Therapeutic Recreation

Touch 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.

William H. Freeberg Scholarship Fund

Every generation has its idealists. Not many succeed in their chosen work. Only a few remained unimpressed by their success. William H. Freeberg was one of those exceptional few.

The Legacy

The late Dr. William H. Freeberg gained international attention in the 1950's when he developed the nation's first university affiliated residential summer camp for people with physical or developmental disabilities, now known as "Camp Little Giant" at Touch of Nature Environmental Center.

Dr. Freeberg helped establish the National Special Olympics Program in conjunction with the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation. Southern Illinois University Carbondale established the Department of Recreation and Outdoor Education in 1954. Dr. Freeberg served as chair until 1965. He retired as full professor in the Department of Recreation in 1978. Throughout his career, he was committed to helping students prepare for the recreation profession and insuring that outdoor education and recreation opportunities remained accessible to the disabled. He was instrumental in establishing the Friends of Touch of Nature, which is dedicated to supporting the goals of the Center.

The Memorial Scholarship Fund

In 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 in two primary areas:

• To help underwrite camper fees for children and adults with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to attend Camp Little Giant
• To assist undergraduate students majoring in therapeutic recreation who have demonstrated a commitment to working with people with disabilities.

With the establishment of the foundation accounts in 1987, the Friends organization has used the Memorial Scholarship Fund to award approximately $100,000 for camper scholarships to over 1000 campers in the past 18 years.

Your Contribution

We welcome your contribution in any amount.

Send a check made payable to the SIU Foundation to:

SIU Foundation
1205 West Chautauqua
Carbondale, IL 62901