T R Wire * April 2010

Therapeutic Recreation’s Wire

http://tr.charmeck.org
 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Summer Day Camp

Natural Wonders
For children with disabilities ages 6—9 years

This program is designed to introduce the joys of

summer to children with disabilities ages 6 -9. Together they will
learn about nature, sports, group games, arts and crafts, aquatics,
outdoor adventure, science, theatre and friendship. They will
participate in group play, fitness, sports, music, art and be involved
in camp field trips.

Dates: June 21—25, 2010 (Week One)

June 28—July 2, 2010 (Week Two)
July 5—9, 2010 (Week Three)
July 12—16, 2010 (Week Four)
July 19—23, 2010 (Week Five)
July 26—30, 2010 (Week Six)
August 2—6, 2010 (Week Seven)
August 9—13, 2010 (Week Eight)
Times: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd.
Fee: $100.00 per week
Contact: Margot Howell
margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
704.432.4328
 Summer Day Camp
for youth, 10-12 with disabilities

Summer’s here and the time is right for

friends, fun, and sun!!

Join us for an action packed summer filled with activities such music, crafts, swimming
creative arts, sports, nature, fitness, presentations, and field trips.

Date: June 21-August 13 Monday – Friday Contact: Vernice Gallon, Camp Coordinator
Time: 7:00am-6:00pm vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Fee: $100 per week 704.432.4327
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation
Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
http://tr.charmeck.org
 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Section
http://tr.charmeck.org

FOR TEENS AGES 13-21

WITH DISABILITIES

School’s out and now the summer fun begins!!

Come and join us at the “scene”…Teen Scene that is! You will
make new friends, learn about cultures, games, sports,
nature, and a little bit of magic too!
There will also be music, arts & crafts and some
special surprises just for you!

Teen Scene is an 8-week summer camp beginning

June 21, 2010 and ending August 13, 2010
Camp Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm
Monday – Friday
Fee: $100.00 per week
Location: Tom Sykes Recreation Center, 1501 Euclid Ave.

Contact: Karen Noel, 704.432.4326, Karen.Noel@Mecklenburgcountync.gov

Jana McMullen, 704.432.4330, Jana.McMullen@Mecklenburgcountync.gov
 TR Programming:
Preschool (ages 2 –6)
Pee Wee Sports, Page 7
Young Athletes, Page

Youth Programs (ages 6—12)

Adaptive Baseball, Page 5
Challenger Soccer Clinics, Page 7
SEALS —Afterschool program, Page 10
Spring Break Youth, Page
VIP Travel Club, Jrs., Page 5
Youth Spring Break, Page 3

Teen Programs (ages 13—21)

Table of Contents

Adaptive Baseball, Page 5

Challenger Soccer Clinics, Page 7
Fuel for Life, Page 11
Paddlers Club, Page 4
Paralympic Sports Club, Page 10
Teen Club, Page 4
Teen Time, Page 11
Spill Your Beans, Page 11
Spring Break Teen, Page 3
Supper Club, Page 9
TR Dance, Page 9
Wilderness Bunch, Page

Young Adult (ages 18—35)

Bocce, Page 6
Challenger Soccer Clinics, Page 7
Fuel for Life, Page 11
Paddlers Club, Page 4
Y-Lites, Page 12
Young Adult Day Program, Page 12
Spill Your Beans, Page 11
Star Bowlers, Page 13
Supper Club, Page 9
TR Dance, Page 9
VIP Travel Club, Page 5

Adult (ages 35 and up)

Bocce, Page 6
Sports Are Fun, Page 7
Star Bowlers, Page 13
Supper Club, Page 9
TR Dance, Page 9
TRACES, Page 13
VIP Travel Club, Page 5
 Youth Spring Break Camp
for youth ages 6—12 with disabilities
Can’t get enough of summer camp? Then join us for a summer day camp
experience during spring break. We will be swimming, playing fun games, and
taking field trips all in a supportive environment that encourages appropriate social
interaction, communication, and independence! An afternoon snack will be
provided each day, but kids should come with a lunch and dressed to play outside.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 5 –9 (Monday—Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM—4:30 PM
Fee: $35.00 per day or $150.00 for the week
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Spring Break Programs

Jana McMullen, jana.mcmullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Registration deadline: March 31

Spring Break ~ TEENS

for teens ages 13—21 with disabilities
Come join us for your Spring Break! You will have the time of your life going to
different places, experiencing new things and making new friends. Swimming,
sports, culture, art, and music are some of the highlights you will participate in.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 5 –9 (Monday—Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM—4:30 PM
Fee: $35.00 per day or $150.00 for the week
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: March 31

Wilderness Bunch
for teens and young adults ages 13—30 with disabilities
Wilderness Bunch is designed to teach basic skills needed for tent camping and
participating in outdoor recreation. Day trips include hiking, geocaching, nature
lessons, and kayaking.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 5 –9 (Monday—Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM (Monday) — 4:30 PM (Friday)
Fee: $250.00
Participants will need to bring: toiletries, towel, changes of clothes, bathing suit, a
sleeping bag, and a flash light.
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: March 31
 Teen Club
for teens ages 13—21 with disabilities
Join the club! Spend your Saturdays with friends enjoying a variety of
leisure activities.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 17 (Saturday) - Matthews Ten
Time: 6:00 PM—9:00 PM
Fee: $15.00 (does not include dinner or snacks)
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Paddlers Club
for teens ages 13—21 with AD/HD or LD
This new weekend enrichment program will provide a safe and
nurturing environment that will promote a greater sense of self,
improve social interactions, leisure skills & awareness while providing
supports in developing skills in the areas of communication,
socialization, cognition, motor skills, and cooperation.
The Paddlers Club is a leisure program which will include skills and drills
in canoeing and kayaking/tandem kayaking as well as other fun activities
Clubs

and games.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 3 & 17 (Saturdays)
Time: 9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Fee: $40.00
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 VIP Travel Club
for adults and seniors, ages 35 and up with a visual impairment
Enjoy a social day with friends, while building independence in the
community. Learn about historical, educational, and recreational
attractions in the Charlotte area—please bring money for lunch.
Location: Pick-up/Drop-off locations:
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd.
Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB), 704 Louise Ave.
Date: April 20 (Tuesday) - Latta Plantation and Raptor Center
Time: Pick-up: MDRC at 9:00 AM, MAB at 9:30 AM
Drop-off: MAB at 3:30 PM, MDRC at 4:00 PM
Fee: $15.00
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: three business days before each program date

VIP Travel Club Jrs.

for kids ages 6—12 with a visual impairment
Out of school field trips are a great way for kids to not only have fun
Clubs

with their friends, but become more independent in the community,

improve their mobility skills, and experience new places. Transportation
will be provided, but kids should bring their own lunch to enjoy a picnic
with the group.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 17 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM—3:00 PM
Fee: $20.00
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: three business days before each program date
 Adaptive Baseball
for youth and teens, ages 6—21 with disabilities
Adaptive baseball will expose participants to the basic skills of the game in a
non-competitive atmosphere. The program will also focus on promoting
sportsmanship, camaraderie, and enhancing physical/cognitive abilities.
Coaches and buddies are needed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: Games—April 17—June 5, 2010 (Saturdays)
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (youth— Marion Diehl adaptive field)
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (teens—Clanton Park, )
Practices—April 15—June 3, 2010 (Thursday)
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (youth and teens— Marion Diehl
adaptive field)
Fee: S50.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Call to check space availability
Sports

Bocce For Fun

for teens and adults, ages 18 and up with disabilities
Bocce For Fun will be an exciting program that will teach participants the ins
and outs of the sport but will also give them some fitness opportunities.
Bocce can be played by persons with all ability levels. The sport utilizes gross
motor skills and some strategizing for those that are competitive. This
program will give many participants the opportunity to learn a new sport
while helping others improve their skills. It will also teach communication
skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 3 and April 17 (Saturdays)
Time: 10:00 AM—12:00 PM
Fee: S10.00 per day
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: three business days prior to program date

R
 Challenger Soccer Clinics
for youth and teens ages 7—21 with disabilities
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of soccer, working as a team, and
good sportsmanship.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 14 and 21 (Wednesdays)
Time: 4:30 PM—6:00 PM
Fee: S15.00 per date
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: three business days prior to program date

Pee Wee Sports

for children ages 3 –6 with disabilities
Spend an energizing morning with your child learning the basic skills needed
to play organized sports! Over the 5-week course, children will have fun and
work with their parents to develop skills needed for playing soccer, baseball,
football, basketball, and more! This is a great opportunity for parents to
interact with their children in a fun environment and to learn techniques for
teaching their children sports. It is a requirement that a parent or caregiver
attends each session to play with his or her child.
Sports

Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road

Date: May 1— May 22 and June 5 (Saturdays)
Time: 11:00 AM—12:00 PM
Fee: S45.00
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: April 28

Sports R Fun
for adults, ages 22 and up with disabilities
Let’s play badminton, flag football, and kickball! The Sports R Fun program is
an introduction to various sports with the focus on Fun, Fitness, Friends, and
showing your Team Spirit!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: May 3—June 14 (Mondays)
Time: 6:00 PM—8:00 PM
Fee: S30.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: April 19
 Summit—Parent/Caregiver Group
A monthly group for parents, guardians, and caregivers that is facilitated by a
Therapeutic Recreation staff person but is directed by the group members.
This FREE informal group will give participants the opportunity to meet and
talk with other parents and caregivers who are experiencing the challenges of
parenting a child, teen, or young adult with a disability.
Location: Donato’s/Bojangles Cafeteria, 6555 Morrison Blvd.
Date: April 6 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00PM to 7:00 PM
Fee: FREE—Group members may purchase food if desired
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Community Programs

Movies with a Message

A monthly opportunity to view inspirational and thought-provoking movies
and documentaries related to individuals with disabilities. Share the
experience amazing human beings using their talents and abilities to reach
their ultimate goals: to be members of their community and live full lives.
Each FREE movie presentation is followed by time to discuss personal
experiences, and thoughts or feelings raised by the situations portrayed in the
movie.
Location: Mahlon Adams Pavilion, 2435 Cumberland Ave
Date: April 13 (Tuesday) - ―I Am Sam‖
Time: 6:30PM to 8:30 PM
Fee: FREE
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Supper Club
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Come start a new tradition by spending an evening out with your friends!
We will enjoy a healthy meal before each TR Division Dance...sign up today!
You must register at least 1 week before the program date—No Exceptions!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 23 (Friday) - Spring Fling
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fee: S7.00
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov

TR Dance
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Dance the night away with friends at our monthly Therapeutic Recreation
Section themed dances! Meet new people and make new friends while
having fun in a relaxed social atmosphere. Light refreshments will be served.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 23 (Friday) - Spring Fling
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Events

Fee: S8.00
Contact: Kerri Good, kerri.good@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Young Athletes Program Field Day

for children ages 2 – 6 with disabilities
The 2010 Field Day will be the premier event for the Special Olympics Young
Athletes Program (YAP) in Mecklenburg County. Students participating in the
in-school program can showcase their skills, and new participants can learn all
about the program. Participants will work their way around various skill
stations including agility, balance, running, batting, relays, kicking and more!
Other fun activities will include inflatables, bubbles, and music!
Location: Queens Sports Complex at the Marion Diehl Park,
2229 Tyvola Road
Date: May 1 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM—1:00 PM (Drop-in event)
Fee: FREE - registration required
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 SEALS (Socialization Empowerment and Life Skills)
for children ages 6-12 with visual impairments
SEALS is an after school program for elementary aged children, offered
in partnership with the North Carolina Parents of Blind Children.
Participants spend their afternoons having fun while gaining valuable
social, recreation, & life skills, becoming more independent, and making
friends!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays during the CMS school year
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fee: $10 per week (pre-registration is required)
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
After School

Paralympic After School Sports

for youth and teens ages 11—18 with physical disabilities
Paralympic After School Sports is for middle and high school youth and
teens that have a physical disability. This program focuses on sport
development and participation while interacting with peers and goal
setting.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: April 13—June 9 (Monday and Wednesday)
during the CMS school year
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Fee: $40 per week (pre-registration is required)
Contact: Jana McMullen, jana.mcmullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Fuel for Life
for young men ages 16 and older with disabilities
Come hang out with the guys, fuel your body with a good dinner, and
fuel your life with good conversation. Fuel for Life provides the
opportunity for young men to talk about and gain support for issues
they’re facing in their lives. Each month we will host guest speakers and
discuss different topics such as employment and job skills, relationships,
life goals and values, and other topics that are important to you.
Location: Donato’s/Bojangle’s Cafeteria, 6555 Morrison Boulevard
Dates: April 12 (Monday)
Time: 6:00 PM—7:30 PM
Fee: $10.00 per meeting (does not include dinner)
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Teen Programs

Teen Time
for teens ages 13—15 with AD/HD or LD
This is a NEW seasonal weekend enrichment program. The goal is to
strengthen and improve the participant’s personal growth. Some of the
activities will include team building, communication, problem solving,
group initiatives, challenge activities, cooperative games, and trust
building. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Location: Tom Sykes Recreation Center Gym, 1501 Euclid Ave
Dates: April 10 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fee: $15.00 per date
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Spill Your Beans
for young women ages 16 and older with disabilities
Welcome to a super-charged ladies night! Spill Your Beans provides the
opportunity for young women to talk about and gain support for issues
they are facing in their lives, such as health and safety, independent
living, relationships, friendships, and self-esteem. Participants will have
the opportunity to choose the topics to learn about. Each month we
will host a guest speaker or lead a discussion about the issues that are
important to you.
Location: Caribou Coffee, 4327 Park Road (Park Road Shopping Ctr.)
Dates: April 19 (Monday)
Time: 6:00 PM—7:30 PM
Fee: $10.00 per meeting
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Y-Lites
for young adults, ages 18 -35 with disabilities
If you enjoy having fun and socializing with your friends, this is the group
for you. We will participate in leisure activities while socializing with your
friends. We will also learn some valuable life skills.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: April 3 (Saturday) - Reed’s Gold Mine
Time: 12:30 PM—3:30 PM
Date: April 17 (Saturday) - Charlotte Walking Tour
Young Adult Programs

Time: 12:30 PM—3:30 PM

Fee: $15.00 per person (bring money for snacks or lunch/dinner)
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Young Adult Day Program

for young adults, ages 18—35, with disabilities
WELCOME Young Adults who have a disability and want to enrich their
lives through personal growth, service learning and community
involvement. This program will enhance and support daily skill
Development in interpersonal relationships, etiquette, personal safety and
appropriate social/personal boundaries.
Location: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Date: April 1—April 29 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Time: 1:00 PM—5:00 PM
Fee: $15.00 per date or $30.00 weekly
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 STAR Bowlers
for adults, ages 18 and older with disabilities
Star Bowlers is a weekly program designed to improve recreation
participation and awareness of various recreation opportunities, as well as,
promote social connections and fun.
Location: George Pappas’ Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive
Dates: April 13, 20, and 27(Tuesdays)
Time: 10:30 AM—12:30 PM
Fee: $8.00 per date
Contact: Vernice Gallon, vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Pre-registration Required

Therapeutic Recreation Adult Community Enrichment Services (TRACES)

A day program for adults and seniors with disabilities
Adult Programs

Activities offered through the TRACES program address a variety of leisure

and life skill goals, including but not limited to: improvement of physical
well-being; enhancement of gross- and fine-motor skills; improvement of
social skills; development of creativity and leisure interests; increased
awareness of the community and the environment; and increased confidence
and self-esteem. Participants may register for one class, or for many!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: March 29—May 28, 2010 (M, T, W, Th, F)
Times: Cooking & Kitchen Skills: 10:00—Noon (Mondays)
Gardening: 10:00—Noon (Wed. OR Friday)
Creative Arts: 12:30—1:30 (Monday and Wednesday)
Dance & Fitness: 1:30—2:30 (Monday and Wednesday)
Music: 12:30—1:30 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Leisure Sports & Games: 1:30—2:30 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Fee: $90.00 for 9-week session of each class
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: March 24
 Therapeutic Recreation Section Staff

Karla Gray Karla.Gray@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4322

Kerri Good Kerri.Good@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4323

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists

Angela Conti Angela.Conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4329

Vernice Gallon Vernice.Gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4327

Karen Howard Karen.Howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4325

Margot Howell Margot.Howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4328

Jana McMullen Jana.McMullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4330

Karen Noel Karen. Noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4326

Peggy Walker Peggy.Walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4331

Park and Recreation Department Mission Statement:

To enrich the lives of our citizens through the stewardship of the
County’s natural resources and the efficient and responsive provision
of quality leisure opportunities, experiences, and partnerships.
Therapeutic Recreation Section Mission Statement:
To provide therapeutic recreation services for individuals who have disabilities
that focus on abilities, rather than disabilities and encourage people to attain
their highest level of independent leisure functioning by increasing leisure skills,
improving social and communication skills, increasing independent living skills
and increasing their awareness of and involvement in community recreational
activities; to advocate for and ensure inclusive opportunities in all program
services; to act as advocates for individuals with disabilities by promoting
accessibility at all Department parks, facilities, programs, special events and
classes.