Thirty special-needs kids and their dads bond on a regular basis thanks to the innovative Adventure Guides “Eagles” program sponsored by the Coppell YMCA.
Two years ago, a concerned father sowed the seed that germinated into the group when he approached Jeff Parker, the Y’s family director. “His daughter had been involved with the program for quite some time, but his son, who has special needs, could not attend,” says Parker. “We put our heads together along with a few fellow dads who also had special-needs kids and came up with the Adventure Guides ‘Eagles’ program.”
Children ages 4 to 21, with disabilities ranging from Down syndrome and autism to cerebral palsy and epilepsy, participate in monthly activities. Events include fall and spring campouts, soccer practice, Pinewood Derby races, scavenger hunts, father/daughter dances, rocket launches, parades and parties. Just last July, the YMCA partnered with Dallas Woods and Waters Club (DWWC) for a special-needs fishing day at Andy Brown Park East in Coppell. Fathers and kids turned out from as far as McKinney and Fort Worth to join the fun.
“Just about everyone who participated ended up catching at least one fish,” says Parker. “Despite some of the children’s inability to express their feelings, it was easy to tell they had a fantastic time.” (Those who grew tired of fishing fed ducks and played by the shore during the three-hour event; DWWC provided the equipment.)
The Eagles program also highlights the critical role of exercise and outdoor activity—especially among those with disabilities. “In the U.S., 16 percent of children ages 2-19 are overweight; the prevalence among children with ASD [autism spectrum disorders] is increased to 19 percent with an additional 36 percent at risk for being overweight,” explains Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “This means that more than half of all children with ASD are either overweight or at risk.”
Perhaps most of all, the Eagles program celebrates the vital part fathers play in raising and nurturing kids who have special needs. Local groups like the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas offer support groups for dads, where men can share the joys and challenges associated with special-needs parenting. “Committed dads recognize that difficult circumstances aren’t an excuse to bow out on their responsibilities,” writes Ken Canfield, Ph.D., author and founder of the National Center for Fathering. “Fathers parent. Growing fathers find ways to be effective even in the face of adversity and discouragement.”
The Eagles bring dozens of area dads closer to that ideal.
“The goal is for the kids to have the opportunity to participate in stuff they might never get the chance to do,” says Parker.
For more information, please call the YMCA of Coppell at 972/393-5121 or visit coppellymca.org
