Taste Buds Jr (10-14 yrs)

For TVCC Youth with disabilities, 10-14 yrs, residing in Elgin/Middlesex, Huron/Perth, Grey/Bruce & Oxford County Taste Buds is a therapeutic recreation group for TVCC clients designed to support the development of functional life skills, social participation, and independence through structured meal preparation activities. Participants will work together to prepare a meal, sit down to share it, and practice skills that support independence and communication. Activities may be adapted to support meaningful participation and emphasize collaboration, choice, and skill building, rather than performance. TVCC clients are welcome to sign up for one or multiple dates. October session we will be preparing grill cheese and garden salad. December session t sessions we will be preparing personal pizzas & caesar salad. Through guided activities, participants will: • Develop safe kitchen and food handling skills transferable to home and community settings • Practice meal preparation techniques such as chopping, mixing, and assembling • Strengthen teamwork and functional communication skills while working alongside peers • Increase confidence and independence related to meal preparation and group participation within a supportive environment • Engage in shared mealtime routines to support social participation and peer connection Participant Criteria: • TVCC Client age 10-14 yrs. • Able to engage safely in group activities with a 1:3 staff to client ratio. A support person is welcome to attend if additional assistance is needed. • Have an interest in cooking/meal preparation • Able to remain in a group setting for the duration of the program (i.e. does not require frequent breaks outside of room/group; comfortable with others in their space) • Able to participate in group activities without engaging in behaviours that are harmful to themselves or others.