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:

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)

TR Registration Process for general programs
For programs when in-person registration is required, the doors to the TR Activity Center will open one hour prior to the stated registration time in the brochure or flyer and individuals will be allowed to sign the TR sign in list. Doors will not open earlier regardless of weather. The TR sign in list is the only official list. Registration will begin promptly at the time specified in the brochure or flyer and you must be present when your name is called. Names will be called as they appear on the list. If a person’s name is called and they are not present, their spot is forfeited.

Participants not living in a group home residence may register one other participant at the time of registration.

The TR Activity Center is located in North Branch Park; a public area that is open from dawn to dusk. Since individuals are free to be in the park from dawn to dusk, the TR department holds no responsibility as to when people decide to stand at the door and wait for it to open.

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 Commission 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 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!

Winter/Spring 2012 Programs
Don't let the winter blues get to you. Join us this season at the TR Activity Center for arts & crafts, sports & games, cooking, fitness, day trips, theater arts, and more. Stay healthy and active while learning lifetime leisure skills. Register and become a part of the fun at the TR Activity Center. Participants must reside in a TR participating municipality. Program offerings are divided into specific age groups.

Adults ages 18 and older
Teens/Young Adults ages 14-21

Call the TR office find out what programs are being offered for your age group. If you have questions or if you want to receive a flyer/brochure please call the TR department at 908 526-5650 or visit us on the web at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments, please call the Relay Service @ 711.

Social Story Yoga
This new and exciting children's program will combine social stories, music, and movement activities to encourage self - esteem building, playfulness, and appropriate social skills. Under the instruction of Ms. Hegstrom, a special education teacher and certified yoga instructor, children will learn activities that can be used as tools to help reduce stress and build social confidence, as well as strategies for self - regulation, including; breathing practices to calm the body and mind, and postures for strength and balance. Please bring a mat and a blanket to class each week. Participants must reside in a contracting municipality in Somerset County. Click below for more information.

Social Story Yoga (ages 7-12)

T.R.A.I.L.S.
Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Instruction at Lord Stirling. Adapted horseback riding instruction for children, teens, and adults ages 9 and older who have a developmental disability and reside in Somerset County. This program is run conjunction with Lord Stirling Stable. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning April 2, 2012 for 10 consecutive weeks. Two classes are offered each day:

*CLASS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RIDING INSTRUCTOR AND TR STAFF. IT WILL BE BASED UPON THE RIDING AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITY OF THE RIDER, AND NOT AGE, TO ALLOW FOR PROGRESSION TO A HIGHER SKILL LEVEL.

All riders must provide one volunteer each week. Cost for a 10 week session is $205. For more information, please call 908 526-5650.

*CLASS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RIDING INSTRUCTOR AND TR STAFF. IT WILL BE BASED UPON THE RIDING AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITY OF THE RIDER, AND NOT AGE, TO ALLOW FOR PROGRESSION TO A HIGHER SKILL LEVEL.

All riders must provide one volunteer each week. Cost for a 10 week session is $205. For more information, please call 908 526-5650.

Camp Okee Sunokee
A six week day camp for children with learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, ages 6-14, 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, 2012. Only 40 children are accepted on a first come-first served basis and must reside in Somerset County. Applications will be mailed mid- February. For additional information please call 908 526-5650. Please see camp brochure for more detailed information including eligibility criteria, fees, etc.

Summer Adventure
Looking for a great way to have some summer fun? Then Summer Adventure is the program for you. Through trips, outdoor activities, swimming, and other activities, this will be a great way to experience new recreation opportunities and develop your leisure skills. The goal of this program for teens and young adults is to build self-esteem and confidence, develop friendships, encourage team building, and improve life skills. There may be some additional costs for activities during the two weeks. The program will be held August 6-17, 2012 and is open to individuals ages 15-21 who are receiving special education services due to a learning disability, Asperger's Syndrome or cognitive impairment-mild. Twelve teens/young adults will be accepted on a first come first served basis and must reside in a TR participating municipality in Somerset County. (Call the TR office to verify municipal eligibility). If additional information, please call 908 526-5650.

E-mail the Therapeutic Recreation Dept. with any questions or comments.

Program Brochures & Fliers (PDF)

Annual Information Form

Good Sports (ages 6-13)

Social Story Yoga (ages 7-12)

2012 Adult Winter/Spring Programs

2012 Winter Teen Connection (ages 14-21)

Camp Okee Sunokee Forms & photos

Camp Okee Sunokee Photos

Camp Show photos

CarnivaL photos

2011Camp Okee Sunokee
Brochure/Application
Calendar
Different Person Pick-Up Form
Sunscreen Form
Camp Okee Sunokee Photos

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