Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life Department
The Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life department provides a developmentally enriching environment where recreation activity services and therapeutic recreation/child life treatment are provided to the residents at Voorhees Pediatric Facility. The department staff strive to maximize the resident’s developmental, cognitive, physical and psychosocial potential during recreation services as well as implement the theory and practice of the therapeutic recreation and child life professions.
Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life Services
Therapeutic recreation and child life services strive to decrease the effects of illness and disability by providing psychosocial interventions and support.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists deliver recreation therapy treatment services to improve functioning and foster independence using recreation, leisure, and developmental play as a component of healthy living, positive social interaction and developmental growth. Opportunities will be provided for exploration and development of leisure interests, attitudes and values within the facility and community. Interventions are provided through individual sessions, small and large groups, bedside treatments, co-treatments with other disciplines, community settings, and independent programming for self-directed leisure involvement.
Certified Child Life Specialists aid children in learning positive coping mechanisms and provide interventions to minimizes stress during invasive procedures and teach techniques to decrease anxiety in the medical environment.
Recreation Services
Recreation assistants provide a varied and stimulating individualized activity program designed to meet the needs of each resident. Children participate in individual and group sessions with the goal of maintaining quality of life and improve health and well being through home like recreation experiences. Recreation opportunities include arts, crafts, music, outdoor experiences, sensory stimulation, reading, games, cooking, socialization, gross & fine motor activities, community visitors, and trips.
We offer many activities and structured groups for the children to participate. We continually review the children’s recreation and social needs and tailor activities to meet their interests and abilities. We offer:
- Interdisciplinary Groups
- Sunday School & Religious Celebrations
- Community Outings
- Holiday Parties
- Infant/Toddler Playgroup
- Princess Club
- School Integration
- Animal Visitation
- Theme Weeks
- Teen Group
The OASIS: Sensory Room
The Sensory Room provides an opportunity for children to interact with their environment by using their senses and physical movements. The room provides stimulation for self calming, body awareness, as well as arousing sensory experiences. With fiber optic light strands, water bed, and bubble column the room is enjoyed by children at every level
Virtual Realty Program
The virtual reality activity is a computer generated interactive computer/tv game where children choose either volleyball, racecar driver, snowboarding, or soccer and have the ability to see themselves on TV. Their arm, head and wheelchair movements allow them to participate in the activity. Through the use of a webcam and green screen this modern form of video game opens up a whole new world of recreation for children with disabilities.
Accessible Playground
With wheelchair accessible swings and interactive playground equipment specifically positioned for access, the VPF playground offers opportunities for the children to participate in outside play.
Student Internship Program
A Therapeutic Recreation internship is available to junior and senior level undergraduate students as well as graduate level students enrolled in a therapeutic recreation university program. A thorough clinical experience includes assessment, documentation, and treatment interventions. An extended internship for dual Child Life certification is also available. For more information and an application packet contact 856-821-8498.
Email us for more information.