Unlocking the Power of Recreational Therapy
February is Recreational Therapy (RT) Month! This field is something we are passionate about at Camp Aldersgate. The benefits of RT are endless, and this month is a perfect time to recognize the transformative impact it has on individuals’ lives. Camp Aldersgate’s dedicated program team, including Katie Hall, CTRS, Program Manager, and Marshall Dickey, CTRS, Assistant Program Manager, are at the forefront of providing innovative recreational therapy programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our campers with special needs and medical conditions.
Our Certified Recreational Therapists
Katie and Marshall, both Certified Recreational Therapists (CTRS), bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles. Katie’s journey into the field began in 2012, working with special needs populations, while Marshall’s interest sparked in 2015, leading him to pursue a career in TR.
Both completed prerequisite academic courses, a 14-week internship, and passed the rigorous certification exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
“Recreational therapy offers the opportunity to combine passions and make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives,” says Katie.
What is Recreational Therapy
“Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and disabilities” (NCTRC).
As Marshall explains, “Leisure and activity are the treatment modality. This is what differentiates recreational therapy.” Camp Aldersgate follows the APIED (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation) Approach, focusing on individualized goals and tailored activities to foster physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Benefits of Recreational Therapy
When parents register campers for a session, they complete an assessment form (the first step in the APIED process). Benefits of recreational therapy include reducing depression, stress, and anxiety; recovering/maintaining basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; building confidence and independence; and teaching socialization skills.
Recreational Therapy in a Camp Setting
Camp Aldersgate’s integration of recreational therapy enriches the camp experience for all participants. Through adaptive and immersive activities, campers can thrive and see success. The partnership between medical camping and recreational therapy makes Camp Aldersgate unique.
“Having recreational therapists onsite who create intentional programming adds a layer of depth that we wouldn’t have without specialists,” says Katie. This programming enhances the overall camp experience, fostering personal growth and development in campers.
Investing in the Next Generation of Recreation Therapists
In 2022, Katie started the Therapeutic Recreation Internship program at Camp Aldersgate. The benefits are mutual for both interns and the organization. Interns gain real hands-on experience, exposure to personal care and what it is like to work with children and young adults with special needs and medical conditions.
“Being a recreational therapy intern at Camp Aldersgate was a very eye-opening experience for me. Anyone would be blessed to be able to experience the kindness and selflessness of all the staff and those attending camp. I was able to learn so much, and it definitely helped prepare me for my career in recreational therapy,” says Anna Cobb, CTRS.
Recreational Therapy Month
We celebrate the benefits of recreational therapy all year long, but especially this month. Our CTRS staff are always looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate recreational therapy into our programs and educate people about its benefits.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Now Hiring TR Interns!
Are you a student majoring in Therapeutic Recreation or pursuing your CTRS? Want hands-on experience? We are looking for our next TR intern to join us this summer! Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected] to apply.
