Disability and chronic illness often interfere with an individual's ability to perform the simplest of daily activities—routines that would otherwise be carried out without a second thought. These activities and tasks, such as work, recreation, creative pursuits, and social activities give meaning to life and bring personal fulfillment. The ability to participate in these activities fosters a positive self-identity, social acceptance and a sense of well-being, and enhances personal fulfillment and satisfaction. For those experiencing the challenges of illness or disability, the routine becomes extraordinary, the common becomes exceptional. The Woodlands' overall goals for program participants include: ? Increased awareness of physical activity, both sports opportunities and recreational; ? The development of cooperation, friendship and self-confidence skills; ? The development of physical fitness and motor skills; ? An increase in independence through modeled community integration, mobility and socialization; ? An increase in communication skills; ? A healthy separation from family/caregivers.

In response to the critical needs and requests of the families we serve, The Woodlands has adopted a commitment to provide programs to fill gaps in service. The Woodlands sponsors year-round programs and activities that support and strengthen the development of skills in socialization, creative expression, environmental awareness, recreation and spirituality. These programs provide experiences and services for all age groups, and are both residential and non-residential. Over the course of 2018, The Woodlands will provide 10 week-long residential summer camp programs beginning on Sunday and culminating on Friday for children, young adults, and adults. Each camp had objectives based on socialization, recreation and sports, culture (music, art and theater), appreciation of the natural environment, and character development. As part of our continuum of care, The Woodlands also holds residential Weekend Retreats throughout the school year where children, young adults and adults can enjoy the same type of programming offered during the summer, and continue to work on skills; 26 Retreats are scheduled for 2018. In addition, The Woodlands offers: ? Specialized daily and weekly fitness and wellness classes at the campus' Aquatics and Wellness & Fitness Center for both program participants and the community; ? Cub Club, a day program for children ages 6-10; ? The Notes from the Heart Music Program, a year-round program that includes two residential summer camps and a music ensemble held weekly during the academic year; ? The BLOOM Program (Building Lifestyles for Ongoing Opportunities & Movement), a year-round transitional life skills program for adolescents with and without disabilities that includes one residential summer camp and bi-weekly programs held during the academic year; ? Fun & Friends, a weekly evening program for the young adult and adult population, and ? Ongoing programming for parents and caregivers that includes a Speaker Series offering a variety of pertinent topics, holiday and family celebrations, concerts, and exhibits.

Since 1998, The Woodlands has provided children and adults with disabilities a barrier-free environment, innovative programs and activities, and an impassioned, nurturing staff. With its 52-acre campus complete with a nature trail, fully-accessible Aquatics, Wellness and Fitness Center, an adaptive par-3 golf course, a sports court, and plenty of outdoor space, The Woodlands offers the ideal environment to explore physical activity and community and social integration. The breadth of opportunity for participants has increased significantly, and The Woodlands' facilities have been greatly enhanced to meet the needs of those served. Multiple new construction projects have added permanent housing and program facilities for very low income individuals with disability, as well as an adaptive wellness and fitness center. Thanks to the dedication of committed donors, the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, The Woodlands has been successfully growing program opportunities while continuing to add new and varied experiences. While maintaining an environment of safety and quality, The Woodlands will continue to strive to reach a level of financial sustainability that grants all children and adults access; work to broaden the awareness of The Woodlands to the general public; and explore new opportunities to partner with healthcare providers, academic institutions and other service organizations.

Looking towards the future, The Woodlands' strategic focus will include additional collaborative programming; the identification of potential additional uses of The Woodlands' campus; the implementation of a formal communications plan; and the development of a funding plan to support new and added initiatives. Indicators will be developed for each area of strategic focus.

The Woodlands' campus has changed dramatically since its establishment in 1937 as a summer camp for underserved youth of Western Pennsylvania. The metamorphosis began in 1985 when the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania (SBAWP) leased the property as a location for summer programs for children with spina bifida. During the next 14 years, two capital campaigns raised more than $4. 7 million resulting in a dramatic expansion in administration and programming and numerous capital improvements that transformed the campus into a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility. The SBAWP formally established The Woodlands Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1998 to assume full responsibility for managing the campus and expanding the reach beyond those with spina bifida to children, young adults, and adults with numerous disabilities and chronic illness. In 2006, The Woodlands acquired ownership of the property ensuring the continued use and development of this regional resource. Today, The Woodlands' serves thousands of participants annually in either residential or non-residential programs and partners with agencies and organizations to host camps, retreats and other programming. By continuously fostering new relationships with organizations that serve individuals with special needs, and developing its facilities and programming, The Woodlands is forward-focused in its mission to enrich the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness.