The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation Program kicked off August with a delightful “Picnic in the Park.” Brookdale Park provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, filled with laughter and leisure. Participants played lawn games, socialized, and enjoyed picnic food and cake together.

On August 11th, Group Respite cooled down with a fun-filled “Ice Cream Sundaes and Karaoke” event. It was a treat to see everyone get creative with their sundaes, choosing from an array of delicious toppings. The day was made even more special with a lively karaoke session where participants sang their hearts out.

The excitement continued on August 18th with “Mini Golf and Lunch on the Lake.” The Community Inclusion group gathered at the Lake Hopatcong Golf Club for a round of miniature golf, followed by a visit to Alice’s Restaurant for a meal together while overlooking Lake Hopatcong. The combination of lake views and friendly competition made for an unforgettable afternoon.

To wrap up the month, the “Goodbye Summer Barbecue” on August 25th provided a fitting end to an eventful summer. Held at Camp Hope, the barbecue featured games, music, and splash pad fun, ensuring that everyone had a blast while saying farewell to summer.

The month also included bowling sessions, Tuesday and Thursday After-Work gatherings, and a Hotel Respite Weekend that featured a visit to Camp Hope.

The Adult Recreation program is always looking for new ways to enrich the lives of its participants and provide them with enjoyable and meaningful experiences. If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, you can learn more about all of these activities at The Arc’s Recreation Services page, and view the Fall Recreation Catalog. Activities include crafting at Studio Arc, day trips to local attractions, seasonal parties, and more. Contact Assistant Director of Creative Services in Adult Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1272 or dking@arcessex.org for more information.