- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Leisure Services
- Programs
- Therapeutic Recreation
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.
Therapeutic Recreation (or "TR") accommodations typically include individualized techniques and resources that enhance participation without fundamentally altering a program.
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 and 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.
2020 Fall Registration
- Date - TBA
*Do you offer a service or program for individuals with disabilities? If you are interest in joining in this event, please email the Recreation Supervisoremail our Recreation Supervisor.
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.
2020 FALL Registration
- Date TBA
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, 6-7 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.
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, 6-7:30 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.
Camp A.B.L.E.
Ages: 8-15 years
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.
2020 FALL Registration
- Date TBA
*Do you offer a service or program for individuals with disabilities? If you are interest in joining in this event, please email our Recreation Supervisor.
Upcoming Events TBA
- Village Theater-Sensory Friendly Movie Showings
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 online or by calling 734/394-5460.
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 Aquatic Specialist or call 734/394-5467.
Already WSI certified and interested in becoming an Adaptive Swim Instructor? Please email Canton's 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 (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- 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 (PDF)
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 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
- Camp A.B.L.E. 360 Camp Video (HTML) Opens in New Window : as you proceed through the video click right or left on the screen to scroll around the room.
- Scholarships available through the Marion and Jerry Rozum Family Fund for those who qualify - Apply Online Opens a New Window. or pick up an application at the Summit on the Park’s Front Desk
- Registration for Camp A.B.L.E. available at the Summit on the Park and online Opens in New Window .
2020 Camp A.B.L.E. Season
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: $65 per day; Aid $10/day
- Tuesday & Wednesday: $51/full day
- Tuesday & Wednesday: $30/half day
- 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 Camp ABLE or call 734/394-5367.
2021 Camp A.B.L.E. Field Trips
- TBA
TR CAMP OPEN HOUSE
- Date & Time for 2021 TBA
- Camp ABLE: Cherry Hill School House (Ridge & Cherry Hill Road)
- Camp Leisure Club: Summit on the Park Banquet (46000 Summit Parkway)
3rd Party Financial Support
We are unable to accept 3rd Party Financial Support at this time.
Opens a New Window.
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
Camp A.B.L.E. is an adapted summer camp experience designed for youth with disabilities. For nearly 30 summers, this unique camp 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
- Camp Leisure Club 360 Camp Video (HTML)Opens in New Window: as you proceed through the video click right or left on the screen to scroll around the room.
- 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
- Options for daily and half day registration
2020 Camp Leisure Club Season
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: $51/per day
- Tuesday and Thursday: $65/per day; Aid: $10/day
- For additional information, please email the TR coordinator or call 734/394-5367.
Camp Leisure Club Field Trips
- TBA
TR Camp Open House
- Date & Time TBA
- Camp ABLE: Cherry Hill School House (Ridge & Cherry Hill Road)
- Camp Leisure Club: Summit on the Park Banquet (46000 Summit Parkway)
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 20 years. In 2014, she became a Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Instructor. Email Jennifer with and program questions.
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: Canton Foundation
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 may email the Canton Township's Volunteer Coordinator or call 734/394-5360.
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.
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 4:00 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4:00 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2:00 pm that day.
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Leisure Services strives to offer inclusive recreation opportunities for all participants. If you would like to request an ADA accommodation or to request that a form/information be made available in an alternative format (email, large print, braille, audible or other) please contact our Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.