SEPTSA is proud to be the sponsor of a new start-up group geared towards helping children with special needs explore activities and have outdoor adventures!
Who is Texas Adventure Scouts geared for?
The purpose of this group is to provide opportunities for friendship and activities that are typical of other Scout groups, but with modifications to better suit those with special needs. Both boys and girls are welcome! While not every activity may be suited for every unique Scout, our hope and intention is that through a variety of planned activities, we can offer something for everyone. We do NOT want to pull participants out of typical Scouting programs. Those who can be successful in a typical Scout troop or group, with or without supports, should do so! Our intention is to provide Scouting opportunitues for those who, for a variety of reasons, are not able to benefit from or participate in typical Scouting.
What is the age range served?
Since this is a start-up group, this is something that will be determined by the ages of the participants who sign up. We may have one group for ages 8-18, for example; or, if there are enough participants in each category, we may split into an older and a younger group. This is to be determined.
How do you join?
One of both parents or guardians of the prospective Scout(s) need to be a current member of the LISD Special Ed PTSA. Join here. Then, please download this registration form and return it to Amy Turner.
What about siblings?
Texas Adventure Scouts is designed to be a whole-family experience. Parents or caregivers are expected to stay and participate with their Scout, and siblings are welcome and encouraged to participate also, either to help out with the activity or to participate in it, or both. Typical siblings are also welcome to sign up for Texas Adventure Scouts if they so wish! In fact, siblings can be a great asset becuase they are able to serve as mentors and peer models.
What sorts of activities are planned?
This answer depends largely on the interests expressed by the participants and their parents, and also of course on the abilities of the participants, both physically and cognitively. The focus will be to provide opportunities for exploration and growth, but not to put the Scout in the position of having to sit still for something they can’t do or aren’t able to understand. The venues will be activities, many outdoors, some indoors – but will NOT be meetings in meeting rooms with academic work and lists of requirements.
Parents may need to pick and choose which activities are suited for their children’s abilities. Or – another way to look at it is, maybe you didn’t think your child could do X, but maybe with some time and some help, they can enjoy an activity that surprises you!
Here are some ideas:
- Camping (local and maybe a weekend trip once or twice a year)
- Swimming (local pools, or Lake Ray Roberts, Burger’s Lake, etc)
- Fishing
- Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking
- Farm/Animal Visit (ie, Dallas Zoo, Sharkarosa Ranch, Latte Da Dairy, Heritage Farms, etc)
- Hiking (Lake Grapevine trails, Arbor Hills, etc)
- Roller Skating, Ice Skating
- Rock Climbing (ie Lifetime Fitness, REI)
- Visit a Doctor or Dentist’s Office
- Baking/Cooking
- Music/Instruments (ie, visit a band hall or music therapist)
- Horseback Riding
- Visit a Cave
- Visit a Waterpark
- Visit a Theme Park or Carnival
- Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
- March in a Parade Playground Visit
- Skits and Songs (participating in, or watching – we can invite other Scout groups to perform for us)
When do we meet, and how often?
Again, this will be determined by the participants who sign up. We could meet monthly, or bi-weekly. The day of the week is not yet set, and may vary from activity to activity based on the nature of the activity. We will have an Initial Parent Meeting on Saturday, June 2nd at 11 am, immediately following the SEPTSA hike. The location will be in the pavillion at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, 7001 W Parker Road, Plano 75093. If you are interested in signing your child up for Texas Adventure Scouts, please plan to attend the Initial Parent Meeting and RSVP on BigTent or to Amy Turner at (214) 587-7348. If you aren’t able to attend the Initial Parent Meeting but would still like to sign up, just let Amy know.
