| Children with Autism have great time with Yoga at Summer Camp (MMD Newswire) July 30, 2009 -- 75 kids with autism in Philadelphia are enjoying the benefits of yoga. Camp Mentor is a special camp for children with autism ranging in age from 6-16. They attend the camp 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks and enjoy a variety of fun activities like swimming, art, dance, reading, and learning new skills that help overcome their challenges. Camp Mentor is hosted by PA Mentor (www.pa-mentor.com), who provides community-based care and life-enhancing services to hundreds of individuals and families throughout the state. This year, Camp Mentor added an adaptive yoga program, provided by Barbara Gini (www.bodylogique.com/AdaptiveYoga.html) and the kids are loving it. Twice a week they participate in a customized non-competitive program including stories, targeted yoga movement & art. The children are taught techniques for calming stress such as breathing and imagery. The program focuses on building friendships, increasing focus and improving overall physical health. The camp counsellors are instructed as well and assist campers as needed. They are enjoying the classes as much as the kids. Medical studies have shown there are many benefits of yoga: increased cardiovascular health, body awareness, improved flexibility & balance, increased muscle tone & coordination, attentiveness & a more relaxed outlook. For children, yoga can be a fun activity when interactive games & stories are added. For the special needs child, yoga promotes healthy bodies by using movements that improve focus & the brain-body connection, and the poses can be adapted to all abilities. Memory of sequencing is improved as they learn each routine along with the project and story. Relaxation through breathing helps keep the kids calm and focused. Social skills are strengthened as each child is invited & gently encouraged to participate in the fun. Barbara uses creative yoga games, stories, movement and art as a way to engage the kids and to support and re-enforce skills acquired through various therapies. Parents are saying their kids like it and are doing the yoga poses at home. Many campers say the yoga is one of their favorite activities. The Camp directors have been pleased with the program. Barbara (www.bodylogique.com) provides creative movement arts programs that serve camps, schools, children & families throughout PA & NJ. Contact: Barbara Gini, RCYT, CMBT 215-257-3193, BodyLogique Creative Fitness, barbara@bodylogique.com Visit our community partners: |
| BodyLogique® In The News |
Available Fall, 2011!! We view Fitness to be a very important life skill for all children and should be fun, moderately challenging & have easily adaptable, integrative elements. Sensory Fit™ offers Individualized yoga-based fitness programming for ages 5 & up with autism and other cognitive & Sensory Processing challenges. With the emphasis placed on reaching personal goals while having fun, this program addresses overall health as well as stress management, sensory & social needs of young explorers & athletes through a variety of methods. There are 3 age/ability levels for this program. Placement is determined by a brief assessment: Level 1: age 5-7, Level 2: ages 8-11 and Level 3: Ages 12-16. *Customized Adaptive Yoga Programs available spring/summer 2011! Details about this exciting program to follow! |
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| Oct 14, 2011 |
for Children with Special Needs
"Moving the Body~Engaging The Senses ~Inspiring Learning"
"Moving the Body~Engaging The Senses ~Inspiring Learning"
Adaptive Movement Education