Spring program registration is now open! Be sure to check out our Spring program guide and view our full online listing of Therapeutic Recreation programs!

Saturday, April 1 • 10am-2pm

Laura’s Place Playground at Blandair Regional Park - North

All Ages • Free

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Day! Enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting, music, and free ice cream! Visit with first responders and elected representatives. Learn about the autism community.

Come explore the masterpieces made by youth and adult artists with developmental disabilities, created in the Expression of Art programs offered by the Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services. In partnership with the Howard County Arts Council, this annual exhibit showcases their work at the Arts Council’s center on High Ridge Road in Ellicott City. The work showcased in this year’s exhibit was created in response to instruction focusing on sensory engagement with participants. In these programs, youth and adults with developmental disabilities explored a variety of media, styles, and methods of creating art. Works from the group’s photography club is also included, featuring shots taken by members with their smartphones. The exhibit runs through March 25.

This one-time art class allows adults with developmental disabilities to express themselves creatively in a fun and encouraging environment by painting sunflowers in a vase with step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to follow along. Goals: Increase fine motor coordination and cultural art leisure skills. Staff-to-participant ration is 1:5. Individuals requiring 1:1 supports must provide own supports. All supplies are included.

18 yrs + | Cedar Lane

RP4326.301 | Apr 29 | Sa | 3pm-5pm | $35 

Outshine the summer sun!

This weekly themed camp is designed for teens with mild to moderate developmental/cognitive disabilities. The program includes various recreation and leisure activities like art, music, nature, and physical activities. Staff-to-participant ratio is 1:4. Participants needing a 1:1 must provide their own support if room is available. Goals: Increased peer-to-peer interaction, improved communication skills and social/emotional skills development. Fee includes snack and activities.

13-21 yrs | Days: 4 or 5 | No camp 7/4

RP4217.401 Cedar Lane Pk West Jun 26 8am-noon M-F $190

RP4217.402 Cedar Lane Pk West Jun 26 Noon-4pm M-F $190

RP4217.403 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 3 8am-noon M, W-F $156

RP4217.404 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 3 Noon-4pm M, W-F $156

RP4217.405 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 10 8am-noon M-F $190

RP4217.406 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 10 Noon-4pm M-F $190

RP4217.407 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 17 8am-noon M-F $190

RP4217.408 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 17 Noon-4pm M-F $190

RP4217.409 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 24 8am-noon M-F $190

RP4217.410 Cedar Lane Pk West Jul 24 Noon-4pm M-F $190

iCan Bike Camp

Children, adolescents and young adults with disabilities learn how to ride a bike without training wheels.

8 yrs + | Gary J Arthur Comm Ctr | Days 5

RP4218 | Jul 17-21 | M-F | Times vary | $150

iCan Swim Camp

iCan Swim is designed to help people achieve their aquatic goals and learn valuable water safety skills during the weeklong program.

3-12 yrs | Location TBD | Days 5

RP4219 | Jul 24-28 | Times vary | M-F | $150

Teen Venture: Rock Climbing

Teens spend an afternoon socializing and rock climbing with friends and peers.

13-21 yrs | Roger Carter Comm Ctr | Classes 1

RP4206.401 | Mar 31 | 4-6:30pm | F | $35

Autism Acceptance Month - Outdoor Extravaganza at Robinson Nature Center

Celebrate Autism Acceptance month outdoors with Howard County Recreation & Parks! We invite families with members on the autism spectrum to enjoy a variety of guided and self-paced activities at the Robinson Nature Center. Activities include sensory pathways, scavenger hunts, nature exploration, games, and crafts. Preregister to receive event schedule prior to arriving. Info: 410-313-0400 or www.howardcountymd.gov/AutismAcceptance.

All ages | Robison Nature Ctr | Classes 1

RP4873.301 | Apr 16 | 2-4pm | Su | Free

Adaptive Maryland Day

This half-day inclusive festival is an opportunity for festival-goers to have hands-on experiences with various adaptive sports programs while gathering information about the countless resources available. 

Adaptive Maryland Day is the first-of-its-kind festival and resource fair and welcomes all ages and all disabilities. Enjoy hands-on adaptive activities, gain valuable resources, and test out adaptive equipment. The event includes food vendors, entertainment, and more!

All ages | Promise Landing Farm

16900 Clagett Landing Rd.

Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

May 7 | 1-4pm | Su | Free

Do you have program feedback and suggestions? Want to provide a testimonial about your experience or your family member's experience? Fill out our survey!

Each newsletter contains a fun fact that you may find helpful during upcoming programs.

March's Fact:

The word “shamrock” derives from a word in the Irish language meaning "little clover."