Services We Provide
Athletics and Special Olympics
Inclusion
Leisure Education
Outreach Services
Summer Day Camp
Support Staff & Volunteers
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association provides Athletic and Special Olympic opportunities throughout the year in a variety of sports which include: Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Softball, Soccer, Bocce, Tennis, Golf, Gymnastics, Track and Field, Powerlifting, and Bowling. Opportunities are offered through Special Olympics Illinois (SOIL), the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section (ITRS), the “Miracle League”, “Sunshine Through Golf”, as well as weekly FVSRA programs. Individuals and teams are placed into proper divisions for training and competition against other teams throughout the state.
The FVSRA athletics goal is to help athletes develop and maintain improved physical fitness, improve and maintain sport-specific skills, and develop good sportsmanship, build friendships, and gain an understanding of the team concept. FVSRA will strive to encourage athletes to be confident and courageous when competing and to recognize all athletes’ accomplishments during competition.
Through an excellent working relationship with our six Member Park Districts, schools, and private businesses, FVSRA is able to offer athletes the opportunity to train at a variety of fine facilities throughout the service area. Training for FVSRA athletic programs takes place throughout the year and on different days and times depending on the sport.
Special Olympics, an international organization, was developed in 1960 as a day camp, and then extended their services in 1968 to become an organization that provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults who are mentally challenged. Each participant must be at least 8 years old with mental retardation or another closely related cognitive disability. All athletes are required to have a Medical Application Form completed and signed by their doctor on file with FVSRA. New athletes are always welcome. Special Olympics athletes train year-round for competitions at the district, state, and international level.
If you have questions regarding FVSRA Athletics programs, contact Mike
Younie, CTRS, Athletics Coordinator at (630) 907-1114 or myounie@fvsra.org
Inclusion is a process in which an individual with a mental, physical, or emotional disability has the opportunity to participate in activities of choice, which are offered to the public through the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Member Park Districts: Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswegoland, St. Charles, and Sugar Grove. All programs offered through these Park Districts are open to Inclusion Services through FVSRA.
The FVSRA Inclusion Coordinator oversees the planning, placement, and success of individuals with disabilities in various Park District programs. FVSRA encourages people with disabilities to be included as an active part of the community. Inclusion services aim at not only physically including individuals, but also providing adaptations, accommodations, and support necessary to allow for social, mental, physical and emotional inclusion.
Inclusion opportunities are available to ALL individuals, of ALL ability levels, of ALL ages. FVSRA wants to make sure that everyone, regardless of ability or disability, has the same opportunity to participate in programs of interest.
Adapted equipment, communication tools/aids, physical assistance, behavior management strategies, and one-on-one aid placement, are examples of the different Inclusion accommodations that FVSRA offers. The FVSRA Inclusion Coordinator will conduct a free assessment and observation prior to the start of, or the first day of, the Park District program in which you or your child has enrolled. Assistance provided will depend on your request for services, and how well you or your child adjusts to the program environment.
Individuals who are interested in enrolling in a Park District program, just check the “special accommodations” box on the program registration form. The park district will then contact the FVSRA Inclusion Coordinator and arrangements will be made. Participants will be in direct contact with the Inclusion Coordinator, as well as in contact with the Park District Staff and Instructors. The ideal amount of time for notification to process and place Inclusion services is two weeks prior to the start date of the program. The sooner the FVSRA Inclusion Coordinator has the information about a request, the better chances are for a successful Inclusion experience.
If you have questions regarding FVSRA inclusion services, contact Sophie Morgan, CTRS, Inclusion Coordinator at (630) 907-1114 or smorgan@fvsra.org
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Leisure Education programs are offered during the school year to special education classrooms in schools located throughout their member park district boundaries. Leisure Education is an exploration of one’s beliefs and attitudes toward leisure and the development of the skills needed for an active, healthy, and independent leisure lifestyle. Leisure and recreation are an important part of the student’s overall educational experience and a key for a healthy lifestyle as an adult. FVSRA developed the Leisure Education Program to educate students about leisure and the choices they make regarding the use of their free time.
The Leisure Education Program is staffed by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Therapeutic Recreation Specialists who use activities both in the classroom and community. School personnel remain with the class and assist in maintaining appropriate staff to student ratios.
The overall goals of the program are to: assist students in their understanding of what leisure is and the importance of making recreation a part of their lifestyle, expose students to a wide range of leisure experiences and skills, and develop and practice the skills needed for a healthy and successful leisure lifestyle. Through the Leisure Education Program, students will experience: increased self-confidence and a heightened awareness of themselves and their likes and dislikes.
Many different leisure education curriculum are offered. Some examples are pottery, crafts, cooking, music, plants, nature, archery, swimming, bowling and cooperative games.
If you have questions regarding FVSRA leisure education services, contact Jennifer Belken, CTRS, School Services Coordinator, at the FVSRA office at (630) 907-1114 or jbelken@fvsra.org.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Outreach Services extend services to community members with disabilities who would otherwise not benefit from our services. The focus of outreach is two-fold. First, personal attention is offered to every new participant unfamiliar with FVSRA services. The goal is for families to feel comfortable with FVSRA programs and staff by answering any questions you may have. Secondly, through a network of human service providers, FVSRA will spread the word of FVSRA services available to individuals with disabilities. Outreach Services extend to anyone who may benefit from learning more about FVSRA, including new or past participants, human service providers, and interested community members.
Services Available:
Therapeutic Recreation Assessment:
An FVSRA Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) will conduct an assessment and recommend a plan of appropriate recreational activities. Assessment services may include the following:
A Home or office visit to determine specific leisure needs, interests, and skill levels. We will provide an overview of the agency. Following the meeting, we will recommend a leisure plan of programs and services.
Consultation with professionals in school settings, community social service agencies, family counseling, and Wraparound teams.
Available for all populations and all ages at no fee.
Human Service Networking:
Many participants learn about FVSRA through referrals from human service agencies and organizations.
FVSRA is continually looking to build its referral network, offering to present information to the employees or members of an organization or agency to raise awareness of FVSRA services.
The mission of Outreach Services shall be to improve FVSRA service to the community by identifying under-served individuals; assessing constituent leisure abilities and needs; sharing assessment information with staff to improve service delivery and program development; and building awareness of Association services within the greater community. Therapeutic Recreation Assessments are available at the FVSRA office by appointment. Home visits are available to those unable to travel to the office. Presentations to an organization are available at their site. Call the Outreach Coordinator to schedule a presentation. The Outreach Coordinator attends various community networking meetings within the FVSRA service area.
If you have questions regarding FVSRA outreach services, contact Jennifer Borrowman, CTRS, Outreach Services Coordinator, at the FVSRA office at (630) 907-1114 or jborrowman@fvsra.org
The Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Summer Day Camp is designed for individuals with special needs, ages 3 through 25. Separate camps are provided according to appropriate age and ability groups. The goal of the FVSRA Summer Day Camp program is to provide campers with an opportunity to experience a variety of recreational activities and to acquire and develop leisure skills while enjoying and appreciating the out of doors.
Any resident of the six Member Park Districts between the ages of 3 and 25 who has a disability or requires special assistance to achieve recreational fulfillment is eligible to participate in the Summer Camp program. Non-residents (outside of our Member Districts) are also welcome to register for the camps. Information regarding registration for Camp is made available the first of March through local school district special education classes or at the FVSRA office.
A theme is incorporated into each of the camps as they offer a variety of leisure activities which include: sports and games, nature, drama, music, adventure activities, arts and crafts, swimming, age appropriate field trips, visits from special guests and special events. Activities will also be planned to teach the components of nutrition, hygiene and safety. Through these activities, counselors will assist campers in the development of fine and gross motor skills, perceptual and language skills, socialization, and appropriate behavior.
Summer Day Camp runs for eight consecutive weeks, Monday through Thursday. Camp begins Mid-June and ends Mid-August. Campers can sign up for two, four, six, or all eight weeks. Each camp is scheduled for five and one-half hours per day with the starting and ending times staggered to allow for coordinated busing schedules.
To maintain quality camp settings, FVSRA maintains a minimum of a 4:1 camper staff ratio, with some one-on-one assistance when needed. Therefore, a majority of employment positions are available to individuals who have an interest in working in a camp environment. Special education teachers, college students majoring in Therapeutic or General Recreation or related fields, or those who have a sincere interest in working with individuals with disabilities are hired in the following positions: Director, Roving Activity Specialist, Roving Counselor, Head Counselor or Assistant Counselor. Each camp staff person is required to complete a thorough interview and orientation process.
If you have questions regarding Day Camp or would like to request a day camp registration form, contact Sarah Reinert, Day Camp/Special Events Coordinator at the FVSRA Office (630) 907-1114 or sarahr@fvsra.org
Back to the top » Many different individuals are hired as support staff, and assigned as volunteers. Students, adults, athletes, and professionals with a sincere interest in working with individuals with disabilities are currently serving the agency. People who possess specialized skills in working with individuals with disabilities, and people who are interested in sharing their time, interest, and talents with others are also very beneficial. Service organizations often provide a group of individuals who would like to commit to assisting with a special event. FVSRA offers flexible program opportunities. Many support staff spend a few hours weekly in a task for which they have received specialized training, such as teaching individualized dance, music, and swim lessons. Some staff work under the direction of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for a special event or weekly program. Other staff work more often in a short term or seasonal program. Program Assistants are needed year round, days and evenings providing assistance to FVSRA programs, by socializing with participants, helping with daily living skills, and creating a safe, fun atmosphere for recreation and leisure. Support Staff will focus on participants’ individual goals as well as follow the program plan for a successful program. Applicants are interviewed and placed according to experience, interest, and availability of positions. All Support Staff and Volunteers must attend orientation and training for their position. If you have questions regarding FVSRA support staff and volunteers positions, contact Cori Younie, CTRS, Support Staff Coordinator at (630) 907-1114 or cyounie@fvsra.org
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Support Staff & Volunteers are an integral part of the agency’s overall purpose of providing quality leisure experiences for individuals with special needs. Through the process of assisting with FVSRA special events and general programs, Program Assistants experience fun, enjoyment, and satisfaction, all while gaining valuable job experience assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve a healthy and active leisure lifestyle. The quality of FVSRA programs and participant experiences are enhanced through the time, assistance, special interests, and enthusiasm of our support staff and volunteers.
Service Club representatives may contact Kayla Linden, to provide an informational session for club members at any time throughout the year.