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Member Spotlight

Children and Youth Program

The mission of the Mary Campbell Center’s Children and Youth (MCC C&Y) Program is to provide children of all abilities with the opportunity to enhance their participation and experiences in social and recreational activities in order to improve positive interactions, physical development, creative expression, problem solving, and over all well-being.

The MCC C&Y Program offers a wide variety of social and recreational programming. During the school year, they hold various types of programs in the evening and weekends and on school closure days. Additionally, they hold a summer camp that runs for 5 separate, 2 week-long sessions. Their programming is currently both virtual and in person. 

           

These are just some of the activities available through the program:

  • Swim Lessons and Therapeutic Swims
  • Summer Camp
  • School’s Out Days: on days that most schools in the area are closed including Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks.
  • Music Therapy
  • After school activities and clubs: including baking, crafting, fitness, sensory, etc.
  • Teen social group
  • Plus Program social group: designed for young adults ages 18+
  • Young Athletes Program through Special Olympics
  • Weekend family events (egg hunts, breakfast w/ Santa, & more)
  • Fun Days: one day themed activities that are held in the evenings such as open swim nights, science nights and arts and crafts.

The MCC C&Y Program serves children and families with special needs. These needs are not limited to one diagnosis. They have children with a variety of diagnoses who participate in their program including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and others. Some of their participants use wheelchairs and others do not. The program is open and accepting of all abilities. Siblings are also welcome to all programs.

      

The MCC C&Y Program has activities for all ages! However, if your child is under the age of 5 and not currently enrolled in school, a guardian must stay with them during programs. Certain programs are open to all ages, and others cater specifically to certain age groups, such as the weekly teen program for youth 13-21, the Plus Program which is designed for young adults ages 18 and up and the Young Athletes Program which is open to ages 2-7 years.

The MCC C&Y Program knows that the transition period for youth and families can be a very stressful and confusing time. MCC’s goal is to be a constant for young adults during this time. While doctors, schools, and programs may be changing, participants are always welcome to attend MCC as they transition through the teen and into the plus program. This is an amazing way to stay connected with their community and friends they’ve made over the years in a safe, stable and comfortable setting.

The MCC C&Y programs are as low cost as possible. Many events are free. Some, like School’s Out Days and Summer Camp, do requirement payment. If paying out of pocket is not an option for a family, they never want that to hinder your participation. Individuals who receive services through Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)/Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) may use respite funds to cover the cost of programming in the MCC C&Y Program. There are also scholarship funds available for families in need.

       

The Mary Campbell Center enjoys partnering with other community organizations. Most commonly they participate in Delaware Special Olympics. They serve as a host site for the young athlete’s program. They also coordinate with Music Therapy Associates, to provide music therapy to their participants. In addition, they have worked with Art Therapy Express and Art Studio 410 to provide art for their participants. Furthermore, they have worked with ART Fitness to offer their participants exercise programs. Other community partners include: Jungle John, Clem the storyteller, Autism Delaware, Preston’s March for Energy, Joyful Noise, Music School of Delaware, Best Buddies, etc. Finally, they have partnered with local Delaware libraries and local high school to recruit volunteers.

The MCC C&Y Program is dedicated to serving all children and families. Translation services are available through DHSS, for clients who participate in their programs/services. This service can be requested during the application process for MCC C&Y programs. The MCC also has some bi-lingual staff in the building who are Spanish speaking as well.

All MCC C&Y staff undergoes extensive training. All staff are CPR/ First aid certified. They also have additional training specific to the youth program and working with individuals with special needs.

This year MCC C&Y Program will be offering a hybrid programming model. They will provide a virtual summer camp experience for those who are unable to meet in person. In summer 2021, they also will be providing in person social opportunities for children and families to attend through-out the summer. For a calendar of events, please visit: http://www.marycampbellcenter.org/cycalendar.html.

       

The Mary Campbell Center is located at 4641 Weldin Road in North Wilmington DE. They are located just off of Rt. 202. This location is a home to their adult residents. This location also serves as the home base for their youth program. They utilize many features of the property such as the indoor swimming pool, state of the art sensory room, accessible kitchen, art room, outdoor learning center and nature trail.

The Mary Campbell Center is located at 4641 Weldin Road in Wilmington, DE.

For more information about the MCC C&Y Program and to complete an application for participation, please contact:

Heather Colantuono, Program Manager
E-mail: hcolantuono@marycampbellcenter.org
Phone: (302) 762-6025, ext. 153

For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.marycampbellcenter.org/childrenyouth.html.