Variety The Childrens Charity Of St Louis

Enrichment program: recreation - variety adventure camp features a six-week long innovative and accessible camp program in the summer and a weeklong session in the winter. The camps are operated for children ages 4- 20 with physical and developmental disabilities. The activities and experiences are designed to increase children's engagement with peers, classmates, and family, to develop confidence in their abilities, and to demonstrate positive belief in themselves and their possibilities. Campers receive one-on-one assistance from specially trained counselors and medical professionals as they learn new skills, such as rock climbing, basketball, tennis, cooking, music, art, bicycling, ice-skating, and fishing while socializing with their peers and making long lasting friendships. A total of 315 variety children attended camp in fiscal year 2024, participating in over 13,350 hours of innovative and engaging camp programming. The impact of adventure camp is evident as 96% of campers surveyed demonstrated an increase in self-esteem at home, school or in the community; with 91% of children having initiated friendships and interactions with other campers and counselors that improved their social skills. Launched in fiscal year 2022, variety maintains a partnership with boy scouts of america to create a venturing crew for children with disabilities ages 14-20. Participants learn leadership skills, pursue their special interests to become good citizens, increase socialization skills and have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring and fun environment by organizing, planning and implementing meaningful activities.

Core program: therapy - therapy is critical for children to improve strength, endurance, and mobility, while also increasing their levels of independence at home and school. Variety ensures that children who need physical, occupational, speech, aqua or hippotherapy are able to access regular sessions, and that cost does not prevent a child from receiving this care so important to their overall health. In fiscal year 2024, variety provided 3,591 therapy sessions to 203 children. Assessments indicated that 97% of variety children receiving therapy demonstrated belief in themselves and their abilities.

Enrichment programs: performing arts - in keeping with the historical roots of our organization, variety theatre is an inclusive theatre program that gives children of all abilities the opportunity to perform on stage. Teens (ages 14-20) interested in theatre crafts are mentored by the designers and directors of the show. Variety's theatrical summer camp, curtain call, involves intensive instruction in singing, dancing, and acting which culminates with a showcase performance. Any child, regardless of experience or ability, is invited to attend this inclusive and adapted experience directed by professionals from the world of musical theatre. A total of 21 children participated in curtain call in 2024. Our inclusive variety children's chorus program provided opportunities for 25 children and teens of all abilities to perform at a wide range of venues throughout the year. This program ensures participants gain vocal skills, socialization with other chorus members, and confidence from their time performing in the spotlight. Variety also offers a children's dance program that provided 24 children with and without disabilities the chance to learn and practice musical theatre style choreography and creative movement in an inclusive setting. The children's willingness to try new things and take direction has shown an increase in independence, confidence, and dance skills. Both the chorus and dance programs run for thirty-two weeks throughout the school year and culminate with feature performances at variety events throughout the community. In fiscal year 2024, variety st. Louis and the center of creative arts (coca) collaborated on an inclusive performing arts program, uniting children and teens aged 9 to 20, both with and without disabilities, and offering every participant the opportunity to shine. 51 talented young performers took the stage in the musical production of disneys finding nemo jr., captivating audiences and delivering a powerful message of inclusion.

Enrichment program - education and family support - the emerson resource center provides parents and caregivers of children with disabilities with tools to help them navigate the challenges of caring for someone with unique needs. This includes receiving information and resource referrals for needs outside of variety's program areas.

Enrichment program - awareness -variety is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness of our mission, emphasizing inclusion, accessibility, and the challenges faced by the families we support. Through sharing success stories, creating engaging video content, and promoting our programs across social media, email marketing, print campaigns, and our website, we strive to increase undertanding and support for our mission.