop self-esteem, appropriate peer relationships and leisure skills.
- Serving a wide range of individuals who are either in school or vocational/occupational working environment.
- Predominately residing at home with a family member.
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Seasonal Programs and Special Projects
- Summer Day Camp at Bankbridge Regional School – for school aged children with Asperger Syndrome, pervasive delays, and social/emotional/behavioral problems - aged 5-15 years:
- 40 campers
Meets for four weeks during month of July –July 7th through August 1st 2008. Activities include music, art, swimming, nature and horticulture, canoeing, kayaking and weekly field trips.
Activities designed to provide recreational fun in a structured environment with low/camper:counselor ratio.
Annual Trips and Projects
- Cultural Arts:
- Theater/ Music Productions:
- Ritz Theatre in Westmont
- Museum Tours:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences
- Franklin Institute
- River Linx - NJ State Aquarium in Camden and ferry trip across Delaware to Independent Seaport Museum
- Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia
- Wheaton Village
Tourist Attractions:
Cape May Zoo- Wildwood Boardwalk
- Philadelphia Olde City Tour
- Longwood Gardens
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium
- Out of Town Day and Overnight Tours:
- Lancaster and Amish Country Trip – May 2008
- Trenton Waterfront Park and the Trenton Thunder
- Campbell Field Park Baseball with the Camden Riversharks
- Atlantic City Surf Professional Baseball Club
- Jackson Outlets Shopping Spree
- Other Yearly Special Events:
- 23rd Anniversary “Annual Rolling Thunder Run” fund-raiser on Saturday, April 19, 2008
- Summer Prom at Auletto Caterers on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
- Dinner Out Club – 4 sessions different local restaurants – 3 times a year – 12 restaurant outings
- Deptford Mall Shopping Series - shopping and dinner – 8 sessions in 2008
- Elks Care, Elks Share Picnic – July, 2008
- Walking Club at James Atkinson Memorial Park –Every Tuesday evening in May and September 2008
- Bowling League - Every Sunday evening in February and October 2008.
- Bonfires at Scotland Run Park - Twice in 2008.
- Formal Holiday Dinner Dances in December