Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation offers programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Virginia Relay TTY
Looking for Therapeutic Recreation Activities?
Our Therapeutic Recreation Programs are all about having a blast while boosting social skills and discovering lifelong leisure interests.
Browse Current ProgramsTherapeutic Recreation Mission
To provide programs and services to individuals with disabilities that will...
- Enrich quality of life.
- Meet community needs.
- Enhance skill development, leisure education and recreation participation.
- Increase independence through individualized goals and objectives.
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 18+) 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 five 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 18+) 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.
Intro to Golf
- (Age 16+) 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.
Fit in Motion
- This 6-week fitness program takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. This program will run in a hybrid format - participants can choose to attend in person at Kempsville Recreation Center or virtually via Microsoft Teams. Facilitators will cover both strength and cardiovascular endurance training. The strength portion will largely consist of body weight exercises, but some weight exercises will be incorporated (facilitators will give alternatives if participants don’t have dumbbells or free weights). All participants will be led at an introductory pace. Each workout will incorporate visuals and opportunities to participate hands-on to account for varied learning styles.
- Skills Needed: Virtual participants will need access to the internet and a webcam or smart device to be able to see the instructions. This program will be offered over Microsoft Teams. In-person participants will need a recreation membership and up-to-date participant paperwork
TR Learn to Swim
- TR Tiny Bobbers (with parent/guardian), age 1-4
- 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+) 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 5+) 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 two 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 is not offering after school programs at this time.
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 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Optional extended care option from 3-5 p.m., $450.
More to Explore
- Age 18+ (must have graduated high school) This summer camp is for adults with disabilities that incorporates leisure education, socialization, and skill building through recreation. It offers a unique opportunity to engage in new and familiar leisure activities, develop lifetime leisure skills, and work on individualized goals.
- Participants will explore the 757 area, as well as participate in activities onsite and at recreation centers. Our group leader, assistant leaders, and certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) will be onsite to ensure the program runs smoothly and safely. Participants are responsible for any admission fees incurred on outings
- NOTE: This program is designed to promote community recreation and is not intended to provide behavior therapy interventions, tools or technique
- Staff to participant ratio: 1:4 to 1:5.
- Skills needed: With or without minimal staff assistance can: follow and complete familiar two-step directions; manage activities of daily living with no to minimal assistance; make choices; maintain social distancing with or without verbal reminders; manage personal belongings and have the desire to participate in activities and outings.
- Cost: $325 due at registration.
- Camp Hours: 8 a.m.-4 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 p.m.
- Optional extended care option from 4-5 p.m., $200
Please be sure to check our registration site as one-time special events may not always be added to our website.
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.
Collaborative Special Events with Other Local Therapeutic Recreation Programs
- VBTR has paired up with Norfolk TR, Chesapeake TR, Isle of Wight TR, and James City County TR to put on collaborative events for all four localities.
- To date we have worked together on the Neon Nights Dance and a Bellyak special event. Event offerings will vary by season and program host.
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.
Paint the Night Away
This program is for individuals with disabilities to engage in a painting lesson and create a beautiful masterpiece!
- Participants will be provided all supplies needed and will be able to take home their painting at the end of the night.
- Please be advised that paint might get on clothing, dress accordingly.
- Participants who require 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own assistant.
- We offer youth and adult sessions.
- Themes will vary based on program season.
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.
- 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.