Social Work Corner: Tips to Stay Active and Have Fun

By Amanda M. Fonash, MSW, LSW, and Danielle D’Amico, BSN, RN

Accessing resources for a child with special needs can be a challenging process. One of my goals is to simplify this process by providing education about available community resources, including recreational opportunities. Below are a few resources to help you stay active and have fun this summer!

Katie’s Komets

The fabulous organization in the Philadelphia area is a wheelchair basketball team open to children with spina bifida and other lower extremity orthopaedic needs between the ages of 5 until high school graduation. No experience is necessary, and sports wheelchairs are available for participants. The practices are held weekly in the Philadelphia area. Playing on a wheelchair basketball team promotes health and physical fitness, and has social and emotional benefits, as well. Moreover, it’s a great way to meet other youth with spina bifida and have fun!

For more information, visit katieskomets.org, call 267-688-7230 or email info@katieskomets.org.

A Kid Again

This foundation recently opened a Philadelphia branch. It provides recreational outings for children with serious medical needs and their families. Families that are registered with the program receive invitations to special events and have the opportunity to meet other families who have children with spina bifida and other special needs. Some examples of adventures include outings to zoos, museums, theme parks, sporting events and other special activities. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.akidagain.org and click on the link to enroll a child.

Please feel free to reach out to me at 267-426-3008 with any questions about these resources. Have a great summer and see you in clinic!

More warm-weather-inspired activities

After two long years of navigating a pandemic and dealing with limited social interactions, let’s talk FUN! The following list of activities are free or low-cost. This is just a small sample of ideas to get you started!

• Play your favorite board games or make up a game for all to play.
• Watch your favorite movie, stream a new blockbuster, head out to the theater or watch a movie in the back yard.
• Build a fire pit and roast marshmallows or make smores.
• Play card games or build a house out of cards.
• Make an indoor tent or clubhouse.
• Sleep under the stars either in your back yard or your favorite camp site.
• Go to the park and have a picnic.
• Have a scavenger hunt.
• Make sidewalk art with chalk.
• Toss water balloons.
• Build a sandcastle.
• Fly a kite.
• Do some arts and crafts.
• Make a video of you acting out a scene from a play/movie, dancing or singing.
• Find a pen pal to write to over the summer. You can always write to Nurse Danielle!
• Complete a puzzle.
• Ride your bike or take a walk.
• Make your own ice cream.
• Decorate cakes and cookies. Have fun eating your masterpiece!
• Tie dye T-shirts.