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Therapeutic Recreation
Inclusive Recreation Services
Canton Leisure Services is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation, which allows for individuals with disabilities to participate in programs and activities as fully as possible, while providing reasonable accommodations.
Individuals participating in Canton's Therapeutic Recreation programming must be able to accomplish personal skills like feeding, toileting, and dressing themselves. Individuals who are unable to accomplish these skills on their own may participate with assistance from an aide, family member, or other personal resource. If an aide will be attending the program with your participant, please make sure he/she is registered too. This helps us better plan & cover any additional expenses that may be incurred.
Forms, Marketing and Communication
If you would like forms, marketing and communication pieces, and handbooks made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
- Leisure Club Events
- Leisure Club Programs
- Club A.B.L.E. Events
- Adaptive Swim
- Important Policies
- Forms
- Camp A.B.L.E.
- Camp Leisure Club
- About our Staff
- Get Involved
- TR Photo Gallery
Leisure Club Special Events
Ages: 15+
Leisure Club Programming is intended for individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental or other impairments. Programs typically run September - May. Pre-registration is required for all Leisure Club activities.
Spring Registration
- February 28 Online beginning at 5pm
- March 10 in person, beginning at 10am
- March 10 Online & person, beginning at 10am
TR Community Connection Day-FREE
Sat, April 14 11am-2pmSummit on the Park Grand Ballroom
Canton Leisure Services is holding its second annual Community Connection Day! This is an opportunity to meet Canton and surrounding Communities Pubic Safety's First Responders and let them meet you! A great opportunity to introduce yourself to, and connect with , Canton's Thin Blue Line, paramedics, firefighters and more! We are thrilled to keep this initiative going to help dispel the fear that may be associated with lights, sirens, or authority figures in the disability community, to foster important dialogue, and to encourage a greater understanding of one another. Enjoy an interactive Public Safety display! Ask lots of questions! And learn more about many important local programs and resources available in ours and surrounding communities! This program is proudly offered in partnership with Canton Public Safety and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
**Do you offer a service or program for individuals with disabilities? If you are interest in joining in this event, please contact Jennifer Provenzano at jprovenzano@canton-mi.org**
Glow Bowl
- Feb 9, 6-8:30pm
Fun with Foods-Valentine's Yum!
- Feb 10, 12-1:30pm
Finding Neverland @ Fisher Theater
- Feb 17, time TBD
Swim & Movie
- Feb 24, 1-5pm
Bowling Bash
- Mar 3, 2-4:30pm
Swim & Movie
- Mar 10, 1-5pm
Leprechaun Rock
- Mar 17, 6-8pm
We 'Knead' Pizza
- Apr 11, 6-8:30pm
Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center
- Apr 21, 9:45-2pm
Let's do Dinner & a Show
- Apr 25, 5:30-9pm *Time subject to change based on movie time
Spring Sock Hop
- Apr 28, 5-9pm
Village Theater-Sensory Friendly Production of Annie (Club ABLE & Leisure Club)
- May 5, 1:30-4pm
Over-Par
- May 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Camp ABLE Swim & Craft
- May 12, 1:30-5pm
Leisure Club Classes and Programs
Ages: 15+
Leisure Club Programming is intended for individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental or other impairments. Programs typically run September - May. Pre-registration is required for all Leisure Club activities.
Spring Registration:
- February 28 Online beginning at 5 pm
- March 10 in person, beginning at 10 am
Fit Club
- Several Sessions Available; Monday's, 6-7:30 pm
- Come join us for a super-charged night of feeling fit and having fun! We spend 60 minutes on the track and 30 minutes practicing yoga with a certified yoga instructor.
Cardio Drumming
- Tuesday's, 6:30-7:30 pm
- Ms. Carissa will be leading our group in Cardio Drumming and drum circles. A great way to work on coordination, rhythm, directional skills and more!
Art & Sculpt
- Several Sessions Available; Tuesday's, 6:30-7:30 pm
- This new and unique class can bring out the art lover in everyone. From Picasso to Rembrandt, acrylics to clay, join us and let your inner Picasso shine.
Motor-Vation
- Fall & Winter Sessions Available; Tuesday's, 6-7 pm
- Participate in physical training using adaptive exercises and equipment. These fun and challenging activities are designed to improve gross and fine motor skills, self-confidence, and the benefits of physical fitness.
4th Wall Theatre Group
- Fall & Winter Sessions Available; Wednesday's, 5:30-6:30 pm
- 4th Wall's goal is to empower individuals with special needs to break through the fourth wall, get on stage, and shine. Through singing, dancing and acting instruction actors learn about theatre, the world and themselves
Night on the Town
- Several Sessions Available; Thursday's, 6:30-8:30 pm
- A great night of fun, food, and friends! Every other Thursday night, we'll meet at a different Canton restaurant. Participants should bring $20-30 for meals.
Game Night
- Several Sessions Available; Thursday's, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Get ready to play some games and hang with friends, each week we will focus on different board games and socializing.
Karate
- Several Sessions Available; Friday's, 6-7 pm:
- TR Karate is great for gaining self-control, improving muscle tone, speed, flexibility, and sharpening the mind.
Mooves and Grooves
- Several Sessions Available; Wednesday's Or Saturday's
- This class will teach social dances, while improving coordination, direction following, and social skills.
Camp A.B.L.E.
Achieve, Believe, Learn, and Experience with Club A.B.L.E. events and programs. These fun activities are designed for individuals with physical and/or mental impairments, and promote the development of participants' social skills and independence in the community.
Ages: 8-15 years
Spring Registration:
- February 28 Online beginning at 5 pm
- March 10 in person, beginning at 10 am
TR Community Connection Day-FREE
Sat, April 14 11 am-2 pm
Summit on the Park Grand Ballroom
Canton Leisure Services is holding its second annual Community Connection Day! This is an opportunity to meet Canton and surrounding Communities Pubic Safety's First Responders and let them meet you! A great opportunity to introduce yourself to, and connect with , Canton's Thin Blue Line, paramedics, firefighters and more! We are thrilled to keep this initiative going to help dispel the fear that may be associated with lights, sirens, or authority figures in the disability community, to foster important dialogue, and to encourage a greater understanding of one another. Enjoy an interactive Public Safety display! Ask lots of questions! And learn more about many important local programs and resources available in ours and surrounding communities! This program is proudly offered in partnership with Canton Public Safety and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
**Do you offer a service or program for individuals with disabilities? If you are interest in joining in this event, please contact Jennifer Provenzano at jprovenzano@canton-mi.org**
Village Theater-Sensory Friendly Production of Annie (Club ABLE & Leisure Club)
- May 5, 1:30-4 pm
Swim & Craft
- May 12, 1:30-5 pm
Adaptive Swim
Adaptive Swim Lessons operate in cooperation with the Summit on the Park Aquatics Center. Lessons are designed for children four years and older, as well as adults who require 1:1 assistance in the development of related cognitive and motor skills. Each class is adapted to the needs of the individual; all ability levels are welcome.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to discuss a training program with their instructor during the first class.
To Register for Adaptive Swim Lessons
Demand is extremely high for adaptive swim lessons, and Canton Leisure Services continues to seek out new/additional instructors to meet current demands. Interested parents/individuals are encouraged to add their name(s) to our current waiting lists.
Adapted Swim Waiting List
Lessons are created on an individualized basis using our Interest/Waiting Lists to create personal schedules.
Become an Adaptive Swim Instructor
All Canton Leisure Services Adaptive Swim Instructors must be Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certified. If interested, certification is available through the Summit on the Park Aquatic Center.
If you are interested in becoming WSI certified, please email Canton's Aquatics/Health & Wellness Specialist, Brad Chiasson or call 734/394-5467.
Already WSI certified and interested in becoming an Adaptive Swim Instructor? Please email Canton's Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or call 734/394-5367.
Important Policies and Program Information
How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation
- Written notification is required a minimum of two weeks prior to the registration deadline for each program. In some cases, a reasonable accommodation may take longer.
- The requester will be contacted within four business days by appropriate staff.
Inclement Weather Policy
If the Plymouth/Canton School District closes due to inclement weather during the school year (typically due to winter weather conditions), all Leisure Services Department programs/classes held prior to 4 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2 pm that day.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Therapeutic Recreation Zero Tolerance Behavior Agreement
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation Grant
Special pricing is available to all qualifying residents of Western Wayne County because of a generous Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation Grant.
This ensures that individuals with disabilities residing in neighboring communities can take advantage of "Resident" rates for these specialized programs. This special pricing is currently effective through the end of 2015.
Attending with an Aide/Assistant
If an aide, family member, assistant, or other resource will be utilized to help a participant accomplish personal needs like eating, toileting, and dressing while attending a Therapeutic Recreation program, they are always welcome, however, it is imperative that this individual is also registered for the activity. This will assist staff in planning, and will help to cover any additional expenses that may be incurred, especially in regards to tickets, transportation, meals, etc.
Requesting a Refund
Participants/Parents wishing to withdraw an individual from a class or program must complete a Program Withdrawal Form from the Summit's Front Desk at least seven days prior to the start of the program. If approved, participants will receive Leisure Services Program Credit on account.
Program Withdrawal Form are available at the Summit on the Park Front Desk or the links below.
Therapeutic Recreation Program Forms
Zero Tolerance Behavior Policy Agreement
Requesting a Refund
Participants/Parents wishing to withdraw an individual from a class or program must complete a Program Withdrawal Form from the Summit's Front Desk at least seven days prior to the start of the program. If approved, participants will receive Leisure Services Program Credit on account.
Program Withdrawal Form are available at the Summit on the Park Front Desk or the links below.
Camp A.B.L.E.
Achieve, Believe, Learn, and Experience with Camp A.B.L.E.
Ages: 8-14 years
Camp A.B.L.E. is an adapted summer camp experience designed for youth with disabilities. For nearly 30 summers, this unique camp has has set the precedent for Therapeutic Recreation camps to be modeled after throughout Southeast Michigan.
Participants take part in a variety of activities throughout the day, interacting with their peers, enhancing social skills, reinforcing gross and fine motor skills, and gaining independence.
Camp operates Monday-Friday from mid-June to mid-August. Each week consists of three field trips, two days of special activities at the camp site. Participants may register for individual days of camp.
Please be advised that space is limited.
- Licensed through the State of Michigan
- Full Day Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Half Day registration on TUESDAYS and WEDNESDAYS, mornings or afternoons: The perfect choice for participants who are new to Camp A.B.L.E.
- CPR/First Aid and CPI Certified Staff
- Field Trips Every Monday, Thursday, and Friday
- Tuesday and Wednesday full-day registrations include swimming at the Summit on the Park Aquatic Center
- Option for daily registration
- Camp A.B.L.E. is located at Canton's historic Cherry Hill Schoolhouse; 50440 Cherry Hill Road
- Scholarships available through the Marion and Jerry Rozum Family Fund for those who qualify - Apply Online or pick up an application at the Summit on the Park's Front Desk
- Registration for Camp A.B.L.E. begins at the Summit on the Park and online at 10 am on March 10, 2018.
- We are currently booking field trips, please check back in mid-February for a tentative field trip schedule
- $49 per day for camp days, Tuesday & Wednesday
- $58 per day for field trips, Monday, Thursday and Friday
- June 18:
- June 21:
- June 22:
- June 25:
- June 28:
- June 29:
- July 2:
- July 4: NO CAMP
- July 5: NO CAMP
- July 6: NO CAMP
- July 9:
- July 12:
- July 13:
- July 16:
- July 19:
- July 20:
- July 23:
- July 26:
- July 27:
- July 30:
- August 2:
- August 3:
- August 6:
- August 9:
- Take a chance and read over the Camp A.B.L.E. Parent Handbook here.
- If you would like the forms or handbook made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
- For additional information, please email TR@canton-mi.org or call 734/394-5367.
3rd Party Financial Support
We are unable to accept 3rd Party Financial Support at this time.
Media:
Check out this great video that WDIV Channel 4 filmed about Camp A.B.L.E. - Memories Made at Camp A.B.L.E.
Please Note: All Camp Registrations Begin Online And At The Camp Fair, March 12 From 10 am - Noon At The Summit On The Park, Grand Ballroom.
If you are applying for a scholarship or have a 3rd party who will be paying or your participants stay at camp, please visit the Front Desk at the Summit on the Park to request a paper copy of the camp registration form. This will notify us that a scholarship or 3rd party will be paying. If a scholarship is awarded or a 3rd party has paid, and you have already paid for camp, registration funds will not be refunded.
Camp Leisure Club
Ages: 15 years and older
Camp A.B.L.E. is an adapted summer camp experience designed for youth with disabilities. For nearly 30 summers, this unique camp has has set the precedent for Therapeutic Recreation camps to be modeled after throughout Southeast Michigan.
Participants take part in a variety of activities throughout the day, interacting with their peers, enhancing social skills, reinforcing gross and fine motor skills, and gaining independence.
Camp operates Monday - Friday from mid-June to mid-August. Each week consists of two field trips and three days of special activities at the camp site. Participants may register for individual days of camp.
Please be advised that space is limited.
- Licensed through the State of Michigan
- Full Day Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- CPR/First Aid and CPI Certified Staff
- Field Trips every Tuesday and Thursday, limit 5 field trips per participant. Beginning May 1, you may add additional field trips.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday are camp days that may include swimming, walking to the library, yoga, gym time, crafts and games
- Option for daily registration
- Registration for Camp Leisure Club begins at the Summit on the Park and online at 10 am on March 10, 2018.
- $49 per day for camp days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- $58 per day for field trips, Tuesday and Thursday
- We are still finalizing the field trip schedule, check back mid-February for more details
- June 19:
- June 21:
- June 26:
- June 28:
- July 3:
- July 4: No Camp
- July 5: No Camp
- July 6: No Camp
- July 17:
- July 19:
- July 24:
- July 26:
- July 31:
- August 2:
- August 7:
- August 9: Picnic
- For additional information, please email TR@canton-mi.org or call 734/394-5367.
3rd Party Financial Support
We are unable to accept 3rd Party Financial Support at this time.
Therapeutic Recreation Program Staff
Interested in becoming a member of Canton's Therapeutic Recreation Team?
We are often hiring both part-time and seasonal Therapeutic Recreation Program Leaders. Enjoy a flexible schedule while making a difference in the lives of our exceptional participants!
View current Therapeutic Recreation Leader Job Postings
What our staff has to say about working here...
"Canton's Therapeutic Recreation Program supports the social, mental, and physical well-being of all participants and staff. Every high-five given, noodle-art masterpiece crafted, playground crossed, and friendship made contributes to the happy summer camp environment that I love being a part of. My favorite memories are the times when participants and staff laughed with each other, overcame their fears together, and helped each other. When I realized that those moments happened every day, I came to the conclusion that I had the best summer job ever."
- Erin (Camp A.B.L.E. Staff)
"It is a wonderful labor of love working with Leisure Club participants, and my fantastic co-workers too."
- Bonnie (Leisure Club)
Meet our Therapeutic Recreation Administrative and Supervisory Program Staff
Jennifer Girard
Jennifer Girard is a full-time Recreation Specialist with Canton Leisure Services. She oversees Therapeutic Recreation programming in addition to Enrichment programming and many of Canton's Community Events. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and has worked for Canton Township for more than 17 years. In 2014, she became a Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Instructor. Program questions for Jennifer? Email her here.
How to Help the Therapeutic Recreation Program
Make a Donation to a Camp A.B.L.E. Scholarship Fund
Camp A.B.L.E., Canton Leisure Services summer camp designed to serve children residing in Canton and Western Wayne County between the ages of 8-14 with disabilities, is seeking donations to help offset some expenses related to important items like sensory integration tools and accessible transportation that are unfortunately not currently within the program's financial reach. Funds can also help enrolled families help offset some participation costs through the Marion and Jerry Rozum Scholarship program. Donations to the Canton Community Foundation are currently being accepted, and can help make the sun shine a little brighter at Camp A.B.L.E. all summer long!
Interested donors are encouraged to visit: www.cantonfoundation.org/give/donate
Simply complete the online form and choose "Camp A.B.L.E." on the drop-down menu of available funds.
Checks can also be made out to:
Canton Community Foundation with "Camp A.B.L.E." in the memo line
Please mail them to:
Canton Community Foundation
50430 School House Road Suite 200
Canton, MI 48187
Become a Therapeutic Recreation Program Volunteer
Those interested in becoming a volunteer with the Therapeutic Recreation Program should contact Paula Kosbe, Canton Township's Volunteer Coordinator. For additional information, call 734/394-5191.
Donate Supplies or Funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program
Individuals, families, businesses, churches, or other organizations that are interested in donating funds or supplies to the Therapeutic Recreation Program, should contact the Program Coordinator at 734/394-5460 or TR@canton-mi.org.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Wish Tree
The Therapeutic Recreation Program's Holiday Wish Tree can be found in the Summit on the Park's lobby each December. It is adorned with festive gift tags citing items like noise cancelling headphones, sensory balls, bean bag chairs, rainsticks, and more. These supplies are utilized by TR Staff throughout the year as they work with participants in various programs. Many items serve as important interventions, especially when assisting individuals with limited communication or language abilities.
If the generous spirit of the Holiday Season inspires you to help those in the community with special needs, please take a tag, or two, from the Holiday Wish Tree. Financial donations are also welcome.
All gift items/donations can be dropped off at the Summit on the Park's Front Desk, Attn: Jennifer Provenzano through the first week of January.
Discover Brochure: all Canton Leisure Services programs, classes, events and services are included in the bi-annual Discover program brochure. Offerings are available for all ages and interests.
Registration: program registration is available online and at the Summit on the Park front desk.
Registration: program registration is available online and at the Summit on the Park front desk.
Contact Us
-
Jennifer Girard
Specialist
Email
46000 Summit Parkway
Canton, MI 48188
Directions
734/394-5460