Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 9: Finding Peace
On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
Summer’s Coming!
 A Note from Nicole: Doctorate News, Summer Programs, and Autism Awareness Campaign
Idea of the Week: Spring in a Bottle
Feature Article: Finding Peace
Featured Resource: Horizons Gift Cards
Featured Program: Summer Camps 2008
Upcoming Events: New Conferences, Parent Chat, and Teleseminar
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.
Hi Everyone!
I’m back in Michigan today after being gone to Minneapolis for most of last week. The weather there was cool and rainy, which was okay with me since I was stuck inside a classroom with no windows during the daylight hours. It would have been much more depressing had the weather outside been beautiful! I’m almost finished with the coursework for my PhD – I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. While I was in the airport I found a quote about peace that is the inspiration for this week’s article.
Registrations for our summer programs have been pouring in, and we’re excited to have such a multi-cultural group this year. There will be families from all over the globe attending our camps program, which, by the way, is going to be our best ever! If you haven’t registered yet you need to do that soon – some of our sessions are already full! Need help deciding which program or session is right for your child? Give us a call and she will get you all the information you need to determine the best options for your family. FYI – the apartment complex we have been using to house clients while they are visiting us is fabulous. The prices are extremely reasonable, and families have been giving great feedback about it.
We’ve had a fantastic response to our Autism Awareness campaign so far this month, with hundreds of people visiting our sign-up page. If you haven’t yet passed along the information to those you know, please do it now! The campaign runs through April 30th and, remember, for every person who signs up to receive our newsletter we will make a donation to the CORE Approach Scholarship Fund. Please help us reach out to as many people as possible this month! The link to send people to is www.horizonsautism.com.
Looking to the horizon,
Spring in a Bottle!
It is time to get a jump-start on your garden. To begin, gather 2-liter pop bottles, small flowerpots, potting soil, seeds, and saucers for the family. Have each family member cut the top from a clear 2-liter pop bottle about 3-4 inches down from the top. Next, assign one family member to help put soil in all the flowerpots. Have another family member place the seeds inside the flowerpots. Place the flowerpots on the saucers and cover the pots with the 2-liter bottles. Discuss with your family how often the pots should be watered. Also discuss how each member is going to identify his or her plant and which seeds are in their flowerpot (if using a variety of seeds). Happy growing!
Finding Peace
By: Nicole Beurkens
As I was wandering around the Minneapolis airport recently, I found a store with a variety of posters, cards, and wall hangings with quotes and sayings on them. As I perused the options, I found one that I had to purchase and bring back to the office. Here is the quote:
Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (Author unknown)
This conceptualization of peace resonates with me in all aspects of my life. As a parent to four children under the age of 9, there are many times when there is noise, trouble, and hard work all at once! Yet, I am still able to be at peace, knowing that this is part of the process of parenting, and that this too shall pass. Parenting is generally far from an easy or trouble-free process, but knowing in my heart that I am doing the right things for my kids allows me to be at peace during the messiest parts of the journey.
In my life as a professional there are also many times of noise, trouble, and hard work. Yet, even in the midst of those times I am able to be at peace knowing that I am doing what I was meant to do, and that everyone involved will grow through the problems we are facing. Feeling confident about my abilities to manage and overcome the obstacles that present themselves allows me to feel at peace amidst the challenges that arise.
Horizons Gift Cards
A "Warm" Gift for Summer Programs Families!
$25 and up! Now you can help a friend or family member reduce the out-of-pocket costs involved in treating developmental issues. Gift Cards are available in denomination of $25 or more AND they never expire.
Click on the image below to visit our store!
Summer Camps 2008!
Your child is going to LOVE the exciting adventures we have planned for this summer! Each week we will explore a different theme together, complete with lots of opportunities for movement, music, problem solving, working together, and indoor and outdoor fun. Our camps are design to offer a fun, safe, and therapeutic environment for children with developmental disabilities to engage with peers, try new things, and retain skills over the summer months. A low staff to child ratio ensures that everyone is supported. Principles of the Relationship Development Intervention (CORE Approach) Program are integrated throughout all activities, which provides oportunities for campers to improve communication, increase competence, enhance regulation, and build relationships.
For a brochure, click here
For a registration form, click here
To sign up online, click here
Please join us!
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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