MORIAH | At Mountain Lake Services (MLS), it's a priority that children with developmental disabilities are provided the same typical childhood opportunities that other youngsters experience. Thanks to the Mountain Lake Kids Program, kids are engaging with the community and acquiring essential life skills, all while basking in the magic of childhood with their peers.
“Mountain Lake Kids is a grant-funded program through New York State,” explained Shelly Yager, Manager of Community Services for MLS. “It offers community engagement and relief for families during school break, while offering new experiences to kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in new experiences throughout the community.”
With the capacity to accommodate up to 30 children, the program is for kids who are OPWDD eligible. Those who are still in school may participate up until the age of 21. In the twelve years since the program was founded, kids from Minerva all the way to Lake Placid have benefited from the service.
“We are allotted 30 days out of the year and we try to run the program during times when school is not in session,” Yager said. “With 12 months out of the year, that gives us the opportunity to not just have a summer camp, but to do things during April break, February break, and all major holidays.”
Kids in the program are coming off of a high, as this past February break saw a plethora of exciting, first-time activities that spanned the entire week. Beginning with a rhythmic drumming icebreaker, kids enjoyed jumping at Sky Zone, bowling at Lanes and Games, splashing in the Moriah Central School pool, and even hit the ice at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, where coaches from the Herb Brooks Area offered insight, and World Olympian Figure Skater Karen Courtland Kelly imparted tips and techniques to many of the first-time skaters.
“We provide the kids with opportunities they otherwise would never get to do,” Yager shared. “Many of the kids are low-income kids and don’t have the opportunity to do those fun things.”
Other activities the program has offered are river cruises, barbecues, trampoline parties, swimming (always a big hit), volunteering, a floating classroom and educational tours, visiting Basin Harbour for a sunken boat tour, teaming up with Camp Dudley for engaging programming, and visiting Silver Bay. Children are also provided a healthy snack in the morning, at lunch, and in the afternoon, as well as all transportation being provided. It's always not just about the fun things, that of course is the big part, but there is also the social skills component that any child receives when out into situations- social living skills, hygiene skill, and being able to constructively participate in an activity with other kids.
“We focus on really needed skills, even something as simple as ordering in a restaurant, “ noted Jennifer Fleury, Program Manager. “There is exposure to things you may not think about. Overall, the kids are learning how to live a regular life with a developmental disability similar to what you and I would want. They learn skills that will help them as they transition into adulthood.”
At the end of the summer program, MLS hosts a big party for the families and the kids and supplies each student a special gift.
“We contact the school and get what each kid needs from the teacher,” Yager said. “We provide those items in the backpack.”
Funding for the backpacks is made possible thanks to the Mountain Lake Services Foundation, money raised throughout the year for the cause.
MLS Kids Program also finds ways to give back to the community.
“This coming April we are doing a Cleanup Day for the Town of Moriah,” Fleury revealed. “We will be cleaning up the beaches.”
Those interested in supporting the MLS Kids Program are encouraged to consider donating to the Mountain Lake Services Foundation at. The program is always looking for new opportunities and hosts. For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website at mountainlakeservices.org.
“If you don't know how to help, this could be your avenue,” Fleury said. “It's important that kids are happy and that families and kids come back and love the service.”
View the original article at The Sun.
