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Therapeutic Recreation Program
Touch of Nature's TR Program provides recreational opportunities to individuals experiencing physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities including but not limited to visual and hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, autism, and traumatic brain injuries.

Program Philosophy

The TR Program believes all individuals have the right and need to be involved in positive recreational experiences. Our objective is to provide individuals with a stimulating environment, social relationships, and programs that contribute positively to their mental, physical, social, and emotional development, and well-being.

General Goals

Horse back ridingTouch of Nature has a unique and beautiful wooded setting that provides accessible opportunities. We do our utmost to ensure an adventure that will be filled with experiences leaving lasting impressions and wonderful memories.

Participating in exciting outdoor activities, meeting interesting new people, and exploring the world is what an adventure with Touch of Nature Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP) is all about. Each program is a unique experience, combining the place, the season, and participants in your group. Be prepared to step out of your normal routine and enter a world where time is measured by the sun and the movement governed by wind and weather.

Our TR Program will provide the equipment, great food, well-planned itineraries, and educated experienced staff. We are proud to have such a committed and motivated group of professionals working as a team to make this program a quality experience you will never forget.

Program activities are selected in response to the specialized needs of each individual or group to: provide a challenge appropriate for the participant's mental and physical capabilities, emphasize the participant's abilities rather than limitations, promote cooperation, build confidence, increase independence, and of course have fun.

We seek to provide opportunities for each camper to discover new ways of relating to others and to the environment. We seek also to assist people in developing positive attitudes and feelings toward themselves and their individual potential.

Camping is a unique experience that provides participants with opportunities to:
  • Have fun!
  • Develop abilities that promote independence.
  • Develop healthy attitudes and self-esteem.
  • Enjoy activities unique to camping.
  • Learn recreational skills that can become lifetime leisure pursuits.
  • Develop an awareness of oneself in relation to peers.
  • Develop a heightened respect and appreciation of the natural environment and an understanding of our relationship to it.
  • Improve physical fitness and endurance.
Last Updated on Sunday, 15 February 2009 18:55
 

SIU Carbondale

clocktowerSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
Mailing Address: Carbondale, IL 62901-6899 Phone: (618) 453-2121

Division of Continuing Education

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Offering online semester based courses, individual learning programs, conferences, youth camps and much more. See what the Division of Continuing Education can do for you today!

The Friends of Touch of Nature

Support Touch of Nature

Friends of Touch of Nature Friends of Touch of Nature helps support programs within Touch of Nature with help from donations by individuals like you. Interested in making a donation to help continue the offering of these wonderful services?
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Freeberg Scholarship

Freeberg Scholarship

Image of TreeIn keeping with Dr. Freeberg's lifelong pursuit, a living memorial in the form of an endowed scholarship fund has been established to provide financial assistance for Camp Little Giant.




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Future Services

Championship Disc Golf

INNOVA Disc Golf Basket Touch of Nature is proud to be exploring the possibilities of having a championship level 18 hole disc golf course. The project is currently in the planning stages but has support from the SIUC Disc Golf RSO and Southern Illinois Disc Golf. As more deatils become available look for the information page to reflect the status of this project.