Family camp is a special time where parents can experience camp alongside their children. Last year, Jenna and Dwight took their three boys, Bryce, Colt, and Adrian to camp. “Because of UCP, our boys have been able to go camping as a family, where our wheelchair bound son could actually do all the activities like a regular kid! He wasn’t confined to his chair and was actually able to go zip lining!!” UCP works hard to ensure that children of all abilities have the opportunity to participate in all camp activities.
Besides Summer Camp, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California launched our Recreation division in March of 2022 due to a need expressed by those in our community. UCP was receiving requests from individuals and from families for more interactive activities in the community in which clients and families could gather, make friends, learn, and socialize together.
UCP has partnered with existing recreational programs to help improve the accessibility of integrated social and recreation programs that are person-centered and culturally and linguistically meet the needs of the population we serve.
At this year’s Humanitarian of the Year Awards Event, Jenna and her family shared a bit of their experience with UCP’s Recreation Program. She talked about how difficult it is to find activities that can adapt two children with developmental disabilities — one with autism and one with cerebral palsy. “With UCP, I never worry about leaving my children… 9 times out of 10, there is no meltdown, but even if there was I know they’d be fine.” The events put on are all planned in order to be adaptable for all– those in wheelchairs, those with sensory sensitivities, and for those with any other special abilities.
One event in particular, was the most exciting to hear about– UCP’s Ski Trip, in conjunction with Achieve Tahoe. Jenna talked about how she never could have imagined that Bryce would be able to ski, as he has to use a wheelchair. However, with the help of Achieve Tahoe, Bryce was able to not only ski, but hit a speed of 29 mph coming down the largest mountain at the resort. “For being a kid bound to a wheelchair, he is the biggest adrenaline junkie I know… he did a couple runs on the bunny hill but just kept saying ‘more! more!'”