After $17,000 grant, Caring Strategies able to expand summer programs
Special needs children and those with disabilities can have an educational and rewarding summer experience this year thanks to Caring Strategies’ “Let’s ALL Play” program.
The Destrehan-based organization is one of a select few who were chosen to implement the inclusive summer program and received a $17,000 grant from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to help fund camps and other community service projects.
“We are very excited to work with the foundation to further open the Caring Strategies’ camp programs to children with disabilities,” said Sandra O’Brien, executive director for the organization.
“This will help enable us to give more children the chance to participate in activities they and their families may have never thought possible.”
The “Let’s ALL Play” initiative gives children with developmental disabilities the same experience as those without.
Children with disabilities and their peers, who are typically unencumbered by disabilities, come together to participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service and physical service.
“We feel that partnering with Caring Strategies will help us further our mission to open doors in communities nationwide for children with disabilities to experience everything life has to offer,” said Jerry Aiken, executive director of the Buble/Aiken Foundation.
“Our vision is to provide services to infants and young children who are at risk of or who have special needs and their families,” said O’Brien. “We offer therapeutic services in a positive, creative environment to prepare them for the next stage in their lives.”
The organization also provides parents, caregivers and professional partners with information about relative concerns and resources, and hosts workshops and discussion groups.
“In addition to our summer camps, we offer seasonal mini-camps, lunch and learns, Saturday play groups and learning labs,” added O’Brien.
A sample of this summer’s camps include:
•Kinder Motion – includes gym, dance and motion sessions.
•Kinder Camps – includes activities for ages 2 to 4 by exploring their favorite things to do.
•Get Ready, Get Set, We’re Off! – mini-camp that helps prepare kids for reading, writing and math through books, songs and games.
•Kitchen Science – includes science experiments using items from your very own kitchen.
•Art Camp – campers can make one-of-a-kind creations using recyclable materials.
•Cooking Classes – includes kitchen safety, table setting, nutrition and how to make delicious snacks.
•Literacy camps – focuses on one-on-one tutoring.
•Character Building Camp – for ages 5 to 9.
•Fun with Phonics – focuses on reading and literacy skills.
•Lunch with the Bunch – designed for children with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental delays.
•Aquatic Camp – includes swimming lessons and games.
“All camps and meetings take place at various locations around the parish,” said O’Brien. “This way we can help serve all of St. Charles Parish.”
For more formation on Caring Strategies and detailed camp information, visit www.caringstrategies.net or call 504-722-3636.
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