Written by Julie Vo. Edited by Sumaiya Iqbal and Sara McQuaid.
Welcome back to the CCP blog! If you are new here, thanks for joining us and feel free to learn more about the Canadian Courage Project here.
Every day, we find ourselves immersed in various activities that contribute to our overall well-being. Whether it's a walk in the park, participating in a hobby, or engaging in mindful practices, these moments play a crucial role in our mental and physical health.
Imagine this: a vibrant canvas where emotions are expressed through art, a healing melody guiding someone in music therapy, and the tranquility of yoga fostering inner peace.
Image by Jaime Jacob
In the spirit of recognizing the impact of therapeutic processes on individual well-being, February takes on a special significance in Canada as it marks Therapeutic Recreation Month.
What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy focuses on helping people with disabilities or illnesses live fully functional and independent lives through activity-based interventions. This can take place in various settings, including hospitals, schools, community centers, sports programs, and assisted living facilities.
In honor of the healthcare profession that uses research and therapeutic processes to assist patients in achieving their goals, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association proclaimed February as Therapeutic Recreation Month.
How to Celebrate Therapeutic Recreation Month
During Therapeutic Recreation Month, individuals and communities come together to celebrate the power of recreation in fostering well-being. From organized events and workshops to community outreach programs, the month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of therapeutic recreation in improving lives.
Here are some creative and engaging ideas to make the most out of this special month:
Get moving: engage in activities such as yoga or pilates to reconnect with your physical well-being
Be creative: take part in mindful meditation while drawing, painting or listening to music that inspires you
Volunteer at local hospitals, schools, or assisted living facilities and organize recreational events
Initiate a collaborative community art project
Raise funds to support local organizations or programs that provide therapeutic recreation services
Organize community gatherings or picnics where individuals can come together to celebrate life, share experiences, and engage in recreational activities
Take the time to express gratitude to therapists, caregivers, and individuals who contribute to the field of therapeutic recreation
The Canadian Courage Project (CCP) Workshops
One notable community initiative that aligns seamlessly with the principles of therapeutic recreation are the Art and Mindfulness workshops facilitated by our organization, CCP. The Art and Mindfulness workshops are offered to youth under the age of 25 currently residing in shelters across Ontario. Research has shown the positive impact that art and specifically, painting can have on lowering one's stress. By combining therapeutic techniques with creative and mindful activities, young individuals in the community can embark on a transformative journey towards embracing self-care, fostering personal growth, and cultivating a life that is both balanced and deeply fulfilling. To learn more about our workshops, check out our Initiatives - Workshops tab.
Remember, celebrating Therapeutic Recreation Month is not just about one-time events but fostering a culture of ongoing support, understanding, and inclusion! Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a fully functional and independent life.
We are committed to furthering our community-driven initiatives at the Canadian Courage Project, striving to create a positive impact that resonates far and wide. If you would like to join our team or support us on our mission, please contact us! Thank you for reading our blog! Feel free to leave a comment with your feedback and/or insights to help us enrich the quality of future posts and cater to the interests of our community of changemakers.
-The CCP Team
Sources
National Today - National Therapeutic Recreation Month: https://nationaltoday.com/national-therapeutic-recreation-month/
National Council of Recreation Therapy Council: https://www.nctrc.org/about-ncrtc/about-recreational-therapy/#:~:text=Recreational%20therapy%20includes%2C%20but%20is,%2C%20music%2C%20and%20community%20outings
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association: https://canadian-tr.org/about-recreation-therapy/