It's hard to believe that another summer has come and gone. Staff and campers had a blast throughout the summer participating in non-stop activities. At Camp Explore, the kids enjoyed swimming at Williams Farm Recreation Center, seeing the animals at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, and spending the day on the beach at Little Island Park. Family and friends got to enjoy a dude ranch themed Camp Carnival with their camper, as well as the many talents displayed on the last day at the annual Talent Show. Check out some video of the show from VBTV! 
 
The participants and staff at Junior and New Ventures kept just as busy. Junior Ventures volunteered at Norfolk Botanical Gardens while New Ventures volunteered at Surf & Adventure Co. / Ocean Rentals Ltd. Laundry Facility. Participants benefitted from discussing the job skills required for various careers. They went kayaking and learned archery from our Parks & Recreation Outdoors Team. They enjoyed a tour of Princess Anne Recreation Center and participating in a fitness class after being introduced to some exercise equipment. The groups took a trip the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, riding The Tide and ferry along the way. The groups also participated in some leisure activities of their choice like going to Cinema Café to enjoy a movie. Junior and New Ventures joined Camp Explore on their trip to the beach, volunteered at the Camp Carnival, and displayed their talents at the annual Talent Show. 

This summer marked the 7th year of Surf-n-Fun, a surf program for individuals with various disabilities. Surfers experienced the thrill of riding a wave, and for some, being in the ocean for the first time. Our TR staff teamed up with Aquatics instructors and staff from our Fitness Unit and Recreation Operations, along with some wonderful volunteers, to provide each surfer with a 30-minute session in the water. 

Whether they rode in on their stomach, kneeled, or conquered the surfer stance, everyone enjoyed their time in the water and on the board! View more photos of the participants.

Courtney Garner is a graduating senior from Temple University in Philadelphia who completed her senior internship with the Therapeutic Recreation Programs this summer. One of her projects was planning the Camp Carnival. She stated that the significance of this internship was invaluable and nothing can replace the experiences she had here in Virginia. Not only was she able to learn a lot about the profession, but also a great deal about herself personally and as an emerging professional. 

Courtney's goal is to get a full-time job after graduating and continuing to learn. She is eager to enter the profession as a recreation therapist and feels she has a lot to offer to the field of therapeutic recreation.