Recreation at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region

What kind of recreational opportunities are available for my child with developmental disabilities?

Many different recreational options are offered for both children and adults with disabilities throughout Harford County. There are many activities available to choose from.

The Arc Northern Chesapeake is pleased to announce the agency is the recipient of a Recreation Grant awarded by the Department of Education Federal Grants system.

People with developmental disabilities’ decreased participation in recreation and leisure negatively impacts on life satisfaction as well as achievement of desired outcomes for employment and independent living. The awarded Recreation Grant enables The Arc to design a new and promising strategy for increasing participants’ and families knowledge, choice, access and participation as well as expanding the capacity of community recreation and leisure organizations’ ability to fully include people with developmental disabilities.

Tim Quinn, Executive Director at The Arc adds, “The benefits most people derive from participating in recreation and leisure activities have the potential to positively impact many areas important to quality of life – health and well being, employment, relationships, self-determination and independent living. By improving recreation and leisure opportunities, we will positively impact other life areas for people with developmental disabilities and their families”.

Project staff, including a Project Director, Project Manager and a Community Recreation Guide will offer training and technical assistance to community recreation and leisure organizations and direct services to individuals and families. For more information on the recreation grant at The Arc, contact Gloria Quinn, Director of Individual and Family Services at 410-879-6785 at extension 315 or email gquinn@arcncr.org. You may also contact Chassity Seymour, Recreation Project Coordinator for The Arc NCR, at 410-836-7177 extension 424 or email cseymour@arcncr.org or Mark Larichiuta, Recreation Coach 410-836-7177 x329, and email mlarichiuta@arcncr.org

Recreation & Leisure Activities:

Quest Fitness: Offering Wonderful Fitness Opportunities for All Ages!
Quest Fitness, located in Abingdon in the Constant Friendship shopping Plaza (next to Gabriel Brothers and Weis Market), offers a terrific discount for all individuals associated with The Arc NCR. Quest has stated that any individual with a disability can obtain a FREE MEMBERSHIP to the facility. Also, the support staff or family member working with the individual with disabilities gets in FREE of charge to support someone in their workout! However, if you wish to work out with the individual, or by yourself, you must become a member.

In addition, Arc employees interested in becoming a member will receive a discount on their membership. Quest also offers a discount to the family members of individuals with disabilities affiliated with The Arc. Quest has agreed to waive the enrollment fee ($199.00) and reduce monthly fees by $4.00 each month. The monthly fee will be only $45. Just mention The Arc when you go to sign up!

Quest is proud to offer a comprehensive fitness class schedule, child care, as well as children programs. They even have Karate classes, taught by a certified instructor, for ages six and up.

For additional information please call a membership representative at Quest, 410-569-7300. Or call Chass Seymour at The Arc, 410-836-7177 ext. 424. Check out their website for a free one day pass! www.questfitness.net

Bel Air Athletic Club: Your Hometown Fitness Facility
For a number of years, the Bel Air Athletic Club has offered the use of its facilities to members of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region for a discounted rate at specified times during the week. The Athletic Club is a large fitness facility that offers something for everyone. The amenities include: pools, hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness machines, free weights, two basketball courts, walking track, snack bar, and more!

Adults with disabilities can utilize the Athletic Club’s facilities for only $3 a visit, while a support staff or family member comes with the person for free! Children with disabilities can also attend with a parent or support person and receive the discount. For the discounted rate to apply, there must be only one family member or support person with the individual with a disability (1:1).
This discount can only be applied Monday through Friday, from 12:30 - 3:30pm.

Discounted membership rates for individuals with disabilities and staff affiliated with The Arc NCR are also available. (This membership is different than the $3 per visit discount.)
With a membership you can:
Utilize the club anytime during it’s hours of operation (not just 12:30-3:30pm, Mon-Fri)!!
Receive discounts on classes, group fitness sessions, SPA sessions, and BAAC activities
Be the first to know about new fitness trends and activities going on at BAAC
Please contact Membership Services at BAAC to become a member: 410-838-2670.
Contact Chass Seymour at The Arc NCR for more information and to schedule your work-out time!
Phone: 410-836-7177 x424 Email: cseymour@arcncr.org
*Check out the Bel Air Athletic Club website for more information on all they have to offer @ www.baac.com

Downtown Sailing Center
DSC’s Access-Ability Open Sail Program
This free program is designed to provide inclusive sailing opportunities for those with disabilities and to promote life skills such as self-reliance, self-confidence, teamwork, patience, and respect for others. The program meets six times a summer.

To schedule a weekday outing or to register for an Access Ability open sail, email sailing@downtownsailing.org, subject line: "Access-Ability," or call the DSC office at  (410) 727-0722.

Special Events :
Unified Bocce at McFaul Senior Center
Mondays and Thursdays at 10am
For members of McFaul Senior Center with and without developmental disabilities.
If you would like to play, please contact McFaul Senior Center at 410-638-4040 to become a member.

Unified Kayaking: A brand new activity for Harford County!! Unified Kayaking is for individuals with and without developmental disabilities who have an interest in kayaking. We will practice at Eden Mill Nature Center. The season will begin in April, so if you're interested please contact Chass Seymour at 410-836-7177 x424 or at cseymour@arcncr.org.

What is Plein Air Painting You Ask? 
Plein Air translates to “open air.”  This term is used to describe paintings that have been created outdoors, rather than in the studio.

Where: Anita Leight Estuary Center
When: Mondays from July 21-August 25, 2008 from 9AM-Noon

Cost: $6 for six sessions. Share your love of outdoor painting with other artists and would-be artists. All skill levels welcome. Bring your choice of materials - watercolors, oils, acrylics, etc. Peer instruction - experienced artists available. Be eligible to participate in an art show in Fall 2008 sponsored by the Harford County Cultural Arts Board.

Contact Anita Leight Esturary Center to Register: 410-612-1688

Website: www.otterpointcreek.org

Important Downloads
Download the Recreation Newsletter

Download the Recreation Request Form

Recreation Links
Quest Fitness
The Arena Club
The Bel Air Athletic Club
Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
Churchville Golf Driving Range
Bel Air Golf Center
Baltimore Orioles
Harford County Senior Centers
Harford Neighbors
Harford Community College
Cecil County YMCA
Y of Central Maryland
Harford County Parks and Rec
Harford County Cultural Arts Board
Center For The Arts
Harford Ballet Company