With our mission being Inspiring people with disabilities through meaningful recreation, Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA) has coordinated recreational programs for individuals of all ages since 1981. We take pride in working with local schools and governmental agencies so the best services possible are provided. WSRA serves more than 125 individuals of all ages with disabilities in over 1300 recreation programs, special events, and trips annually. Our core staff are professionally trained in the provision of Therapeutic Recreation for people with disabilities. We also employ 70 part-time staff on an annual basis.
100 S. Greenleaf St.
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-244-6619
Warrenspecialrec.org
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WSRA is a partnership of Gurnee, Grandwood Park, Wildwood, and Lindenhurst park districts; and Warren Township. Individuals residing within these communities are considered in-district. Individuals residing outside of these boundaries may attend programs at increased costs. WSRA is located at 100 S. Greenleaf Street in Gurnee, which handles the administrative responsibilities and programs. Several programs and all summer day camps are held at the WSRA building at Warren Township Center, 17801 W. Washington Street in Gurnee.
Benefits to WSRA Programs
WSRA programs provide a safe learning environment with caring, dedicated, trained staff. Through fun and recreation, participants are able to learn and practice the skills needed in the course of a lifetime. During leisure activities an individual can establish friendships and gain social independence. The benefits of recreation extend far beyond the basketball court or dance floor. For an individual with a disability, recreational activities can improve self-confidence, provide socialization opportunities, and reinforce a sense of teamwork and tolerance. These skills provide a tremendous foundation for life.
WSRA Programs for All Ages
WSRA is dedicated to providing recreational opportunities to people of all ages and various disabilities. We offer a wide range of programs that includes after school recreation, adult day recreation, sports, summer day camps, Special Olympics, music, arts, swimming, bowling, day trips, overnight trips, social clubs, movie clubs, and more. There is something for every interest and every age! Our programs provide opportunities not only for recreation but fitness, independence, social skills, behavior development, and many other life skills. Goals are met without even realizing it because the participants have so much fun.
Programs
Summer Day Camps are offered for eight weeks for individuals 6 – 21 years of age. Due to the various special needs, the average counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:3.
Weekly Programs include physical, social and creative outlets for participants and focus on leadership, socialization, fitness, creative expression, sports, skill development and of course fun. Some examples include:
- Walk-n-Dine
- Picnics-n-Trails
- Art Classes
- A Night at the Greenleaf Cinema
- Volleyball
- Bowling
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- WSRA Choir
- Friday Night Club
- Kitchen Creations
- Fitness Classes
- Pickleball
Social Clubs meet every day after school from 2:00-5:30 pm for some good old fashion recreation. This program has structured activities including outdoor play.
LEAP (Leisure Enrichment for Adult Pursuits) takes place four days a week for five hours each day. Participants work on independent living skills, community integration, health, and leisure opportunities. LEAP has an maximum of 16 participants with a waitlist.
Special Events are offered for people of all ages. They emphasize socialization and integration with the community. Events offered this year include dances, overnights, mini-camps, sporting activities, social outings and joint events with other SRA’s. The popular overnights included Jellystone, Teen Lock-Ins and Grand Bear Resort.
Special Olympics programs offered included basketball, bocce, bowling, snowshoeing, golf, track & field, volleyball and swimming.
Inclusion is available if participating in an existing park district program. Inclusion services are offered at no additional cost to the family. Accommodations may be provided based on individual needs and may include adaptive materials, activity modification, observation and evaluation, or the provision of support staff.
It is our hope this information gives you an idea of our programs and services. We like to consider ourselves an extension of the WSRA families. Check out our Facebook page to get a true perspective of the talented people we serve as well as our compassionate, creative and dedicated staff. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to spend some time getting to know us better.