Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon

    Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon (SRJC) is a cooperative extension of the Joliet and Channahon Park Districts. SRJC provides year-round social and recreation activities for people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. Programs offer opportunities to build new skills, create friendships and have fun.

    Transportation is available to residents of Joliet and Channahon for some SRJC programs for an additional fee. For non-resident transportation, please contact the SRJC office at (815) 741-7275, ext. 176.

    For more information about SRJC or to request a registration form, call the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center at (815) 741-7275, ext. 160.

  • Spectrum Sailing Summer Camps for Youth With Autism

    Spectrum Sailing is a nonprofit organization that provides sailing camps for children aged 10 to 17 with autism. Camp sessions in Chicago typically take place in June. The three-day experience includes learning about the boat’s parts, how to tie knots, and how to sail.

    Check Spectrum Sailing’s website for the application and camp deadlines. For any questions about the Spectrum Sailing program or sessions, please call (847) 863-3059 or email info@spectrumsailing.org.

  • Sports for Kids Recreation and Camp Programs

    The Tengelsen Family Foundation Sports for Kids program promotes fitness, independence, friendship and fun for kids ages 7 to 17 with a diagnosed physical impairment. Kids can try a wide range of year-round adaptive sports and arts, social, and cultural recreation and camp programs.

    Opportunities include:

    •  Year-round programs
    • Junior competitive sports
    • Weekend programs

  • Springfield Park District – Camp L.E.A.P.

    The Springfield Park District’s Camp L.E.A.P. ( Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming) offers fun, educational, adaptive recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities. Camp L.E.A.P. is a weekly program. Registration deadlines are set as the Friday before the week the participant is attending. Registration for Camp L.E.A.P. summer sessions typically opens in May.

    For more information, contact Andre Hawkins at (217) 585-2941, ext. 2303, or ahawkins@springfieldparks.org.

  • Stepping Stones Bereavement Camp for Children in Eureka, Missouri

    BJC Hospice hosts Stepping Stones Bereavement Camp each year for children and teens who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The weekend-long, overnight camp provides a safe place for campers ages 6 to 15 to explore their grief and emotions.

    The camp usually takes place in August and is free for all children who have lost loved ones, not just families served by BJC Hospice (service areas include Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Fayette, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe, Calhoun, Marion, Greene and portions of Pike and Perry counties).

  • Summer Meals Program

    The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals and snacks to children 18 and under when school is out for the summer.

    SFSP meals and snacks are served free at participating program sites. Sites may be located in various settings, including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, apartment complexes, churches and migrant centers.

    To find a meal site near you:

    There is no income requirement to participate in open-site summer meal programs.

    Certain summer meal sites, such as camps or closed programs that require an application to participate, may ask about income during the application process.

  • Sunshine Foundation

    The Sunshine Foundation helps make dreams come true for children ages 3 to 18 who have severe or profound illnesses or conditions. Referrals can come from anywhere in the United States for children with severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse and whose families have limited income.

    Dream requests can include:

    • Staying at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village and visiting area theme parks and attractions
    • Funding towards a special gift or item of interest
    • Funding towards medical or adaptive equipment that insurance may not cover

  • Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation

    The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides an individual adaptive equipment grant for spinal cord injury survivors with paraplegia and quadriplegia.

    The grant is open to individuals of all ages and covers specific modifications or equipment needs that will help get you outdoors. Eligible items include:

    • Wheelchair outdoor tires and attachments
    • Vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts)
    • Exercise (FES Bike, Standing Frame) or recreational equipment
    • Small home modifications (including a ramp)

    Applicants must reside in the United States. They also must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation.

  • T.O.U.C.H.

    The Organization for Understanding Congenital Hearts (T.O.U.C.H.) provides support and information to empower families, children, youth and adults with congenital heart defects.

    For additional information, contact touchhearts365@gmail.com

  • Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language

    Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone.

    The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS systems available.