The Department of Parks & Recreation is highlighting their upcoming special needs programming.
By: Amy Filippone
Dept. of Parks & Recreation
On Dec. 10 the Moorestown Parks & Recreation Department hosted its annual Special Needs Family Outing Holiday Party. This event started in 2007 and has grown over the years with 75 to 100 people in attendance. It is a family affair with parents, siblings and grandparents all celebrating the holidays. Parents bring dessert and small gifts for Santa to present to all the kids. There’s pizza, a DJ, games like fooseball, ping pong and pool. Approximately 20 MooreKids assist, mingle and generally keep the party rolling. It’s definitely an event that is looked forward to and embraced by the whole family.
“The Holiday Party was the original event and then programs built from there,” said Darlene Altschuler, who has attended this event for the last 10 years. “It’s a safe environment with the support of family so it allows kids to try something different — something that might be outside of their comfort zone.”
“Special Needs programs like a basketball clinic or a Field Day also help to develop skills and build confidence so kids are more comfortable in a general population setting where people are not as aware of disabilities,” Atschuler said.
Please explore these wonderful upcoming Special Needs events for 2018:
SPECIAL NEEDS INDOOR “Everybody Wins” FIELD DAY — FAMILY SUPPORT OUTING — Sunday, Jan. 7 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Get out of the house and shake off winter doldrums for an exciting day of basketball, bean-bag toss and other fun activities for your child. This is a free event but you do need to register.
This Indoor Field Day will be led and organized by MooreKids Teen Leadership Committee. This committee is just one facet of MooreKids, a non-profit that is affiliated with Moorestown Public Schools to identify and address the needs of the township’s low-income student population. MooreKids provides assistance to Moorestown’s children for sports and extracurricular activities. Moreover, it assists eligible families with the cost of these activities, either directly or in partnership with other local businesses and organizations like the Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department. The Teen Leadership Committee is made up of select high school students living in Moorestown, who are interested in leadership development and public service. Check out their website at www.moorekids.org
**Please Note: NEW LOCATION — Church Street Recreation Center**
SPECIAL NEEDS PROVIDER’S FAIR — Jan. 28th 1 to 3:30 p.m. (Snow date Feb. 11)
Learn what services are available to individuals with special needs. Admission is free and no registration is required.
If your organization provides services or products that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families, you might want to purchase a space at this event. Cost for a table is $35. Bring handouts, brochures, promotional items and/or giveaways. Space is limited to 48 providers, so please register early. Register at www.moorestownrec.com and send a brief email to Darlene Altschuler at salt27@comcast.net.
Location: Moorestown Church Street Recreation Center
SUMMER CAMP will begin on Monday, July 2, 2018. Details to follow and something to look forward to!
