With school out and holiday celebrations winding down, things are just ramping up at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
MMI is home to two winter camps, one hosted by the recreational therapy department and the other by the occupational therapy department.
Rec therapy’s winter camp offers one-day sessions with several structured activities, including cooking, art, music, games and sports. Camp is offered four days this year.
Occupational therapy camps include sessions on arts and crafts and social skills, open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Another session, which uses LEGO blocks, is open to children in second through sixth grades.
Rec therapy’s winter camp offers a chance for campers to connect with their peers, said Carly De Bruin, assistant director of recreational therapy.
“It’s special for kids to reunite with familiar faces, from fellow campers to staff and volunteers,” De Bruin said. “It’s a day centered on fun and meaningful engagement.”
Camp also helps keep kids in a routine while they’re on holiday breaks.
“Not only is camp high energy and super fun, but for a lot of our participants, it keeps a consistent routine to help ease the transition back to school after break,” De Bruin said. “It’s also an awesome way to provide a respite opportunity for parents who may work or have other family obligations.”
Occupational therapy camps, meanwhile, help strengthen fine motor skills, self-regulation, cooperation and sportsmanship skills, said Chelli Westengaard, director of occupational therapy.
“Winter camps provide children in our community with a meaningful and enriching way to stay engaged during their holiday break,” Westengaard said. “Just as important, these camps create a supportive social environment where children can practice starting and carrying on conversations, build confidence and maintain routines that support continued growth beyond the classroom.”
Melonie Welsh, associate dean of community engagement at MMI, said winter camps give families a chance to rest and recharge while their participants experience joy, friendship and therapeutic support.
“It’s a season of care and connection that warms hearts long after winter ends,” Welsh said.