This summer we hosted two events for families that were organized and hosted by a wonderful group of therapists from our network partners.

The main purpose was to take therapy outside this summer and help parents understand how therapy goals could be incorporated into everyday routines. It was also an important opportunity for kids and families to network and connect while having fun!

In July, a group of occupational therapists (OTs) organized and delivered CTN’s first ever “Making Every Move Count: Art in the Park” event at an accessible park in Newmarket. The OTs planned this event to combine therapy with park fun and interacting with children and families through several activity stations to help kids explore different sensations and practice some fine-motor skills. Kids got to squeeze lemons and make lemonade, use clothespins to hang silly monkeys, make marshmallow structures with toothpicks, use sidewalk chalk, shuck corn on the cob and more! OTs worked with parents to show and explain how simple play can be used to support therapy goals and provided families with handouts to try different activities with their child at home.

Our therapists were wonderful when organizing stations and running games. It was great to see them working with families and kids in a casual, fun atmosphere. Kim Hesketh, CTN manager, rehabilitation services.

In August, our group of physiotherapists (PTs) planned an interactive event to focus on gross-motor skills at an accessible park in Barrie. PTs interacted with children and families through various activities to help kids develop coordination, motor planning, balance, ball skills and gross-motor skills. Kids ran through obstacle courses, played with therapy balls, played tee ball, climbed through tunnels and more. The team provided advice and support for families to try different activities with their child at home.



A huge thank you goes to the team of OTs and PTs from our network partners, including Orillias’ Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Closing the Gap, York Region District School Board, the Region of York and Southlake Regional Health Centre. And thank you to our fabulous mentors and volunteers who were on hand to connect with families and hand out freezies!

The feedback from the kids, parents and therapists was extremely positive! Be sure to check the CTN events calendar for upcoming events for families.