Recreational therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment program. Our extensive recreational therapy program enables our certified recreational therapists to design activities that support each resident’s treatment goals.
Outcomes from participating in recreational therapy include:
- Building Trust
- Improving Social Skills
- Increasing Self-Esteem
- Developing Effective Problem-Solving Skills
- Having Fun
Our recreational therapy program also gives residents the physical exercise they need and allows them to try new activities without judgment or embarrassment. We help residents understand the importance of healthy leisure activities of all kinds and show them how to become involved in new positive leisure experiences.
When residents find an activity they love, they embrace it and channel their energy into it. Offering a wide range of activities ensures each resident can explore and find something they enjoy.
Activities include:
- Recreational Therapy Programming. Scheduled programming includes treatment-goal focused activities. Residents learn about healthy recreation participation and social skills through leisure education programming, teambuilding Initiatives and age-appropriate games and activities.
- Physical Activities. Our modern and open gym is a great place for kids to play volleyball, badminton and basketball. Our beautiful 32-acre campus also has plenty of room for residents to engage in a variety of physical activities ranging from fitness to team sports. We have an 8-acre outdoor athletic complex that includes a baseball diamond, soccer field with goal nets and beach volleyball court.
- Equine-Assisted Learning. In collaboration with a local nonprofit, BRC offers an equine assisted learning program. Residents accepted into the program based on therapeutic need will interact with a rescued therapy horse in small group sessions at the nonprofit’s farm. As they gain self-confidence, build trust and practice effective communication skills over several weekly sessions, participants can progress through activities ranging from ground-work to a supervised and guided horseback experience.
- Rock Wall. Our on-campus rock wall lets resident tackle their fears by confronting a challenge that seems bigger than them. This unique workout helps residents build self-confidence, physical strength and endurance. Within a few weeks, most residents take on the wall without fear.
- Scouts. Our Scout troop gives participants the chance to learn skills and earn patches. Some residents come to us with Scouting experience that they’re able to continue during treatment. We are also proud that a local Eagle Scout chose our campus for his project – an outdoor garden that’s the perfect place to relax, either alone or with friends.
- Therapy Dog. Our Recreational Therapy team also includes our facility dog, Beau. He’s a certified therapy dog, a Golden Retriever who’s been with BRC since 2020. Beau and his handler visit dorms where residents can interact with him during group time. He’s also available to participate in some individual therapy sessions and other activities.
- Additional Special Events. Our recreational opportunities include something for everyone, including field trips to the Norfolk Zoo and Harbor Park and local theater productions. On-campus special activities include our annual prom, paint nights, talent shows and movie events.
