COMMUNITY RECREATION ACTIVITIES

MINI-COURSES

Master a new skill or hobby by taking a Recreation mini-course. Various two- to twelve-week classes provide instruction and assistance. We try to keep class sizes small so that everyone is given the attention and support required to learn a new skill and be successful. The mini-courses are open to beginners, as well as more experienced members. Classes are led by UCP staff, specialized instructors, and volunteers. Classes are held both at UCP’s center in Chestnut Hill and at other convenient locations throughout the community. Each month, members are offered a choice of one or two different types of mini-courses. The choices vary each month and may include classes in cooking, crafts, fitness, art, pottery, ceramics, gardening, and music appreciation, to name a few.

YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES

UCP organizes a variety of year-round activities. There is something for everyone.

Adult Social Club (ASC): The Adult Social Club is a small group of Recreation members with physical disabilities who meet regularly to discuss common concerns, topical issues, and to plan monthly outings with their peers. Spending time with friends and having fun is the group’s mandate. Meetings are generally held at a favorite restaurant. These meetings are a chance to get together and plan a variety of outings, which have included going to see a movie or a show, visiting a museum, and shopping, among others. The primary criterion for eligibility for the ASC is having a physical disability. Members are required to bring an attendant to all meetings and outings if additional support is needed. Recreation staff facilitates ASC meetings and provide limited support for outings. The number of participants in the Adult Social Club is kept small in order to allow outings to be more manageable. New members join based on the availability of space in the club.

Athletic Training & Fitness: The Athletic Training Center provides an opportunity for people with disabilities over 16 and with a physician’s approval to engage in sports conditioning and weight training for athletic competition or personal improvement. Group fitness classes are held regularly at UCP’s center. The fitness group is led by the UCP Sports Coordinator, Recreation Assistant, and volunteers. While many members join to improve overall fitness, some train for athletic competition, such as an area track & field meet. UCP holds two annual events open to all athletes, the Philadelphia Sports Meet and the UCP 5K Run/Walk.

Bingo: Once a month, the UCP center draws a crowd of members interested in one thing—to shout out “Bingo!” This popular activity offers an opportunity for members to enhance skills, socialize with their peers, and just as important, the chance to win prizes.

Birthday Celebration: There is no better reason to get together than to celebrate a birthday. Recreation hosts a birthday party every three months, complete with music, refreshments, and of course, a birthday cake. Whose birthday are we celebrating? Anyone who has had a birthday in the previous three months. This get together is a great way to celebrate your own special day or the birthday of a friend.

C.T. Mitchell Bowling League: Enjoy the spirit of team play and peer interaction as a member of the bowling league. UCP’s league bowls twice a month giving members an opportunity to learn the game, practice, and participate in team bowling competition. UCP Recreation reserves several lanes at an area bowling alley where bowlers receive appropriate adaptive equipment to bowl. Some bowlers use the support of ramps to release the ball. Bowling is one of the more popular activities, and each year one bowler is named “Bowler of the Year” at Recreation’s annual banquet.

Video Club: Each month, we get together to watch a movie at UCP’s center. Participants vote on the choice of film in advance of the showing.

T.G.I.F.N.O.:  It is finally Friday and we are all glad that the week is done. Get in on the fun of “Thank God It’s Friday Night Out.” Theme parties, dinners, and dances offer a great way to socialize with old friends and make new ones.

PLANNED OUTINGS & TRIPS

A variety of trips and community outings are scheduled each month for members of Community Recreation. These may include ballgames, movies, restaurants, museums, dinner theater, camping, and occasional overnight trips. Due to the popularity of these events, when capacity is an issue, a lottery system is used.