Therapeutic Programs Offered to Children with Developmental Disabilities in Somerset County

Bridgewater, NJ -- Registration is now open for Therapeutic Recreation programs, including summer camp, for children with developmental disabilities.

The programs hosted by the Somerset County Park Commision will be held at the TR Activity Center at North Branch Park in Bridgewater.

Rallyball is a program that will teach children age 6 to 12 the basics skills of tennis. Tennis fundamentals will be slightly modified to include specialized equipment and shortened court dimensions to make success in the sport easier to attain.

Rallyball is scheduled for Tuesdays, May 24 and 31; June 7, 14, and 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Green Knoll Tennis Center, 587 Garretson Road, Bridgewater. Fee for the program is $70 and participants must reside in a contracting municipality in Somerset County.

Kid Connections programs include Soccer and Little Sprouts for ages 6 to 12.

Soccer participants will learn the basics of soccer through non-competitive games and skill building activities. Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the TR Activity Center, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Fee is $75.

Little Sprouts participants will enjoy a hands-on gardening experience, exploring the garden, planting vegetables and flowers, making garden related crafts, and learning how to use a microscope. Sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays, May 25, June 1 and 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the TR Activity Center, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Fee is $33.

Camp Okee Sunokee is a six-week day camp for children ages 7 to 14 with learning disabilities or Asperger’s Syndrome. Campers participate in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, sports and games, music, cooking, science, trips, and swimming. Through participation in the activities, campers develop recreation and social skills and enhance self-confidence and educational growth.

Camp runs from Monday, June 27 to Friday, Aug. 5 at North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $990 for TR municipalities and $1,440 for non-TR municipalities.

Out of county residents may apply as of May 6, 2016, if space is available.

Registration for all programs may be accomplished at Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by phone at 908-526-5650; fax at 908-429-5508. Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment may call the Relay Service @ 711.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

(Photo provided: Rally Ball will be held at the Green Knoll Tennis Center on Garretson Road in Bridgewater.)