Therapeutic Recreation

The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Department is dedicated to providing year round recreation and leisure opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the TR department is to promote an active leisure lifestyle that improves social, physical, cognitive and emotional functioning and health while enhancing each participant's abilities. With highly qualified staff at programs, participants can register for many types of programs. By providing a variety of social, cultural, artistic, culinary, sports, fitness, community outings, horticulture, and special events, participants can recreate in the day, evening, or weekend.

Benefits to participation may include improving social skills, enhancing self-esteem, improving overall health and well-being and physical ability, enhancing communication skills, constructive use of leisure time and eliminating boredom leading to reduction of stress and anxiety. Come discover the benefits with us.

The program is a cooperative effort between the Park Commission and various municipalities. Participating municipalities include:
Bedminster
Bernards Township
Bernardsville
Bound Brook
Branchburg		 Bridgewater
Green Brook
Hillsborough
Manville
Montgomery		 North Plainfield
Raritan
Somerville
Watchung
Warren

If you would like to be included in local recreation programs offered by your municipality, call us and we will assist with the inclusion process and help with activity modification or adaptation.

To be placed on our mailing list, find out about registration, or obtain more information about these programs, please contact the Therapeutic Recreation office at 908 526-5650. We are here to help you recreate! Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment, please call the Relay Service @ 711. Click here for the Therapeutic Recreation Brochure. (PDF)

Inclusion Services
The Therapeutic Recreation Department recognizes that some people with disabilities may choose to participate in local recreation programs and/or camps with persons without disabilities. The TR staff is here to help support inclusion by assisting other Somerset County Park Commision departments and municipal recreation departments with program adaptation or modification, behavior management support, and staff training. When a referral is made, TR staff will conduct an assessment of a person’s abilities and develop then develop a written accommodation plan that includes supports necessary in order for the person to successfully be included in a program or activity. Call Dina Trunzo, CTRS at 908 526-5650 for more information. Remember, inclusion benefits everyone!

•  Registration for the fall programs for adults, ages 18 and older will take place on Saturday August 18 from 8:30 – 10:00 am. Click here for the FALL ADULT PROGRAM (PDF) brochure.

Fall 2007

Fall is here and so are many programs to be held in the TR Activity Center available to both the young and the young at heart. Register and become a part of the fun here at the TR Activity Center. Participants must reside in a TR participating municipality. Call the TR office at 908 526-5650 for more information, to receive the flyers or to register. Below are a few season highlights

  Rompin’ & Stompin’
Children will have fun developing motor skills, balance and basic life skills while moving and exercising. This program is open to children ages 3-7 who have a developmental disability. It will be held on Tuesdays beginning in October.

Just for Kicks (PDF)
This beginner soccer program will teach children the basics of soccer including kicking, stopping the ball, and passing. The program will be held on Wednesdays in September and there will be two classes; one for 5-7 year olds and the other for 8-12 year olds.

Children’s programs (Children ages 8-12) (PDF)
Hey kids, are you bored with the same old thing? Then get ready to have some fun in a variety of programs that will give you the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and socialize. Programs will be open to children who have a developmental or learning disability. Program offerings include Kids Yoga, Crafts Galore, Holiday Baking, and a Kids Music program. Make sure you are on the mailing list so you receive the flyer in the mail.

Teen programs (Teens ages 13-17) (PDF)
The TR department will once again offer programs for teens that have a developmental or learning disability. Due to its popularity, the Teen Drop in Center returns. This program offers teens the chance to get together to participate in a variety of fun leisure activities while making new friends and hanging out with their old friends. Planned activities will encourage socialization and provide a chance to learn new leisure activities and skills. Monthly flyers will be sent to all who register. Other programs being offered this season include but not limited to Tennis 101, an instructional tennis program, Holiday Baking, and Glass Painting.

Camp Okee Sunokee
A six week day camp for children with learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, ages 6 - 13, that encourages the development of recreation and social skills and enhances self confidence and educational growth through the participation in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, sports & games, music, cooking, trips, and swimming. The camp will begin on June 25. Only 40 children are accepted on a first come-first served basis and must reside in Somerset County. Registration began in February. Please call the TR department at 908 526-5650 to confirm if there are any slots available or if you would like additional information.
Camp Okee Sunokee 2007 Photos
  E-mail the Therapeutic Recreation Dept. with any questions or comments