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 Martial Arts 

Brookline Recreation will be collaborating with Viking Adaptive Martial Arts to offer an adaptive martial arts program for individuals of all abilities. This class empowers and provide students who experience a variety of environmental, physical and cognitive challenges with the benefits of martial arts. The program is individually tailored to meet the student’s needs. Marital arts training teaches balance, focus, self-awareness, core strength, spatial awareness and discipline. Students earn rank at their own pace with a testing format best suited for their success. The benefits of martial arts training should be available to all the seek it.

Location: Soule Gym 

Spring: Tuesdays  April 23, 2019 -- May 28, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM

Summer:  Tuesdays August 6, 2019 -- August 27. 2019 from 4:15 to 5:00 

Fee (Res/NR): $145/$195

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. 

Location:  Baldwin School


AgeDayTimeDate

Summer Session 1
5-8Saturday10:30-11:15am7/6-7/27
9-12Saturday11:20-12:05pm 7/6-7/27

Summer Session 2
5-8Saturday10:30-11:15am8/3-8/24
9-12Saturday11:20-12:05pm8/3-8/24

*Spring sessions cancelled due to low registration*

Click here to register now for summer sessions starting on July 6th!

Summer Cost: $125/session

For more information visit Super Soccer Stars or contact Micah Barshay, CTRS at mbarshay@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. 

Spring/Summer Outings

Outing
Date of OutingDeadline
Mini GolfMay 10May 3
Rock ClimbingMay 24May 17
StarlandJune 14June 7
Sailing on the HarborJune 28June 21
Larz Anderson BBQJuly 12July 5
LaunchJuly 26July 19
Movies in the ParkAugust 9August 2
BowlingAugust 30August 23

Enjoy the Great OutdoorsRT Family Trips

Join us on these new, family Saturday adventures this summer! Each trip will include transportation from the Brookline Hills T stop. Please note that food will not be provided. To attend, each participant will need to be accompanied by a family member/guardian (aids and mentors are also permitted), unless independent in the community.  Must be 5 or older to attend. 

Please contact Micah Barshay at mbarshay@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2069 with any questions/concerns.

Saturday, June 22: Charles River Kayaking (10am-3pm)

Row, row your kayak down the Charles River! This course with Paddle Boston will teach families the basic kayaking. Experienced boaters will have a chance to improve their skills. We will spend the rest of the day at Nahanton Park in Newton. Don’t forget to pack a bagged lunch and sunscreen! More information will be provided in the weeks prior to the trip.

Fee: $40/person

Click here to register by Friday, June 14th

Saturday, July 20: Houghton Pond (9am-5pm)

This next family outing will be at Houghton’s Pond is located within Blue Hills Reservation. Swim, fish, or relax by the 24-acre pond and accessible beach. There is also hiking available so a bagged lunch and sunscreen are a must! Families will be expected to bring their own fishing poles/games and create their own schedule for the day, scheduled group programming will not be provided.

Fee: $15/person

Click here to register by Friday, July 12th

Saturday, August 17: Hampton Beach (9am-5pm)

Nothing beats a summer beach day. We will be traveling to Hampton Beach, in New Hampshire. Come swim in the ocean, relax in the sun, or play in the sand. There is also an arcade along the boardwalk. Sunscreen is also a must! Families will be expected to create their own schedule for the day and bring their own bagged lunch or money to purchase food from a nearby restaurant.

Fee: $15/person

Click here to register by Friday, August 9th

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 Micah, Recreation Specialist by phone or email to RSVP or to be added to the list. The spring schedule can be found by clicking here

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.
Relay

Current Season: Spring

Sports offered: Swimming and Track/Field

Season Dates: 2/17-6/2 (Swimming) 

3/31-6/2 (Track/Field)

Swimming

  • Practice Day/time: Sunday 9:00-10:30am
  • Practice Location: Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center

Track/Field

  • Practice Day/time: Sunday 2:00-3:30pm
  • Practice Location: Downes Park

Register to play by emailing mbarshay@brooklinema.gov or calling 617-730-2069


Upcoming Season: Summer

Sports offered: Softball

Season Dates: June 6, 2019 to August 22, 2019

  • Practice Day/time: Thursdays 6:00 to 7:30
  • Practice Location: Cypress Field, 224-298 Davis Ave, Brookline, MA 02445

Register to play by Friday, May 31st by emailing mbarshay@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.