Special Needs

C.A.S.E. BUDDY CANTEEN

This program is an essential service for our special needs population 13 years of age and older. Activities include: social gatherings, special events, crafts, trips and sports activities. The group meets Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center, 1232 Main Avenue. The program is free to Clifton residents and grandfathered participants. Non-residents must pay an annual fee. Volunteers are always welcomed. Below are some of the special upcoming events.

Open Bowling

Individuals who are not on the bowling team but would like to join in on the fun can attend the scheduled Open Bowling Days. Each participant receives two free games. Additional games cost $3.00 per game.

Let Me Be Me – Talent Show

Annual talent show where canteen participants get a chance to show off their special gifts and talents. Registration deadline is February 19th. This event starts at 6:30 p.m.

Italian Night

A wonderful night of great Italian Food, Music and Fellowship.

Swim and Game Night/Boys & Girls Club

A night of swimming, game room activities and basketball games. Bring your bathing suit, towel and sneakers. Meet at the club at 6:30 p.m.

Bocce Team

The Bocce Team begins their practice season the beginning of February. The practice schedule and location will be posted once all athletes are registered. Registration deadline is January 29th.

2010 Summer Games

The 2010 Special Olympics Summer Games will be conducted June 11th – June 13th in Trenton. The Clifton Team has had a long history of success at this event. The “Law Enforcement Torch Run” will pass through Clifton on Friday morning on the 11th as they run down Main Avenue. One of Clifton Olympians will be selected to run the torch through Clifton. A good vantage point is in front of the Recreation Center, 1232 Main Avenue. Once the torch passes, the athletes leave for their 3 day journey to the 2010 Summer Games.

Upcoming Events:

January 15th Game Night

January 22nd Movie Night

January 23rd Open Bowling-Brunswick Lanes

January 29th Craft Night/Sports Night and January Birthday Celebration

February 5th TV Game Show & Trivia Night

February 12th No Canteen

February 19th Guys & Dolls Night

February 20th Open Bowling-Brunswick Lanes

February 26th “Let It Be Me” – Talent Show*

March 5th Sweet Treats Night and February Birthday Celebration

March 12th On My Own Night

March 19th Italian Night Dinner

March 20th Open Bowling-Brunswick Lanes

March 26th Game Night and March Birthday Celebration

April 2nd No Canteen

April 9th Sports Night

April 16th Swim & Gym at Boys & Girls Club*

April 23rd Spring Crafts

April 24th Open Bowling-Brunswick Lanes

April 30th Square Dance Night and April Birthday Celebration

May 7th T.B.A.

May 14th T.B.A.

May 21st End of Year Celebration*and May Birthday Celebration

June 11th – 13th Special Olympics Summer Games

July 9th Summer Softball begins

BUDDY CANTEEN SOFTBALL

The Buddy Canteen program plays softball June -September on Friday evenings beginning 6:00 p.m. at Washington Park (1004 Paulison Avenue). For more information call (973) 470-5956.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM

The Clifton Recreation Special Olympics Team has gained the reputation of one of the top all-around teams in New Jersey, winning medals and awards in County and State Competitions. The team participates in Bowling, Basketball, Bocce, and Track and Field. Practices are held throughout the year as they prepare for the upcoming competitions. We are always in need of coaches and aids. For more information, call the Recreation Office at (973) 470-5956.

TORCH RUN

On Friday, June 11th join our Special Olympic Team at the Annual Torch Run Ceremony, kicking off the start of the NJ Special Olympics Track and Field State Games in Trenton. The run takes place on Main Avenue ending in front of the Community Recreation Center.

CHALLENGERS BASEBALL

The Challengers League is a spring baseball program for physically challenged youth ages 6 - 21. For additional information contact:

Mike Soccol – (973) 357-0868

KIDS CANTEEN

This program is an essential service for our special needs population ages 5 – 12. Activities include social gatherings, special events, crafts, trips and sports activities. The group meets Friday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center, 1232 Main Avenue. The program is free to Clifton residents and grandfathered participants. Non-residents must pay an annual fee. Upcoming programs include: Game night, movie night, talent show, craft night, Italian night and much more.

 

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with weekly activities. If interested, contact the Recreation Department as soon as possible.

Upcoming Special Events:

January 15th Winter Wonderland

January 22nd Movie Night

January 29th Sports Night and January Birthday Celebration

February 5th Superbowl Friday

February 12th No Canteen

February 19th T.B.A.

February 26th “Let It Be Me” – Talent Show

March 5th Sweet Treats and February Birthday Celebration

March 12th On My Own

March 19th Italian Night

March 26th Game Night and March Birthday Celebration

April 2nd No Canteen

April 9th All Things Bunny

April 16th Bowling Night, Garden Palace

April 23rd Spring Crafts

April 30th Square Dancing and April Birthday Celebration

May 7th Ocean Adventures

May 14th T.B.A.

May 21st End of Year Birthday Bash and May Birthday Celebration

July 9th Outdoor programs begin

C.L.A.S.S.(Community Leaders Assisting Special Students)

The Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to participate in a program titled C.L.A.S.S. (Community Leaders Assisting Special Students). The objective is to try to integrate children with special needs into our regularly scheduled recreation programs. When a student with special needs registers for a program, we will provide them with a class companion, who can give extra assistance and attention to the student. Whether it is arts and crafts, dance, archery, etc., some students may not join because they cannot get enough individual help during the program. There are no additional fees for this program. Parents of special students will be able to sit back and relax, while their child enjoys the activity. Volunteers will be needed at various times during the day and evening. If interested in volunteering or for more information, contact the Recreation Department at (973) 470-5956.

 

 

Return to Recreation Homepage

Please click here to enter the main City of Clifton web site, www.cliftonnj.org.