New Balance Adaptive Sports Summer Camps 2022

Written by Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports

Summer is right around the corner. I am excited not only for the warmer weather but also because we are getting closer to our Adaptive Summer Camp sessions at Franciscan Children’s. Camp at the hospital is a special time for kids and staff alike. It means singing, laughing, bonding, pushing, running, and most importantly leaving with a smile on our faces.

This year is going to be even more phenomenal because we have increased our offerings this August!

First, we are fortunate to have Kasey Noonan, our Recreation Therapist from Kennedy Day School, back with us. She is putting together another fun-filled first week of Adaptive Sports Camp (Aug. 8^th – 12^th). I have been talking with her, and it makes me wish the first session would get here quicker. Your children will be shooting, passing, catching, and throwing all over our famous Wake Field.

Our second week of camp (Aug 15^th – 19^th) is going to be completely brand new and just as much fun.  Our morning session will feature a camp specifically for kids who use communication devices. Alexandra Mack, one of our Speech-Language Pathologists at the hospital, will lead this session. Activities will feature animals, plants and more, all from the Franciscan Children’s Jungle. Parents, we did not forget about you!  You will have an opportunity to sign up for two AAC workshops.

If your child is not into sports or does not use a communication device, the afternoon session during our second week may be right for them. Marina Doering Marcus, one of our talented Art Therapists, has put together a week’s worth of art projects. Campers will explore the different techniques that grow and strengthen their cognitive, motor, sensory and creative skills!

Franciscan Children’s Adaptive Summer Camps are for children ages 5-21 of all different ability levels. We will always have a nurse on staff and do our best to be as inclusive as possible. If you would like more information or to discuss specific accommodations for your child, please contact me at paward@franciscanchildrens.org.

We hope that you choose Franciscan Children’s to be part of your summer.