Child and Youth Programs
It's the start of another 'ground breaking' year! Perhaps you're a family whose been with us for years or you're a new family on 'our block'. Regardless, we want to convey that it's our priviledge, purpose and joy to partner with you for accessing needed support services for your kids and youth. Whether it's through Break Away, Teens Advance, Fitness Zone - SWIM, March Break Mini Camp, Blaze Summer Camp or connecting you to another suitable service, our over-riding committment to you can be summed up in care, support and hope for the chapter ahead.
2010/2011 Highlights -
- the 2010 Tutoring 121 program serviced 14 elementary students from the Scugog and Uxbridge areas. Now in 2011, we have 13 students, and have expanded to full capacity in our Scugog location.
- the Teens Advance initiative picked up momentum through the course of two eight-week sessions (spring and fall 2010). By the close of the year, the group was 7 members strong. The weekly gatherings were designed to promote the values of 'respect' and 'responsibility'. Our teens enjoyed weekly highlights together - including a working tour of a local farm, cooking and baking to create a meal for shut-ins, participation in the Port Perry Santa Claus Parade with consistent program elements of social and life skill support, physical activity, growing friendships and lots of FUN in the mix. The Spring Session begins again on Mar. 26
- Fitness Zone - SWIM was filled to capacity in both our Winter and Fall sessions. We are thankful for our growing partnership with the Township of Uxbridge and we appreciated the retrofits to the UxPool facility very much this past season. We are exploring the opportunity to facilitate an additional swim group for the fall of 2011 - for kids and youth with physical disabilities.
- Blaze Summer Camp - our most intensive support initiative welcomed 41 campers again! As we look ahead to Blaze 2011, we are thrilled to share that plans are underway for the installation of a sensory adapted recreation space geared specifically for youth affected by autism as well as a fitness circuit to promote mobility, agility, balance and physical activity for youth-age kids with various other disabilities. Very exciting!
Precious Minds gratefully acknowledges the ongoing and generous support of many 'friends of the Centre' - volunteers (students, home-makers and retirees), community groups, churches and corporate groups who give of their time, expertise and finances to further our impact - thank you for PARTNERING.
Supporting families well is our priority! Whether your child's need is temporary or longer term, we are positioned to help in many ways, including:
We welcome your enquiries and thank you again for the opportunity to provide family support,
Sandy Ianuzzo
Tel. (905) 982-0882, ext. 1 / Email sianuzzo@preciousminds.com
Break Away
This Saturday afternoon respite program for kids and youth with developmental disabilities, is a creatively structured, theme-based program emphasizing FUN. It includes elements of social skills building, fitness, art, music, healthy eating and play while providing caregivers with a regular window to ‘break away’.
Dates: Saturday afternoons, October 15 - December 3
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Location: Precious Minds Resource & Learning Centre
Cost: 8 weeks -- $25/day or $160/8-week session.
Generously sponsored by United Way of Durham Region and Unity for Autism
Teens Advance
This social support opportunity for teens (Asperger’s, high-functioning autism, learning disabilities) is designed to be FUN, interactive and effective in helping teens transition to young adulthood. Program goals remain oriented to promoting independence, exercise and healthy eating, good hygiene, current styles, exploring aspects of leadership, volunteerism, honing interests and strengths with a view to contributing positively in life at home, school and in the community.
Dates: Saturday afternoons, October 15 - December 3
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Location: Precious Minds Resource & Learning Centre AND various off-site venues
Cost: $30/afternoon or $200 per 8-week session (includes $5/week for food).
Generously sponsored by Township of Scugog
Fitness Zone -- SWIM
With a focus on water safety, level-appropriate instruction and lots of fun, these sessions are a proven life and social skill building opportunity for youth with various disabilities. Classes are led by Beth McClelland, Red Cross Instructor and affiliate of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre and participants are partnered with high school peers. Register early to avoid disappointment!
SWIM Uxbridge
Dates: Thursday after school, October 13 - December 1
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Uxpool, Parkside Drive, Uxbridge
Cost: $160.00/session
Generously sponsored by Township of Uxbridge & General Mills
March Break Mini Camp
This 3 day camp for kids and youth with developmental disabilities is structured with an emphasis on FUN. It includes elements of social skills building, fitness, art, music, healthy eating and play. A great test ground for potential Blaze Summer Camp 2012 participants.
Dates: to be confirmed
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Precious Minds Resource & Learning Centre
Cost: $50/day
BLAZE Summer Camps - coming again in 2012
Carefully designed for kids (ages 5-12) and youth (ages 13-18+) with developmental disabilities.
With memories of the best camper smiles, laying hens, the genuine Bugs Bunny, farm fresh produce, water days and drumming, we are pleased to announce a new camp season. Our camp program goals for your kids stand:
- To provide a FUN, unique summer camp adventure
- To support ongoing growth of each camper's full potential by facilitating an environment of safety where your kids can feel "at home" and thrive in the company of new friends and supportive staff. Programs focus on social & life skills, healthy nutrition habits and improved physical fitness.
- Respite care for the whole family unit
Exploring Leadership Modules:
These are co-ed sessions for youth ages 13-18 with Asperger's, HF autism and learning disabilities. This year we are pleased to offer new 2-week sessions, with a maximum group size of 6. This includes a "town day" and 1 out-trip with lunch included.
For more information please call Sandy Ianuzzo at the Resource & Learning Centre at (905) 982-0882.
REGISTRATION:
To register for any of these programs, please contact: Sandy Ianuzzo, Family Support – Child & Youth Programming Coordinator
Tel. (905) 982-0882, ext. 1 Email: Sandy Ianuzzo
