Samantha Brigham

Project Portfolio Description

Virtual Friendship Gratitude Celebration for Patrons of Adaptive Recreation and Virtual Program Resource Booklet 

            Adaptive Recreation provides a wide variety of recreation programs to people with disabilities. These programs include social clubs, fitness classes, and trips. Due to the rise of COVID-19, Adaptive has had to move many of their programs to a virtual format. While they have done a great job transitioning, they have not been able to offer the same range of programs that they usually do. The Friendship Gratitude Event was created to expand Adaptive’s virtual program offerings and provide patrons with an opportunity to connect with one another. This virtual event involved a craft, games to promote social connection, and discussions about the importance of friendship. Additionally, I created a virtual program resource for Adaptive staff which includes staff and patron expectations as well as craft and game ideas for future programs.

            The Friendship Gratitude Celebration provided patrons with a safe way to connect with one another, combating the negative effects of social isolation including depression and anxiety. The creation of the virtual program resource will increase efficiency in planning future virtual programs, and ensures this project’s sustainability by being available for reference to Adaptive staff and myself in the future. Limitations of this project included noise management during the event, a lack of unique activities, and the inability to host the event in person. To resolve these issues in the future I would review expectations with patrons at the beginning of the event and do more research to incorporate new activities.