FUN IN THE SUN: ENSURING A WELL-PLANNED SUMMER OF ACTIVITIES
1. PLAN A PICNIC
Pack up some of their favorite snacks, games, a portable music player, and a fun blanket, and head off to a nearby park for a picnic and people-watching! If the park is overly stimulated or too crowded — host a picnic in your backyard.
2. TIE DYE T-SHIRTS
Take their old white shirts that lost their luster and transform them into groovy tie-dye pieces. Watch as your family members and clients experiment with color and see their eyes light up when they receive their finished product.
3. WATER PLAY ALL DAY
Turn on your sprinklers, blow up a small pool, or fill up some water balloons! Challenge them to hit a certain target with their water balloons, and watch as they develop their gross motor skills from the various physical activities and exercises in spatial awareness.
4. GROW IN THE GARDEN
Plant some seeds in your community garden — or at home. It will be an exercise in sensory development as they work with their hands testing soil, pruning unwanted growth, and managing the produce grown.
5. POP OPEN THE PAINT
Set up some water color or acrylic paint and offer your family member or clients coloring sheets to paint. If they are not afraid to get messy, finger painting is a wonderful exercise (especially for those with cerebral palsy), as they can practice using muscles in their hands, fingers and arms!
6. MASTER A NEW RECIPE
Prepare your favorite meal together while teaching the basics of meal preparation. They will experience hands-on, how to properly wash, cut, portion, and prepare their food — unleashing a new found appreciation for meal time!
7. CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Head over to the library to see what's new on the shelves. Be sure to check online to see if they scheduled any special performers or classes your family member or clients may enjoy!
8. HEAD TO THE BOWLING ALLEY
On a blazing hot day, seek the AC at your local bowling alley. Depending on their response, the bowling alley has a variety of stimulants to keep everyone engaged. Plus, many bowling alleys offer lifted gutters and adaptable equipment to ensure everyone leaves with the satisfaction that they knocked down a few pins!
9. VISIT YOUR COUNTY ZOO
Discover a new species and make some animal friends at your local zoo, while exercising sensory development. When you arrive make sure to visit with guest services and discuss your family member or client's needs, and explore what options they have for wheelchair users and assistive technology, like headsets or apps.
10. SEEK OUT A SOCIAL GROUP
Many inclusive states offer classes, social skills groups, and enrichment programs. These groups provide structure, support, and judgment-free environments where children and adults with a range of abilities can grow and learn, while having fun together with likeminded peers.
Every family member and client with special needs has their own individual likes, dislikes, and fears. Activities that include tactile and sensory exercises can help with cognitive development and fine motor skills. Making accommodations to the opportunities listed above will ensure a well-planned summer of fun for all involved. •
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Boyajian is a thought leader whose work intersects between human services, community impact, and social welfare. A graduate of Rutgers University, with a Master's Degree in Public Administration focused in Non-Profit Performance Management, Elizabeth is passionate about defining public problems and developing creative solutions. As the Director of Development at Spectrum for Living, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive care to adults with developmental disabilities across Northern and Central New Jersey, Elizabeth oversees all fundraising and marketing initiatives. In her spare time she volunteers at the Bergen County Animal Shelter and serves on the Bergen County Human Services Advisory Committee.