Recreation Therapy

Mission


 The mission of the Recreation Therapy Division of the Brookline Recreation Department is to provide effective, Therapeutic-based programs for youth through adult populations who have disabling conditions and/or illnesses in an effort to promote positive growth, development, and independence. This is accomplished through the provision of recreation services in a safe, structured, and prosperous environment via the Brookline Recreation Department.

Recreation Therapy in Brookline


The Recreation Therapy Division provides a diverse range of programs for individuals living with and without disabilities in Brookline and its surrounding areas. Programs range from social based activities such as teen outings, specialty activities, and sports programs to more Therapeutic-based groups such as Swim Classes, Social Activities, and Dinner Groups. Programs vary from Season to
Season.

What is Recreation Therapy?

Recreation Therapy is a form of therapy that uses leisure modalities and the things you like to do to increase functional independence, reduce barriers related to recreation, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with disabilities. “Recreation Therapy means, a treatment service designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate, a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.”

Why is Recreation Therapy so important?

Research supports the concept that people with active, satisfying lifestyles will be happier and healthier. Recreation Therapy provides services, and treatment which are based on the individuals’ interests and lifestyle. This allows them to better engage in therapy and apply these functional improvements in all areas of their life. For individuals who have functional deficits and a need for therapy, Recreation Therapy services which integrate the client’s lifestyles and natural environments are often the most clinically appropriate manner to achieve meaningful outcomes. Recreation Therapy allows for better generalization to enhance individuals’ functional orientation to treatment. Put simply, Recreation Therapy works to improve individuals’ functioning and keep them as active, healthy and independent as possible in their chosen life pursuits.

Adaptive Aquatics (Registration opens 11/7/2018)

The adaptive aquatics class is designed to include participants of all ability levels. Special considerations are taken for individuals who have physical, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral impairments. We provide a low instructor to student ratio or potentially one on one supervision as needed.

Day/Time: Sunday afternoons from 1:45-2:30PM

Location: Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center

Program Dates: December 16th- February 10th

Registration Deadline: Sunday, December 9th

 For more information contact Justine Carey, CTRS at jcarey@brooklinema.gov or call 617-730-2069. 

Therapeutic Ice Skating (Registration is now open!)Skating Club of Boston

Brookline Recreation is excited to be collaborating with the Skating Club of Boston Skating Academy to offer a new Therapeutic Skating program at the Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink this winter! Therapeutic Skating is a unique program providing children and adults with differing abilities access to the sport of figure skating by offering them an opportunity to participate in a specialized skating experience. The Skating Club of Boston believes everyone should have the opportunity to ice skate and is committed to providing positive and supportive programming for all to participate, learn from, and enjoy. Ice skating improves balance, circulation, coordination, and strength. Therapeutic Skating instructors guide skaters in an adaptive and supporting environment. Throughout the 10 classes, individuals can progress and explore the sport of figure skating at their own rate, building confidence in pursuit of a new lifelong activity.

Lessons day/time: Friday evenings from 5-5:40pm 

Location: Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink

Dates: December 7th - February 15th  

Fee (Res/NR): $154/$220

Registration will begin on October 1st and remain open until November 30th. Click here to register!

Super Soccer Stars Shine

Super Soccer Stars Shine uses soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills to children with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. The Shine curriculum is designed by licensed educators and therapists focusing on promoting complete growth of each player and encourages them to improve at their own pace. Their low player to coach ratio ensures children receive continuous support and personal attention. 

Next session will be offered Spring 2019

For more information visit Super Soccer Stars or contact Justine Carey, CTRS at jcarey@brooklinema.gov or call 617-730-2069. 

On the Town Outings

Join us for our Friday Night (5:30PM-10:00PM) outings for teens and adults ages 14 and older. On The Town is a great way to explore the community, experience different recreational activities and build friendships. These outings are facilitated by the Brookline Recreation Therapy Staff. The cost includes transportation to and from the Eliot Recreation Center, food, and any program fees. Pre-registration is required for these trips. 

Fall Outings

OutingDate of OutingRegistration Deadline
Sailing on the Boston HarborSeptember 14thFriday, August 31st 
Laser QuestSeptember 28thFriday, September 21st
Pumpkin CarvingOctober 19thFriday, October 12th
Rock ClimbingNovember 9thFriday, November 2nd
The ClayroomNovember 30thFriday, November 23rd

Forever Young


Forever Young is a social group for individuals 21 years-old and up and is a great way to make friends and enjoy the area with bi-weekly dinners. Forever Young meets at a different restaurant every other week from 5:30PM-7:00PM. Attendance is free; you just pay for your food.Transportation will not be provided, please arrange to meet at the scheduled restaurants. Contact Justine Carey, Recreation Specialist by phone or email to RSVP or to be added to the list. 

Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA)


The SOMA program has a local Brookline Recreation Chapter in the north section. A number of training programs for Brookline children and adults are available throughout the year. Each program is designed to assist athletes improve their physical fitness and athletic skills and ultimately prepare them for one or more local and statewide competitions per sport season.

Athletes must be at least 6 years old to train. Athletes must be at least 8 years old to train and compete in the local and statewide competitions. Training programs typically meet once per week for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Special Olympics Logo

Athlete & Volunteer Participation Forms


 Brookline Recreation is always looking for dedicated Special Olympics athletes and volunteers! If you are interested in participating or volunteering in any SOMA sport please print off and fill out the proper form below and mail it to:

Brookline Recreation
133 Eliot St.
Brookline, MA 02467



Call (617)730-2069 with any questions. If you are over 18 years old, don't fill out the reference section on the volunteer application form.

Current Season: Fall

Sports Offered: Flag Football and Cheerleading 

Season Dates: 9/5-11/17

  • Practice day/time: Wednesdays 6:00-7:30PM
  • Practice Location: Cypress Field

Upcoming Season: Winter

Sports offered: Basketball

Season Dates: 12/8-March

  • Practice Day/time: Saturdays 9:00-10:30am (occasionally 8:30-10:00am)
  • Practice Location: Winsor School (103 Pilgrim Road, Boston, MA 02215)

Register to play by Friday, November 30th by emailing jcarey@brooklinema.gov or calling 617-730-2069

 Special Olympics Sports offered through Brookline Recreation Therapy

Fall

  • Flag Footabll
  • Cheerleading

Discover what it feels like to be a part of a team this fall! Flag football features all of the fun of football, without the physical contact! Not interested in football? That's okay! You can cheer on our teams from the sideline with our cheerleading squad instead!


Winter

  • Basketball

Basketball is not only the largest Brookline Special Olympic sport, it is also the only sport offered during our winter season. With 6 teams ranging in age and ability level, there is sure to be a place for everyone!

Spring

  • Aquatics
  • Track and Field

With the support and encouragement of their teammates, athletes have an increased opportunity to focus on improving their individual performance in track and field or swimming events during the spring season. Each sport has a long list of events to choose from so everyone has a chance to shine!


Summer

  • Softball

Make your summer a home run by joining Brookline's  softball team! We have two teams so there is always space for athletes of all abilities!

Looking for more? Check out these awesome programs in the area.



The MUSE Foundation

 

MUSE is a 501c3 non profit organization, based out of Brookline, that helps 21+ aged youth of all abilities socialize via playing together in rock bands. Our music services also include private lessons, and an introductory drum circle, which is open to students 17+. MUSE also holds regular social events, such as restaurant trips, concerts and parties. Although the organization welcomes individuals of all musical abilities, we are especially looking for students new to music who would like to join our introductory drum circle! If you love music and want to join MUSE or our mailing list, email: Elaine@muse-foundation.org. Follow the link to the website to view more information, videos upcoming shows!
 

Come show your support by attending the MUSE winter concert on Sunday, December 16th from 5:00-7:30pm at the Hard Rock Café in Boston! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance online. For more information click here!

MRPA Metrowest Adaptive Recreation Collaborative


The Metrowest Adaptive Recreation Collaborative (MARC) was created to provide adaptive sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities, their family and friends. MARC currently hosts free clinics open to the public throughout the Metrowest area.

Boston College SOMA Chapter


Boston College offers SOMA Sports in the Fall and Spring. For details, contact bcdoubledragons@gmail.com.