McMains Center Children Enjoy a Day on the Water | 5/14/2005, back

On Saturday, May 14, children from the McMains Children's Developmental Center, along with their families, McMains Center staff, and a host of volunteers, enjoyed a day of canoeing at Tickfaw State Park. All together, 140 people came out for the annual canoe trip sponsored by McMains Children's Developmental Center, BASF, state Department of Environmental Quality, State Parks, and Wright & Percy Insurance.

Many of the canoes were adapted by McMains Center therapists, allowing every child to participate. The McMains Children's Developmental Center provides therapy to children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and learning disabilities, and aims to help the children become as independent as possible. The annual canoe trip is one more way of taking away barriers for the children and allowing them to participate, many of whom have never been in a canoe.

In addition to canoeing, everyone enjoyed a delicious jambalaya lunch provided by DEQ. Many also played at the water park, and wandered through some of the beautiful nature trails at Tickfaw State Park.