Frederick County Parks and Recreation offers Adaptive Recreation (AIR) programs designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, developmental differences, and/ or higher support needs as well as emphasize participants’ unique abilities.
Programs utilize trained staff and higher staff/participant ratios in addition to adapted spaces, materials, and content to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in various recreation activities.
BASKETBALL BASICS - ADAPTIVE BASKETBALL CLINIC
Basketball Basics will provide individuals with physical and developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball, including the rules, foundational skills, and game play all while enjoying non-competitive games and drills. Essential Eligibility Criteria: Program levels 1-3. Participants must be able to provide self care independently, with verbal cues, or with the assistance of a parent/guardian/caregiver who is onsite and be able to function in a group with an instructor-participant ratio of 1:3. Participants must also be able to navigate the program terrain, including hard surfaces and flat terrain independently or with the assistance of a parent/guardian/caregiver who is onsite. Participants must be able to follow two-step directions as well as express wants, needs, and desires verbally, with communication device, or with ASL. Participants will stay with group with continuous supervision. Goals: To increase coordination, body awareness, physical activity, and athletic skill, and to improve sportsmanship. 5 week session.
ROCK CREEK REC CENTER
Let’s have some rompin’ stompin’ fun! This is a program for toddlers with sensory and developmental differences. We will have structured sensory experiences and free play. This is a parent and child program. Program Levels: 1 - 2. Goals: To improve motor skills, executive planning, and creativity.
SCOTT
Beat that afternoon exhaustion by moovin’ and groovin’ with us as we learn some of the classic party/line dances!Goals: To increase physical activity and improve flexibility and range of motion. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 staff to participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently. 3 week session.
SCOTT KEY COMMUNITY CENTER
18+ yrs
BY DANCE SOLUTIONS
Dance movement classes for kids ages 8 to 12 that caters to kids with special needs. This class will focus on movements that helps support and reinforce what a child learns from therapy. Personal aids are welcomed and encouraged to attend with the student at no additional cost. 8 week session.
SUGARLOAF REC CENTER
This icon denotes programs that are designed for participants with disabilities, developmental differences, or higher support needs.
BINGO NIGHT!
Come join us for a fun night of BINGO and for a chance to win a variety of prizes!This event is geared specifically to individuals with special needs. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 staff to participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently. Goals: To improve social skills and promote community engagement SCOTT
ADAPTIVE OPEN GYM
Families of children with special needs or disabilities are invited to come enjoy an open gym at Rock Creek Rec Center. Come move, play, and explore! Select sports equipment will be provided. No formal instruction will be provided. Participants under 18 must be supervised by a parent/guardian/caregiver over the age of 18. Siblings are welcome at no additional cost. No personal care will be provided. Aids/caregivers/guardians welcome at no additional cost. Essential Eligibility Criteria: Program levels 1-4 Goals: To increase coordination, body awareness, gross motor skills, and physical activity
Cure that mid-day slump and come out and be active for our Adult Adaptive Sports Clinic. We will explore the world of sports by learning the basics of a new sport every week. The class allows individuals to enjoy a team atmosphere, while completing drills and activities at one’s own speed and ability. Goals: To increase strength and improve gross motor skills, athletic ability, and social skill in an encouraging team environment. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with verbal direction or with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently.
SCOTT
Start your week off right and come join us to meet up with peers for a stroll around the walking paths located at different Frederick County Parks. Exercise, socialize and enjoy the great outdoors. If you wish to register for the full series of all (4) walks, use #28714 for a reduced registration fee. Goals:- Increase level of endurance and develop skills for walking for health- Increase socialization. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-3. Participants must be able to provide personal care with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite. Participants must also be able to navigate hard, uneven terrain with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite. Participants will stay with group with continuous supervision.
EMPOWERED GYMNASTICS - ADAPTIVE GYMNASTICS
Empowered Gymnastics will teach children with physical and development disabilities, delays, or differences the basics of gymnastics. We will use lower level apparatuses to grow the students’ comfort levels and focus on starting positions and basic skills. Each class we will start with a warm up, then move to stretching, structured activities, and a game or group play at the end. Goals: To increase strength, improve coordination, and develop a basic knowledge of gymnastics. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with verbal direction or with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage uneven terrain independently. 8 week session.
ADAPTIVE MARTIAL ARTS FUNDAMENTALS
This class will provide individuals with physical and developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of martial arts, including stances, blocking, striking, and kicking and allow them to focus on individual skills in a team environment. Essential Eligibility Criteria: Program levels 1 & 2. Participants must be able to provide personal care independently or with verbal direction, follow two-step directions independently, and fully participate in activity with a 1:5 participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently. Goals: To improve attention, motor, and sensory skills and build self confidence. 5 week session.
SCOTT
SOCCER STARS - ADAPTIVE SOCCER
Soccer Stars will provide individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, delays, or differences the structure to learn the fundamentals of soccer, including basic skills, game scenarios, and rules, while enjoying a team atmosphere and completing drills and activities at one’s own pace. Goals: To increase strength and improve gross motor skills, athletic ability, and social skill in an encouraging team environment. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with verbal direction or with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently. 8 week session.
TEE BALL BASICS - ADAPTIVE TEE BALL
Tee Ball Basics will provide individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, delays, or differences the structure to learn the fundamentals of tee ball including basic skills, game scenarios, and rules, while enjoying a team atmosphere and completing drills and activities at one's own pace. Goals: To increase strength and improve gross motor skills, athletic ability, and social skill in an encouraging team environment. Essential Eligibility: Program Levels 1-2. Participants must be able to provide personal care with verbal direction or with the assistance of a caregiver who is onsite, follow two-step directions, and fully participate in activity with a 1:8 participant ratio. Participants are able to convey feelings, desires, and needs verbally, with ASL, or with picture cues/communication device. Participants will stay with the group with the help of verbal prompts and can manage flat terrain independently. 8 week session.
This icon denotes programs that are designed for participants with disabilities, developmental differences, or higher support needs.
This program is designed for people ages 16+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Must register for EACH program you wish to attend.
April 20 | Fitness Class
6:30-8:30 pm activity #29026
June 1 | Interactive Drum Circle
6:30-8:30 pm activity #29029
July 28 | Spongebob the Musical 6:30-8:30 pm activity #29033
Inclusion within Frederick County Parks and Recreation means that individuals who have disabilities or need additional support are welcome to participate in the same recreation programs and activities alongside their peers without disabilities. Inclusive opportunities are supported through reasonable accommodations, or disability modifications, with support from our AIR Team. Reasonable Accommodations are based on each individual’s abilities and needs.
Accommodations that may be available to promote successful participation in programs include: inclusion support staff, use of companions, ASL interpreters, communication visuals, additional training for program staff, adaptive equipment or supplies, activity modifications that do not change the nature of the program or activity, and individualized strategies for success.
The same minimum requirements that apply to a person without a disability also apply to a person with a disability. These include:
• Meeting the program’s age and registration requirements;
• Following the rules of conduct (with or without reasonable accommodations);
• Voluntary participation (Note: Recreation programs and activities are voluntary in nature. Participation will be encouraged and aided, but not forced.);
• Meeting necessary level of participation with or without reasonable accommodations (participant will engage in scheduled activities for the majority of the program time);
• Ability to use a consistent form of communication to indicate basic needs and follow simple directions; and
• Ability to function, with assistance, as a member of a group of 12 or more people.
Inclusion services do not include the following:
• Being in a separate area or participating in alternate activities for the majority of the program.
• Exception (with or without accommodations) to minimum compliance with program rules and regulations established for safety purposes.
• Hiring, selection, or guaranteed assignment of a specific staff member.
• Individualized therapy within a program.
• Provision and/or purchase of personal custom devices.
Consider the program first-hand and ask yourself…
• If school-aged, do your child’s current classroom activities or goals prepare them for an inclusive recreation experience?
• Has the individual shown an interest in the program activity or subject matter?
• Are they comfortable and able to function appropriately, with or without assistance, in inclusive environments (malls, restaurants, parks, etc.)?
• Will an accommodation or inclusion support staff give the participant adequate support to fully participate in a general recreation program without disruption to others?
FCPR’s AIR Team utilizes designated program levels and essential eligibility criteria to ensure the safety of all participants and staff who are part of the program and to allow participants to experience the program to the fullest extent. These levels outline the minimum physical and cognitive skills needed in order to participate.
• Examples of programs that may be considered Level 1 include, but are not limited to: outdoor adventure programs, elite sports programs, and gymnastics.
• Examples of programs that may be considered Level 2 include, but are not limited to: general day camps, enrichment programs, history programs, nature programs, preschool programs, instructional sports programs, social groups, fitness programs, and most adaptive recreation programs.
• Examples of programs that may be considered Level 3 include, but are not limited to: adaptive recreation summer camps, and some adaptive sports programs.
• Examples of programs that may be considered Level 4 include, but are not limited to: special events, adaptive parent/ child programs, and adaptive open gyms.
Frederick County Parks and Recreation offers alternative choices through specialized adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Participants have a wide range of abilities and special needs; some prefer and benefit from participating in highly structured specialized programs designed specifically for participants with disabilities. Programs utilize trained staff and higher staff/participant ratios in addition to adapted spaces, materials, and content to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in various recreation activities. Program spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must meet the program’s essential eligibility criteria. For program inquiries, please call the AIR Team at 301-600-2197.
To request an accommodation:
1. Register for the program, camp, or event.
2. Check “yes” that you are requesting an ADA accommodation.
3. AIR staff will contact the parent/guardian to complete a Program Accommodation Form and return the completed form to our Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Team (AIR) at 355 Montevue Lane, Suite 100, Frederick, MD 21702 or via email.
4. Once the Program Accommodation Form is received, AIR staff will reach out to the parent/guardian to set up a time to review the request and develop individualized strategies for success.
If you have questions, please contact our main office at 301-600-2936. *Please note, Accommodation Requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the program start date.
IN ADAPTIVE AND INCLUSIVE RECREATION (AIR) WE SOAR Sense of Self │ Opportunity for Growth │ Achieve Community │ Reach Our Goals
There will be plenty of time to spend with old friends and make new ones while exploring, learning, and laughing all under the watchful eyes of our fully trained staff. Give your child a summer camp experience they‘ll never forget! This camp is geared specifically to individuals with disabilities and higher support needs.
ROCK CREEK REC CENTER
June 26-30 10am-4pm
July 10-14 10am-4pm
July 24-28 10am-4pm
Aug 7-11 10am-4pm
ROCK CREEK REC CENTER
*July 3-7 (M, W-F) 10am-4pm
Around the World (lvl 3)
AGES 6-12
Beach $169 #28689
Carnival $169 #28688
Around the World $169 #28690
Cartoon $169 #28692
AGES 13-18
Around the World $135 #29091
Grab your passports, because we are traveling around the world at Rock Creek Rec Center. Enjoy fun activities based on places from around the world!
Beach (lvl 3)
Schools out for summer! Come celebrate with some summer- fun activities. We are bringing the beach to Rock Creek Rec Center, with activities such as beach volleyball, seashell painting and more!
ROCK CREEK REC CENTER
55B West Frederick Street
Walkersville, MD 21793
Carnival (lvl 3)
Come one, come all to our Adaptive Carnival Summer Camp session. The possibilities are endless! Our Adaptive Carnival is filled with fun activities such as, a ring toss, talent show, arts and crafts, a performance from a special guest and so much more!
Cartoon (lvl 3)
Discover a magical world in this Cartoon themed Adaptive Summer Camp. Participate in Arts and Crafts, Music and Drama activities and Sports and Games based on your favorite TV shows and movies.
*NO CAMP: Tues, 7/4