Caring for Kids Year-round Programs

Caring for Kids offers the following programs on an ongoing or regular basis throughout the year.

Dance

This ballet-based program encourages movement, improves posture, and increases selective motor control of limbs while promoting socialization and artistic expression for kids with physical disabilities.

Two Saturday classes are offered each 5-week session at the Drucker Center. The 3:30 pm class is for kids who are ambulatory and the 4:30 pm class is youth who use assistive devices.

All dance class participants must be registered with the Caring for Kids Program. There is a $30 refundable deposit per session to reserve a spot in the dance program. Youth are expected to attend at least three of the five classes within a session in order to have the deposit refunded to them. If a participant does not attend a minimum of three classes, the deposit is forfeited.

Karate

The RIC/Thousand Waves Karate for Kids Program provides adapted Seido karate for kids focusing on peaceful conflict resolutions and self-defense. Karate emphasizes a progressive development of strength and aerobic capacity. Children learn to focus their minds and build their spirits.

Karate is offered on Sundays following Yoga. Like yoga, the Karate program follows a 5-week session format. Karate is from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Drucker Center.

All karate class participants must be registered with the Caring for Kids Program.

There is no fee, however Caring for Kids requires a $30 deposit to join. Youth are expected to attend at least three of the five classes within a session in order to have the deposit refunded to them. If a participant does not attend a minimum of three classes, the deposit is forfeited.

Judo

Since 2009, Caring for Kids has partnered with the Menomonee Judo Club to offer the Japanese Olympic/Paralympic sport of Judo. Judo, which translates as "the Gentle Way," promotes the development of necessary physical skills such as movement, balance, muscle tone and visual/spatial awareness to participants of all abilities. Of equal or greater importance is the self esteem and sense of purpose that the students gain through participation. The program is run by Sensei Brett Wolf and his experienced staff. In May 2012, the Menomonee Judo Club was named Paralympic National Training Site by USA Judo. USA Judo is the national governing body of Judo in the United States.

Judo classes take place on Saturday afternoons from 4:45pm - 5:45pm at the Drucker Center: 1535 N Dayton Street Chicago, IL 60642. Sessions last five weeks with a two week break in between.

Youth must be registered Caring for Kids participants. There is no fee, however, Caring for Kids requires a $30 refundable deposit to join. Youth are expected to attend at least three of the five classes within a session in order to have the deposit refunded to them. If a participant does not attend a minimum of three classes, the deposit is forfeited.

Yoga

In 2005, Caring for Kids teamed with Carey Freyman and Yoga for the Special Child to provide yoga instruction to youth in the Caring for Kids Program. Yoga techniques are safe and therapeutic and help to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques help to improve concentration. Yoga is held year-round on Sundays at the Menomonee Boys and Girls Club's Drucker Center in Chicago.

Yoga classes run in 5-week sessions with 2-3 week breaks in between each session. There are two classes offered on Sundays. The first class is from 11:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. and the second class is from Noon - 12:55 p.m.

All yoga class participants must be registered with the Caring for Kids Program.

There is no fee, however Caring for Kids requires a $30 deposit to join. Youth are expected to attend at least three of the five classes within a session in order to have the deposit refunded to them. If a participant does not attend a minimum of three classes, the deposit is forfeited.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Caring for Kids, in conjunction with Equestrian Connection, offers therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding helps improve core balance, posture, flexibility, and self-confidence. This program is held four times a year.

Scuba Diving

RIC's Caring for Kids Program has partnered with the Diveheart Foundation to offer Caring for Kids participants the chance to learn scuba!  Through the Caring for Kids Program, teens with physical disabilities are welcome to participate in any Discover Scuba indoor pool session offered from January through May. Teens can participate recreationally or study to achieve a PADI open water certification.

The Diveheart Foundation provides and supports educational SCUBA diving and snorkeling experience programs that are open to any physically impaired child or adult in the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person. It is the CAN DO spirit that the Diveheart Foundation hopes to instill in all its participants.  Giving them the confidence and independence that allows them to face their own life challenges and overcome barriers that before might have seemed insurmountable.

Registration

Registering for Caring for Kids programs is easy! Simply follow the directions for enrolling into the Caring for Kids Program (this page will open in a separate window) or found in the Registration panel to the right. Once enrollment into the Caring for Kids program is complete, youth will be able to register to participate in these and other Caring for Kids programs offered.