Special Needs Recreation

Fabulous Fridays!

We offer Friday night events at ECC for high school aged teens and older individuals. Supervision of a general nature only is provided at these events by our staff. Guests requiring additional assistance may bring a helper, family member, or friend at no additional charge and group home staff are required to remain on site. Fees include light refreshments and any advertised food or craft materials. Registration for all events takes place at the first floor main office or by calling 860-561-8160. Register early because events often sell out.

Procedure for purchasing tickets - Call or come to ECC to purchase tickets to the Special Needs Program events. Tickets can be purchased by phone or in person at the ECC using cash, checks or credit cards. Tickets are fully transferable to another person if you are unable to go to an event but there are no refunds on purchased tickets. Unsold tickets will be available at the door at an additional fee (cash or check only) on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets purchased over the phone will be available for pickup at the Elmwood Community Center.

Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before an event is scheduled to begin. 

The Inclusion Support and Special Needs Program is pleased to offer a variety of support options at a variety of town run summer camps. Families may consider inclusive recreation at camps listed in the Town of West Hartford Summer Camp brochure if children are capable of participation in an inclusive setting with only general assistance provided by the Special Needs Program staff.

Online registration is not available for Beachland Adventures or Beachland Teen. Please call 860-561-8177 to discuss camp options. Those interested in inclusion assistance should contact the Special Needs Coordinator first to discuss appropriate placement, but online registration is available to secure a spot. The arrangement of bus transportation between summer school and the various camp locations is the responsibility of parents. Please contact the Board of Education directly at 860-561-6600 with any questions. Conversations with parents and school personnel are essential to determining how to best meet the child's recreational needs as well as the appropriateness of the placements.

Details on registration dates and deadlines for Beachland Adventures and Beachland Teen will be in the summer camp brochure. Required camp forms can be picked up at the Elmwood Community Center. Register online with RecDesk.

To allow adequate time for staff hiring, staff training and camp planning, all camp discussions and registrations must be complete by the date indicated in the Town of West Hartford Summer Camp brochure. Deadlines for forms will also be in the Summer Camp brochure and children will not be allowed to participate in camp if the forms have not been received and reviewed. No refunds will be given.

Camp Assistants

• Aides at our special needs camps (Beachland Adventures, Beachland Teen) and/or at various mainstream camps throughout town (i.e. Buena Vista, Westmoor Park, Funtastic etc.).
• MUST have employment, academic, and/or volunteer experience with individuals with physical, health, and/or cognitive limitations; must be able to PROVIDE REFERENCES to address preparedness to work with children (ages 3 - 21) with special needs.
• Must be energetic, enthusiastic, and eager to make a difference! Flexibility is a must!
• Must know how to swim and expect to be in the pool daily.
• Must commit to a minimum of 6-weeks, M-F employment Hours vary based on full or half day registration but most shifts are 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (20 hours per week).
• Must be available for all training in June.
• Pay rates start at minimum wage and up, depending on experience.

Click here to apply online today!