Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Therapeutic Recreation Section Young Athletes Field Day

Contact Information for children ages 2– 7, with disabilities
Karla Gray Queens Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park
TR Senior Manager May 7 (Saturday)
Karla.Gray@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4322
10:00 am to 1:00 pm (drop-in event)
Free—registration required
Megan Hotze Angela.Conti@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
TR Specialist
Megan.Hotze@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4326
The 2011 second annual Field Day will be the finale of the
in-school Young Athletes program offered by Mecklenburg
Karen Howard
TR Specialist County Park and Recreation in partnership with Special
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Olympics North Carolina. Students participating in the in-
704.432.4325
school program can showcase their skills, and new
Margot Howell
TR Specialist participants can learn all about the program. Participants
Margot.Howell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4328
will work their way around various skill stations including
agility, balance, running, batting, relays, kicking and more!
Ariel Kliem
TR Specialist Other fun activities will include inflatables, bubbles, and
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov music!
704.432.4327
Jana McMullen
TR Specialist
Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4330
Angela Tate
TR Specialist
Angela.Conti@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4329
Peggy Walker
TR Specialist
Peggy.Walker@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
704.432.4331

Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Table of Contents
Programs by Age Group Programs by Category
Page Page

Preschool 1, 9 Sports
Young Athletes Field Day 1
Youth 1, 9
Teen 3 - 10 Enrichment
Young Adult 3 - 10 Young Adult Day Program 5
Adult 3 - 10 Young Adult Spring Fling 7
Seniors 5-8 Weekend Adventures 5
Parents & Caregivers 8 –10 Super Saturday Chefs 6
Clubs & Socials
Supper Club 3
TR Dance 3
Fuel for Life 4
Spill Your Beans 4
Y-LITES 4
VIP Travel Club 5
Community
Garden 2 You Programs 7
Paralympic Swim Club 8
Summit 8
TR Summer Day Camps 9-10

22 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Teen & Adult Programs
Supper Club
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
May 13 (Friday) - Red, White and Blue
6:00 - 7:00 pm
$7.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Deadline: 1 week before each program
date - NO EXCEPTIONS!
Be part of a favorite tradition by spending an
evening out with your friends! We will enjoy
a healthy meal before each TR Section
Dance...sign up today!

TR Dance
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
May 13 (Friday) - Red, White and Blue
7:00 - 9:00 pm
$8.00
TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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.

33 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Teen & Young Adult Programs
Fuel for Life
for young men, ages 16 and up, with disabilities
Donato’s / Bojangles Cafeteria
6555 Morrison Boulevard
May 9 (Monday)
6:00 - 7:30 pm
$10.00 (does not include the cost of dinner)
Angela.Conti@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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 Spill Your Beans
for young women, ages 16 and up,
and discuss different topics, such as
with disabilities
employment and job skills, relationships, life Caribou Coffee, 4327 Park Road
goals and values, and other topics that are im- May 16 (Monday)
portant to you. 6:00 - 7:30 pm
$10.00 (does not include the cost of dinner)
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Peggy.Walker@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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’re facing in their lives, such as
health & safety, independent living,
relationships, friendships, and self-esteem.
Each month we will host a guest speaker or
lead a discussion about these issues that are
important to you.

44 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Young Adult & Adult Programs
Young Adult Day Program VIP Travel Club
for young adults ages 18-35, with disabilities
for adults & seniors, ages 35 and up, with a
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center visual impairment
800 E. MLK Jr. Boulevard Pick Up / Drop Off Locations:
May 3—12 (Tuesday/Thursday) Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola
1:00 - 5:00 pm Road
$15.00 per date or $30.00 weekly Metrolina Assoc for the Blind (MAB),
Peggy.Walker@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 704 Louise Avenue
May 17 (Tuesday) - Dan Nicholas Park
Welcome Young Adults who have a disability Pick Up: MDRC 9:00 am, MAB 9:30 am
and want to enrich their lives through Drop Off: MAB 3:30 pm, MDRC 4:00 pm
personal growth, service learning, and com- $15.00
munity involvement. This program will Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
enhance and support daily skill development Deadline: 3 business days before program
in interpersonal relationships, etiquette,
personal safety and appropriate social/ Enjoy a social day with friends, while build-
personal boundaries. ing independence in the community. Learn
about historical, educational and recreational
Weekend Adventures attractions in the Charlotte area - please bring
for teens and young adults, ages 13-30, with money for lunch.
disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
May 20—22 (Friday—Saturday)
5:00 pm (Fri..) - 5:00 pm (Sun.)
$100.00
Margot.Howell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Tent camping at McDowell Nature Preserve,
hiking, kayaking, geocaching, camp cooking,
day trips to State Parks and nature
exploration.

55 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Young Adult & Adult Programs
Y-LITES
for young adults, ages 18-35, with disabilities
Group departs from
Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
May 6 (Friday) - South Park Mall
6:00 - 9:00 pm
May 21 (Saturday) - UNC Botanical Gardens
12:00 pm—2:30 pm
$15.00 (does not include cost of meals/snacks)
Peggy.Walker@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
If you enjoy having fun and socializing with
your friends, this is the group for you. We
will participate in leisure activities while so-
cializing with our friends. We will also learn
some valuable life skills. Super Saturday Chefs
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec. Center,2219 Tyvola Road
May 14 (Saturday) - Short Order Cooks
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Deadline: 3 business days before program
Teaching great cooking...one Saturday at a time!
Join us for instructional cooking class with a
―side order‖ of fun and conversation! Each 1-day
class has a different focus—in addition to learn-
ing or improving basic cooking skills, partici-
pants will learn about kitchen safety and hygiene;
making healthy food choices; and proper food
handling and storage practices.

66 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

Young Adult & Adult Programs
Young Adult Spring Fling Garden 2 You Classes
for young adults, ages 18-35, with disabilities for adults and seniors with health issues or a
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center disability
May 16, 17, 18 and 20 Marion Diehl Recreation Center – Kitchen
May 23, 24, 25 and 27 May 10 and 24 (Tuesdays)
May 31, June 1 and 3 10:00 am– Noon
8:00 am—4:00 pm Free
$85.00 first 2 weeks/$65.00 week 3 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Peggy.Walker@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
These new classes are offered in partnership
The Young Adult Spring Fling will be three with NC Cooperative Extension, and include
weeks of activities, educational instruction, information about healthy eating on a budget;
outings, and fun. Participants will have the creative recipes for people on a special diet;
opportunity to go swimming, socialize in the and much more. Come and learn how to find,
community, engage in instruction, and meet preserve and use locally-grown food, and eat
new friends all while having the supervision healthy!
of a CTRS.
Garden 2 You Farmer’s Market
Marion Diehl Recreation Center – Patio and
Kitchen
May 27 (Friday)
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Free to attend;
inquire about booth rental to sell produce
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Come out to a new, one-of-a-kind farmers

market! Vegetables, herbs and plants will be
available for purchase, to benefit the Thera-
peutic Recreation Summer Camp scholarship
fund. Produce and plants will be grown by the
Gifted Gardeners TR horticulture class, and
donated by local gardeners. The Garden 2
You market is a great place to find the fresh-
est local food, in your neighborhood!
77 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011
Community
Paralympic Swim Club
for youth and adults, ages 12 and up, with
physical and visual disabilities
Marion Diehl Rec. Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
May 4—25 (Wednesdays)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
$25.00
Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Paralympic swim club offers a unique social

setting to learn, develop & improve swim
skills.

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
gives 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.
Donato’s / Bojangles Cafeteria
6555 Morrison Boulevard
May 3 (Tuesday)
6:00 - 7:00 pm
FREE! - group members may purchase food
individually if desired
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

88 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011

TR Summer Day Camps
PRE-SCHOOL (ages 2-6):
Imagination Station: for pre-school, ages 2-6 with
disabilities
All aboard! Spend you summer on the Discovery Train
exploring yourself and the world around you. Camp will
allow for curious discovery through science, art, health,
music, friendships, sports, and games. Each week the Dis-
covery Train will travel to a different place, such as Ani-
mal World, Health Island, and Helping Hands Blvd.
Imagination Station is a great opportunity to introduce
children to a group recreation setting or allow for contin-
ued interaction with their peers during the summer
months. There’s no doubt, kids will enjoy this camp that
encourages non-stop fun and imagination!
Location: Tom Sykes Recreation Center, 1501 Euclid
Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Angela Tate at 704-432-4329 or
Angela.Conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
YOUTH (ages 6-12):
Natural Wonders: for youth, ages 6-9 with disabilities
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 friend-
ship. They will participate in group play, fitness, sports,
music, art and be involved in camp field trips.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Megan Hotze at 704-432-4326 or
Megan.Hotze@mecklenburgcountync.gov
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Summer Express: for youth, ages 6-10
with disabilities
Climb aboard the ―Summer Express‖! This camp is
designed for children who are at their best in a small
group setting. Our travels will take us to Summer Fun
Depot, Art-full City, Great Outdoors Center, Musical
Mountain, Stars & Stripes Station, Olympic Kids Peak,
and other exciting destinations! Camp activities will also
include water play, group games, arts & crafts, gardening
activities, playground time, field trips and more.
Location: Tom Sykes Recreation Center, 1501 Euclid
Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Karen Howard at 704-432-4325 or
Karen.Howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
World of Wonders: for youth, ages 10-12 with
disabilities
Children will learn about nature and environmental
stewardship through hands-on educational activities,
stories, music, art and craft activities, skits and games.
We’ll take time for fun, summer-time activities, too,
including swimming, homemade ice cream, picnics and
outdoor play! Learn about plants, trees, the seasons,
nsects, spiders, birds, bats and more!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Ariel Kliem at 704-432-4327 or
Ariel.Kliem@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011
TR Summer Day Camps
TEENS (ages 13-21):

Teen Scene I: for teens, ages 13-21 with disabilities

Teen Scene is an eight-week summer day camp for teens
ages 13-21 with disabilities. This camp will feature
weekly themes and activities. Campers will participate in
sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music and art therapy,
cooperative games, guest speakers and a weekly field trip.
Location: Elon Recreation Center, 11401 Ardrey Kell
Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Jana McMullen at 704-432-4330 or
Jana.McMullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Teen Scene II: for teens, ages 13-21 with disabilities

Teen Scene is an eight-week summer day camp for teens
ages 13-21 with disabilities. This camp will feature
weekly themes and activities. Campers will participate in
sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music and art therapy,
cooperative games, guest speakers and a weekly field trip.
Location: Ivory Baker Recreation Center
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Margot Howell at 704-432-4328 or
Margot.Howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
YOUNG ADULTS (ages 22-35):
TRue (TR uptown experience): for young adults
ages 22-35 with disabilities
The TR Uptown Experience will mix fun summer activi-
ties with important life skills. This camp will focus on
various activities such as swimming, field trips, sports,
crafts and more. It will also give participants an opportu-
nity to work on independent living skills such as utilizing
public transportation, improving money management
skills and practicing appropriate social skills while utiliz-
ing the Light Rail, Goldrush and CATS bus system.
Location: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202
Fee: $100.00 per week
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: Peggy Walker at 704-432-4331 or
Peggy.Walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

1010 Therapeutic Recreation Wire - May 2011