Summertime in the Arlington and Forth Worth area invites a lot of excitement. It's a time of the year that everyone likes to get out of the house, play at the park and get involved in activities. The mentally challenged are no different. The Arlington/Fort Worth area provides plenty of safe and supervised fun for mentally challenged people.
Safety
Warm temperatures and summer breezes make Arlington and Forth Worth organizations eager to begin their summer activities. But safety always comes first. At Serendipity Equine Haven in Fort Worth, each activity is designed to meet the requirements and needs of each child or adult who is mentally challenged. For example, getting a mentally and physically challenged child up on a horse can be difficult and unsafe. Serendipity staff members built railings and a ramp to make it safer for everyone.
Staff
Organizations in Arlington and Forth Worth that provide summer activities for the mentally challenged seek individuals who specialize in education, special education, healthcare and who want to enrich the lives of others. The staff at C.A.M.P., for example, have experience in behavioral, rehabilitation, education and social awareness. Even though a few staff members are paid in order to keep the program running year-round, most of the staff are volunteers.
Activities
Activities are created for the mentally challenged to stimulate excitement and encourage growth. Horseback riding, swimming, and arts and crafts are just a few of the activities that special needs persons and their families enjoy. Organizations such as Advocates for Special People, in Arlington, coach special needs children and adults in basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and other sports; some have participated in the Special Olympics. These activities challenge them both mentally and physically.
Family Benefits
Summer activities offered by organizations like Serendipity Equine Haven in Fort Worth and Advocates for Special People in Arlington encourage families to get involved. Not only do mentally challenged children and adults benefit from these summer activities and programs, but their family members aid in their success. These specialized summer activities unite parents and siblings, challenging all, both mentally and physically. Together they work as team members, bridging the gap that may exist during everyday activities.
Donations
Organizations such as C.A.M.P., Serendipity Equine Haven of Fort Worth and Advocates For Special People are nonprofits and charge very little, if anything at all. C.A.M.P. annual membership fees run about $50 and activities cost about $10 per activity in 2010. Most of the operating costs are paid through cash donations by individuals and companies. But equipment and service donations are also received and encouraged. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to help pay for the activities.
Member Comments