The Piedmont Recreation Department (PRD) strongly believes that recreation is for everyone: The Sidekicks program includes both school-year and summer programs for neurodiverse children. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, learn new skills, and create lasting friendships in a variety of different activities. Many Sidekicks campers are experiencing camp for the very first time this summer.
All of PRD’s adaptive camps still have spaces:
- Adaptive Soccer (July 10 – 14): 9:00 – 11:00 am
- Adaptive Butterfly Farming (July 17-21): 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Adaptive Keep Calm & Yoga On (July 17-21): 1-3:30 p.m. and 12:30 -3:00 pm
This summer marks the first year PRD is hosting four Sidekicks adaptive summer camps. Each camp has trained instructors, small camp sizes, and safe and engaging spaces, plus Teen Sidekicks to support our neurodiverse campers. Teen Sidekicks are students age 14 or older who enjoy working closely with special needs students, befriending them, sharing lunch and activities, or helping them successfully integrate into mainstream programs. Each Teen Sidekick is individually screened by PRD staff and required to fill out an application listing their interests and hobbies, availability, and experience.
Rosa Lastres and Teen Sidekick Margit Carter warming up for the day with a game of pool-noodle tag 
Avi Chokshi conquers Coach Gabe in hurdles
The adaptive soccer camps are taught by Coach Harry and the 24/7 UK Soccer Academy. Coach Harry has coached neurodiverse children in the UK for many years. He’s passionate about providing an enthusiastic and safe environment for his camper — and he’s an amazing soccer player to boot.
Coach Harry leads the camp with assistance from Coach Gabe. Teen Sidekicks assist the instructors and support one or two campers helping them build relationships and strengthen their recreational skills.
Adaptive Programs in Fall (Aug-Dec): Check out the after school Sidekicks programs that include adaptive art, tennis, social group, football, yoga and soccer in the Fall Activity Guide. Coach Harry will be teaching adaptive soccer on Monday afternoons starting September 11.
The Fall Activity Guide will be posted online in late July.
If you are interested in Sidekicks programing, are a teen interested in supporting the growth of a child with neurodiverse needs or a provider that would like to teach an adaptive program, please reach out via email at sidekicks@piedmont.ca.gov.