Therapeutic Recreation Services

1 Therapeutic Recreation Services SPRING /SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2007 Get out your sunscreen…Summer is quickly approaching!

If you have any questions about the information in this newsletter or any of our TR services available: assessment (leisure interest and barrier inventories, skill observation) leisure education (exploring leisure knowledge, attitudes, skills and resources) c ommunity recreation inclusion or program development physical education inclusion consultation Please be sure to contact a Recreation Therapist: Susan Varghese Colleen Ristok (Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough) (Northumberland and Peterborough) Work days: Monday to Thursday Work days: Monday to Friday 748-2337 ext. 250 or [email protected] 748-2337 251 or [email protected] toll free phone #: 1-888-779-9916

WHAT’S HAPPENING…

We’ve gone Techno…at www.fivecounties.on.ca Five Counties Children's Centre has a new and improved website. You will now be able to access a PDF version of our latest Therapeutic Recreation Services newsletter online. Check out the Therapeutic Recreation Services page under Services. Also, you can find out about any Therapeutic Recreation current programs or events by checking out the upcoming events section under the News & Events heading.

PETERBOROUGH WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB WHAT: Paralympics Ontario and OWSA will be running an 8-week wheelchair basketball skill development session intended for people with physical disabilities in Peterborough. The session will focus on individual skill development and learning the rules of the game. The session will also provide participants with an opportunity to scrimmage in game situations. WHEN: Mondays 6-8 pm beginning the end of April WHERE: Trent University Athletics Complex PARTICIPANT CRITERIA: Participants must be able to self-propel a wheelchair (sport wheelchairs will be provided by Paralympics Ontario and OWSA) CONTACT: For more information please contact Jeremiah Wade at (705) 740-5559 or via email at [email protected] .

If you like cars, this may be the club for you! Peterborough Super Kids Program – Soap Box Derby Racing will be operating at a new permanent track at Kawartha Downs. Soap Box Derby racing (also known as Gravity Racing) is now opened to all youth with and without disabilities. The Super Kids program has been developed with specially designed cars that are 2 seaters, meaning two children race together as teammates. The cars are driven by an experienced soap box derby racer, who act as a teammate and pilot for the child with a disability. The program plans to start in Peterborough this summer. For more information contact Bernie Daynes at 705- 740-2160 2 Five Counties Track & Field Camp

What: A half-day summer day camp run in partnership with Paralympics Ontario, Ontario CP Sports, Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association and Trent Summer Sports Camp.

The focus will be on track & field, but we will also be doing other outdoor games and activities with the Trent Summer Sports Camp program. There will be a competitive track & field paralympic athlete and staff from Paralympics Ontario attending and instructing part of this camp on July 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association will be providing racing chairs for athletes to use during the program. Colleen Ristok and Susan Varghese, Recreation Therapists from Five Counties, will also be there and the Trent Summer Sports Camp leaders are looking forward to having our group join theirs for some games and fun!

When: July 23-27, 2007 (Monday – Friday); 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Where: Trent University, Peterborough – main campus track area Sign Up: Contact Colleen Ristok at Five Counties (705) 748-2337 ext. 251 For a registration form Fee: $20 to be paid to Five Counties Children’s Centre

Deadline for Registration: Friday, June 15th Enrolment is limited; please call soon to see if this is the right program for you!

Create, Stretch & Express! Join us to explore basic yoga postures and creative movement. We will play games, enjoy creative art activities to fun music and sounds. For youth 8 years and up with physical disabilities. Run jointly with Jan Graham, from the Physiotherapy department. When: July 9th– 13th 9:30-11:30 am Where: Peterborough Site- Gym Sign up: Contact Colleen 748-2337 ext. 251 Fee: $10 to be paid to Five Counties Children’s Centre 3

Five Counties Community Partnership Programs: Sponsored by:

Updates: Discovery Quest - program ran Monday nights from January 8th to March 5th. Eight youth enrolled between 8-19years. Youth took part in planning and participating in fun activities like a Casino Night, various sports like giant soccer, boccia and mini-put and got creative in the kitchen! The Port Hope Town Park Rec. Centre plan to continue the program independently in the fall and winter sessions!

SPORT’N SPLASH

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre ~ Spring session was cancelled due to low enrollment. The Wellness Centre is committed to offering another session next fall. So be sure to phone Candace Mack 742-7777 ext. 2206 at the Wellness Centre in September!

The Kids on the Move program was a success! The Lindsay Gymnastics Centre will be running a spring session independent of Five Counties. See below for more information:

Kids on the Move is an introductory adapted gymnastics program designed for children with disabilities who are interested in movement and gymnastics. This will be a fun way to enhance coordination, body awareness and develop a comfort level with gymnastics. Participants should be able to follow directions, understand the importance of safety and be willing to work with others.

For more information about spring or summer programs contact: Rachel McCracken or Sandy Lindsay, Lindsay Gymnastics Centre (705) 878-4597.

Wilberforce After School Program Partnering with the Wilberforce After School Program for the remainder of the year to provide adapted active recreation programs and activities for children from kindergarten to grade 3, on Mondays at 3:30 pm at the Lloyd Watson Community Centre. SOUNDBEAM ! Soundbeam is music technology that allows people with physical and cognitive disabilities to create music using body movement. A family information session was offered in Cobourg on March 20th for kids and parents to see the wide range of musical possibilities using Soundbeam. A group of youth from Northumberland county will be meeting throughout the spring to create original music through movement and fun! 4 If you missed this information session but are interested in learning more about Soundbeam over the summer, be sure to contact: SOUNDBEAM Therapeutic Music Services Theresa McKay, B.Ed, Millbrook, Ontario (705) 932-3798 or [email protected]. Summer Opportunities… Be sure to call soon for information - don’t wait – you might be too late!

Autism Quest Program (Kinark Outdoor Centre in Minden, Ontario) A program designed to give children with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome a chance to learn new skills, try new activities and experience outdoor adventure. 1-800-805-8252, email: [email protected] Website: www.koc.on.ca.

Overnight Camp for Children with ASD at Camp Kawartha Contact Camp Kawartha at www.campkawarthaca or (705) 652-3860 for registration information and AO Peterborough Chapter for additional camp subsidy information (due April 27th, 2007).

Easter Seals Camps - These very popular provincial camps fill up quickly, but some spaces may be still available. Contact Easter Seals for more information about regular camp programs and some of their new programs listed below at www.easteresealscamps.org or Recreation Coordinator 1-800-668- 6252 ext. 325.

Residential Camping Program -10 day camping program for youth ages 8-18 years at Camp Merrywood or Camp Woodeden Family Camp - 5 day camp for families who have children with a physical disability between the ages of 1 and 18 years who do not meet the criteria for residential camping program are encouraged to apply to family camp Gear-Up Program - stands for Goals, Empowerment, Attitude, Respect, Understand and Proud, open to youth between 12-25 years who can direct their own care, participate in leaderships and team building activities and contribute to group discussions. Leader-In-Training (LIT) Program - This 10 day program will provide youth aged 17-21 years the necessary skills to be an effective leader in the community. Focus is on leadership, communication, teamwork. An interview is required to select eligible participants.

SUMMER FUNDING SUPPORTS - If you are registered with Easter Seals and not attending camp, you may be eligible to apply for Recreational Choices funding to go towards other summer recreational opportunities for the summer. Funding is limited. For more info check out www.easterseals.ca or contact Easter Seals at 1-800-668-6252 ext.325.

IN THE WORKS FOR THE FALL… th Handi-Camp Hey - Kids hosted & byYouth! Millstream Are you Bible interested Retreat in Centre dance (Omemee, & yoga in ON)City Augustof Kawartha 14-18 Lakes?, 2007. Please This is an overnightcontact Susan camping at (705) program 748-2337 for those ext.250. who have primarily a physical disability, ages 9-13 years and 14-19 years. Registration deadline - July 15th, 2007. For more information contact Daniel Barrette  (905)Peterborough 549-9810 Dance or [email protected]. program ~ This program will target older youth who are interested in exploring fun ways of moving to current music. If this sounds like fun, give Colleen a call at (705) 748-2337 ext. 251.  Youth Program with the Brighton YMCA. More information to come in the Fall newsletter.

FALL TEEN PROGRAMS… Interested in hanging out with other teens? Therapeutic Recreation Services is planning a Peterborough teen program to run throughout the school year, with a mix of recreation outings and events or, if your child has an interest in an activity that isn’t offered, we might be able to help… just let us know. Hearing from you will help us when planning for this program. Please call Susan or Colleen at 748-2337 ext. 250 or 251 5

Opportunities Outside of our Counties

Variety Village Sports Centre, Scarborough Lots of sports camps including Track, Wheelchair Basketball, Multi-Sports and More! Camp Information: Stephen Bialowas Tel: 416-699-8177 ext. 226, email [email protected]

Summer Web Camp - Adapted Technology Resource Centre -University of Toronto This is an amazing web camp for teens with disabilities aged 13 through 18. This hands-on workshop will teach you to create web maps and work with animation and audio. The latest technology will be available. This two week camp is open to surfers with various physical disabilities including visual impairment or learning disabilities. Suitable for those with basic computer skills. Transportation and attendant care are not provided. To register and for exact dates for summer 2007, call Pat at (416) 946- 3225 or send email to: [email protected].

Camp Awakening – a mainstream summer residential camp for campers with physical disabilities who are independently mobile and reasonably self-reliant. Separate sessions for boys and for girls, ages 8-18, during July and August. For more information, call Therapeutic Recreation Services (we have registration forms) or contact the camp’s Executive Director, Melinda Evans, at 416-487-8400 or email: [email protected] or visit www.campawakening.com. Financial assistance available. We have a Camp Awakening DVD for loan to families so kids and parents can see what a typical day a Camp Awakening looks like!

Camp Winston - Overnight camp in Muskoka for children with special needs including Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Year round program also available. Extensive waiting lists for summer program. Visit www.campwinston.com. Phone (905) 707-3427.

Camp Kirk – Overnight co-ed camp for children with learning disabilities and /or ADD/ADHD. Located in Kirkfield near Lake Simcoe. Office: 115 Kowden Rd. Toronto, Ont. Tel.: 416-782-3310 www.campkirk.com

Wind Reach Farm (Ashburn, Ontario) - Provides opportunities to people with disabilities to experience farming, nature, outdoor recreation & other activities with family and friends. Contact (905) 655-5827. Check out their website at http://www.windreach.org/canada/

Quinte SailAbility - Phone: (613) 475-4427. Lessons and leisure sailing in accessible sailboats. Program is based at the Trenton Sailing Club. www.sailability.ca Exciting News for Sailing Enthusiasts! The Access Worlds in Whitby will offer learning opportunities for volunteers and professionals alike including sailing opportunities for newcomers. The Inaugural Combined Access Class World Championships will be hosted by the Whitby Yacht Club of Ontario, Canada, from August 30 to September 5, 2007. 6

Wye Marsh- Accessible Wildlife Centre near Midland, ON 6160 Hwy 12, PO Box 100 Midland, Ontario L4R 4K6 (705) 526-7809, www.wyemarsh.com 7 COMMUNITY RECREATION

Peterborough County

P.A.R.D. THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING Season runs spring to early Fall. Stables are located in Keene, see website for map to stables. www.pard.ca or by phone contact (705) 742-6441 MIRABEL MORGAN FARM~SPECIAL RIDING CENTRE Colleen Baptist, RR 1, Bailieboro K0L 1B0 (705) 939-6485 ARCHERY If you are interested in lessons or just want to drop by - archery programs, kids lessons and drop-in, which can be suited to fit youth with special needs. Saugeen Shafts, Lansdowne St., Peterborough. Contact Bill Embury at 749-1533 or visit www.saugeenshafts.com GET R.E.A.L. PROGRAM Recreation, Exercise, Activities, Leisure. The City of Peterborough has a drop-in program for youth 13- 18 years at several centres in Peterborough that offer everything from basketball to music. ***One of the Locations is Five Counties Children’s Centre***. Thursdays nights from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. FREE** Contact Ellen Stewart, City of Peterborough Rec. Division at 742-7777 ext 1805 PRIVATE MUSIC THERAPY MELISSA HOPE, B.M.T. Individual music therapy in Peterborough area; phone: (705)741-3359 email - [email protected] MUSIC – SOUND BEAM THERAPEUTIC MUSIC SERVICES Sound beam is music technology that allows people with physical and cognitive limitations to create music using body movement. An unique musical experience. Theresa McKay holds a B.Ed. and has a studio in Millbrook, Ont. Contact Theresa McKay, (705) 932-3798. RUNNING & WALKING Achilles Track Club - Running and walking opportunities for persons with and without disabilities. Contact [email protected] or www.achillestrackclub.ca. SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAMS Summer sports for children 8+ years who are register with Special Olympics. Sports include: Soccer, Track & Field, & Softball. Please contact Special Olympics directly for more information. Contact Bill Strode 742-6697 or www.specialolympics.ca TRENT SWIMMING PROGRAMS Private lessons for people with special needs. Individualized instruction or physical support with experienced instructors. Summer registration begins Wed. June 13, 2007 at 4:00 pm. Contact Holly Kuin, Aquatics Supervisor, for more details at 748-1432. WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL (DROP-IN) Pick-up wheelchair basketball, Thursday’s 7-8 pm at Kenner Collegiate (until the end of June). Contact Jeremiah Wade at 740-5559 or [email protected]. YMCA OF PETERBOROUGH PROGRAMS - Special Needs Swim, Tuesday 5-6 pm, next session May 7th - Jun 30th . Child works one-on-one with a buddy or volunteer toward social, therapy and swim goals. YMCA staff have experience working with youth who have special needs. Cost is $53 for 8 weeks (non-member) or $15 for YMCA members. Contact Bill Welch, Aquatics Director at 748-9642 ext. 217. - YMCA Teen Adventures Program YMCA partnership with the Community Living Association and Alternatives for youth with disabilities 14 –20 years old. Contact Trevor Tompkins 748-9642 Ext. 231. Various children and teen programs offered. Contact 740-5559 or www.peterboroughymca.org for more details on their current programs. - Summer Camps – Special Needs Support through Reach for the Rainbow – Contact the Camp Director Trevor Tompkins (Peterborough Based Camps) or Maggie Sullivan (Lakefield Camps) at 748-9622 PETERBOROUGH SPORT & WELLNESS CENTRE PROGRAMS Private Swimming Lessons – Cost is $150. Contact Sandra Hall at 742-0050, ext. 2208. Various children and teen programs and Summer Camps available – See leisure guide and camp brochures available at City Hall, Sport & Wellness Centre and FCCC. 8 City of Kawartha Lakes & Haliburton County

POINT IN TIME (Formerly Family Services of Haliburton County). After-school recreation programs, general recreation, special events & summer camps. Contact (705) 457-4345 or website: www.familyserviceshaliburton.ca. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF KAWARTHA LAKES Programs can be integrated to fit children and youth with special needs. Satellite programs in Bobcaygeon & Woodville. Summer Camps also available. Contact (705) 324-4493 or check out their website at www.bgckawarthalakes.com. CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Swimming lessons and outreach programs. Contact (705) 324-9913 Website: www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca. COMMUNITY LIVING OF KAWARTHA LAKES Various youth programs such as Building Bridges, KURE (Kids Understanding Respect Everywhere), Teens on the GO! Contact (705) 324-0464 Website: UPSTAIRS AT LOBLAWS ~ COOKING PROGRAMS Children’s programs and summer camps. Elevator access. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities. Contact (705) 878-5185. CP SWIM PROGRAM Families can participate in an hour of recreational swim, and an hour of socialization including dinner at the Lindsay Recreation Complex. One Saturday per month from 5-7 pm. Cost is $5 per family. Next session dates: April 21st, May 26th and Jun 16th. Contact Carol Sixsmith at 738- 1419 or visit www.cpswim.piczo.com. GYMNASTICS – KIDS ON THE MOVE Lindsay Gymnastics Club – An introductory gymnastics program designed for children 6-10 with disabilities. Integrated programs are also available. Individualized programs can be fit to suit children and youth with special needs. Contact Rachel McCracken or Sandy Lindsay at (705) 878-4597 LINDSAY RECREATION COMPLEX – SWIMMING Private Swimming Lessons – Cost is $165. One-on-one instruction, experience with children with special needs. Contact 324-9411. MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR DISABLED PERSONS Website: http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/CityHall/Council/Boards/MACDP/MACDPNews.htm

ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRE Various parenting programs and workshops that are free or have a minimal charge. - Parent Infant Mother Goose (Rhymes, songs & stories 0-14 months). - Family Cooking Corner for children 0-6 yrs. - Connecting through Rhyme & Play (rhymes, story time, singing, activities and lunch) - Contact (705) 324-7900.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS LINDSAY - Sports vary depending on the season, e.g. swimming, baseball, bowling. Contact Jim & Terry Gould (705) 454-8834. 9 Northumberland County

MULTI-SENSORY ROOM Located at Community Living West Northumberland with Snoezelen equipment; open to those in the community who have a physical illness or disability and have a significant need for stimulation. Individuals may use the Multi-Sensory room on a one-to-one basis with a trained family member or caregiver. For bookings, information and training please call Community Living at (905) 372-4455 x 223.

NORTHUMBELAND YMCA Cobourg (905)372-0616 ~Brighton (613) 475-2887. Contact either branch for more information about their summer day camps ~ YMCA Camp Wunjo.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTHUMBERLAND Sarah Todd (905) 372-1370. Call for dates and times for upcoming summer sports like soccer.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOWLING LEAGUE Campbellford (705) 653-2609.

CAMPBELLFORD COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE Lots of kids programs like Kitchen Kids, Art Cart, Photography, Cyber Space at the Planet and Sunshine Rhythms and much more. Contact (705) 653-5161 or www.campbellford-crc.ca.

MUNICIPALITY OF PORT HOPE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE Spring/Summer Camp guides now available. Summer camp open to youth of all abilities. Also offering a specialty sports camp specifically geared for youth with physical disabilities called “Get in the Game” for youth 10-17 years, August 27-31. Contact the Town Park Recreation Centre (905) 885-7908.

PORT HOPE SPECIAL NEEDS SWIM Jack Burger Sport Complex– Mon-Wed & Fri 3:30-5 pm. Each individual may bring a helper who will be admitted free, therapeutic pool only. (905) 885-2474

PRIVATE MUSIC THERAPY For services in the Brighton area contact: Christine Oberacker-Lisenchuk, MTA (613) 475- 4091 or [email protected].

T.R.A.I.N.- THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND Riding stables located in Colborne. Program runs Wednesday evenings from mid-May to mid-October. Catherine Hazell (905) 372-6191, email [email protected].

Great websites Paralympics Ontario www.paralympicsontario.ca Get Active Now for Ontarians with a Disability www.getactivenow.ca Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports www.ocpsa.on.ca Swim Ontario & (SWAD) swimmers with a disability www.swimontario.com Abilities Magazine www.abilities.ca Accessible Sailing www.AbleSailOntario.ca