Recreational/Leisure/Arts Activities & Instruction

AS220 Youth is a free arts education program for young people ages 14-21, with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state. 

Check with AS220 Youth Studio for information relating to program offerings and Covid   

AS220 Youth is a nationally recognized, award-winning after-school educational program and creative incubator for young people. Serving young people ages 14-21 with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state, the program strives to dismantle the pipeline to prison by empowering  at-risk, beyond-risk and incarcerated youth through arts, culture and collective action.

Our programs focus on science, health, and developing life skills.

About 4H

• Community Clubs
• Project Clubs
• Individual Memberships

Example of Programs

• Animal Projects
• Science and Technology
• Healthy Living
• Leadership and Life Skills
• Fairs

Get Involved

Youth participating in 4-H activities have opportunities to offer positive contributions to our diverse and changing society.

RI 4-H is the youth outreach education program of Cooperative Extension in the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences.
4-H offers opportunities for Belonging – young people don’t just join 4-H. . .they belong!

Christina DiCenzo , 4-H Program Coordinator

401-874-9412 – cdicenzo@uri.edu

Programs include:

• Classes
• Group lessons
• Gear loan program
• Gender discussion group (ages 14-18)
• Youth "Drop In" 

Youth Rock Camp: is an intensive one-week day camp offered to youth ages 11-17, where campers of all skill levels have the opportunity to learn guitar, bass, drums, vocals, or other instruments. Campers will also form a band, write an original song, and perform at the final Showcase for friends, family, and fans!

Girls Rock! Rhode Island is a volunteer-based non-profit that uses music creation and critical thinking to foster empowerment, collaborative relationships, and the development of healthy identities in girls and women.

School year programs link

• Youth Mentorship in the Arts
• Artist Mentor Professional Development Program
• The Studio Team Advisory Board (STAB)
• A Life After School (ALAS)
• Vacation Week Residencies
• Summer Art Internships 

Our free, year-round out-of-school programs promote sustained mentoring relationships between urban high school students and trained artist mentors—who, together, engage in youth leadership, risk taking, collaboration, and self-directed learning.

All our youth programs are offered free of charge and provide after-school snacks, free bus passes, tutoring, and homework help.

Gymnastics link

Adaptive Gymnastic Cosmic Kids class link

Early Learning Center and Education link

• Pre-School
• Pre-K
• After school programs

Camps link

Special Events link

 The state of the art facility hosts programs for gymnastics, an early learning center, dance, pro shop, café, and birthday party rooms.

Arts Equity (formerly VSA arts RI) provides arts education, advocacy for cultural programs that model inclusive practices & supports diverse opportunities for active participation by children, youth & adults with disabilities in our cultural community.  We work to promote quality & accessible art experiences by working with Rhode Island artists, educators, arts administrators, health/human & social service professionals to establish inclusive spaces, programs & communities making it possible for all Rhode Islanders to benefit from visual, literary, performing & digital media arts experiences.

See website for additional information as the Museum frequently has programs that are sensory friendly and aimed at all abilities.

The Museum of Work & Culture shares the stories of the men, women, and children who came to find a better life in Rhode Island’s mill towns in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Both floors of the Museum are fully wheelchair accessible. We also offer tools & programming for visitors on the autism spectrum

Special Olympics Rhode Island hosts over 40 statewide tournaments and competitions each year in 21 official and demonstration sports.

• Young Athletes (age 2-7) Information
• Unified Sports Program and Unified Champion Schools Information
• Healthy Athletes Program Information
• Interested in joining? Eligibility Information 

The mission of Special Olympics Rhode Island is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

All training and competition opportunities are provided free of charge to the athletes and their families, enabling everyone to experience the benefits of Special Olympics that extend well beyond the playing field. Special Olympics was created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Special Olympics Rhode Island is authorized and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the benefit of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Neurodiversity is Everywhere. This initiative consciously centers artistic work around expanding the roles and stories that exist for artists on the spectrum, not just in number but in personality type, age, gender identity, ethnicity, and more. 

The Spectrum Theatre Ensemble is a group of theatre artists, both neurotypical and on the autism spectrum, based in Providence, RI.
By producing relevant and high-quality productions and workshops, STE aims to engage both artists and audience to develop social skills, empathy, and understanding, and to spread the message of inclusion all over the world.

Trinity Rep’s mission is to reinvent the public square with dramatic art that stimulates, educates and engages our diverse community in a continuing dialogue.

Assistive Listening Devices available

Education for community members link

Trinity Rep’s Active Imagination Network 

Children and Teen Programs

Summer Programs and Camps link

Young Actors Summer Institute

Teen Ambassadors and Youth Internships

The Pell Chafee Performance Center, located at 87 Empire Street, is home to our Brown/Trinity Rep MFA performances and education programs.

Trinity Rep offers a series of accessible programs and offerings to meet the needs of the theater’s diverse audience. Tickets for open captioned performances and sensory-friendly performances are available for each production every season, and even come in subscription packages. link

• Job Training link
• Courses link
• Youth Summer Camps link

The Steel Yard is a non-profit industrial art center and shared studio located in Providence, RI. We’re an arts maker space and non-traditional craft school offering courses & educational programs in blacksmithing, welding, jewelry, foundry, and ceramics. Depending on the program a student is enrolled in they may pay a subsidized fee, receive a scholarship or get paid to develop new skills.

There are two locations in Rhode Island

https://aceingautism.org/locations/newport-ri/

https://aceingautism.org/locations/east-providence-ri/

Group Warm-Up
Hand-Eye Coordination
Volleys
Ground strokes
Group Games

Each week participants will work on different fundamentals of the game of tennis. Participants will have an opportunity to increase their social skills through taking turns, working in teams, and following instructions.

We will provide rackets and all equipment. Participants should wear athletic clothing and sneakers and bring water. We ask that parents/caregivers be responsible for assisting with any toileting or self-care if necessary.

We offer classes in acro, tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, technique, hip hop, boys hip hop & musical theatre. Classes are for all ages starting at walking age with our “Dance With Me Mommy” through all skill levels to adult.

• Lessons
• Camps
• Birthday Parties

TLC Performing Arts a NON COMPETITIVE dance studio located in New England, serving all dancers from Rhode Island & Southern Massachusetts.

The GPYHA/RI Special Needs Hockey program offers Learn to Skate/Instructional Hockey for children age 4 to young adult with Down Syndrome, Autism, or any other developmental disability.

Ice sessions are held Saturday mornings at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI, starting in late October and ending in March. No previous skating experience is required; enrollment is open throughout the season.

The program is open to any boy or girl who is physically able to play, but would be unable to participate in any other organized program due to his or her developmental disability.

Martial Arts fitness for all ages

When a child has special needs, they struggle with certain things that other kids might find easy. In our martial arts school, they learn in a structured environment that emphasizes self-respect.

All children need exercise but it can sometimes be hard for kids with special needs to keep up on the playing field.

Martial arts instruction focuses on competing with yourself – something that allows kids with special needs to excel on their own terms.

Multiple locations, see website for additional information 

All Ages --An interactive story time program that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities and sensibilities with their favorite adult.

Join us for a book, music and sensory exploration!

Campers who may require some additional support in cognitive skills or social-emotional coaching will have that extra staff attention. Through the camp experience, the camper will expand language and communications, improve social skills, develop friendships, and expand self-awareness. The program has credentialed adult professionals and our counselors are trained and well-supervised in a supported camp environment.

Since its beginning in 1937 as the summer program of the Jewish Orphanage of Rhode Island (JORI), campers have enjoyed summers in a nurturing, family-like environment.

Camp JORI sits on over 72 acres of pristine woodland, on the largest lake in Rhode Island with an exceptional waterfront for boating and fishing.  The site is surrounded by Nature Conservancy protected land. When you come into camp you are welcomed at the visitor center and then you begin the JORI experience.

• Overnight camps for children and teen's.
• Special session's for Family Camp (sold out)
• Young Leaders Program
• Bridge Camp for campers age 10+ who need additional support. See information below.

Registration starts January 19, 2022

Bridge Camp Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 8  is open to individuals with special needs ages 10 and up We are thrilled to welcome our Bridge Campers back to camp! 

Parents and friends of young adults or adults with special needs should contact Meaghan at director@eccri.org for more information. *Campers with some special needs have been part of our regular sessions for years, and are still invited to participate as they have before. This camp is designed for young people who might not be able to attend a regular camp session.

Adult  Inclusive Art Classes

Portfolio Development

Workshop Space

Gallery

Self-Employment and Job Coaching

Membership link

At the OC, we meet our Members at their own individual skill levels and we provide opportunities and a space to learn and grow as artists and as people. Our team consists of formally trained artists, educators, professionals and compassionate mentors whose passion is to encourage and promote creativity as a form of expression and communication. Through experience and training, we understand the needs of the amazing individuals of the I/DD community, which allows us an advantage in helping our Members grow into their best selves.

To become a Member or further information about becoming a Member and to visit Outsider Collective’s center and gallery, please contact:
‍

Jess Angelone, Director
401-263-3045outsidercollective401@gmail.com

Carrie Hyde, Director
781-367-3008outsidercollective401@gmail.com

Teen Improv classes 

We founded Kismet because we love the feeling of a room full of friends sharing a laugh. Starting September 2021, we'll be bringing three shows a week to our new home in Pawtucket, R.I., along with our roster of classes hosted by some of the region's funniest comedians. 

Go to website to see the extensive list of programs  link

Information on Adaptive Dance classes for children and adults link

Our mission at the Talent Factory is to offer high caliber training while providing students with a positive and friendly atmosphere. 

Whether your passion is tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop or musical theatre, you will find a class that meets your needs. We offer instruction for all ages and skill levels from combo classes starting at 2 years old through professional caliber instruction for young adults, as well as adult classes which are a great way to stay fit. The Talent Factory also offers a variety of competitive performance teams for the more serious student.

Additional location

The Talent Factory

144 Metro Centre

Warwick, RI 02886 

Go to website to see the extensive list of programs  link

Information on Adaptive Dance classes for children and adults link

Our mission at the Talent Factory is to offer high caliber training while providing students with a positive and friendly atmosphere. 

Whether your passion is tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop or musical theatre, you will find a class that meets your needs. We offer instruction for all ages and skill levels from combo classes starting at 2 years old through professional caliber instruction for young adults, as well as adult classes which are a great way to stay fit. The Talent Factory also offers a variety of competitive performance teams for the more serious student.

Additional location

The Talent Factory

6171 Post Road

North Kingstown, RI 02852

• Activities
• Community Service Projects
• Leadership Building
• Camp

Girls make new friends, challenge themselves, write their own stories, and take action to change the world for the better. 

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience focuses on four key areas:

• Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Outdoors
• Life Skills
• Entrepreneurship 

Outreach and Enrichment Programs

Sensory Sensitive Saturdays 

Sensory Sensitive Saturdays are on the first Saturday of every month, from 10am-12pm. 

Accommodations include trained staff on site and their louder exhibits are off the floor. 

Hours:

Thursday and Friday 1:00-5:00 pm

Saturday 12:00 – 5:00pm

The Camp WANNAGOAGAIN! program is designed to provide opportunities for real-life experiences, an environment to learn new leisure skills, and the chance to meet new friends in a structured environment with experienced staff.

Camp provides the following supports for its campers across activities:

• Visual supports that enhance comprehension and prediction of expectations
• Low camper-to-counselor ratio
• 1:1 support when necessary
• Trained, highly skilled staff
• Sensory-based activities that enhance a camper’s ability to take advantage of language and communication opportunities
• Structured teaching methods
• Relaxation techniques that enhance self-regulation
• Daily living routines incorporated into camp activities as appropriate
• Staff and program content that supports play skills, social skills and participation in group activities
• Camp facilities (such as the lake and nature trails) that offer gross motor activities, which satisfy sensory needs and encourage communication
• Traditional camp activities like swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and nature walks

The Autism Project provides a safe, supported, and fun camp experience.

Session I (July 25-29, 2022)

M-TH: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Session II (August 1-5, 2022)

M-TH: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Instruction

Group Events

After-school and weekend programs for youth 

Outdoor Climbing link

ROCK SPOT CLIMBING has been owned and operated by local business partners,
Lary Norin & Nadav Minkin since 1998.

All of our facilities feature world-class climbing, a welcoming environment
and friendly climbing communities.

Our dream is to provide accessible and inclusive climbing opportunities
for all ages and ability levels.

Multiple facilities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts

See Peacedale and Providence MHP Directory entries for additional information.

Group Events

After-school and weekend programs for youth

Instruction

Climbing Wall Instructor Course link

ROCK SPOT CLIMBING has been owned and operated by local business partners,
Lary Norin & Nadav Minkin since 1998.

All of our facilities feature world-class climbing, a welcoming environment
and friendly climbing communities.

Our dream is to provide accessible and inclusive climbing opportunities
for all ages and ability levels.

Multiple facilities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts

See Lincoln and Providence MHP Directory entries for additional information.

This location features a form of climbing called bouldering, where our route setters create body movement puzzles known as “problems” that are set closer to the ground, but offer a stronger focus on community and training.

Bouldering link

Youth Sessions

Homeschool

Groups

Outdoor Camps age 10+

ROCK SPOT CLIMBING has been owned and operated by local business partners,
Lary Norin & Nadav Minkin since 1998.

All of our facilities feature world-class climbing, a welcoming environment
and friendly climbing communities.

Our dream is to provide accessible and inclusive climbing opportunities
for all ages and ability levels.

Multiple facilities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts

See Lincoln and Peacedale MHP Directory entries for additional information.

Weekly classes

Summer camp programs offered

Other specialized programs available based upon experience level.

Small group size & modified schedules available upon request.  

Our instructors are highly-trained professional dancers with years of experience. Specializing in classical ballet, pointe technique, contemporary dance, jazz, and more, they bring a unique mix of tradition and innovation to our students. 

• Day camp (7:30a-5:30p) offered to children grades K-8.
• Transitions to/from North Smithfield Extended School Year (ESY) program offered.
• Activities include arts & crafts, water play, archery, performing arts, & various sports.  

Camp Phoenix was established in 2006 through the North Smithfield Recreation Department.

 The camp was created to provide a traditional day long summer camp experience for the children of North Smithfield.  Camp Phoenix has expanded its enrollment capacity to allow for children from all communities to attend the camp. 

We are hoping to make the camp a place where children can create life-long friendships.

Day camp programs offered through Moses Brown school (RISE, Sports, STEM & Specialty) offered to children ages 3-15. Children enjoy the use of all facilities, including the state-of-the-art artificial turf field, soccer field, softball diamond, woodshop, ceramic studio, computer labs, Y-lab, and performance halls.

Day camp 8:30a-4:00 p.m. with extended day option

Activities include swimming, sailing, art, music, & field trips.  

The hour-long classes provide a positive atmosphere for the exploration of movement while maintaining a focus on the individual abilities of each child. The Adaptive Dance teaching staff is committed to helping each child develop self-confidence. 

Festival Ballet Providence and Meeting Street School have teamed up to offer an Adaptive Dance Program.

Based on a successful program developed by Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Ballet, the program is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression in children with Down Syndrome. Although the primary goal of the program is for the children to experience the joy of dance and music, it also offers other important benefits. These include improvements in coordination, overall fitness, balance, self-esteem, self-expression, teamwork,  rhythm, and musicality.

Activities link

• Swimming
• Track & field
• Arts & crafts
• Sewing
• Nature walks
• Weekly field trips 

Multiple Locations: Wilson & McGinn Park, Forest Park & Stony Lane School

Adventure Base Camp is a great way for your child to experience the thrill of the outdoors while introducing them to independence without being too far from home.

The week-long program fills each day with adventures like archery, BB, boating, swimming, crafts, outdoor cooking, fire-building, nature appreciation, and daily STEM projects.

Addition information see link

Campers are assigned staff-led groups of up to 15 youth of a similar age to ensure that each camper’s experience is appropriate for their age group. 

Families are invited to camp every Friday for a closing campfire program. Each week will offer a different theme to keep the excitement going all summer.

This year’s theme is Day Camp Goes to the Movies. This summer’s 8 weekly themes include Sci-fi week, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Planet Earth, and more! So, take advantage of coming to camp multiple weeks at a discounted rate. 

Before/After school care

Sports and recreation programs link

Camps

• Traditional summer camp program w/ field trips
• STEAM camp link
• Music camp and Teen extreme camp link

Our team consists of adults and college-age young adults who genuinely care about helping children grow and insuring that they have wonderful experience at the Boys & Girls Club. All staff are hired and trained to be role models for the members. 

• Day Camp link
• Friends, Fun, Adventure link (Scouts can attend without their troop) 
• Webelo Outdoor Adventure link
• Yawgoog Leadership Experience link
• National Youth Leadership Training link

Founded in 1916 as "A Scout Adventureland Forever", Camp Yawgoog is situated on 1800 acres of beautiful wilderness in Rockville, Rhode Island. Yawgoog is divided into three separate Camps: Camp Three Point, Camp Medicine Bow and Camp Sandy Beach. All three camps share  program facilities. 

Before and After School Care link

Swim Lessons and team link

Teen link

We provide diverse youth between the ages of 6-18 per year a safe and secure environment for help with homework, childcare, mentoring, athletic activities, and educational and career development opportunities.

Locations in Providence

CHAD BROWN
FOX POINT
HARTFORD PARK
MANTON HEIGHTS
ROGER WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL
SOUTH SIDE
WANSKUCK

Information on Boys and Girls Clubs in Rhode Island BGCRI

Childcare

Sports and Club programs

Teen Programs

Swim Team

Camp Crosby link

To inspire, enable, educate, and reach out to all young people in East Providence, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Locations

Williams Avenue

Hennessey School

Martin Middle School

Childcare

Summer Camp at Camp Grosvenor

Aquatics

Sports

Teens

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County was founded in 1956 to provide a safe haven for youth where they could find encouragement toward bright futures.

Other Locations

North End Clubhouse

Florence Gray Center

1 York Street

Newport, RI  02840

401-847-4592

Camp Grosvenor

11 Miner Road

Saunderstown, RI  02874

401-295-1320

Programs

Sport Leagues and Teams

Camp Ramsbottom and Summer Programs

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket is to inspire and enable the young people of Pawtucket and surrounding communities, especially those with greatest need, to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Provides classes based in musical exploration. Kindermusik focuses on these developmental areas: Language, vocal, cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, social emotional, and musical development.

Online Locator: Find a Kindermusik class near you.

National internet-based locator

Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Equipment for the Physically Challenged. Free shipping over $99.

Provides families and individuals with easy access to destinations and attractions that are trained and certified in autism and special needs care. Website includes directories of Certified Autism Travel Professionals and Certified Autism Center destinations and resources for traveling with an individual with special needs.

Arranges and provides all-inclusive vacation packages for adults with various intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Services Include:

• Leisure Activities/Recreation
• Traveling Attendants for People With Disabilities