Recreation & Leisure

Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)

Therapeutic Recreation Programs
The Special Programs Division offers a comprehensive social and recreational program for people with disabilities of all ages and abilities. The programs facilitate the development of leisure and recreation skills, socialization, independence, and overall enhancement of the quality of life. Programs are highly structured utilizing trained staff, adaptive equipment and activities accompanied by a high staff/participant ratio.

Programs include Kids’ Care After School Programs, Leisure Skills Development Program, summer day camps, teen and adult social clubs, special events, outdoor programs, and seasonal skill development classes.

Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Program registration closes two weeks prior to the start date of the program. Call the Special Programs Division Office at 301-454-1480.

Inclusion Services
M-NCPPC has thousands of activities planned for Prince George’s County residents! Classes are offered in aquatics, computer skills, crafts and hobbies, sports, visual arts and much more. For a complete listing of activities go to: www.pgparks.com. M-NCPPC encourages and supports the full participation of people with disabilities in all programs and services alongside their peers without disabilities. Accommodation Services include, but are not limited to, use of companions, the provision of support staff to enhance the staff/participant ratio, sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and adapted equipment. To request a disability accommodation, please notify the specific facility where the program is provided at least two weeks in advance of the program start date.

For Information on inclusion services and disability accommodation, call your area office:

Northern Area: 301-445-4500
Central Area: 301-218-6700
Southern Area: 301-203-6000
Information in Spanish: 301-445-4509

Special Olympics Maryland
513 Progressive Drive, Suite P
Linthicum, MD 21090
410-789-6677
800-541-7544
www.somd.org

In Prince George’s County contact:
Trish Miles at patricia.miles@pgcps.org
Martin Lampe at martin.lampe@nrl.navy.mil
Bob Janus at 301-808-4087 or
Dave Gill at 301-253-4758
www.eteamz.com/somdpgc/
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with developmental disabilities.
Click here to download the athlete application.

Maryland Danceability Special Needs Performing Arts
1711 Poplar Place Dundalk Md. 21222
Specialneedkids@gmail.com
www.danceability.webs.com

Maryland Danceability was founded with the vision that people of all abilities have the right to dance, move, and shake. Classes are open to all ages.

Summer Camp Guide

The Arc of Prince George’s County offers the Summer Camp Guide, a directory of day and overnight camps and vacation planning for children and adults with special needs.

Camps and Vacation Options Melwood’s Camp Accomplish offers a summer sleep away camp for children and teens with and without disabilities.

Melwood also offers supported vacations throughout the year through their Access Adventure program. Call Melwood at 301-599-8000 or www.melwood.com for more information.

Trips, Inc offers travel vacations throughout the U.S. and internationally to people of various abilities in a safe, respectful and fun atmosphere. Visit http://tripsinc.com/ or call 1-800-686-1013 for more information.

Joni and Friends offer 5-day family retreats at multiple locations around the U.S. The retreats are just for families of disabled children. Visit www.joniandfriends.org for more information on this summer program.

The League for People with Disabilities offers year-round camping weekends. Visit www.leagueforpeople.org for more information, or call 410-323-0500.

Local Recreation and Leisure Activities

Downtown Sailing Center is a non-profit outreach organization whose mission is to make the joy of sailing accessible to everyone, regardless of age, income, ability or disability. We offer free or affordable access to quality sailing programs and events without the cost of private ownership or boat maintenance. Visit www.downtownsailing.org for more information.

CLEMYJONTRI Park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. It is a playground where every child is welcome. Children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri for more information.

ManeStream Therapeutic Riding Program is an exciting program headed by seasoned NARHA-certified instructors at the lovely, family-owned Merkel Farm in Bowie, MD. The program offers riding lessons to children and adults with cognitive, mental and/or physical disabilities. For more information, contact Amy Wilcox at 703-431-0564 or ames610@gmail.com, or Laurie Bay at 410-322-2993 or lauriebay@msn.com.

Kennedy Krieger offers two year-round recreational programs for children and youth: Bennett Blazers Physically Challenged Sports Program is offered to children 2-19 years old who cognitively function at their age level and use a manual or motorized wheelchair. Children who are ambulatory and use assistive devices also participate in this program. The Motor Development Program is designed to focus on improving fine and gross motor skills for children 2-6 years old. Swimming instruction in a therapeutic pool is part of this program. For more information: Contact Gwena Herman at 443-923-7845 or email: hermangw@kennedykrieger.org

Wish-A-Fish provides a respite day of fishing for the entire family. The event is free to families of children with disabilities and chronic illness. Call 410-551-5024
or visit the website at: www.wish-a-fish.org

Vacation Scholarship Programs

The Sarah Petit Fund

Established in memory of Sarah Ellen Petit, and administered and supported by The Arc of Prince George’s County, this grant supplements recreational and travel expenses for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of this program is to foster the growth of friendships, meaningful community relationships, and joy in living for as many people in as many different life situations as possible. The grant is awarded in amounts of up to $300. Eligibility requirements include the presence of a developmental disability and either ongoing participation in programs and services of The Arc, or membership in The Arc. Email spetitfund@thearcofpgc.org for more information. Click here to download an application.

Hammer Travel offers a variety of travel opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Destinations are exciting and unique, and have an experienced and well-trained team to accompany each group, ensuring a safe, fun and memorable travel experience. Visit www.hammertravel.org for more information.