The City of Daytona Beach is committed to providing quality recreational programs for people of all abilities. In addition to various activities and classes, we currently offer therapeutic recreation programs such as Camp T. Rec, The Young Adult Club (YAC), BlazeSports Club of Daytona and Daytona Wheelchair Sports.

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

Therapeutic Recreation is more simply defined as play with a purpose.  It can be offered in a number of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities, schools, mental health and drug treatment centers, abuse shelters and municipal or county recreation agencies.

Therapeutic Recreation is important for many reasons.  It has many purposes that assist individuals through promoting greater self reliance and developing essential skills for independent living.  Recreational activities can be used to improve physical abilities including  muscle strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, mobility and range of motion. These activities help to build self esteem and self confidence by focusing on the individual’s strengths, further developing these skills through physical activity or by providing opportunities for self expression and creativity. Therapeutic Recreation aids in strengthening interpersonal skills by encouraging individuals to join in activities that nurture social relationships and create a feeling of group acceptance. In addition, Therapeutic Recreation promotes stress management through activities that relax the mind and body.  As a whole, Therapeutic Recreation offers recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.

Current Programs Offered

Camp T. Rec is a summer day camp for elementary and middle-school aged children with various developmental disabilities and attention deficit or hyper-activity disorders.  The program is organized and operated by a cooperative agreement with the cities of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Port Orange.   Our camp is supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and staffed with experienced people who have a background in therapeutic recreation, special education or related professions.  All staff is trained  to use proper techniques in dealing with children with special needs. The children are separated into groups according to age and level of functional skills.  Camp activities include a variety of experiences to assist in improving each child’s fine and gross motor skills, cognition, and socialization — regular swimming, sports and games, arts and crafts, field trips, movement experiences, music therapy and theme days comprise our weekly calendar of activities.  For more information, click here or contact Anthony Murphy at 386-671-3550.

The Young Adult Club (YAC) is a social club  for young adults ages 17 and above with intellectual disabilities.  YAC addresses the socialization desires of these young adults.  Members are offered the opportunity to give input regarding the activities they wish to  partake for our bi-weekly evening gatherings. Gatherings are generally between the hours of 6 - 8 p.m., at various locations within our community.  Each club member receives a monthly activity calendar. For more information, contact Natalie  Adams at 386-671-3560. 

BlazeSports Club of Daytona offers beginner to intermediate level athletes with physical disabilities opportunities for training in tennis. Participation is open to athletes 13 years of age and older.   

Daytona Wheelchair Sports is our youth sports component which offers young people, ages 7 to 12, with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in  our athletic programs such as baseball and buddy ball.