Helping Hands

Camp Helping Hands is a 4-week, intensive, group therapy program providing constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual training for clients with hemiplegia. Children, teens, and young adults with hemiplegia join us from around the WORLD for our unique and collaborative group OT, PT and Speech intensive therapy program.

Helping Hands uses carefully designed activities to drive therapeutic gains. For parents who choose to combine disciplines, activities specifically designed to integrate 1, 2 or 3 therapy services will be built into the camp day. The exciting part of this unique integration of OT, PT and speech goals within a single activity allows a child a full-body, “real world” experience.  For example, if balloon volleyball is the activity, OT, PT and speech goals can all be met through the strategic emphasis and sequencing of jumping, running, hitting a balloon back and forth, as well as verbal communication with peers. Therapists will seamlessly collaborate to create these ideal therapeutic scenarios and help maximize each moment of the camp day.

What We Do:

• Fun-filled activities designed for HUGE therapeutic gains
• Group setting with individualized occupation-based goals
• CIMT and bimanual training
• Motivational setting – campers create friendships with kids just like them!
• OT, PT, & Speech always TOGETHER*
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Open communication and coordination
• Weekly parent education sessions
• End-of-camp progress video
• On-site playground, gym, bike riding space, gardening, two full kitchens, and the Helping Hands House, a home for families attending our intensive therapy programs

CHH Staff:

• Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapists
• Level 2 OT Interns
• Speech Therapy Externs
• 1st Year OT Graduate Students
• Volunteers

This level of staffing enables us to have a 2:1 ratio (2 children to 1 staff). This ratio also lets us work on the child’s individual goals within the context of the group. We do NOT utilize a cookie cutter approach. Each client’s goals are specific to their level of functioning and ability.

Setting Goals

Parents are interviewed prior to the program to gather up-to-date information about your child’s goals. We use an assessment tool that helps establish and prioritize the child’s functional goals and truly creates a system for the parents to be involved in the process. We welcome information from other therapists, schools, doctors, etc. in order to maximize the therapeutic experience.