Recreation Council News…

Bingo Fundraiser, Wednesday, January 29, 2025Doors open at 5:30pm; Bingo begins at 6:15pm.
THIS WON’T BE YOUR ORDINARY BINGO NIGHT!
Join the Recreation Council for an evening of BINGO fun while raising money to offset the cost of youth and adults to attend camps and recreation programs of their choice. The evening includes 10 rounds of BINGO with CREATIVE games, a 50-50 raffle, and prizes for the winner of each game. Event is located on the second floor of the main building in the indoor rooftop room. Share our Bingo Flyer ~ RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE

Online Summer Program Listing: Visit our listing of Summer 2025 programs including specialized and traditional programs, overnight and day camps, adult adventures, and specialized summer events. Recreation Council Voucher Funding: If you need funding through the Recreation Council to offset the cost of your selected program, fill out the Recreation Council Voucher Application

News for People with Disabilities…

Variety’s 2024 Adventure Day Camp, St. Louis, MO: FREE Specialized Day Camp for ages 4-20. Registration for Summer Camp 2025 Opens January 13, 2025. Campers are allowed to attend camp for ONE week only. Six camp weeks from June 2-July 18, 2025. At camp, Variety Kids are empowered to form new friendships, try new things, grow in self-esteem, and explore the world around them with independence and confidence. Each camper is paired with a counselor “buddy” to ensure their needs are met each day.  The location of Camp changes each day to accommodate different activities and adventures, all within the St. Louis region. For information, contact Amy at [email protected] or 314-720-7719. Information

Disability Rights Legislative Day (Jefferson City, MO), Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Missouri State Capitol, 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Boxed lunches and t-shirts will be provided to those who register by January 17. Hosted by the Missouri Developmental Disability Council, gathers self-advocates, family members, legislators, and statewide officers to participate and have their voices heard. The day features a one-hour rally and opportunities to meet with legislators. Emmaus will provide bus transportation from the corporate office in St. Charles and St. Peters UCC in Washington, MO. Click this link to Register for February 26.
If you can’t attend DRLD, there are more Advocacy Days in January, March, April, and May – Information Here

East Missouri Autism Project (EMAP) and the Family Flexible Assistance Program Funding (FFAP) Announcement: “The East and Northwest Missouri Autism Projects have transitioned to the Family Flexible Assistance Program (FFAP) effective January 1, 2025. Individuals and families who reside in these regions will have an opportunity to apply for funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2025 (January – June 2025). Applications open at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 for individuals and families who reside in these regions will be able to submit an application for FFAP funding on the East Missouri Autism Project (EMAP). Visit the Family Flexible Assistance Program webpage for the latest Program Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, webinars, and more.” Camps and Community Classes are on the approved list of services but funding is not guaranteed. 

Looking for a Trivia Night in February? Here’s an event from one of our very own Recreation Council participants raising funds for his school: Date: February 1, 2025
Cost: $250 table of 8 or $35 per person, Location: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, St. Louis, MO. FLYER HERE

Pathways to Independence is looking for St. Charles County residents to join their programs: Before joining Pathways, St Charles resident Ava struggled to connect with others. But through her journey, she’s discovered new ways to grow her confidence. “I had a hard time making friends,” Ava shared, “but now I find it easier by asking get-to-know-you questions—practicing what we learn at Pathways.” Her favorite events? “I really like our hiking trips, craft nights, and going places in the community. I’ve made a bunch of new friends […] I’m even better at remembering people’s names now!” Ava’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you find your people. “There are so many good people at Pathways, and everybody is so nice!”  If you’re neurodiverse and live in St. Charles County, Pathways to Independence could be the community you’ve been looking for. Ready to start building connections and confidence? Visit ptistl.org/scc and take that first step today.

Free Activities in St. Charles County…

JCPenney Kids Zone (SCC), Saturday, January 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at JCPenney at Mid Rivers Mall, St. Peters, MO 63376. Kids drop by the mall to create a Yeti or Penguin bookmark (while supplies last). Kids also receive a collector’s pin, and a special lanyard to hold their Kids Zone pins. Information. Event repeats on Feb 8 with new craft.

Family Saturday, Open Studio (SCC)Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center, St. Charles, MO 63301 (map). This free event for all ages invites you to create an art project inspired by featured artist Ben Bradshaw. Drop in on a Saturday in January to view Ben’s wonderful work in the Main Gallery and then create your own colorful abstract masterpiece. Instructions, inspiration, and supplies will be provided. Information

Stitch ‘n B***h – Fiber Arts Club (SCC), Thursday, January 16, 2025 from Foundry Art Centre, St. Charles, MO (map). Stitch ‘n Bitch with us during the Foundry’s new FREE fiber crafts club. Bring your stitching project from knitting, to embroidery, to crochet and beyond. This is not a class, but a crafters club to meet others interested in fiber arts. If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Foundry as soon as you are able. Event repeats on February 20, March 20, April 17, & May 15. Information

Dardenne Prairie Resident Events for Seniors (SCC): Board Game Days, January 17; Bingo, Feb 7. Events repeat monthly. Residents get seats first, non-residents are waitlisted unless a seat is available. January Newsletter ~ Website ~ 2025 Event Listing

Eagle Watch Event (SCC), Saturday, January 18 from 10am-1pm at Riverside Landing, 101 Riverport Lane, St. Charles, MO, 63301 (map). Bald Eagles flock to Missouri in the winter months and Riverside Landing in St. Charles is the perfect place to watch them! Join our Park Rangers at the park’s scenic overlook where spotting scopes and binoculars are provided. Child-friendly eagle activities and a toasty campfire add to a perfect family outing.  Information

Reminders…

PERFORMERS NEEDED: Recreation Council Evening of Entertainment: A Competitive Spotlight on Abilities, Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. This evening’s showcase includes music, dancing, poetry reading, magic, comedy, and more. Performers Apply HERE

Recreation Council’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Ceremony, Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lodge in Des Peres, MO  Mark your calendars and nominate an individual for a recognition. Nominations are due no later than February 24, 2025 by emailing the nomination form to [email protected]. There are some great programs, agencies and volunteers that do some great work in the St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County areas!  We hope to hear from you!!  For questions, call 314-726-6044, ext. 101. Information

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