This summer, participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion, Recreation, and Respite programs have visited a music festival, taken a trip to the movies, made a splash at a beach party, and celebrated the end of bowling season, making memories together and enjoying a variety of community activities.

On June 25, The Arc’s Bowling Club celebrated a great year of bowling with their peers at a banquet that included a trophy presentation for all participants and a wonderful catered meal from Bowlero Belleville.

On July 10, a group enjoyed an afternoon at Maplewoodstock, where they listened to live music and visited a variety of food, merchandise, and craft vendors during a beautiful day outdoors in Maplewood.

A week later, on July 17, The Arc’s Recreation participants were thrilled to take their first trip to the movies in more than two years. Everyone had a great time watching “Thor: Love and Thunder” at the AMC in Clifton, followed by lunch at Wendy’s.

And a beach party on July 24 featured a day of games, music, and summer fun at Camp Hope. It was a sweltering summer day, so the partygoers particularly enjoyed the splash pad and water guns, though hula hoops, dancing, and birthday cupcakes for Jennifer were also big hits. Jamal reported “this is the best day ever!”

If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, the offerings for individuals 18 and older can be viewed in our Community Inclusion, Recreation, & Respite Calendar. The September-December calendar was recently mailed out and can be viewed here. For any questions, contact Manager of Community Supports Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext 1272 or [email protected].