Therapeutic Recreation
The therapeutic recreation area at Bradford Woods directs summer camping programs for children and adults with disability or chronic illness as well as conducting therapeutic programming for at-risk youth, families, and adults with disabling conditions. This department is also responsible for collaborating on clinical research projects related to the social sciences and disability, instructing university classes in recreational therapy, and hosting practicum / internship students in the fields of therapeutic outdoor programming and recreational therapy.
Bradford Woods is a national and international leader in the application of universal design principles on our property. Our facilities are designed for all participants despite their ability level. “Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design (NCA). Many examples of Universal Design can be found on the grounds of Bradford Woods. These include but are not limited to our nationally know amphitheatre, switchback trail, universal high ropes course, climbing tower, and Olympic sized pool.
Our program directors are trained in recreational therapy practices with advanced degrees and are certified therapeutic recreation specialist through NCTRC. Support staff are typically students in a medical field such as 1st year med students, therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, child life, art therapy, social work, pre-med, music therapy, and nursing.
Bradford Woods hosts a variety of camps during the summer and is regarded as the best residential camping facility in the Midwest for youth and adults with disabilities and specific medical needs. Camps such as Camp About Face, Camp Kan-Du, and Camp Riley are examples of the unique programming that is rarely found anywhere else in the country.
We offer both single-day and overnight programs and events for children with specific health care needs and their families. Our overnight programs have been fulfilling the recreational and therapeutic requirements of both children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses for over forty years.
All of our programs and services focus on meeting the individual needs of participants. Our low staff-to-participant ratios promote engagement, empowerment and, of course, FUN! Staff are well trained in person-first language, disability awareness, and medical / personal care while being supported by various medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, and recreational therapists.
We partner with state organizations such as Riley Hospital for Children, Little Red Door Cancer Agency, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
We also couple with Horseshoes of Hope Equine Academy to offer campers a variety of programs such as Therapeutic Riding, Equine Facilitated Learning, Hippotherapy, and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. Participants benefit from the use of an outdoor and indoor riding arena, restored historic barn, and wooded walking and riding trails all designed in compliance with ADA and NARHA established requirements and standards. Equine Assisted Activities have been shown to improve self-control, increase risk-taking capacity, encourage teamwork, and bolster confidence and self-esteem. Individuals with physical disabilities benefit primarily through the movements of the horse, which strengthen and support the natural motion of the spine and pelvis. Riding also builds and tones muscles; improves flexibility, balance, and coordination; and fosters greater freedom of movement. Those with cognitive or learning impairments can improve their attention span, communication and language skills, and concentration and memory. [For more information about Horseshoes of Hope, please visit their website https://www.horseshoesofhope.org .]
TRAINING
May 9th – 13th: L-Team, TR Interns, and Adventure Challenge Training
May 15th – 20th: CHIPS Training and LG Training (16th – 18th: International Staff arrive)
May 21st: Newcomer’s Day – open house for new campers and their families
May 24th – 29th: Full Staff Training
June 1st – 2nd: Volunteer Training
Adult Camp (May 31-June 3)
MDA Camp (June 4th – 10th)
Camp ROCKS week-long session (June 5th – 10th)
Riley 1 (June 12th – 17th)
Camp ROCKS day camp session (June 13th – 17th)
CHAMP Camp (June 19th – 23rd)
HEAR Indiana (June 19th – 24th)
Riley 3 and Venture (June 26th – July 8th)
Camp About Face Leadership Academy (July 8th – 10th)
Camp About Face (July 10th – 15th)
Riley 2 (July 10th – 15th)
Kan Du (July 17th – 22nd)
Brave Hearts Camp (July 17th – 22nd)
Camp Little Red Door Leadership Academy (July 22nd – 24th)
Camp Little Red Door (July 24th – 29th)
Camp Independence (July 24th – 29th)
Camp Hi-Lite (July 31st – August 5th)
Adult Camp (May 31st – June 3rd)
Adults with physical disability, with a long history at BW, will help train staff for the summer through experiential learning.
John Grossman M.S., CTRS Program Specialist, Therapeutic Recreation, johngros@indiana.edu
Andrea Loda, CTRS Program Specialist, Therapeutic Recreation
aloda@indiana.edu
Office: 765-342-2915
Fax: 765-349-1086
TTY: 765-349-5117
Bradford Woods
Indiana University
5040 State Road 67 North
Martinsville, Indiana 46151
MDA Camp (June 4th – 10th)
Campers 8-18 with Muscular Dystrophy
Ashley Mills
Summer Camp Director
Muscular Dystrophy Association
amills@mdausa.org
(317) 824-4800
Fax: (317)824-4809
8777 Purdue Rd., Suite 235
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Camp ROCKS (June 5th – 10th)
Campers 10-17 who are on the Autism spectrum needing a 1:2 ratio
Katy Messuri, MSW
Medical Social Worker
Autism Family Resource Center
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46205
317.466.2001 ext. 3087
317.466.2000 Fax
Disability Services. Our emphasis is on ability.
www.eastersealscrossroads.org
Riley 1 (June 12th – 17th)
Campers 8-18 with physical disabilities needing a 1:1 ratio
Contact John Grossman at Bradford Woods, 765.342.2915 or johngros@indiana.edu, about:
- Applications
- Eligibility requirements
- Staff/counselors/volunteers
- Camper care
- Fee structures
- Financial contributions
- Payment options
Camp ROCKS (June 13th – 17th)
A day camp for campers 10-17 who are on the Autism spectrum needing a 1:3 ratio
Katy Messuri, MSW
Medical Social Worker
Autism Family Resource Center
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46205
317.466.2001 ext. 3087
317.466.2000 Fax
Disability Services. Our emphasis is on ability.
www.eastersealscrossroads.org
CHAMP Camp (June 19th – 23rd)
Campers 6-18 with tracheotomies and who require ventilator assistance
Jamie Mitchell
Executive Director
CHAMP Camp, Inc.
212 W. 10th Street, Suite B-210
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 679-1860
(317) 245-2291 fax
http://www.champcamp.org
HEAR Indiana (June 19th – 24th)
Campers 6-18 with hearing impairments who utilize a hearing aid or cochlear implant
Tony Gigli
Camp Director, Hear Indiana Youth Leadership Camp
tony.gigli@hearindiana.org
317-828-0211 (Hear Indiana number)
317-965-1976 (personal cell)
http://www.hearindiana.org/camp
Riley 3 and Venture (June 26th – July 8th)
Campers 8-18 with physical disabilities needing a 1:3 ratio
Contact John Grossman at Bradford Woods, 765.342.2915 or johngros@indiana.edu, about:
- Applications
- Eligibility requirements
- Staff/counselors/volunteers
- Camper care
- Fee structures
- Financial contributions
- Payment options
Camp About Face Leadership Academy (July 8th – 10th)
Camp About Face (July 10th – 15th)
Campers 8-18 with cranial facial anomalies
Camp Coordinator
Craniofacial Program
Riley Hospital # 2514
702 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-274-2489
Riley 2 (July 10th – 15th)
Campers 8-18 with physical disabilities needing a 1:2 ratio
Contact John Grossman at Bradford Woods, 765.342.2915 or johngros@indiana.edu, about:
- Applications
- Eligibility requirements
- Staff/counselors/volunteers
- Camper care
- Fee structures
- Financial contributions
- Payment options
Kan Du (July 17th – 22nd)
Campers with a cognitive level ranging from 0-48 months and with physical disabilities
Contact John Grossman at Bradford Woods, 765.342.2915 or johngros@indiana.edu, about:
- Applications
- Eligibility requirements
- Staff/counselors/volunteers
- Camper care
- Fee structures
- Financial contributions
- Payment options
Brave Hearts Camp (July 17th – 22nd)
Campers 5-18 who have been hospitalized with burns
Cindy Allison
Director of Family Services
callison@peoplesburnfoundation.org
Camp Little Red Door Leadership Academy (July 22nd – 24th)
Camp Little Red Door (July 24th – 29th)
Campers 8-18 with cancer and their siblings/friends
Little Red Door
mperrin@littlereddoor.org
(317) 925-5595
1801 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Camp Independence (July 24th – 29th)
Campers 8-18 with sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders
Andy Harner
aharner@iupui.edu
317-944-0115
Camp Hi-Lite (July 31st – August 5th)
Campers 8-22 years old with Down Syndrome
Marsie Harrington
Camp Hi-Lite
harringm@iupui.edu
(317) 274-4846
Riley Hospital for Children
Developmental Peds Clinic
702 Barnhill Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
August 5th: Staff Closing Banquet
August 5th – 6th: Staff Depart
Camp Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation
Phone: (765) 342-2915 ext 5212
cbdoming@indiana.edu
