Contributed photo
Contributed photo
FVSRA March News Register for Summer Camp Today (for Residents)
We Empower People With Disabilities to Live Active, Healthy, Fulfilling Lives
At Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA), we enrich the lives of people with disabilities. By collaborating with member agencies and community partners, we put people first.
Discover Summer Programming That's Right For You
Summer Day Camp Registration Opens Today for Residents!
Everyone deserves a summer program where they make friends, learn new things and have fun! At FVSRA, discover leisure and recreation activities for people with disabilities. Participants make friends, experience new activities and become part of a supportive community.
Three Types of Programs Are Available:
- FVSRA's Summer Day Camp: FVSRA runs its own summer day camp for people ages 5 to 22. All campers are people with disabilities, and our trained and credentialed staff facilitate successful programming. Registration opens today, Monday, March 28 for Fox Valley residents and Monday, April 4 for non-residents.
- Park District/Department Summer Day Camp: FVSRA also supports partner Park Districts/Departments in Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswegoland, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and South Elgin by adapting programs and providing additional support staff where needed. Visit your community's Park District/Department website to explore programs and register. During the registration process, you can request special accommodations, and your Park District/Department will contact FVSRA.
- FVSRA General Programs: In the summer, FVSRA continues to offer its year-round general recreational and leisure programs, including in art, bowling, tennis and more, plus events and trips. These programs can supplement the Summer Day Camp options listed above.
Claire Howes, CTRS
Day Camp Manager
(630) 907-1114 x1213
Living 8,000 Miles Away From FVSRA Summer Camp Does Not Keep Sahil From Attending Every Year!
Sahil and his family relocate to the Fox Valley region every summer – just to go to FVSRA Summer Day Camp. "I come all the way from India just to be in the camp. My friends and counselors make me happy!" says Sahil. This year will be Sahil's seventh year attending Summer Day Camp.
Discover a summer camp where you belong.
You Are Invited to Explore Our Sensory Room at an Open House on Saturday, April 30 from 11am to 2pm
The Carolyn Nagle Sensory Room is a small, interactive and comfortable space that allows people to engage their senses through soothing or invigorating equipment, sounds and smells.
Named in honor of Carolyn Nagle, FVSRA Former Executive Director, who led the organization for 26 years, the Carolyn Nagle Sensory Room is an important resource for the community
FVSRA participants can use the room to take a break during programming, and anyone in the community can reserve the room. Contact Rania Samawi for more information.
Sensory Room Open House
Saturday, April 30, 11am to 2pm
2121 W Indian Trail, Aurora
Snacks, giveaways, activities and more
Free / No RSVP required
We Are Now Accepting Applications for Summer Jobs!
Do you know someone interested in special education, parks and recreation or related fields? Refer them to FVSRA to discover a rewarding summer job experience.
Our summer team members empower people with disabilities by facilitating recreational and leisure activities. They work one-on-one or lead a class, get resume-building experience and join a vibrant organization that is committed to ensuring everyone can live an active, healthy, fulfilling life.
Rates start at $15/hour if over 18 years old. Positions with half-day and full-day hours are available across the Fox Valley region.
We are currently recruiting for our Camp Leadership team and are seeking college students and young adults with at least two years of experience in related fields. Additionally, we have openings for Program Assistants who can also drive the FVSRA Minibus to pick up participants from various points throughout the Fox Valley region and bring them to our program locations.
Summer Camp Counselors Share Their Rewarding Summer Job Experience
“I am so thankful to work for FVSRA. I know what I am doing is important!” – Derek M., Summer Camp Counselor
“We truly built a family amongst our staff at our camp, so thank you for blessing me with such great people to work with! Work never felt like work to any of us. It was truly the best experience of all of our lives and we hope we can do it together again!” – Lauren A., Summer Camp
Celebrate with the FVSRA Community at the 29th Annual BBQ and Basket Raffle Event on Friday, April 8 from 4 to 7pm at the Prisco Community Center
We are cooking up a good time! On Friday, April 8 from 4-7pm at the Prisco Community Center at 150 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, we will host our 29th annual BBQ and Basket Raffle. Proceeds from this event support our mission of helping people of all abilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives
Adults with disabilities volunteer to make this event happen by serving meals, clearing tables and selling raffle tickets. There will be in-person and drive-thru options available
Menu (all meals come with coleslaw, applesauce, baked beans and a roll):
1/2 Chicken: $15
Two Pork Chops: $15
Chicken + Pork Combo: $15
Salmon: $15
Hot Dog: $6
Dessert: $1
Introducing the Egg Raffle, Where Everyone Wins!
New this year at the BBQ and Basket Raffle Event, we will be selling big, colorful Easter eggs for $5 each. Inside every egg is a surprise – either money, gift cards or a ticket. Use tickets to purchase prizes valued between $5 to $50 from our prize table at the event! There are 100 eggs for sale. It's fun for all and especially inclusive of FVSRA participants and young kids. Everyone who plays wins!
Thank you to our sponsors: Kim Bliss, Heidi Bliss, Miriam Wade-Hicks, Chris Morris and Nancy Thompson.
We Shared the Importance of FVSRA on NCTV-17
Naperville Community Television (NCTV-17) Spotlight Host Jane Wernette sat down with FVSRA Executive Director Alex Engelhardt to discuss FVSRA and our latest initiatives.
“Our goal this year is not only to be aware of people with disabilities - with awareness days and the awareness month - but really be accepting," says Engelhardt. "And elevate and be intentional about accepting people with disabilities, whether we are doing that through our language, programming or policies.” Watch the Interview
Thank You For Taking Our Survey About Corporate Partnerships!
Survey respondents were entered into a raffle. We are pleased to announce the winners are Heather Van Lear, Kelsey Hill, Vivian Davis and Anne Schafroth. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone for participating!
The FVSRA Powerlifting Team Demonstrated Excellence, Sportsmanship and Positivity – and Achieved Numbers Near Personal Bests – at the Recent 2XL Powerlifting Competiton
Several members of FVSRA’s Powerlifting Team attended a competition hosted by NEDSRA at 2XL Powerlifting in Lombard, IL on February 27.
The hosts at the 2XL Powerlifting venue provided a high-energy atmosphere, ramping up the athletes and the crowd before the lifts and celebrating with them after. The limited size of the meet was a great way to get back into the swing of competition in preparation for the larger Special Olympics Regional Qualifier, which will take place at the end of March.
"This was my first powerlifting competition as a coach," says FVSRA Athletics Coordinator Lexi Masterson, CTRS, MS, "And I was personally impressed with the level of focus and determination each athlete showed. These athletes take pride in what they do and it was evident at this competition. I am excited to see what they all can do at the Regional Qualifier!"
Although the goal of this meet was to practice technique and follow the cues of the judges rather than hit personal bests, many of our lifters were able to achieve numbers near their bests! The athletes were commended for their excellence in sportsmanship and positivity.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
Walk-Ins Welcome!
Monday-Friday:
9:00am-4:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (630) 907-1114
Fax: (630) 907-1116
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
Alerts Sign-up