Echoing Hills Community Living Central Ohio hosted its annual Halloween festivities recently, and it was bigger than ever!
This year Jackie Householder, Program Director, wanted her and her team to create an exceptional experience. “I wanted us to throw something together that was bigger than what we normally do,” shares Jackie, “the individuals have not had anything to look forward to in a while. COVID has really put a damper in their lives.”
The party delivered in a huge way featuring fun, frights, and food! There were games including pumpkin bowling, spider tic-tac-toe, and feed the monster, as well as activities including the traditional pumpkin carving and painting, and trick or treating. Individuals were able to enjoy apple cider and cookies as a snack, and black spaghetti and eyeballs for dinner – a trick that was a very tasty treat.
Two new and successful activities were the costume contest and haunted trail.
Costumes varied and included ghosts, princesses, a professor, a referee, bacon, and more! Jackie shares, “You can definitely see everyone’s interests and likes based on what costume they chose to order.” This contest meant a lot to the individuals as well. When complimented on her costume, one individual lit up, expressing, “Thank you, it was custom ordered.”
The haunted trail allowed all to experience camp in a new way. Where there are typically campfires, sing-a-longs, and sunshine, now were spider webs, screams, and fog. A scarecrow came to life to blow an air horn, and a monkey jumped out of the woods searching for a banana. Individuals had many a fright; however, left the trail smiling.
Everyone played a big role in making the day a success, a true team effort from all involved: Program Director, Activities Assistant, Qs, DSPs, Dietary, and Management.
”It was fun to plan something where the individuals got to forget about COVID and how it has changed their lives for a minute, to be able to just have fun,” Jackie says. “That is why we are all here – to put smiles on their faces and to help them through tough times.”
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To see more pictures and video from our festivities, check out: https://www.facebook.com/EchoingHillsCentralOhio
