Therapeutic Recreation Programs offer a variety of programs that allow participants of all ages and abilities to enhance social skills and develop lifetime leisure interests. For current program offerings please check the programs & activity listings.
757 Travelers
- (Ages 16+) This program is for individuals with disabilities ages 16 and older and provides the opportunity to participate in leisure activities within the community while socializing with their peers. Community outings will be held in small groups on various days of the week and at varying times. Participants will register for individual events based on their interests and schedule.
Registration fees vary per event and include costs of transportation, staffing, and entry fees for prepaid trips. For trips that don’t require pre-payment of entry fees, participants will be responsible for bringing the entry fees to the outing and paying individually for their own admission. Participants will also be responsible for paying for their own refreshments, meals, and souvenirs while on the outings. - Note: Participants will receive an email with the details (meeting time, locations, fees, special attire, etc.) prior to the outing. There must be a minimum of 5 participants registered for each outing. All participants must have an up-to-date intake and TR paperwork packet.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:5
- Skills Needed: Be able to maintain social distancing with or without verbal reminders; able to wear a mask while being transported in city vehicles and when required to by venue policy or statewide mandate; able to follow familiar two-step directions; require minimal assistance with activities of daily living; manage own behavior with minimal to moderate staff intervention and able to make simple choices. Participants must also have the desire to participate in sessions.
Ability Builders
- (Age 22-30) This program is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities transitioning out of high school to participate in therapeutic recreation during the day. Participants will experience a variety of physical and social activities while working on communication, money-handling, and decision-making skills.
Participants will also assist in planning group activities which may include crafts, cooking, horticulture, personal fitness, community outings, and more, all while improving or maintaining their current life skills. Participants will be responsible for any admission fees for outings. - Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:3-1:4
- Skills Needed: able to follow familiar one to two-step directions, requires minimal assistance with activities of daily living, manages own behavior with minimal to moderate staff intervention, and able to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.
Arts at Home
- (Age 11+) This virtual program is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to engage in a series of arts & craft activities including but not limited to drawing, painting, and DIY crafts. The program will be led through Zoom allowing participants to interact with each other and staff throughout the art process. The program will meet online once per week on Wednesdays. Specific supply needs will be sent out each week according to the planned art project.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:5 to 1:10
- Skills Needed: Ability to follow one-step verbal directions with a visual demonstration through video software. Participants will need access to the internet and a webcam or smart device to be able to see the instruction.
Around Town
- (Age 14 & up) This program provides the opportunity to participate in leisure activities in the recreation center and the community. Participants will select community outings, participate in various activities, work on money-handling skills, manage their own belongings with minimal staff support, and socialize with friends. Participants will be responsible for any admission fees for outings/activities.
Note: meeting time may change on outing nights based on activity. Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:3 to 1:5Skills Needed: with minimal staff assistance is able to: complete familiar two-step directions; make choices; manage personal belongings and have the desire to participate. Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistance.- Around Town at Kempsville - High School (Ages 14-21)
- Around Town at Kempsville - Adult (Ages 22 & up)
- Around Town at Bayside (Age 22 & up)
- Around Town at Bow Creek (Age 22 & up)
- Around Town at Princess Anne (Age 22 & up)
Intro to Golf
- (Age 8-15) This program is for individuals with disabilities to engage in learning the game of golf. Participants will learn how to drive, chip, and putt as well as golf course etiquette. Additional benefits for the participant include increased independence, improved social skills, and learning of sportsmanship. The program will take place at a local golf course. Participants will be provided with all equipment and golf balls for the program.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:3
- Skills Needed: Follows one to two-step directions, manages own behavior with moderate to minimal staff intervention, and ability to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions and learn the game of golf.
Outdoor Challenge Series
- (Age 12 & up) This program is designed to explore the outdoors. Participants will experience a variety of outdoor recreational and stewardship activities. Activities may include kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Through the challenges of each activity, participants can increase self-esteem and confidence, gain social skills, and learn coping strategies for various facets of life.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:4
- Skills Needed: Follows two-step directions, manages own behavior with minimal staff intervention, manages personal belongings, and is able to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.
Social Hour
- (Ages 14+) This 8-week virtual "Social Hour" program provides the opportunity for participants to participate in a virtual environment to connect with their peers. Staff will facilitate social conversations and chats to allow participants to work on socialization skills while getting to engage with their peers who they haven't seen for a while.
Discussion topics could range from leisure activities they have been doing during their time away from the program (activities), how they are dealing with the current situation, and also interactive games will be played. - Skills Needed: Participants will need access to the internet and a webcam or smart device to be able to see the instruction. This program will be offered over the Zoom platform.
- No recreation membership is required.
- There is no fee for this program.
Therapeutic Recreation Programs offers an Out-of-School Time opportunity at Kempsville Recreation Center for participants enrolled in middle and high school. Registration takes place in August, before each school year, and is ongoing as long as space is available.
Champions
- Age 11 - 21 (Currently attending middle or high school) This program is an opportunity for middle and high school students with special needs to participate in instructional and recreational activities after school. Each participant will work towards the achievement of individual goals through a variety of activities that include crafts, group games, drama, music, fitness, swimming, and community outings. Participants will be responsible for any admission fees on community outings.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:3
- Skills Needed: Follows one to two-step directions, requires minimal assistance with activities of daily living, manages own behavior with moderate to minimal staff intervention, and ability to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.