Our residential facility puts a lot of importance on our recreational activities as you can tell through other blogs. This year for the first time in 6 years our residents had the opportunity to go on an over-night vacation before school started up. Several factors go into determining if an overnight trip is feasible or not, but the behaviors of the residents around the time of the trip is the ultimate factor. This year we had a very well behaved group who was very excited and grateful for this opportunity.
On Tuesday July 22nd in the early morning, 8 residents along with staff loaded up their bags and began the trip. The first day was meant to be spent going on a cavern boat tour. However, with all the rain the caverns had closed. We were able to plan an alternative and spent a few hours exploring the beautiful Spring Mill State Park. The group had so much fun walking through old houses and shops and reading about those that had inhabited the spaces back in the day. However with the heat the fan favorite was getting to walk alongside the river and seeing the dam while feeling the cold breeze from the water. We finished the night with getting into our pajamas, making s’mores by the fire, and watching a spooky movie before bed, though most of the girls did not make it through the movie as they were exhausted from the day’s activities and chose to go to bed.
Wednesday was an extremely long and hot day spent at Holiday World. The heat index being over 100 degrees the group decided to spend the day in the waterpark. The group split up and spent the day rotating between relaxing in the lazy river, riding water rollercoasters for the first time ever, and simply hanging out in the wave pool because it was too hot to not be in water! Despite the heat and a couple of sunburns, the group had an amazing time. We also discovered the importance of water shoes for concrete at waterparks on the really hot days! There were kids who had never been to a waterpark before and it was amazing to see the excitement of them getting to ride the water rides but also the joy and laughter of them simply trying to keep their head above water in the wave pools.
Thursday we packed up and headed to tour Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at IU Bloomington before heading home. Many were unsure if they would enjoy this but all left feeling like they had a great time learning about the history while seeing the ins and outs of the facility. Everything from the gym, to the locker rooms, to all the tucked away lounge areas that may cost someone lots of money to enjoy. There was something fascinating for all to see throughout the tour. We even got to speak with some of the members of the girls’ basketball team while we were on our tour.
One of the best things about working in our residential program is getting to experience fun things with our residents for the first time. Honestly, it never gets old! On this trip we had the privilege of being present for so many first times it is hard to count them all. It is truly amazing to be able to give a young person positive memories that they will keep with them for the rest of their life!
A special thanks to Yvonne Duff who worked extremely hard to secure a nice cabin in the woods for everyone to stay in during the trip and for creating our trip itinerary as well.
