Following a hiatus due to COVID-19, the beloved Summer Enrichment Program for adolescents with autism returned to our Whitehouse location in 2023! The campers made a splash both in the pool and in the Bittersweet Community with their smiles, excitement, and joy!
For more than 20 seasons, the Summer Enrichment Program has offered a wide range of activities both on-site at Bittersweet and in the local community. The program fostered positive impact for our campers by providing familiar structure and routine through the summer, which is crucial for individuals with autism.
The Summer Enrichment Program in Whitehouse served 13 participants in 2023. Highlights included community outings to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Metroparks Toledo, Imagination Station, and various activities on the Farm, such as crafts, games, and swimming. These experiences nurture participants' social skills, sensory integration, independence, and confidence to navigate life in all its splendor.
Program Services Director, Abby Ritzman, said, "It was so wonderful to see the participants enjoying activities in the community through structured supports. The program is also designed to assist the students in interacting with peers, paving the way for social skill building and establishing new friendships!"
Julie Arnold, whose son Jack attended Summer Enrichment this year for the first time, shared these words of gratitude: “This has been my son’s best summer ever! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this possible for him. Your work means the world."
In addition to the Summer Enrichment Program in Whitehouse, the Extended School Year (ESY) Program in Pemberville served 12 students in 2023. Highlights included community outings to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, bowling, and local parks.
We asked some of the Pemberville participants about their favorite summer memories. Picnics at the park were Josh's favorite, while the highlight of Ben's summer was playing with Play-Doh, an excellent activity for sensory input! As it turns out, when it comes to summer fun, sometimes the simplest joys are the most magical.
