Recreational Therapy Recreational Therapy provides an alternative approach and works in conjunction with traditional "talk" therapies. Recreational Therapy incorporates therapeutic techniques and strategies into physical groups and activities such as cooperative games, team building activities and arts and crafts. By interacting with their peers in these types of activities, children learn problem solving, frustration tolerance, improved self-esteem and appropriate leisure activities. Structured groups assist the children in learning the importance of rules and limits as well as how to appropriately relate to authority figures. This kind of Recreational Therapy is extremely beneficial to our Deaf population. Many times Deaf children have very minimal language so group therapies where they "talk" can be very frustrating. However, Recreational Therapy provides Deaf children and adolescents a comfortable learning environment where everyone is on the same level. The residents of the Deaf Program at Tampa Bay Academy take full advantage of campus facilities. Activities such as swimming, tennis, basketball, softball, racquetball and soccer can be enjoyed on our beautiful 24-acre campus. Many of our kids are very involved with sports and this allows them to be able to be involved in interesting activities. We also offer a petting zoo with various animals where the children learn animal care. Some of our children feel a strong connection with animals. Many of our children suffer from the effects of neglect and abuse and to them, an animal is someone they can love who will love them back unconditionally. Other children have had histories of animal abuse, so with therapists' supervision, the children can safely interact with animals and can work on these issues. Interactions and behaviors are discussed with their community during each RT activity. This allows the children to receive immediate feedback regarding their individual performance. Groups are led by a Culturally Deaf Recreational Therapist who designs activities to target specific issues and problem areas. Part of our Recreational Therapy Program includes the Adventure Therapy Program. This program is designed to provide off-campus opportunities to have fun doing positive non-destructive activities while learning new skills. The Recreational Therapist leads a variety of outings such as canoeing, ropes courses, biking, hiking and fishing. Additional weekend outings include closed-captioned movies and other Deaf events as well as more traditional outing venues such as roller skating and bowling. Allowing our Deaf children to attend Deaf events in the area allows them to explore Deaf Culture. Many Deaf children have never had the opportunity to meet Deaf adults and interact with them in a safe environment prior to placement at TBA. Meeting successful Deaf adults significantly helps their sense of pride and teaches them they have a Deaf culture to be proud of.