☀️ Summer Ready: Skills for Fun & Independence ☀️
Therapist‑Designed Program
Designed and led by pediatric occupational and speech therapists with expertise in supporting children with diverse learning, communication, and sensory needs.
Orchid & Ivy enrichment programs are approved providers through Wisconsin CLTS (Children’s Long-Term Support) allowing eligible participants to use waiver funding for enrollment.
Program Highlights
Built-in executive function support (visual schedules, checklists, routines)Adapted tools and accommodations for all ability levels
Focus on fine motor, sensory, and communication skills
Opportunities for choice‑making and independence
Small-group, supportive environment
Real-life summer experiences (nature center, splash pad, indoor playground, home play) for community based skill carryover
Hands-on ADL practice (dressing, packing, sunscreen, cleanup)
Family Festival Celebration to showcase growth and practice skills together
Week 1 – Getting Ready for Summer and Summer at Home - hosted at East Troy Intergenerational Community Center
Children build independence by practicing dressing, packing a bag, following a visual schedule, and identifying personal needs like “I’m hot” or “I need help.”
Creative sensory play (bubbles, water table, art, mud kitchen) strengthens sustained attention, appropriate play, sharing, and cleanup routines.
Week 2 – Nature Exploration at Retzer Nature Center (Waukesha WI)
At a local nature center, children work on attention, flexibility, and descriptive language while exploring trails and practicing safe group participation.
Week 3 – Splash Pad & Regulation at Waterford Splash Pad
Water play supports turn-taking, transitions, and emotional regulation as children learn to recognize when they need a break and communicate it appropriately.
Week 4 – Movement & Body Awareness at Lakeland Park (Lake Geneva, WI)
At an indoor playground, children build impulse control, safety awareness, and body monitoring through swings, climbing, obstacle courses, and heavy work activities.
Targeted Skills
Fine motor development
Communication and AAC use
Sensory tolerance and exploration
Executive functioning
Independence and life skills
Confidence and social interaction
Take-Home Skills
Uses a visual schedule to complete routines
Packs a backpack using a checklist
Dresses appropriately for weather/activities
Applies sunscreen with decreasing support
Cleans up and completes tasks independently
Communicates needs (“I need help,” “I’m hot,” “My turn,” “Break”)
Requests to play and shares materials
Uses descriptive language and commenting
Identifies “too much” vs. “just right”
Requests sensory breaks appropriately
Uses calming strategies (deep pressure, grounding, heavy work)
Initiates tasks with fewer prompts
Follows 2–4 step directions
Transitions between activities more smoothly
Stays with group during community outings