Voyager Initiative
What is the Voyager Initiative?
Voyager Initiative is a curriculum-based program that is designed to develop social skills, stimulate outside interests, and create pathways for friendship and skill development. We also offer additional activities outside of the classes to encourage friendships and expanding one's interests.
Who is it designed for?
This program is for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and IDD that are able to participate in a discussion based curriculum.
How does it work?
The Arc has recruited skilled professionals and staff who have designed social skills curriculums and activities to stimulate communication, cooperative play, and an increased understanding of friendship development. Staff ratio is based on a classroom structure. Volunteers will be invited to participate. Individuals needing personal care or behavior support must be accompanied by a caregiver and that must be approved beforehand. The caregiver will be asked to sit in a session without their client first to get a feel for the class layout.
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Weekly Classes
Classes are for a two hour block and include a social skills class and an activity. Activities include Legos, team video games, and art/cooking. We alternate activities each class time.
For the social skills class, boys and girls meet separately every week to learn and practice important friendship skills. A different concept will be learned every week and followed up on the week after. Through our various after school programs, opportunities abound to practice these social skills in a natural environment.
Dungeons and Dragons
Bring your imagination and your friends! ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ takes Voyagers on adventures through a magical land full of fantastic beasts and daring explorers. Once a week, a group of 4 or 5 meets with the Dungeon Master who leads them through the week's adventure. During the course of the session, they’ll be encouraged to use their social skills and make lasting friendships.
DnD is typically a 9 week campaign. Participants will be able to create their character and then role play within the designed campaign. There will also be additional DnD related activities twice a Month such as painting miniatures, etc.
Registration
General Info
There is a $50 registration fee to pay once. After that, it’s a pay as you go for the social skills classes. Dungeons and Dragons needs to be paid promptly as it covers the entire campaign (we do offer refunds if your child tries it out and decides it’s not for them).
If you have any questions about payments, contact suep@arcoftricities.com
Staff
Jake Boneck
VOYAGER INITIATIVE LEAD
Jake Boneck is the Social Skills Teacher and Faciliatory. He has his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Ed/Special Ed and his Masters Degree in Education Admin.
(224) 829-8414
jakeb@arcoftricities.com
Jason Lindemuth
VOYAGER FACILITIES ASSISTANT
Jason Lindemuth is currently working as a paraeducator. He has been involved in various programs with the Arc of Tri-Cities including Partners N Pals as an Assistant Site Director.
jasonl@arcoftricities.com
Talen Dixon
VOYAGER ASSISTANT
Talen Dixon is a Hanford High School graduate. He has helped with various programs with The Arc for years including Buddy Club and Partners N Pals.
talend@arcoftricities.com