Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation offers programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Our Therapeutic Recreation Programs are all about having a blast while boosting social skills and discovering lifelong leisure interests.
Browse Current ProgramsLearn More About Autism
In an effort to spread autism acceptance, Parks & Recreation wanted to get some questions from the community answered by autistic individuals and their families. This video will cover a variety of questions, answered by three families.
Programs
​​​​​​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.
​Fit in Motion
- (Ages 10+) This 6-week virtual Fitness Program takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The program will cover strength and cardiovascular endurance training. The strength portions will be using mostly bodyweight exercises, but some weight exercises will be incorporated (supervisors will give alternatives if participants don’t have dumbbells or free weights).
Program supervisors will be facilitating and leading the participants through the workouts at a steady introductory pace. Each workout will have coinciding visuals that can be emailed out to parents/guardians so participants can have a visual schedule to follow along with as well as the instructor video guide. - 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.
Chair One Fitness
- (Ages 12+) This virtual program is designed for individuals of all ability levels to engage in seated fitness activities to ensure they remain progressive in daily function. This program delivers a fun, musically driven, interactive, full-body workout that uplifts people through dance and fitness movements. It is a class for all abilities. Each participant will need to have access to a chair without wheels or a wheelchair with brakes. Instruction provided by a Certified Chair One Instructor
- Staff to participant Ratio: 1:12
- 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
TR Learn to Swim
- Infant/Toddler: Age 1 -4 with parent
- Youth: Age 5-15
- A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) works in conjunction with certified Water Safety Instructors (WSI) to provide adapted skill instruction (up to Level IV) in accordance with American Red Cross standards.
The WSI’s, therapeutic recreation staff, and volunteers provide individualized adaptations, instruction, physical support, and behavior intervention in a safe aquatic environment. Participants will be provided physical support and behavior intervention, as appropriate, to ensure a safe aquatic environment. - Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:1 to 1:3 based on individual need
- Skills Needed: Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.
Adult Swim
- (Age 16 & Up) In collaboration with a Water Safety Instructor, therapeutic recreation staff work with individuals to provide one of the following: adapted skill instruction based on American Red Cross Learn to Swim Standards or individualized support for water exercise or modified swimming. Participants will be provided physical support and behavior intervention, as appropriate, to ensure a safe aquatic environment.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:1 to 1:3 based on individual need
- Skills Needed: Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.
Surf-n-Fun
- (Age 6 & up) Would you like to ride a wave? Join the Therapeutic Recreation staff for an afternoon of surf and fun. Instruction will take place at the Pendleton surfing area. Each surfer will receive a 30-minute surf lesson.
Surfboards and lifejackets are provided. Waves are not guaranteed. Membership cards are not required, so bring the whole family! *Note: This program is only offered to individuals with a disability. - Staff to Participant Ratio: 3:1; each surfer will have at least 2 staff with them in the water.
- Skills Needed: Participants must have the desire to participate and be willing to get in the ocean.
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.
Discovery Camp
- Age 5-22 (must have attended K-12 the school year prior to camp) This 7-week day camp for individuals with disabilities allows campers to socialize, learn, and have fun while creating camp memories. Our vision is to create an environment that fosters new friendships, sparks the camper’s imagination, and develops a greater sense of independence, all while having fun learning new skills and activities. Individualized goals will be established and measured by participation in classes such as sports & fitness, STEM, arts & crafts, music & dance, hobbies & games, and more! Class instruction is offered in small and large group formats and activities will be adapted to meet the camper's needs. We are committed to ensuring all have an enjoyable and successful camp experience. Campers will be encouraged to participate in activities in a positive and safe environment while following the rules of the camp. Camper groups will be determined after registration and be based on both age and ability level. Campers will need to bring their own lunch (meal and drink) and necessary personal items. In addition to class leaders and camper assistants, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS’) will be onsite to work with campers.
- NOTE: This program is designed to promote community recreation and is not intended to provide behavior therapy interventions, tools, or techniques.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:2 to 1:4 based on individual needs.
- Skills Needed: Be able to maintain social distancing with or without verbal reminders; wear mask or face shield when inside the building OR have a completed mask exemption form; able to follow familiar one to two-step directions; manage own behavior with minimal staff intervention and able to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate in sessions.
- Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistance. (a background check is required and will be paid for by the City)
- Cost: $1,200 - $200 due at registration, remaining balance paid in the payment plan.
- Camp Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
New/Junior Ventures
- (Ages 13-22) This 7-week program for individuals with disabilities incorporates leisure education, socialization, and skill building through recreation participation. Participants will be given the opportunity to develop lifetime leisure skills, plan community outings, and work on individualized goals by participating in various activities on-site and in the community. Groups will participate in activities at recreation centers including swimming. Participants will be divided into two groups after registration occurs. Participants will be responsible for any admission fees incurred on trips or special events. In addition to the group leader and assistant leaders, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) will be onsite to work with participants.
- NOTE: This program is designed to promote community recreation and is not intended to provide behavior therapy interventions, tools, or techniques.
- **An interview with a Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor must be completed before program placement for participants who are participating in this program for the first time.**
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:4 to 1:5
- Skills Needed: with or without minimal staff assistance is able to: maintain social distancing with or without verbal reminders; wear a mask or face shield when inside the building OR have a completed mask exemption form; complete two-step directions; make choices; manage personal belongings and have the desire to achieve an independent leisure lifestyle.
- Cost: $1,000 - $200 due at registration, remaining balance paid in a payment plan.
- Camp Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Sweet Night for a Dinner & Dance
- (Age 14 & up) Enjoy a sweet night of dinner and dancing with your friends! Registration includes dinner and a keepsake picture. Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistant/attendant. If the participant’s guest will be enjoying dinner, the registration fee applies. Semi-formal dress
Candy Cane Kids
- ( Age 4-12) This program is for individuals with disabilities and their siblings (registration fee must be paid for each child enrolled, not per family). Enjoy an evening at Santa's Workshop making holiday crafts, playing games, singing songs, and enjoying a holiday film. A pizza dinner, hot chocolate, and popcorn will be provided. This is also a time for parents to have a night out or finish up last-minute holiday preparations!
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:4
- Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistance.
- Skills Needed: Must be able to follow two-step directions, manage own behavior with minimal staff intervention, manage personal belongings, and able to make simple choices. Participants must have the desire to participate.
Kids Night Out
- (Age 4-11) Enjoy an evening of games and activities with TR & Inclusion! TR and Inclusion staff will be on-site to answer any questions parents/guardians may have about our programs and services. This is a drop-off program with activities geared toward working on socialization skills and teaching about inclusion through play. A pizza dinner will be provided at the beginning of the program. This special event will serve as an educational resource for both parents and participants and is intended to inform and encourage communities to celebrate individuals with Autism, promote acceptance and awareness, and teach the importance of inclusion.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: 1:3
- Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistant/attendant.
Sunset Paddle
- (Age 12 & up) Welcoming first-timers AND experienced kayakers. Participants should be comfortable being on/around water and during the sunset/dark time of night. This special event will be held in collaboration with Parks and Recreation’s Specialty Programs Staff. A trained lifeguard will be on duty as well.Â
- 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 the event.
Virtual Special Events
- BINGO Bonanza
- Family Trivia Night
- Book Buddies
- Virtual Escape Room