With a trip to the Just Peachy Festival and an assortment of fun parties and activities, The Arc of Essex County Community Inclusion and Recreation participants had an active August schedule.

On August 7, the group visited Terhune Orchards in Princeton to enjoy the Just Peachy Festival, where they listed to live music, engaged with a traveling petting zoo, and ate delicious food, including perfect peaches.

The following week, they enjoyed a BBQ Campout Party at Camp Hope on August 14, where they had a barbecue lunch, made s’mores, played camping games, and told stories.

On August 21, an Ice Cream Social allowed participants to make their own ice cream from scratch and then top it with their favorite treats for yummy ice cream sundaes.

And to close out the month, participants enjoyed a “Picnic in the Park” at Camp Hope on August 28, where they enjoyed outdoor games, picnic fare, and decked themselves out in red, white, and blue accessories. It was a fun and happy end to a busy summer season.

As the group looks ahead to the fall, upcoming opportunities include Brunch at Bear Mountain Inn, a trip to Dave & Buster’s, the Kiwanis Street Fair, Pumpkin Picking, an Elvis Extravaganza, holiday gatherings, and more. 

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. For any questions, contact Manager of Community Supports Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext 1272 or dking@arcessex.org.