How to Start Recreational Programs

As school based therapists, we are required to work towards IEP goals that will help students reach their educational goals.  Many times we know there is so much more we can help to teach children beyond just educational goals.  Have you ever considered starting a recreational or leisure program for children?  How about plan a new, unique program to encourage leisure or recreational activities. Maybe you have a special talent that you could teach to children. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby that you would like to share with others.

If you need some inspiration for specialized programs, here are some ideas to start for children of all abilities:

1. Digital arts program using assistive technology.
2. After school creativity club (explore arts, movement and music, start a band, etc)
3. Physical activity club for preschoolers: yoga, games, playground time, etc.
4. Handwriting club – practice handwriting skills and add in some multisensory fun.
5. Movement and dance club – try ballet, hip hop, jazz, square dancing and more.
6. Extracurricular sports – try cooperative games, bowling, karate, nature walks, etc.
7. Lego Club – try building different projects or just open ended play
8. Life skills club – teach and review skills like shoe tying, meal prep, laundry and more.
9. Video Game Work Outs – facilitate physical activity through the use of video games such as         the Wii, Kinect and Dance, Dance Revolution
10. Cooking Club – learn healthy recipes and a necessary life skill.

Once you decide on a topic, ask the administration in your building if this is something you could start.  Fill out any paperwork to secure a classroom or gym to hold your sessions.  Create some flyers to distribute to see how much interest you have in the program.  Once you determine that you will have interest, now figure out how you will pay for it.

How about applying for a grant? Depending upon your school district, most likely you will not receive compensation for an after school or additional programming.  Grant money is available for almost anything imaginable if you look hard enough. Grants have different application deadlines each year and many have already past for this year. Perhaps some of your summer downtime could include preparing to submit a grant application for that special program you have always dreamed of running.

Grant writing takes a lot of preparation, time and energy. It can be an arduous task but with a great end result. Before you apply for a grant, make sure your program meets the requirements for the grant money. Most grants have specific guidelines for you to read prior to submitting your application. You will need to be very specific regarding: the goals of your program, how much money you need, how you will carry out the program and how you measure if it is effective. Keep in mind, most grants require that you submit the grant on behalf of a non profit organization.

If you do apply for a grant but get turned down, do not give up. Perhaps your program idea could be carried out by a group of volunteers. Parents and teachers may be more than willing to volunteer their time. High school and college students frequently need volunteer hours to for honor society membership, religious sacraments and college admissions. You may be able to get a local business to sponsor the activity with a donation in exchange for some advertising on t-shirts. Parents are always signing up their children for dance class, gymnastics, etc perhaps parents would be willing to private pay for an after school, recreational program.

Remember when you start, keep it short with maybe a 3 week program with one session per week and see how it works.  If there is decent interest, repeat the program with a second group of children or change the program.

Don’t forget to check on insurance coverage for where you meet or ask parents to sign a waiver.

Have some more ideas or tips to offer? Please leave your comments below.