2010 Family Reunion

by: Justin Morris, Clinical Intern and Family Support Committee Member

ScenicView Academy held its 2nd Annual Family Reunion Picnic on June 16, 2010 at Rock Canyon Park in Provo, Utah. The theme for this year’s reunion was Superheroes. The event was attended by many Scenic View students and their families, and was a great success. Festivities kicked off early that morning when students, their families, and staff members divided into twelve different superhero families that included Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, and Spiderman. Teams designed superhero capes that represented their family’s mascot, which each family captain wore for the day. The fun continued with an “ice breaker” activity in which families competed against one another to see who would be the first to break open a frozen t-shirt and have their team captain put it on.

While students and staff played ultimate Frisbee and football, the parents had an opportunity to learn about Living Trusts from Jay Wells, a financial planning expert. Lunch provided an opportunity for staff, students, and their parents to share “Super” hero sandwiches, potato salad, and veggies – well needed nourishment as the families geared up to compete in the Superhero boot camp. Teams competed against each other in six different competitions including banana repelling and banana beach blanket toss. However, the highlight of the day came as families launched bananas across the field, attempting to hit a picture of director Doug Gale, in the banana slingshot challenge. Outdoor activities concluded with a giant slip n’ slide that left the riders dripping wet from a splashdown pool of ice cold water.

As the activities concluded at the park, things were ramping up back at the Center with an art show. Talented students and staff from Scenic View displayed crafts and arts they had spent countless hours on. In addition to art displays, students presented original videos and music. The fun-filled day concluded with a delicious chocolate dipped frozen banana, a raffle, and presentation of prizes.

One parent stated, “I really enjoyed getting to know so many of the other parents.” Thanks to all the students, staff, and parents who helped to make this day so successful. See you next year!

Special Olympics

Our SVA Soccer team worked hard during the spring term in preparation for the Special Olympics. Because of their great preparations, they ended up taking gold in their division. Congratulations! The next Special Olympic event will be basketball in October. Families of students that choose to participate are invited to attend. Dates and times will be given in September.

Heber Valley Camp

In May, a large majority of staff and students (over 80 people total!) participated in a marvelous activity at Heber Valley Camp (http://www.hebervalleycamp.org/). We started off the day with some water front activities including canoeing, paddle boats, beach volleyball, and football. We enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by the clinicians complete with pulled pork sandwiches and BYU brownies. Under the direction of Administration, everyone helped with the evening program by providing improvised skits about important qualities learning at SVA. The rest of the evening was spent playing Mafia, steal the flag, and having meaningful social interaction (complete with s’mores and banana boats!)

The next morning, the case managers provided a tasty Dutch oven breakfast. The morning was spent cleaning up and was topped off with a little bit of Zumba before we all headed home. Overall, the trip was a big success and plans are already in motion for the trip next year! Thanks to all those who participated and helped in this great activity!

What is a Recreation Therapist?

By: Ryan Hawks

Often when I tell people my role at SVA, they look at me with a quizzical look on their face. What is a recreation therapist anyway? Each of knows the benefits of a healthy recreational experience. After we do something that we enjoy, it brings feelings of renewed ability to cope with all the challenges that life can bring. However, persons with disabilities generally have physical, mental, social, or emotional limitations that may interfere with their recreation. The profession of recreation therapy focuses on helping individuals develop, maintain, and express an appropriate leisure lifestyle. My job at SVA is to help students improve their leisure lifestyle by providing:

· recreation classes (camping, biking, etc.)

· meaningful activities (this past year’s activities have included cross-country skiing, service opportunities, camping trips, an etiquette luncheon, bowling tournament, and many others)

· one on one visits where the students develop skills necessary to have a health leisure lifestyle.

The hope is that as students develop a healthy leisure lifestyle they will see other physical, mental, social, or emotional benefits that will contribute to their overall quality of life and life satisfaction.

Family Support Workshop / Reunion

ScenicView Academy
2010 “Super-Family” Reunion

When: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
9:00 am to 4:30 pm

9am Gather; handout t-shirts; leave SVA for Rock Canyon Park
10am Welcome, name tags, assign Superhero families (students draw names)
10:30 Families create Family Motto, Family Cheer, and Family Flag
11am Families choose a leader; “ice breaker” activity
11:30 Lunch – hero sandwiches, salads, etc.
12-2 Superhero Boot Camp Activities
2pm Family Cleanup Competition; Slip & Slide
2:45 Return to SVA for Fine Arts
3-4 Visual, literary, and musical arts presented in atrium

What: ScenicView Academy “Super-family” Reunion, with lots of fun games, activities, socializing and crazy banana fun!

Where: Activities will begin at ScenicView Academy, 5455 North River Run Drive, Provo UT. We will leave at 9am for Rock Canyon Park, a beautiful Provo park with lots of room to run, play, and enjoy each other’s company. Three pavilions to shade us from the midday sun.

Who: All ScenicView Academy students, family members, and staff

RSVP: In order to ensure plenty of food and t-shirts are on hand for everyone, please RSVP with the number of family members who will be attending the event. (801) 226-2550

(We ask that families help cover their “lunch & t-shirt” costs through a $10.00 donation per guest.)

Save the date!