The Bridge Center Gives All Children a Chance to Shine

If the name The Bridge Center (formerly Handi Kids) doesn't ring a bell or is not yet a household name, it soon will be! Formed in the 1960's by the Knights of Pythias, The Bridge Center is a one-stop-shop for families who have children with special needs regardless of their disability. As you enter the long driveway, you are immediately greeted by over 20 acres of completely accessible land that includes the main office,  a luscious open field, beautiful lake with a foot bridge, an enormous indoor activity center, plenty of forest, and a huge barn. The grounds are meticulously maintained and that only adds to the beauty. One of the very special things about The Bridge Center is the immediate sense of closeness, undying patience, empathy, warmth and belonging. It is a true feeling of being home.  

Traditionally, The Bridge Center has been known for its extremely popular summer camps which include, Camp Connect, Horsecamp, Camp Discover and Camp Summit. Camp Connect is designed to meet the needs of campers who have Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related Disorders. Horsecamp is designed for campers who love horses, but who also want to have the traditional camp experience, combining barn skills and riding activities in the morning, and then joining the rest of the camp in the afternoon. Camp Discover provides campers a traditional camp experience no matter what their disability. Groups are formed based on individual needs and offer support appropriate for each child. Camp Summit is available for children who have behavioral problems and may have had difficulties with past camp experiences.  Aside from their summer camps, a mecca of other programs are available such as  social skills groups, sports, life skills training, vacation camps, dances for teens and young adults, Friday night out programs for parents, therapeutic horseback riding (which can include carriage driving, individual and group lessons and hippotherapy) and new programs are always being added.

There are definitely certain factors that relate to why families keep returning to The Bridge Center year after year, not only to the summer camps, but to their other programming as well. The staff is dedicated, loving, extremely well trained, and patient amongst other fine qualities. This framework easily translates to the group dynamic of the daily activities. Another exciting factor is that the same counselors keep returning year after year, which makes campers feel much more relaxed and safe. Something just as satisfying is that these counselors know these campers by name, and treat them as people, and not someone with a disability. They bring out their strengths and talents that they may not know even existed and build on them. It is a very gratifying experience to not only see the excitement on a child's face when they have accomplished a goal no matter how difficult, but to see the sheer joy on a parent's face when there is a breakthrough. That is exactly why families bring their children here. To learn, have fun, and grow into wonderful people who will be able to be productive in their communities in some fashion, no matter what their disability.

Part of The Bridge Center's philosophy is that of to never give up on a child, no matter how difficult the circumstance may be. The staff will do everything in their power to make sure that a child's experience is safe, comfortable, full of fun and excitement,  and a true growth experience. If something is not working for a child in a particular situation or environment, the staff at The Bridge Center will work tirelessly to make sure it's as successful as it can be.

The Bridge Center is truly a home away from home for families of special needs children. Once connections are made here, they remain strong and secure. New friendships are made and existing ones are made stronger. All children have a chance to shine, and they do just that! It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The Bridge Center can be reached at www.thebridgectr.org, or by calling 508-697-7557.