Recreational therapy addresses every child's need for play. A child's leisure skills and interests are used as a way to encourage physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. Recreational therapists work with other disciplines to find creative and fun ways for children to accomplish their therapeutic goals.

Outings are planned to help patients and family members use new or re-learned skills in a "real life" setting. Below is an example of an outing.

Kung Fu Panda and McDonalds is therapeutic!

Deston, a patient in the PMRU went on an outing Friday to see Kung Fu Panda and grabbed McDonalds on the way. Although this outing was a time for Deston to have fun it also provided him with the opportunity to work on strength and endurance in a community setting. 

Outings like these are an essential part of the recreational therapy program at the Center. This program strives to provide activities for children to fufill their need for fun. Outings are also a wonderful way for patients and families to see what they need to work on before they re-enter the community. Therapists attend the outing to evaluate rehab goals and what each child needs to accomplish before the child goes home.

Through these activities children are given the opportunity to interact with the community, enjoy themselves and also relearn skills to return home.