The Lighthouse of Houston’s Recreation Department provides therapeutic recreation services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. All recreation activities are developed and implemented by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. The activities below are examples of several of the recreation services provided at The Lighthouse.
Summer Camp is three weeks long and is provided annually for children, ages 5 to 10, who are blind or visually impaired. Summer Camp activities are tailored to improve socialization skills, orientation and mobility, independence and self-esteem all while having fun. Each week, swimming, arts and crafts, games, and cooking classes are based on a theme as a part of the camp experience. In addition to these activities, campers also go on field trips throughout Summer Camp. Some previous field trips have included the Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum and Bayou Wildlife Zoo. For more information regarding Summer Camp eligibility, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Next Step is a two-week long camp that is geared toward pre-teens and teens, ages 11-14, who are blind or visually impaired. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists facilitate activities intended to improve socialization, decision making, leadership abilities, communication skills, and increase independence in activities of daily living. These skills are accomplished through fun-filled therapeutic games and ADL classes. Campers also have opportunities to explore the Houston area and to participate in art projects and cooking classes. For more information regarding Next Step eligibility, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
For two weeks at the beginning of the summer, swim lessons are offered to children and young adults, ages 0-18, who are blind or visually impaired. Our swim lessons are adapted for each child by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Our adaptive swim lessons are designed to teach any child, no matter what their level of swim experience, how to be safe and swim in the water. Beginning swimmers are taught basic water safety skills, while advanced swimmers work to improve their stroke techniques. For more information regarding swim lessons, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Youth, ages 14 to 22 years old, who are blind or visually impaired have the opportunity to participate in programs tailored to their abilities. The STEP activities organized by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists aim to help youth develop knowledge of local leisure resources and increase socialization skills. Our activities build confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to live an independent leisure lifestyle. These activities include kayaking, swimming, and ice skating. For more information regarding the Saturday Teen Enrichment Program, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Rodeo Parade
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo puts on an annual Rodeo Parade to kick off the Rodeo season. We invite children and young adults, ages 0-22 years old, who are blind or visually impaired and their families to join us for this exciting parade. Families meet at The Lighthouse before heading downtown for the parade. The Rodeo Parade Committee provides breakfast and lunch with the help of sponsors. Audio descriptors are available to describe the floats and parade festivities. For more information regarding the Rodeo Parade, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
The Lighthouse of Houston’s Beeping Easter Egg Hunt is one of the biggest events of the year. Children, ages 0-13 years old, who are blind or visually impaired and their families are invited to The Lighthouse before Easter to enjoy music, games, food, and special appearances from the bunnies, Pinky and Sweetie. The annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt is adapted with beeping eggs for children who are blind or visually impaired. Sighted siblings have the opportunity to enjoy alternate activities while the Beeping Egg Hunt takes place. For more information regarding the Beeping Easter Egg Hunt, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Halloween Carnival
The Lighthouse of Houston hosts an annual Halloween Carnival for children, ages 0-13 years old, who are blind or visually impaired and their families. The Halloween Carnival offers adapted carnival games, music, food, and even a hay ride. For more information regarding the Halloween Carnival, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Parents’ Day Out
The Lighthouse of Houston hosts an annual holiday celebration in December for children, ages 0 to 13 years old, who are blind or visually impaired and their siblings. Children will enjoy games, crafts, lunch, and much more, giving their parents an opportunity to run holiday errands. For more information regarding Parents’ Day Out, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
The adult exercise program is designed for adults, ages 22+, who are blind or visually impaired. The Recreation Department offers therapeutic recreation activities for adults in the Houston community to improve physical fitness while building relationships with their peers.
Tandem Bike Rides
Throughout the fall and spring seasons, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists lead tandem bike rides through the River Oaks neighborhood with the help of volunteers. Twice a month during the fall and spring, adult tandem bike rides occur on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. allowing adults who are blind and visually impaired and interested in bike riding a chance to be active, improve their physical fitness, and socialize with people in the community. For more information regarding the adult tandem bike rides, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Yoga
The Lighthouse of Houston offers yoga classes for the blind and visually impaired taught by a Registered Yoga Teacher. Yoga classes are held on Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at The Lighthouse. This class is beginner friendly and open to all who are interested. For more information regarding yoga, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Exercise Room
The Lighthouse of Houston has an on-site fitness facility with cardio exercise equipment for adults who are blind and visually impaired to use. The gym includes stationary bicycles, treadmills, and an elliptical. For more information regarding our exercise room, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
Dragon Boat
The Lighthouse of Houston competes in the annual Dragon Boat Festival. A dragon boat is a traditional type of Chinese boat that holds 20 paddlers, one drummer, and one sweep (a steerer). Teams work together to race down a 1000 meter straight course. No prior experience is necessary to take part in this physically demanding event, but the ability to work as a team is important. Practices are held on Saturdays for two months leading up to the event. Our paddlers enjoy the experience of teamwork, the chance to get fit with other adults, and the opportunity to celebrate Asian culture. For more information regarding dragon boat, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
The Lighthouse of Houston in partnership with AFA in Schools has created The Lighthouse Choir. The Lighthouse Choir is open for teens and adults, ages 16 and older, who are blind or visually impaired and love to sing. Choir practices are held Thursday evenings with seasonal performances in the community. This program provides the opportunity to develop musical talents, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow choir members, and showcase their developed skills. For more information regarding The Lighthouse Choir, please call the Recreation Department at 713-284-8417.
