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Piedmont expands Sidekicks adaptive programs; teen volunteers to be pared back for manageability
Summary
Supervisor Eva Phelan described expanded adaptive offerings — 13 winter/spring programs and seven adaptive summer camps — plus three weeks of 1‑on‑1 teen sidekick matching for returning campers. Last summer had 61 teen volunteers; staff plans to reduce to about 40 for 2026.
Eva Phelan, supervisor for recreation services, gave an update on Sidekicks, Piedmont's adaptive‑recreation program for neurodiverse children and teens. Phelan said fall programs included 12 offerings with 92 participants, winter/spring expands to 13 programs, and the coming summer will include seven adaptive camps plus three weeks of one‑on‑one teen sidekick matching for returning campers.
"Last summer, we had 61 teen sidekicks volunteer for the summer. We're gonna pair that down to about 40 this year because that was a lot," Phelan said, describing the administrative burden of managing a large volunteer pool and the benefits of the teen‑sidekick model. She said the 1‑on‑1 matching is designed for returning campers so staff know participant needs and can pair teens appropriately; adaptive camps will also be open to new participants.
Phelan listed contractor partners (Future Stars, Rob's Skate) and described additional offerings such as adaptive football play days and teen recruiting and training timelines: applications will be out in February, interviews start in February, and in‑person training is scheduled for May 7. She also described a planned community fundraiser organized by families to support the program.
Next steps: staff will publicize teen volunteer applications and finalize summer adaptive schedules and registration guidance for returning campers.
