...enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness in Western Pennsylvania

For PA residents
only, please.

WOODLANDS’ MISSION

The Woodlands is committed to enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness.

We accomplish this by eliminating the physical and social barriers to involvement so that participants can fully experience activities that nurture their social, cultural, recreational, environmental, and spiritual well-being.

The Woodlands is an ideal resource and place for groups and organizations that serve people with disabilities to hold a variety of programs year-round. Come to the Woodlands and be immersed in creative arts, music, sports and outdoor activities—all fully accessible and staff-supported.

Imagine the possibilities ...

The Woodlands offers:

• 32 acres of beautiful and completely barrier-free woods and open areas, including a nature trail, tent camping area, outdoor amphitheater, playing field, sports court, and adaptive, par-3 golf course—the only one in the region!

• Fully accessible, year-round buildings, including a 48-bed lodge; spacious activity center with fireplace, air hockey and pool tables, media center and kitchen; creative arts building; indoor aquatic center with water heated to 89 degrees; dining hall for 100 with full commercial kitchen and catering services.

• Program coordinators and staff experienced in working with children and adults with disabilities, chronic illness and special needs. Health center coverage also is available.

• A variety of rental or use options, including day, evening, weekend, and overnight use of all or part of the campus for retreats, programs, meetings, or conferences. Call for more information.

• Ample parking, including protected “drop-off” center.

• Easy access from southwestern Pennsylvania’s major highways, including I-79, I-279, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Rt. 19. For directions, click here.

For information about facility use and rental,
or to arrange a personal tour, call 724-935-6533.

 Woodlands programs

• Creative Arts Camp is a week-long, residential camp for youth ages 8-18.  Participants have the opportunity to pursue their creative and artistic interests such as painting, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, photography and much more. For more information please call 724-935-5470. The 2008 camp will be held August 10-15.

• Mazeroski Sports and Notes from the Heart Music camps are week-long, summer overnight programs for youth ages 8 to 18. Call for program application and registration information. The date for the 2008 Mazeroski Sports Camp was held June 22-27. Notes from the Heart Music Camp was held July 13-18, 2008. Call 724-935-5470 for information.

• Independence Days Young Adult camp is a week-long, life-skills training program for young adults with disabilities ages 18 to 30 in a small group setting. The 2008 camp was held June 29-July 4.

• Weekend Retreats
  Weekend retreats for youth ages 8 to 18 (scheduled throughout the school year) and Independence Days retreats for young adults ages 18 to 30 with disabilities. Call Jessica Schlie, Program Services Manager, for information: 724-935-5470.

• "No Handicap" Golf Club
  Adaptive golf instruction for children and adults with disabilities is available by appointment. Join our evening golf program. For information, visit our Golf page. To register, call Patrick Monaghan, Director of Operations, at 724-935-6533.

• Aquatics Programs - The current session runs July 7 - September 12, 2008. For a copy of the schedule with a complete listing of classes currently being offered, please call 724-935-6533 or click here. Indoor swimming and water exercise programs for people of all ages and abilities, including programs for those with disability, arthritis or special needs. Seven and eight-week sessions run throughout the year.  Call Emily Syruws, Aquatics & Fitness Manager, for information at 724-935-6533, ext. 238.

• Right Track After-School Program - The Right Track After-School Program meets one afternoon per week during the school year for grade-school, middle-school, and high-school students with disabilities. The primary goals of this program are building social skills, learning about healthy lifestyles, participating in physical and recreational activities, and learning important life skills. For information call Jessica Schlie, Program Services Manager, at 724-935-5470.

• Fun & Friends - This program is for young adults, ages 18-30, with disability and chronic illness. Participants have the opportunity to socialize, make new friends, learn independence skills and have fun!  The group meets every other Thursday, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. For information, contact Jessica Schlie, Program Services Manager, at 724-935-5470.

2008 REGISTRATION FORMS

Register for our camps and retreats by downloading the forms below.  Please print and complete all forms in their entirety.  It is essential that the information we collect from you is current and accurate so that we can effectively meet your needs during retreats and camps. If you are a new participant, after receipt of your application, our program staff will contact you to schedule a site visit and tour of the Woodlands before participation in programs.

• 2008 Program Application

• 2008 Physical Exam Form