Therapeutic Recreation - Special Needs Programs

Therapeutic Recreation - Special Needs Programs includes Drama Troupe, Night Out, Special Trips, Now Were Cooking, and an Annual Semi Formal Dinner and Dance. Drama Troupe includes singing, acting out skits, and a final performance for family and friends. Special Trips include visits to museums, the zoo, festivals, shows, amusement parks, and other places of interest. Now Were Cooking includes preparing, cooking, and eating a salad or appetizer, an entree, and a dessert.

Programs

• Night Out — 16 and up · Evening social program; drop-offs and pick-ups at the Dorbrook Recreation Area unless otherwise noted
• Special Trips — 16 and up · Throughout the year; drop-offs and pick-ups at the Dorbrook Recreation Area · Participants must be able to function in at least a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Trips include museums, the zoo, festivals, shows, amusement parks and other places of interest.
• Now We’re Cooking — 16 and up · Held either at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Visitor Center or the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center · Participants must be able to function in at least a 1:2 staff to participant ratio. Each program prepares, cooks and enjoys a salad/appetizer, an entree and a dessert.
• Drama Troupe — 13 and up · Fall and Winter · Participants sing, act out skits and put on a performance for family and friends. Performance takes place during the final session. Program takes place at the Tatum Park Holland Activity Center.
• Annual Semi Formal Dinner and Dance — 18 and up · Early November each year · Dance and sing

At a glance

• Ages: 13–18 years old
• General schedule: Program availability and age requirements are listed below; if no programming season is listed, it runs all year.

About the provider

The mission of the Therapeutic Recreation Division is to provide access to recreational opportunities for Monmouth County residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in order to enhance physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning, as well as a sense of belonging to the community. The Park System's Therapeutic Recreation division was recently honored with the NJRPA Excellence in Health & Wellness Programming Award for its Senior Hikers Program.

Last updated October 20, 2026.