Therapeutic Recreation: UNA Students Spend A Week With Special-Needs Summer Campers

May. 18, 2009

FLORENCE, Ala. – Water skiing. Boat riding. Fishing. Swimming. Horseback riding. Ropes courses. Archery. All are typical summer-camp activities, and all will be part of the week of fun for a class of University of North Alabama students as they head to Camp ASCCA in Jackson Gap this week.

But all that fun in the sun isn’t why these students are headed to camp. Their five days at Camp ASCCA will be spent helping special-needs children and adults as they participate in these and many other physical activities and challenges. Camp ASCCA is the world’s largest barrier-free camp and outdoor center for individuals with disabilities.

The camp’s mission is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve equality, dignity and maximum independence through a safe and quality program of camping, recreation and education in a year-round barrier-free environment.

UNA students serving at the camp this week are enrolled in the university’s Therapeutic Recreation class, offered through the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. The class is designed to show students how recreational activities can assist in maintaining or improving the health status, functional capabilities and quality of life of individuals with special needs.

For more information on Therapeutic Recreation or any other courses or activities of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, visit www.una.edu/hper.