Special Needs Recreation

Simply Sensational Socials!

We offer events 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 happen on our RecDesk platform or through Elmwood Community Center. Register early because events often sell out.

There are a few options to register for the Simply Sensational Socials programs.

• Registrations can be made online through RecDesk, paying with credit/debit cards.
• Registrations can be made in person at the Elmwood Community Center, paying with credit/debit cards, cash, or check.
• Registrations can be made over the phone. Over the phone registrations can only accept payments via card. Please call ECC at 860-561-8160.

For more information on our programs for adults and teens, please visit our brochure.

There are two styles of summer programming available for children with special needs: Leisure Services’ special needs camps, or Leisure Services’ mainstream camps with inclusion assistance.

Special Needs Summer Camps

Beachland Adventures and Beachland CITeen are our summer camp programs targeted towards children and youth with special needs. For more information on the specifics of each program, please review our brochure on the Leisure Services department website. Please reach out to Dani Brown, Special Needs and Inclusion Support Coordinator, to discuss your child’s needs.

Inclusion Assistance

Inclusion Assistance is our special needs programming designed to allow children to attend mainstream camp programs. Families may consider inclusive assistance at camps listed in the brochure if children are capable of participation in an inclusive setting with only general assistance provided by the Special Needs Program staff. However, we ask that you connect with Dani Brown (dani.brown@westhartfordct.gov, 860-561-8194) once the registration is complete.

To facilitate the coordination of support services in Leisure Services programs, requests for accommodations or inclusion support are most effective when submitted as early as possible, ideally at least two (2) weeks before the start of a program or event.

Camp Assistants

Please visit our Leisure Services Employment Opportunities page. Positions begin accepting applications for summer positions January 1.

• 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.