Therapeutic recreation provides a variety of year-round activities, including:
Browse this season's programs via the Community Connection brochure.
As with any recreation program, an appropriate level of independence, self care and behavior is required from our participants. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide 1:1 supervision during any of our programs. Our program staff do not provide hands on personal care to participants unless otherwise noted.
If a participant requires additional assistance, a provider or parent may join the program at no cost except certain program expenses.
Dances
Ages: 18 and up
Fee at the door: $5 resident and non-resident (passes available)
Location: Clements Community Center
Come dance the night away! Fee includes DJ, snacks and door prizes. You may pay $5 at the door or purchase a Dance Punch Pass in advance. Cost for passes is $40 for 10 punches or $20 for 5 punches. Punches do not expire and can be used year-round.
Dance passes may be purchased at any Recreation Center front desk or by calling 303-987-4800.
UPCOMING DANCES
None at this time.
Saturday Bowling League
Dates: No upcoming league dates at this time.
Ages: 18 and up
Fee: $88 for a 14-week bowling pass
Location: Bowlero Bowling Alley - Green Mountain View Map
Purchase a Pass: Please contact the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center front desk at 303-987-4800 to purchase a bowling pass for the season.
Join us for Saturday morning bowling! This league is for the beginner, causal or avid bowler. You bowl two games on a team of four bowlers. It is a great chance to work on your bowling skills and hang out with friends.
Inclusion and Sign Language Interpreter Services
Lakewood welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities into our programs and activities. Individuals with disabilities are welcome to register for any recreation class or program. In order to provide a successful experience, please contact our Therapeutic Recreation team at 303-987-4867 or rise@lakewood.org.
Our staff can assist in discussing adequate accommodations, or adaptations that can be made to ensure the success of participants of all abilities. We ask that you help us prepare for any program adaptations, accommodations or interpreting services by contacting us at least two weeks prior to the program beginning.
Financial Assistance
Are you a Lakewood resident in need of program fee assistance? The Lakewood Possibilities Fund may be able to help.
View Details
Lakewood Therapeutic Recreation offers two summer day program options for individuals with disabilities:
- Camp Paha for youth ages 6 to 17
- Paha Adults in Transition (PAT) for young adults ages 18 to 25.
Camp Paha and PAT are held for seven weeks, typically, mid-June through the end of July (with half-summer options available). Both programs run 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The staff to participant ratio is 1:4.
Support Paha
Online auction happening now! Join Friends of Paha for their annual Sip, Savor and Support fundraiser. This year, the auction is completely online. Bid on a variety of wonderful items, experiences and getaways and proceeds will go to Camp Paha. The auction is open now through Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.
Visit the Auction
About the Camps
CAMP PAHA
Offering safe, challenging and fun leisure, recreational and educational opportunities for youth ages 6-17, Camp Paha provides an array of activities including swimming, sports, games, nature, music, drama, hiking, arts and crafts and field trips within the community. Camp Paha is licensed by the State of Colorado as a childcare program.
PAHA ADULTS IN TRANSITION (PAT)
Created in 2012, PAT is a summer day program experience tailored for young adults ages 18-25. In addition to leisure and recreation opportunities, PAT focuses on skill building and independence, developing work skills, self-advocacy, safety and life skill development. PAT participants engage in daily activities, and they plan for and go on field trips within the community.
CAMP GOALS
- Provide opportunity for fellowship and fun.
- Provide an opportunity for developing awareness about self, others and the environment.
- Give emphasis to citizenship and being a member of a group through the day program experience.
Fees
| Category |
Session A
June 8-26 |
Session B
July 6-24 |
Extended Camp
(limited spots available)
July 27-29 |
| Non-refundable registration fee (one time only) |
$50 |
| Residents of Lakewood |
$725 |
$725 |
$100 |
| Non-residents |
$930 |
$930 |
$120 |
Registration Instructions
Registration typically opens in January/February. Instructions will be added here before that time.
Contact Us
To speak with someone about Camp Paha or Paha Adults in Transition, please contact Therapeutic Recreation staff.
By email: rise@lakewood.org
By phone: 303-987-4867
Support Paha
Friends of Paha, a nonprofit organization (not a City of Lakewood entity), helps support our summer day programs. Without this support, tuition and fees would more than double, making these programs too expensive for some. Please consider supporting Friends of Paha in their noble mission.
Are you a sports fan and always wanted to be on a team or play sports? Well this is your opportunity!
The Special Olympics program offers athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in leagues or in individual competitions within the Special Olympics guidelines and structure.
The Special Olympics Colorado mission is to “provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
Special Olympics Programs
Several programs are offered throughout the year, including:
• Bowling League - Fall/Winter/Spring
• Swimming - Winter/Spring
• Flag Football - Fall
• Track & Field – Winter/Spring
There are opportunities to get involved as an athlete, coach, partner or volunteer.
Contact Us
Interested or have further questions? Contact the therapeutic recreation team.
Therapeutic recreation utilizes part time (variable) staff to support many of its programs. Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds and many have full time jobs, working or volunteering for our programs in their spare time. Without their support, many programs could not function.
Volunteer
Many of our programs are supported by volunteers interested in building community and learning more about working with people with disabilities. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities in our therapeutic recreation programs, including our dance the third Friday of every month.
Contact the Therapeutic Recreation Department at rise@lakewood.org or 303-987-4867 for more information.
Intern
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
The City of Lakewood's Therapeutic Recreation Department offers a summer internship experience focused on community-based therapeutic recreation services.
The intern will assist in providing goal-oriented leisure programs for individuals with disabilities ranging in age from six yrs. through adult, primarily through our Summer Day Camp. Additional opportunities include organizing Special Olympics programs, specialty classes, social engagements and community outings. This internship experience will address all NCTRC Job Task Analysis areas through various areas of programming and prepare interns for both the NCTRC Certification Exam as well as entry-level therapeutic recreation positions.
INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE
Application Window: December 15-January 15
Internship Start/End: May-August
Length of Internship: 15 weeks, 40 hours per week (total 600 hours)
Internship Supervisor: Full-time CTRS (Meets all NCTRC site supervisor standards)
Note: Interns are hired with the city for minimum wage. Interns are covered by workman’s compensation for on the job injury or illness. Interns are strongly encouraged to carry their own medical and liability insurance. Interns are eligible for mileage reimbursement when using their own vehicles to transport themselves in between sites.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a current senior in the process of obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation and working to complete NCTRC requirements.
- Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher in Therapeutic Recreation coursework.
- Applicants must pass a background check prior to an offer being made.
- Applicants must complete additional paperwork as mandated by the State of Colorado for Child Care Licensing including but not limited to passing additional background checks and providing documentation of a minimum of 460 hours supervising 4 or more children at a time.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please visit our Lakewood jobs listing during the application window, search for “Therapeutic Recreation Intern” and then click "Apply".
The application process consists of a general application and supplemental questions and will also require the attachment of a cover letter, resume, college transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Applications will be screened and reviewed for eligibility. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email.
Contact the Therapeutic Recreation team at rise@lakewood.org or 303-987-4867 for more information.
Work
Therapeutic recreation utilizes part time (variable) staff to support many of its programs. Open positions are posted on the city's employment listing when available.
Support Paha
Friends of Paha, a nonprofit organization (not a City of Lakewood entity), helps support our summer day programs. Without this support, tuition and fees would more than double, making these programs too expensive for some.
Please consider supporting Friends of Paha in their noble mission.