Patient Programs

Our Care Extends Beyond Our Walls

At Shriners Children's Salt Lake City, our team is committed to caring for the overall health and well-being of our patients. This includes their minds as well as their bodies. In that spirit, we offer a wide variety of programs and camps.

Our extensive patient programs give children the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities to brighten their stay and camps that can help them return to their communities more active and confident.

Shriners Children's partners with a number of community organizations to provide opportunities for children to explore and grow their overall potential inside and outside of the hospital. Your care manager can direct you to opportunities in the community.

Camps

Day Camps

For children with medical needs, attending a traditional summer camp can seem impossible. Our Day Camps program brings recreational and physical therapy together to provide a series of day camps for our patients. Each camp is customized for patients with their unique strengths and challenges in mind. Each camper is grouped with children of similar ability level and given activities that are both fun and productive. Therapists "hide" therapy with play, such as a pirate-themed camp, which has patients “walk the plank” to help them work on their balance, or “swab the deck” to increase upper body strength.

Camp is provided at no cost to patients, with generous donors covering the cost of camp T-shirts, activities, staff and the concluding party for all participants and their siblings and parents, an important part of Shriners Children's family-centered care philosophy.

For more information on our day camps program, email the recreational therapy department.

Un-Limb-ited Teen Amputee Camp

Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 who are living with limb loss or deficiency come together at the Un-Limb-ited camps, which offer a unique opportunity for teens to gain confidence and form strong bonds with other amputees. In addition to discussing common issues facing teen amputees such as recreation, relationships, body image, bullying and self-esteem, they have the chance to learn either adaptive skiing and snowboarding or whitewater river rafting and camping in the Utah wilderness.

To learn more or apply to attend Un-limb-ited camp, please email Matt Lowell

Programs

Adaptive Baseball Program

Shriners Children's Salt Lake City has its very own adaptive baseball team! Traditional baseball leagues may not offer children with special physical challenges the time, space and support they need to play ball, but thanks to Miracle League in partnership with Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation, our patients, and other children from the community facing similar limitations, have the chance to engage in this all-American team sport. No matter the challenge, all are welcome. Miracle League takes place in the fall and spring.

For more information on our Miracle League baseball team, email the recreational therapy department.

Adaptive Bike Program

Riding a bike is a simple pleasure of childhood that we want to share with as many children as possible. We outfit approximately 50 patients with customized, adaptive bicycles that meet their specific physical needs. Patients are accepted based on their ability to ride an adaptive bike, their families’ ability to store and use the bike, and each patient’s physical therapy needs. Adaptive bike program participants are patients of Shriners Children's Salt Lake City who are typically between age 4 and 18.

Patient Ambassador Program

Current and former patients come together in our Patient Ambassador Program as champions for our program. Not only do they serve as positive role models in their community, but they also donate their time and energy to promote Shriners Children's. Email Deserae Dorton to enroll in this program.

Pet Therapy

Animals registered as Shriners Children’s pet therapy volunteers provide comfort and affection. Email the volunteer services department to see if there are furry friends in the lobby of our hospital today ready to pay a visit. Learn more about our Pet Therapy Program.

Play Groups

Our play groups program is a collaboration between physical therapy and recreational therapy. Each group is comprised of children with common ages and diagnoses. The play groups help the children achieve therapeutic goals and provide safe social opportunities. These play groups are designed for patients transitioning from one-on-one physical therapy needs, who can still benefit from regular therapeutic activities. Play groups reinforce physical therapy goals in a fun, therapeutic atmosphere. Both the child and family benefit from the social dynamics provided by the play group.

For more information on our play groups program, email the recreational therapy department.

Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life

Therapeutic recreation and child life specialists come together in the Central Activity Area to facilitate structured and unstructured play each day. To learn more, read about our Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life program.

Therapeutic Riding Program

Horses are majestic animals that help children build confidence and trust because of their sensitive and responsive nature. Our Therapeutic Riding Program offers children an opportunity to engage in equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Shriners Children's Salt Lake City offers a wide variety of programs and services that cater to the overall health and well-being of our patients and their families. View all patient programs and services offered by Shriners Children's.