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Directors Message
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life
that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
We’re looking forward to a very special summer at Handi Kids. In addition to our popular “I Can, I Will” Summer Camp and our summer Therapeutic Riding, we are introducing the new six week “Camp Connect” program specifically designed for children with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Developed in consultation with Mass General Hospital Youth Care, this exciting new program will help fill a significant need in our area.
The highly qualified Handi Kids team is responsible for the care, development and enjoyment of more than 450 children with disabilities this summer alone.
Linda Locurto, our Summer Camp Director, is an Occupational Therapist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with the Brockton School Systems. In addition she has been providing Hippotherapy at our Riding Center for some time now. Linda’s energy, knowledge and warm personality will provide great leadership and expertise. Caitlin Turner, our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will be leading Camp Connect and helping to direct the activities for the entire camp. Stacey Fulkerson will be joining the staff this summer as our Activities Director. Also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Stacey will be completing her Masters Degree in May of 2009 as an Occupational therapist. In addition her Low Ropes Challenge Course Certification will be put to good use with our new Challenge Course. Her role will also supervise all of the activity leaders and lifeguards, helping to ensure that every activity will provide maximum benefit to each child.
This year, training for summer counselor staff is packed with insightful information, including topics such as Sensory Issues and Strategies, Behavior Management and Support, and Transitions. Staff members will complete the week with solid skills, feeling prepared and excited for camp.
Our beautiful campus will have several new additions this year, including the official opening of our new water playground. With seven different spray features, it’s sure to provide hours of “cool” fun. Located next to the water playground will be a new 27-foot above ground pool, adding a secondary swimming location for the children. Completing our new “Water World” is a small water slide.
Since completion of construction this spring, our new Low Ropes Challenge Course now offers five different elements at various locations around the camp. Each provides a variety of challenges and team building opportunities to build teamwork, communication and social skills, while supporting increased gross and fine motor control.
Thanks to the generosity of a grant sponsored by the American Dermatology Association and Johnson & Johnson, we look forward to the addition of a twenty foot shade structure. With plans for construction near the current pavilion and “Water World”, much needed shade in the center of the campus will be provided.
Another major facility improvement will be provided through the generosity of U.S. Sealcoat, an organization that generously agreed to sealcoat the entire property and re-stripe our parking lot. Our well used driveways will have a fresh new look for the summer and will be a stunning finishing touch to our beautiful campus.
Although Handi Kids has long enjoyed a reputation for quality therapeutic recreation, we have begun to be a referral provider for families from institutions such as Children’s Hospital Boston and Mass General Hospital.
If you have not visited during our busy summer camp season, we invite you to do so. There is nothing better than hundreds of children laughing and enjoying friendships on a beautiful summer day at a beautiful and special place.
