Quality of Life Program
The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation is proud to offer a comprehensive Quality of Life program designed to enrich the lives of physically disabled children through various engaging activities and educational opportunities. Our Quality of Life Program offers an extensive schedule of adaptive sports and recreational activities throughout the year.
Each program is intentionally designed to be accessible for a wide range of abilities, giving participants the opportunity to stay active, develop skills, and engage socially in a supportive, encouraging setting.
Programs for 2026 include archery, baseball, boating, bocce, camping, climbing, cycling, field hockey, fishing, kayaking, martial arts, sensory-friendly movies, pickleball, skiing, sled hockey, soccer, STEM, swimming, track & field, wiffleball, yoga, virtual camp, wheelchair basketball, our annual Camp Adventure and quarterly birthday programming. Each program is led by experienced staff, volunteers or community partners who tailor instruction, equipment, and pacing to meet the individual needs of participants while maintaining a focus on fun, confidence-building, and personal growth.
Annual Camp Adventure
Camp Adventure is a multi-day, in-person day camp created specifically for children with physical disabilities. Campers take part in a wide range of recreational, creative, and social experiences—from wheelchair basketball and cycling to arts and crafts, team-building games, and educational workshops. The camp focuses on building independence, fostering social connection, and encouraging each child’s unique strengths in a fun, supportive environment.
Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program supports young adults between the ages of 18-21 who have aged out of other foundation programs by providing opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and professional development. Ambassadors serve as role models and volunteer counselors, helping younger participants navigate camp and year-round activities. They also engage in structured growth experiences such as job shadowing, resume development, mock interviews, and community involvement. The program empowers each Ambassador to strengthen their independence, build occupational readiness, and contribute meaningfully to the next generation of children with disabilities.
Year-Round Programs
Adaptive Archery
Adaptive Archery gives participants the chance to learn the fundamentals of safe bow handling, aim, and controlled focus using modified equipment and individualized support. Sessions emphasize personal achievement, concentration, and the excitement of mastering a new skill in a fully accessible setting.
Adaptive Baseball
Adaptive Baseball creates an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can enjoy hitting/throwing the ball and fielding using modified rules and supportive coaching. The focus is on teamwork, confidence, and the joy of being part of a team in a community-based setting.
Adaptive Boating
Adaptive Boating introduces participants to water activities through stable, accessible boats and instructors who provide hands-on guidance. Children gain comfort on the water while developing coordination, independence, and an appreciation for outdoor recreation.
Adaptive Bocce
Adaptive Bocce is a precision ball sport designed for participants with a wide range of physical abilities. Using individually sized/textured balls, custom distances, and cues adapted to each participant, children practice strategy, control, and collaboration in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Adaptive Camping
Adaptive Camping provides outdoor experiences that are safe, supported, and filled with exploration. Through nature strolls, campfire activities, night sky observation and accessible overnight setups, children build independence and confidence while connecting with peers in the outdoors.
Adaptive Climbing
Adaptive Climbing uses specialized harnesses, pulley systems, and individual coaching to make rock walls accessible to children with disabilities. Participants set personal goals, develop upper-body strength, and experience the empowerment of reaching new heights. This program has one session that takes place outdoors, the rest are indoor climbing sessions.
Tread Setters - Adaptive Cycling
Adaptive Cycling offers opportunities for riders to use handcycles, recumbent bikes, and other custom equipment suited to their abilities. The program focuses on endurance, independence, and outdoor enjoyment, and supports those preparing for our annual community cycling event, Day of the Tread.
Adaptive Field Hockey
Adaptive Field Hockey introduces participants to the fundamentals of stick handling, passing, and teamwork using modified equipment and flexible rules. Sessions are designed to be fast-paced, social, and accessible for a wide range of mobility levels.
Adaptive Fishing
Adaptive Fishing invites children to enjoy an accessible outdoor experience using accessible platforms, wrist or waist attachments for rods, and guided support. Participants learn patience, coordination, and the excitement of landing a catch.
Adaptive Kayaking
Adaptive Kayaking takes place in an indoor pool, giving participants a safe, stable space to learn paddling skills and build confidence on the water. Using specialized seating, stabilization supports, and knowledgeable guidance, children practice balance, coordination, and upper-body strength while enjoying a unique and engaging recreational experience.
Adaptive Martial Arts
Adaptive Martial Arts introduces participants to essential movements and philosophies through tailored instruction and individualized accommodations. Classes promote discipline, balance, self-confidence, and respectful communication in a supportive environment.
Adaptive Pickleball
Adaptive Pickleball makes this popular sport accessible through sports chairs, modified court rules, and extra bounce allowances. The game encourages hand-eye coordination, agility, and friendly competition in a welcoming group setting.
Adaptive Skiing
Adaptive Skiing partners with trained instructors and specialized equipment to give participants a safe and exhilarating snow-sport experience. Children gain balance, coordination, and confidence while enjoying a thrilling winter activity.
Adaptive Sled Hockey
Adaptive Sled Hockey allows players to glide across the ice on sleds equipped with skate blades and hockey sticks designed for propulsion. The sport builds strength, teamwork, and resilience while offering a fast-paced and exciting team environment.
Adaptive Soccer
Adaptive Soccer uses flexible rules, modified pacing, and tailored equipment to make the game accessible for children with a variety of needs. Participants learn teamwork, coordination, and the joy of active play in a supportive setting.
Adaptive Swimming
Adaptive Swimming gives children a safe and encouraging space to develop water familiarity, flotation skills, and basic stroke techniques with the help of knowledgeable facilitators. Sessions emphasize confidence, sensory regulation, and enjoyment in the water.
Adaptive Track & Field
Adaptive Track & Field offers a range of events such as wheelchair racing, javelin and shotput, all tailored to participants’ abilities. The program encourages physical fitness, goal setting, and the excitement of friendly competition.
Adaptive Wiffleball
Adaptive Wiffleball introduces participants to hitting a ball, running bases, and fielding using lightweight equipment and modified gameplay. It provides an accessible, fun entry point into team sports while supporting coordination and social interaction.
Adaptive Yoga
Adaptive Yoga incorporates modified poses, breathing techniques, and sensory-friendly practices to support flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness. Sessions are designed to be calming, empowering, and accessible for a wide range of abilities.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Nights
Sensory-friendly movie events provide a relaxed, accessible theater experience with increased lighting, lowered volume, and freedom to move or vocalize as needed. These screenings allow families to enjoy movies together in a judgment-free, inclusive environment.
STEM
Through local STEM museums, participants engage in hands-on experiments, technology demonstrations, and interactive exhibits in accessible environments. These experiences spark curiosity, promote problem-solving skills, and create opportunities for children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a meaningful way.
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Basketball meets through the spring and offers children the chance to learn dribbling, passing, shooting, and team strategies using sports chairs. The program promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and the excitement of competitive play in an inclusive space.
Virtual Camp
Virtual Camp brings camp and program experiences to children who cannot attend in person. Participants receive activity kits in the mail and join live or recorded sessions online, allowing them to engage in crafts, adaptive activities, and social interactions from home. This format ensures that distance, health considerations, or scheduling challenges do not prevent children from enjoying a meaningful and inclusive program experience.
Quarterly Birthday Program
Quarterly Birthday Celebrations bring together children and families to celebrate participant birthdays in a fun, inclusive group setting. These gatherings strengthen community connections, honor each child, and create shared moments of joy through accessible activities, games, and social time.
How to Join our Programs
Children of Carrie Tingley Hospital between the ages of 6-17 may attend our traditional Quality of Life Programs. Patients of Carrie Tingley Hospital between the ages of 18-21 may attend programs as an Ambassador. Use the links above to register for programs.
Impact
Since its inception, The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation Quality of Life program has positively impacted the lives of 16,000 physically disabled children and their families. By providing inclusive and adaptive activities, we have fostered a sense of community, independence, and self-confidence among our participants. Our programs have not only offered recreational and educational opportunities but have also created lasting memories and friendships. The Ambassador program has empowered young adults to become leaders and advocates, further extending the program’s reach and influence. Through our efforts, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of physically disabled children, helping them to thrive and achieve their fullest potential and abilities.