Dear Friends and Supporters of Aaron’s Acres:  We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone that has given their time, energy, and financial resources to help Aaron’s Acres continue to thrive and grow. We remain eternally grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.  Someone once said to me, “If you really want something, you shouldn’t be […]

We’d like to share some ways that you can partner with us at Aaron’s Acres and make a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities.  We rely on the support of our community to help make our programs and activities possible. There are many opportunities to work together throughout the year and we […]

Are you looking for a fun and festive craft this spooky season? Here is a great seasonal activity with some fine motor practice for the fall. Spider Headband Craft Supplies: Directions: Activity idea from: https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/s-is-for-spider-spider-headband-craft.html

Halloween is a time of costumes, candy, pumpkins, surprises, and a considerable amount of verbal and visual stimulation! Excitement is everywhere for so many children as they go from house to house, getting candy and yelling, “trick or treat”.  For children who have a disability, this day can be more challenging than exciting. Seeing people […]

Let’s Hear from George Wolf When George was in middle school, he began participating in an Aaron’s Acres fundraising event entitled, “Volley for Kids”.  For a good number of years, he played volleyball with his friends and supported our organization. Fast forward to the pandemic, when he returned to Lancaster after living in NYC, he […]

In order to support families and others in the community who are raising children with disabilities, Aaron’s Acres has been offering educational seminars on various topics. We have offered these sessions virtually since COVID and this format has generally worked well, allowing for increased flexibility and accessibility for participants.  As part of our 25th anniversary […]

This past spring, we highlighted Manheim Auto Auction as they had their Annual Xtreme Spring Sale event and chose our organization to be the recipient of funds raised that evening. It was a night that our Administrative Team will never forget! For this week’s blog, we have decided to highlight this business again as they […]

On July 24th, 2024, Aaron’s Acres hosted a virtual seminar on Financial Planning: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know. The two panelists were: Joanna Craney, a Financial Advisor/Special Needs Planner/Founder at Empowered Financial Strategies and Adam Earl, President at National Care Advisors. Covering this topic in a one hour seminar can be overwhelming as there […]

It feels like the summer flew by so quickly and it is hard to believe that we are back in school mode! As we try to hold onto the good times that we had on vacation or at the local pool or in just hanging out with family and friends, we know that we need […]

Aaron’s Acres has been most fortunate over the years in having so many wonderful relationships with individuals, businesses, other non-profit organizations, and service clubs in our community that support us as we continue to provide meaningful programs to children and young adults with disabilities. Without these ongoing relationships, we would not be where we are […]

Our camp program ended on August 2nd and what a wonderful time staff and campers had!  Riding a horse for the first time, touching a snake, petting a rabbit, participating in an intense tug of war game and of course, splashing with friends in the swimming pool all occurred during our time at camp. Several […]

Our summer camp program ends on Friday, August 2nd and no doubt, it will be hard to say goodbye to staff, campers and their families. The time flew by, and all went so well.  Swimming, riding horses, touching a snake and/or a turtle, petting a chick and/or a bunny, participating in music therapy, doing exercises, […]

Aaron’s Acres’ Ongoing Commitment to Providing These Essential Resources Since the creation of our organization, we have been committed to supporting our families through providing meaningful programs to their children as well as sharing resources to support and assist our families through their journey of caring for their loved ones. Years ago, a parent shared the […]

It’s Camp Time —which means, special programs, special programs and special programs! Camp at Aaron’s Acres is filled with a considerable amount of special programs! Watching a magic show with Papa Tater, seeing a ventriloquist show with Marian and Friends, singing silly songs with Fred McNaughton from WJTL, participating in music therapy with Cindy Long, […]

Summertime is here and school is out! Family vacations are planned for some, camp programs are attended by some and “hanging” with friends at the local pool occur for some! 26 years ago, a group of parents realized their children who had a variety of disabilities did not have a summer program to attend in […]

Over the years of our existence, Aaron’s Acres has been truly blessed with having meaningful relationships with so many individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations within our community. We have always believed that we have reached this stage in our journey because of having others support, guide and believe in the work that we are doing […]

It is summertime, which might mean going to the beach or to another fun place for vacation. It could also mean hanging out and possibly looking for some family-friendly, activities to do with your children. For families who have children with varying disabilities, it also might mean looking a bit harder to find those sensory […]

Yellow t-shirts, circle time, music, fitness, swimming, games and snacks –all are occurring now at camp at Aaron’s Acres along with so much more!  Several parents shared that their children were ready for the first day of camp at 6:00 am saying, “camp, camp”! While they were happy that their children were excited for our […]

The summer camp supervisor’s play an essential role in the planning and execution of our summer programs. Their main role is to provide ongoing support and assistance to staff, provide written and verbal communication to families, provide a fun atmosphere while ensuring the safety of all participants, and overseeing the entire camp program. We want […]

Aaron’s Acres is excited to be planning for our next season of our Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading program. Games will begin on Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church. Individuals with disabilities, between the ages of 18-40 are able to participate in this program either as a […]

Presented by Meg Kutz from 3.21 For Life PA Aaron’s Acres hosted a virtual seminar on Tuesday, May 28 featuring Meg Kutz, co-founder of 3.21 For Life. The topic of this seminar was “Creating Connections for you and your child”. Throughout her presentation, Meg spoke of the importance of establishing connections with others within one’s […]

Aaron’s Acres 14th Annual Golf Tournament raised more than $132,000! This would not have been possible without the generous contributions of new and returning sponsors. We would like to highlight this year’s new golf sponsors. PLATINUM SPONSORS Code Administrators – 2024 Platinum Sponsor https://www.codeadministrators.com/ “Plan reviews and inspections you can trust.” Code Administrators was founded in […]

Camp is right around the corner at Aaron’s Acres! Supervisory staff have already met several times, shopping for every supply imaginable, and staff orientation is almost here! We are all getting ready for the first day and cannot wait to welcome participants and their families this summer! When one thinks of camp, one’s thoughts might […]

Aaron’s Acres is excited to work with Penn Cinema to offer you opportunities to enjoy the movie theater all year long. The theater is located by the Lancaster Airport at 541 Airport Road in Lititz, PA. Here is what you can look forward to at Penn Cinema! Last year, the Aaron’s Acres Angels hosted a […]

Activity Idea #1: Popsicle Stick Photo Puzzle Directions Activity idea from: myimaginaryblog.wordpress.com Activity Idea #2: Time to Dance! Supplies Songs Activity idea from: www.funsensoryplay.com

An Overview of Waiver Eligibility and Services Presented by Jill Martin from Lancaster County BHDS On April 2nd, Aaron’s Acres facilitated a virtual seminar entitled “The Intellectual Disability/Autism Waivers: An Overview of Eligibility and Services”. Jill Martin, from Lancaster County BHDS was the presenter. Ms. Martin has been working in the intellectual and developmental disabilities […]

Aaron’s Acres is excited to welcome new members to its Board of Directors! Over the past 6 months, we have welcomed George Wolf, Bob Simons, Mark Katkovcin, and Michael Lewis. Each brings unique expertise and a passion for our mission. We are grateful for their support and look forward to their continued contributions and commitment […]

Activity Idea #1: Barbell Sandwiches Supplies Directions Activity Idea #2: Catch the Ball Supplies Directions Need a visual? Find one here! Activity Idea #3: Sport Ball Matching Supplies Directions

A Continued Partnership with Manheim Auto Auction of Pennsylvania and this year’s Xtreme Spring Charity Auction & Gala benefiting Aaron’s Acres Aaron’s Acres’ partnership with Manheim Auto Auction of Pennsylvania spans more than a decade. In 2013, their business joined us for our annual golf event at Bent Creek Country Club. Members of their team […]

Activity Idea #1: Paper Plate Frog Craft Supplies Directions Activity idea from: https://www.ourkidthings.com/paper-plate-frog-craft/ Activity Idea #2: Rainbow Fruit Loop Craft Supplies Directions

Aaron’s Acres is excited to announce its 2024 President of its Board of Directors! We are excited to have Board President Robert Biddle, Manager of Financial Operations for Charter Homes & Neighborhoods. Bob shares his unique perspective on Aaron’s Acres as the current Board President. Having previously lived in the Philadelphia area, I had been […]

Aaron’s Acres is proud to partner with Jersey Mike’s Subs for the company’s 14th Annual Month of Giving! Month of Giving launched nationally in 2011 and since then, Jersey Mike’s franchisees, team members and customers have raised more than $88 million for local charities. During the month of March, customers will have the option to […]

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa It’s true that everyone makes a difference, and making a difference in your local community doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy! From volunteering your time to sharing about the […]

Here is a fun themed activity to celebrate Valentine’s Day! This is a great gross motor activity, it’s fun to have up all month long, and you change it up seasonal for other holidays and occasions! Heart Toss/”Love Toss” Supplies To create your own letter and/or number cards: You can also buy a letter and/or […]

At Aaron’s Acres, we are always excited to share new opportunities and ways to engage with the community! Here is an opportunity that enables people of all abilities to explore the outdoors and enjoy some lunch with other families in the area. Let’s do it! “Wonders Within Reach exists to inspire and enable families with […]

Aaron’s Acres is so excited to announce its 2024 Vice President of its Board of Directors! We are excited to have Board Vice President Amanda Katchur, Psy.D. (she/her), Licensed Psychologist and Program Coordinator for the School-Based Outpatient Therapy Program at Community Services Group in Lancaster, PA. Amanda brings unique perspective to Aaron’s Acres as a […]

It’s January… it’s winter… and it’s cold. Are you looking for something fun you and your family can do inside? An indoor scavenger hunt is a great way to get creative! Prep & Supplies Directions Notes Activity idea from: https://www.playpartyplan.com/

You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference! People of all ages can truly help others and support them. Aaron’s Acres has been the recipient of this support many times throughout the years. In 2023, there were three school-aged individuals who raised funds to benefit the programs that we have for children […]

This year has been wonderful as we celebrated our 25th anniversary! It is so difficult to capture all that we have been celebrating but here’s just a sample for you. In 25 years: The list can go on and on. There are so many memories to cherish along with so many families and staff. Our […]

“As I contemplate what Aaron’s Acres has meant to us, in this moment I’m thinking of three words in particular: Exceptional, Life, and Growth. Our son spent the first several years of his life as a very sick little boy. And while that can be fairly common in the special needs community, it was far […]

Aaron’s Acres has welcomed many participants, families, staff, and visitors over the last 25 years, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the years to come. In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we have pulled 25 testimonials from parents, visitors and staff who have shared their thoughts with us about their “Aaron’s Acres […]

In celebration of our 25th anniversary this year, Aaron’s Acres held a family day event and evening entertainment event at Mickey’s Black Box at Rock Lititz this summer. We were grateful to receive support from donors and sponsors both longstanding and new. Aaron’s Acres was thrilled to make a connection with TAIT prior to our […]

Here is a fun and festive winter activity from December School Year Program! This is a great way to create DIY decorations for the winter season on those cold (and possibly snowy!) afternoons and weekends. Plastic Cup Snow Globe Supplies Directions Notes Activity idea from: https://pin.it/3B5dlZm

When Aaron’s Acres was first created, the focus was on meeting the needs of children, ages 5-9 with disabilities. As we grew our programs (increasing the ages as well as the number of weeks and lengths of the days), we asked the parents what else they wanted us to possibly provide. Parents shared their feelings […]

Aaron’s Acres is excited to be once again participating in Lancaster County Community Foundation’s ExtraGive this year – a community-wide celebration of giving. You will find members of the Aaron’s Acres Admin Team and Board across Lancaster County on Friday, November 17th in celebration of this 24-hour giving event. WHERE TO FIND THE AARON’S ACRES […]

Here is a fun and colorful treat from November School Year Program that allows you to practice skills like sorting, color matching, and pattern making! Turkey Donut Treat & Activity Ingredients & Supplies Directions Notes Activity idea from: https://www.messylittlemonster.com/2019/10/turkey-donuts-thanksgiving-treats-kids.html

In the fall of 2022, Aaron’s Acres was excited to introduce programming for adults with disabilities ages 21-40 as we partnered with Chuckie Magee Flag Football & Cheerleading League. In the spring of 2023, we were thrilled to grow the opportunities we have available for this age group by adding another adult program – The […]

Halloween is right around the corner and for many children, it is an exciting time, filled with surprises, considerable amount of visual stimulation, increased amount of noises, laughter and screams, opportunities to grab sweets of all kinds and meet and greet people of all ages and abilities. Seeing scary costumes, or funny costumes, with masks […]

Are you looking for a fun and festive craft this spooky season? Here is a great seasonal activity for hand-eye coordination and a fun idea for fall. Mummy Paper Plate Lacing Craft Supplies Directions Activity idea from: https://www.ourkidthings.com/mummy-paper-plate-lacing-craft/

Aaron’s Acres finished up its second season of Chuckie Magee Flag Football & Cheerleading League on Saturday, October 14, 2023, with a banquet at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church. Following the last game of the season, we joined participants, families and volunteers in celebration of an amazing season. This program is made possible by the […]

As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are constantly reminded that we are where we are today because of the ongoing supportive partnerships we have with so many within our community.  Jersey Mikes has been most generous to Aaron’s Acres and is now adding a new store in Lebanon that will be one […]

Chuckie Magee Flag Football & Cheerleading League —an Aaron’s Acres Program When people think of Aaron’s Acres, they often think about young children at summer camp, and although this is a large part of what we do, there are more programs and opportunities available throughout the year. One of these programs is Chuckie Magee Flag […]

Aaron’s Acres is pleased to share another business that supports Aaron’s Acres: Presence Bank! We are happy to have made a new connection with their company and look forward to seeing our relationship with them grow. Employees have supported our organization by volunteering their time as summer camp photographers, attending our anniversary event and hosting […]

The school year is just beginning, yet the temperatures outside make it a bit difficult to switch gears and focus on returning to school. Transitioning from the summertime schedule to the school year schedule creates a wide variety of emotions for both parents and children. Anxiety, frustration, excitement and/or happiness are just a few of […]

The addition of the Aaron’s Acres School Year Program is an important one in the history of this organization. When a group of parents met 25 years ago, they were focused on creating a camp program for their children, ages 5-9 with varying disabilities. They did not believe that there was an already existing program […]

Millersville has been a part of the Aaron’s Acres story since the beginning, and that is certainly worth celebrating during Aaron’s Acres 25th anniversary this year! Aaron’s Acres has had a partnership with Millersville University for 25 years. In the beginning, a small group of parents led by Janiece Seldomridge (whose son is Aaron) met […]

As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we want to highlight two major fundraising events that we have had for many years. It is because of events such as these that we are where we are today. In addition to making new connections and maintaining current relationships, the tremendous support from our community has […]

We are so happy to see the summer season at Aaron’s Acres. Let’s recap week 1 of Summer Camp Session 1!  Monday (6/19)  Monday was the first day of summer camp and we were excited to welcome new and returning faces to New Holland Community Park & Pool! It was Mystical Creature Day at camp, and […]

During camp, prior to the pandemic, we offered a parent component which provided both pampering sessions and educational sessions to participants’ parents once they dropped off their child or children at camp. It was an opportunity to informally interact with other parents, share stories and resources –share what is out in the community that works […]

Aaron’s Acres is thankful for all its ongoing partnerships – one of these is Members 1st FCU. The employees at Members 1st FCU have supported our organization in numerous ways, and we want to take a moment to highlight all they do! We look forward to welcoming employees and local community members throughout summer camp […]

On Tuesday, May 30th, Aaron’s Acres held a virtual seminar with Dr. Carrie Bruey. Dr. Bruey spoke about how to teach coping skills to children and young adults with developmental disorders. With her extensive experience in working with individuals with developmental disorders, she was able to share facts and information as well as detailed examples […]

This year marks 25 years of Aaron’s Acres and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you! “As the parent of a special needs child, you are always looking for outlets to make your child feel normal and like they are part of something special, and most importantly, a place or activity […]

Years ago, the term, “Asperger syndrome” was used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum, with generally higher functioning, intellectual ability. People with this condition may be socially awkward and face challenges in social interactions. Participating in a give-and-take conversation might be difficult. They may also have restricted interests and hypersensitivities (to lights, sounds, tastes, […]

Aaron’s Acres is so happy to announce that this year’s annual golf event raised $116,468 to benefit children and young adults with disabilities! This would not have been possible without our generous donors! We would like to highlight some of our donors: Event Sponsor: Team Trimble Thank you to Team Trimble for being our $15,000 […]

Activity #1: Strike up some conversation Supplies Beach Ball Sharpie Directions Inflate your beach ball! Write questions on the beach ball. These can be anything you want and tailored to the type of activity you are trying to create. Pass the beach ball back and forth, asking and answering questions. For a group, play hot […]

Aaron’s Acres loves connecting with and sharing about groups and causes that we feel passionate about as an nonprofit. One such organization is 3.21 For Life PA. Here is some information about 3.21 For Life: 3.21 For Life was created in the Fall of 2021 by a group of individuals in the Hershey/Hummelstown area who […]

Too often, the general community views people who have disabilities as “those whom require our support and care”. However, at Aaron’s Acres, we have changed that perspective. The Aaron’s Acres Acts of Kindness program (AAAOK or “Triple A OK”) is an opportunity for individuals, ages 13-21 to engage in service projects within the community and […]

Spring has sprung, and we are sharing some fun activity ideas from Saturday Evening Program! Activity #1 Paper Plate Swimming Duck Supplies Yellow, orange and white construction paper 2 Paper plates Scissors Googly eyes Glue stick Blue and white craft paint Paint brush Markers Small jar lid Small bowl or larger jar lid Pencil Popsicle […]

Worn Out: When Caregiving, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Collide—a virtual seminar presented by Steph Hubach On Monday, April 3, Steph Hubach presented “Worn Out: When Caregiving, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Collide” as a virtual seminar.  Speaking as a parent who has raised one son, Tim (now age 31) who has down syndrome as well as […]

In January 2023, the administrative team at Aaron’s Acres made a commitment to host virtual seminars every two months (give or take) on topics that parents have requested when registering for our programs. During covid, we facilitated several virtual seminars featuring 1847Financial, focusing on financial planning for parents who are raising children with disabilities. These […]

Aaron’s Acres came about because a small group of parents wanted a camp program for their children, ages 5-9 who had disabilities. For our first summer, in 1998, we had 11 children, ages 5-9 attend a 1 week, half day program at the Lancaster Jewish Community Center. With every year, we continued to grow and […]

In 2022, Aaron’s Acres was excited to return to full day summer camp programming! We were also welcomed by a new community… New Holland! Last year was our first year holding summer camp in New Holland and this year we will be back again. The New Holland community welcomed Aaron’s Acres, its participants and its […]

Activity Idea #1: Leprechaun Pattern Path Supplies Rainbow colored assortment of pom-poms Large White Rolled Paper Markers Velcro Directions Lay the large white paper roll on the floor. The length is up to you! Consider how long you want your path to be. Use dot markers or regular markers to create a patterned path on […]

Jersey Mike’s Subs’ Month of Giving fundraiser began in 2011, when all its store locations raised $600,000 for 66 charities. Since then, this annual fundraising campaign has raised more than $67 million for local charities. Jersey Mike’s Subs owners in each market select charities that support their local communities. This year, Jersey Mike’s stores across […]

Let’s start at the beginning! Let’s go back to day one of Aaron’s Acres. Let’s go back to BEFORE Aaron’s Acres held its first summer camp session and why it exists today. Here are the stories of Janiece Seldomridge and Barbara Beakley who were integral to the creation of Aaron’s Acres and were there at […]

There are numerous ways to support Aaron’s Acres throughout the year — and we are grateful to anyone who chooses to support our organization! Often, when selecting an organization to support, people think of monetary gifts, volunteer hours and special events. These are great opportunities to get involved and support our organization! But did you […]

Each month, School Year Program’s Younger Group participates in activities that correspond with the month’s theme. February’s theme was “Valentine’s Day Fun”! The evening included a variety of heart themed activities and games. Here is a sensory bag activity that’s great for all ages and a fun fine motor activity just in time for Valentine’s […]

“Aaron’s Acres became a part of my summer routine when I was the Executive Director at the Lancaster JCC where they would hold their summer camps. I just loved having the kids at the community center enjoying the summer days and enjoying the joy and laughter especially when the kids were in the pool swimming. […]

As many of you know, Aaron’s Acres was started by a group of parents who saw a need within the community and responded to that need. A one-week half-day camp program was held at the Lancaster Jewish Community Center for children, ages 5-9 with varying abilities and disabilities. For that first summer, there were 11 campers. Now, […]

The team at Aaron’s Acres enjoys the connections it makes with local businesses and organizations that support the organization. Life Changes Realty Group is one such business. “In the real estate industry, being “people first” is often worn as a badge to be taken off at the end of the work day. For Life Changes […]

Aaron’s Acres is grateful for other individuals and organizations that support our participants and children and young adults with disabilities throughout the year. We would like to highlight an individual and two organizations that support our participants during summer camp but also support the community by providing services or supports to children and young adults […]

At the beginning of each new year, we tend to reflect on the past year and think about new things to come in the year ahead. The Admin Team is sharing what they are looking forward to in 2023! Risa Paskoff | Executive Director “As we begin 2023, I am looking forward to strengthening the relationships […]

We were excited to introduce participants to a new Aaron’s Acres program this past fall, as we welcomed Chuckie Magee Flag Football & Cheerleading League! After the league’s first season ended in November, we caught up with the co-founders, Randy and Bev. Randy (co-founder and flag football coach) Bev (co-founder, cheerleading coach and Chuckie Magee’s […]

Making connections has always been important to Aaron’s Acres and maintaining long-lasting relationships is something the team strives for with each donor, partner and supporter of the organization. We are grateful for each and every individual, family, company and organization that continues to support Aaron’s Acres over the years. As we near the end of […]

This is a great holiday gift giving idea for the cold and possibly snowy season of winter! It doesn’t require many supplies, you can change up the ingredients, and the kids can help! The Aaron’s Acres Angels help put these together during Saturday evening school year program in December. It’s a great activity for a […]

As we quickly approach the end of the year, we are all excited for what the New Year will bring! For one, we will mark the 25th anniversary of Aaron’s Acres in 2023! But first, we would like to take a moment to reflect on this past year and consider all that Aaron’s Acres has accomplished […]

Thanksgiving is almost here! We often get together with family and friends and consider the ways we are thankful. We also might need an entertaining activity for children at home as we get ready for the busy holiday season ahead. This craft was completed by the Younger Group during November program and is a simple […]

Each year for ExtraGive, Aaron’s Acres sets out to share the stories of our participants, families and staff, inspire repeat donors and engage new donors. We are very thankful for the companies and businesses that partner with us on this day to extend those efforts further than we would be able to do on our […]

Halloween is almost here! For so many children, it is an exciting time filled with sweet treats, costumes of every kind, visiting with neighbors, and being outside for a considerable amount of time. For other children, this holiday is met with anxiety or perhaps, a bit of a challenge. There is a great deal of […]

Over the past few years, peer-to-peer fundraising has seen a steady increase in popularity. We have seen the importance of these campaigns and are thankful to those who have held fundraisers like this to support Aaron’s Acres. Did you know that you can support Aaron’s Acres through peer-to-peer fundraising all year long? Let’s dig in […]

Participants were ready to kick off the 2022-2023 School Year Program last weekend! During the School Year Program, younger participants, ages 5-12, partner with undergraduate students studying special education to complete crafts, play games, make snacks and more. Older participants, ages 13-21, partake in age-appropriate community outings with peers. Older adolescents in Lancaster visited Cherry […]

You may have heard us say… Aaron’s Acres is all about relationships! It is these connections that help spread the word about Aaron’s Acres and its programs. Many of the organizations that we partner with also serve children and young adults with disabilities. We are happy to share the work of these organizations and what […]

Healthy eating (and snacking) can be a challenge for all of us. For the child with autism or for the child who has sensory issues, this challenge can be more complicated. The texture of the food, the smell and even the shape of the food can result in the child’s disinterest and dislike of that item. Being creative […]

Aaron’s Acres always looks forward to making new connections with local businesses, companies, organizations and individuals. Community members can get involved with Aaron’s Acres in a variety of ways, but one of the best ways to see our programs is to visit summer camp as a volunteer photographer. We were fortunate to have a number […]

It’s hard to believe but the official start to fall is around the corner! As we head into this season, we begin to think about fall sporting events, the holidays and family get-togethers. We also consider this a season of giving! An exciting part of this time of year is the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s […]

Summer feels behind us as so many of us now turn our attention to the school year. Purchasing backpacks and school supplies has replaced playing outside all day and the possibility of summer vacation.  At Aaron’s Acres, we are gearing up for our monthly school year program for individuals ages 5-21 with disabilities. This program […]

A visit from our friends at Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary is always an exciting time during summer camp! Participants and staff have the opportunity to act like, see and touch some of the reptiles that visit camp. We have seen both campers and staff overcome their fears, step out of their comfort zone and touch […]

Summer is coming to an end and the school year will begin very soon! This can be an exciting time — new supplies, new teachers, new classrooms, and new friends. For most children, regardless of ability, the transition back to school can also be somewhat challenging. Summertime usually means little to no schoolwork assignments and […]

Last week we wrapped up the 2022 camp season! We had a fantastic summer of new experiences and plenty of friends. Each year, community members join us at camp as volunteer photographers. Volunteers are asked to take pictures of participants during each activity. These captured moments are then printed and shared with campers for their […]

Aaron’s Acres’ A-TEAM has had the opportunity to work with York Divers for the last few years and it’s been a great experience for the campers and staff! It’s a unique opportunity for participants to try out scuba diving with the help of professionals in a local community pool! Here’s what York Divers has to […]

The AAAOK (Aaron’s Acres Acts of Kindness) program provides adolescents ages 13-21 the opportunity to engage in age-appropriate community service projects with their peers during summer camp. AAAOK was very busy during session 2 and participants volunteered at a number of locations over the course of 2 weeks, including Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity and […]

It’s the first week of July and summer is definitely here. Summer is often equated with no school, no formal schedule nor routine, and possibly more time to “chill”. For some children, this “free time” has its benefits. The reality is though, most children, regardless of ability or disability, need some amount of structure and […]

The 4th of July is almost here and many people find themselves preparing for a fun weekend filled with activities — parades, fireworks, BBQs, family gatherings, and more! For those who live with, or who have a family member or friend who lives with, a sensory-related condition this can be an anxious time. You can […]

Why is it so important to have the dream for tomorrow? For quite some time, we have been sharing our dreams for tomorrow – our big picture! We know it will happen as so much has occurred within our organization over the 24 years we have been in existence. When we have had these conversations […]

When families inquire about our programs, the questions vary but most of the time, they all point to the following: “Will your staff be able to keep my child(ren) safe and will their needs be met”? These questions are understandable given the fact that their children might have medical needs such as a seizure disorder, […]

At the end of March this year, a representative for New Castle Lawn and Landscape reached out to Aaron’s Acres about a partnership idea for the month of April. After speaking with Executive Director, Risa Paskoff, the team at New Castle felt as though our organization would be the perfect partner for their Autism Awareness […]

Aaron’s Acres is fortunate to have a relationship with local AMBUCS chapters, which help provide AmTrykes to our participants. Four different Aaron’s Acres participants were provided AmTrykes this spring. “AMBUCS Mission is to “Inspire Mobility and Independence.” Our Lititz Chapter is always looking to partner with other local organizations that have similar goals, so working […]

Spring is here, the sun is out, warm weather has arrived and flowers are beginning to bloom. Let’s show you how to make your own spring display at home? Materials Tissue paper Paper towel rolls Green construction paper Glue and/or tape Directions 1) Glue or tape a piece of green paper to the length of […]

Did you ever notice that when people fundraise, they often reach out to family and friends first? This makes a lot of sense! Friends and family can connect with you and your personal experiences and often that makes it easier to connect with the cause or reason behind your fundraising efforts. Peer-to-peer fundraising is built […]

Today, so many of us are focused on exercising, working out and wanting to feel fit! Some want to begin an exercise plan, but never seem to get started.  For children and young adults with disabilities, it is just as important, yet we sometimes forget to include this population when we think of active lifestyles […]

We’re all about having a fun time at Aaron’s Acres, but program is so much more! Did you know that we have programs all year? Not only do we have a summer camp program, but we also have a monthly School Year Program. Let’s take a look at Aaron’s Acres’ programs and all that they […]

Weather warm is in the air and summer is just around the corner! It’s a great time to gather with family and friends. Here are some activities you can do with children. They can easily be modified for a variety of ages and some can even be held outside. Minute to Win It Games are […]

The Aaron’s Acres Board of Directors is an important group of supporters dedicated to the mission and vision of the organization. They become involved for a variety of reasons, but why they continue to stay and support Aaron’s Acres is even more significant. Why did our board members choose to join the Aaron’s Acres Board […]

Here’s a fun activity to try! You can change it up and tailor it to whatever space and supplies you already have at home. This activity can be used for building a variety of skills and enjoyed by a wide age range. It can remain simple or be made more complex based on the preferences […]

Two years later and school is back in full session, masks are no longer mandated in most places and things are opening back up a bit more every day. For many children, and in fact, for many adults, anxiety which developed or increased during COVID, has remained, and becomes more evident as we all try […]

The Aaron’s Acres Angels is a group of dedicated teenagers, ages 12-17, that meet throughout the year and hold fundraising events to support Aaron’s Acres programming. They also have the opportunity to visit School Year Program and Summer Camp. This group is led by its members with support from a parent volunteer and Aaron’s Acres’ […]

June 16, 2017 An Open Letter to the Parent of a Covertly Special Needs Child By Stephanie Morrill The mom of a 6-year-old with epilepsy who doesn’t “look like” he has special needs shares her wisdom for other parents in a similar situation. The first time I noticed this unique parenting situation—having a child with special […]

It’s winter! Do you need some fun indoor activity ideas for kids? We’re here to help! Here’s an idea from school year program: How do you have a snowball fight when there is no snow? You build a “snowball” shooter and send the snowballs flying! Bonus: You don’t have to get dressed to go out […]

We are excited to welcome a number of new families to Aaron’s Acres this year! With so many new families joining us, we thought it would be a great time to reintroduce the members of the Aaron’s Acres Admin Team! Welcome to Aaron’s Acres! Risa Paskoff I am the Executive Director of Aaron’s Acres. I have […]

It is hard to believe, but are already at the end of January. It was just a few short weeks ago that the talk of New Year’s Resolutions began. COVID-19 continues to remain a concern, as is how we maintain our health and safety, while returning to school and work environments. It is a new […]

At the end of every year, for so many non-profit organizations, the focus is on the annual appeal and trying to raise funds to ensure the continuation of services and programs for the coming year. Donors contribute to their favorite organizations and hopefully, feel good about supporting them. At Aaron’s Acres, we are most grateful for […]

“It’s music time with Miss Cindy!” Music time with Miss Cindy is a camp favorite during summer sessions. Participants look forward to a time of music, dancing, moving, laughing and singing! Miss Cindy has joined us for both in person and virtual sessions over the years, sharing the power of music with the participants at […]

Reflecting on this past year is a bit complicated. On the one hand, in 2021, we are all still living during a pandemic with various restrictions in place, depending upon where you go. The number of COVID cases continues to increase, especially now with the new variant, Omicron. On the other hand, we had a […]

The holidays are around the corner; many families are decorating their homes for Christmas and others are thinking of New Year’s Eve. Family gatherings, large and small might be taking place – comprising of people of all ages, with all different abilities and challenges along with maybe some dogs or other animals. Lots of commotion, […]

4 Cole’s Kids financially supports families of children with disabilities across Lancaster County and the surrounding areas. Aaron’s Acres benefits from the generosity of 4 Cole’s Kids by helping to provide scholarships for families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend camp. They have also awarded Aaron’s Acres a grant to financially assist with costs […]

Each year children across the country celebrate Halloween. Costumes and candy are what usually come to mind, but what about anxiety… sensory concerns… and feeding challenges. A child with a disability could potentially face all these obstacles on their way to having an enjoyable Halloween experience. There are a number of ways to create an […]

Extra Give is just 5 weeks away! Are you wondering how you can help support Aaron’s Acres? Peer-to-peer fundraising is a great way to support Aaron’s Acres for Extra Give! In case you need to know a little bit more about peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising, here’s a quick overview: The idea of P2P fundraising is that […]

Aaron’s Acres loves getting up to move and exercise with Fitness 4 Focus at summer camp each year! What better way to get in some physical fitness than fun with friends, a little music and encouragement from the awesome team at Fitness 4 Focus! “It has been a wonderful experience working with Aaron’s Acres over […]

The Mama Bear Effect Non-profit Organization –Protecting your child from sexual and/or physical abuse It is never easy to sit down with your child and talk about physical and sexual abuse.  For the parent who is raising a child with a disability, it can be even more difficult. The article in this blog was on […]

Let’s introduce the Aaron’s Acres Angels! Within the last year at Aaron’s Acres, a group of middle school and high school students came together and created the Aaron’s Acres Angels. These teens all worked together virtually and came up with a fundraising event to support the programs offered at Aaron’s Acres for children with disabilities. […]

Extraordinary Give 2021 is just 10 short weeks away! What feels like a long time from now will be here before we know it! Lancaster County’s largest day of giving is a hallmark day for those in the area. It’s a day of generosity, giving, fun and entertainment throughout the county. Lancaster County Community Foundation […]

Each summer, camp participants head to Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center to learn about, groom, lead and even ride horses. Whether it’s a participant’s first time or he/she is a horse-riding pro, this is a beloved day at the stables for many. Greystone employees patiently work with our participants and staff to craft the perfect […]

Aaron’s Acres has been fortunate to have many wonderful and ongoing partnerships within our community since it first began serving children and young adults with disabilities. One of these special relationships has been with (local realtor and supporter) Patrick Trimble and The Patrick Trimble Team. In 2013, The Trimble Team began supporting Aaron’s Acres through […]

The summer is almost over and school will be here shortly. Due to COVID this past school year, students of all ages and abilities faced challenging times; many schools switched to virtual learning and/or hybrid learning. For children with disabilities the challenges proved to be multi-layered and more complex. Completing school work independently or working […]

Last week we wrapped up an amazing 6 weeks of in-person summer camp in Manheim after a year virtual programming. It was wonderful to again see the faces of happy campers and enthusiastic staff, dedicated volunteers and new visitors. Old friends were reunited, new friends were made and members the Aaron’s Acres team and family […]

Throughout the years, Aaron’s Acres has been blessed with businesses, organizations and individuals who wish to partner with us and help us as we continue to provide programs to children and young adults with disabilities. Recently, we found two individuals who are employed by Manheim Borough weeding our flower beds at our camp site, a […]

Partnering with Members 1st (Summer 2021) Aaron’s Acres has been blessed with having an ongoing partnership with Members 1st.  Over the years, they have done the following to support our organization: Employees have volunteered at our camp carnival, running games for our campers and their families Employees have volunteered to be our “camp photographers” during […]

Aaron’s Acres was happy to provide a virtual alternative to summer camp this year for those children and young adults that could not join us in person, but still wanted a camp experience this summer. Offering in-person summer camp came with some restrictions and regulations that are not usually a part of camp; including, COVID-19 […]

The 2021 camp season is going strong! Today we wrapped up 10 days of camp filled with laughter, smiles and wonderful memories. At camp, in addition to staff and participants, we had 27 community members volunteer as camp photographers. These volunteers were tasked with taking pictures of campers enjoying daily activities. Staff then use these photographs to create […]

Looking ahead with Executive Director, Risa Paskoff: Picture the following: a place that provides year round recreational programs to children and young adults ages 5-21 who have varying disabilities. In addition to a summer camp component and a monthly recreational program during the school year, there are classes such as yoga, cooking, fitness, and swimming for […]

We would like to give a special SHOUT OUT to our donors for their support of Aaron’s Acres. Thanks to them, we are changing lives on a daily basis! Donations made throughout the year have a huge impact on those we serve, helping our participants to grow and helping our families to thrive. We have some […]

This past year was filled with uncertainty and anxiety for many, regardless of age and background. For children with disabilities and their families, these feelings can be even more intense at times. As we slowly return to “normal” or a more “normal” version of our lives pre-pandemic, stressors can makes us feel anxious or uncertain. Listed […]

School year program for Spring 2021 has come to and end and we wanted to recap all of the awesome virtual crafts our participants got to create, the food they got to make (and eat!) and the activities they got to enjoy this spring. We started off the school year with homemade pizza! It just […]

If you are still looking for a place to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Lancaster County Community Vaccination Center now has walk-in, same-day appointment availability! Here are some quick facts: Open from 8AM to 6:30PM, Monday through Saturday Closed Monday, May 31st for the Memorial Day Holiday The vaccine is now available for those 12 […]

Today we are highlighting our top tier sponsors for Aaron’s Acres’ 11th Annual Golf Outing on May 17th! We are so grateful to the following top tier sponsors who have been supporting Aaron’s Acres for a number of years. Many have been supporting Aaron’s Acres through our annual golf event for almost 10 YEARS or […]

As we look forward to summer camp this year, Aaron’s Acres is excited to offer face-to-face programming once again! Participants and families of Aaron’s Acres are ready to return and to see friends and familiar faces. This also means we need great staff, like YOU, to make it happen! If you’re interested or need another […]

On Wednesday, April 21st at 5:00PM, Aaron’s Acres is hosting a virtual panel discussion about disability planning. Join the discussion with Zoom to hear from specialists in the areas of legal & tax planning, financial planning, waivers and parent advocacy. Click here to Register in Advance here. We are excited to introduce you to the […]

Every month Aaron’s Acres will check in with a parent, staff member, partner, donor, sponsor or someone else who shares the passion for Aaron’s Acres and supports its mission. This month we are checking in with Matt Patterson, Multi-Unit Franchisee of Central PA, from Jersey Mike’s Subs. March was Jersey Mike’s Subs 11th Annual Month of […]

Join Sandy and her dog Gracie for the book “WHAT A PARTY!”

Parents, join Michelle from HARTZ Physical Therapy for a yoga practice designed to activate your senses. A special note from Michelle to parents: My hope is you are all adapting and adjusting as best you can to what has been some of our most trying days filled with many ups and downs – in different […]

In honor of Mother’s Day, Miss Cindy is singing about families and love with you today.

Join our friend and reptile expert, Jesse, for an update from the Box Turtle Garden.

Join Phredd for some music fun!

Dear Friends: Last week, our Administrative Team made a very difficult decision to not have camp this summer.  Over the years, we have built a positive rapport with the children and young adults served through our recreational programs and their families. Our first priority is and has always been the safety and well-being of our […]

Join Sandy and her reading dog Gracie for storytime with “Too Many Frogs”!

If it’s going to rain… we should at least sing about it! Join Miss Cindy in singing about the rain on a drizzly Friday!

Join Fitness 4 Focus trainer, Miss Ally, for a full body at-home workout on this rainy day.

“#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.” #GivingTuesdayNow Learn more about #GivingTuesdayNow here. Donate to Aaron’s Acres during #GivingTuesdayNow by clicking […]

Join Sandy, her dog Gracie and her cat Friday for storytime.

End your Monday feeling refreshed! Join Michelle from HARTZ Physical Therapy for a yoga video you can do as family — both to energize you and calm you. “It is both an energetic and calming class. The theme is Calm After the Storm. This practice reminds us that, just like nature’s storms, we too can sometimes feel […]

Inspired by Aaron’s Acres’ signature yellow t-shirt, Miss Cindy is singing about the color yellow with you today!

Get up and get moving for your end of the week workout with Miss Ally from Fitness 4 Focus! *Please note that this video is on the Fitness 4 Focus YouTube channel.

Join Phredd for your weekly dose of music fun!

Join Sandy, her dog Gracie and and her cat Friday for storytime! Sandy writes books for young readers and is sharing “Stella’s Dancing Days”.

Join Michelle from HARTZ Physical Therapy for restorative yoga specifically designed with Aaron’s Acres’ parents and caregivers in mind. A special message from Michelle: Hello Aaron’s Acres friends and families, This restorative yoga video was crafted with you in mind, specifically to support you and your well-being during these challenging times. Find a comfortable space […]

Join Miss Cindy for a Friday music therapy session all about food! You’ll sing about all kinds of food, including food you can find in the garden.

Join Phredd for mid-week music with special guest… Camp Counselor Zack!

New to our line-up this week… it’s Fitness 4 Focus! Join your favorite trainer, Miss Ally, as she walks you through an Aaron’s Acres At-Home Workout!

It’s another story time with reptile expert, Jesse, and this time he is joined by an Iguana!

It’s time for a Friday music session with Miss Cindy! Do you know what we start to see in Spring? Bugs! Today we join Miss Cindy to sing about the bugs that come out in Spring.

Today we find ourselves on a magical mountain with Papa Tater for a colorful magic show. Join the fun and watch the video below!

We are starting the week with silly songs from Phredd! Get your week off to a great start as we laugh and join in on musical fun with Phredd this Monday morning.

We are back with another Friday of music with Miss Cindy! We don’t know about you… but we are ready for Spring! Join Miss Cindy for a Friday of Springtime music just for you.

Grab a seat and put your silly hat on! Join Phredd for a mini-concert of laughter, fun and silly songs.

It is often in times such as these that we find it challenging to make sense of the world for children and share with them what is going on. If you are finding it difficult to explain what is happening right now, we hope this resource helps! Social stories are often used for children with […]

Today’s video is from our favorite reptile expert, Jesse! Jesse shares a children’s book about Boa constrictors… and is even joined by live Boa constrictors! Watch the link below to catch Jesse and the Boa constrictors:  Join us again at 11AM on Wednesday for another video. And remember, you can re-watch all videos at any […]

We have partnered with some of our favorite Summer Camp musicians, performers and experts to bring you weekly videos to share with your children at home. Aaron’s Acres is committed to providing children with disabilities programming in whatever way we can during these challenging times. We have partnered with some of our favorite people to […]

Join us in celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Here are some ways you can help spread awareness: Use #DDawarenesss2020 on your social media platforms. Share your photos and videos. Share a personal story! Promote inclusion.

We are happy to announce a new Director of Development and Community Relations for Aaron’s Acres! Kate Mullen joined us last week and we are excited to have her passion and experience on our team. Kate has a passion for serving others and has worked for nearly 20 years in the non-profit sector. Learn more […]

The purpose of this correspondence is to provide you with updated information and resources concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have continued to closely monitor the situation and are receiving communications from local, state, and federal agencies regarding this developing situation, including guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention […]

Information & Resources: COVID-19 The purpose of this correspondence is to provide you with information and resources concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are closely monitoring the situation and are receiving communications from local, state, and federal agencies regarding this developing situation, including guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and […]

Last week was a busy time as Aaron’s Acres’ partnership with Pleasant View Communities was shared on various media outlets. If you are interested in learning more about this partnership and our vision for the future, please click the links below. Posted March 3, 2020 LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘We’re fulfilling our dream’: Aaron’s Acres settles […]

Last week, we had the opportunity to speak on Good Day PA about the unique camp experience provided by Aaron’s Acres. Click on the link below to hear from Executive Director, Risa Paskoff, and parent, Jessica Capitani. Posted March 2, 2020 Good Day PA: Acres summer camp caters to kids, young adults with disabilities “Campers, […]

A place to call Home: Creating an inclusive environment Aaron’s Acres is excited to announce plans to be a part of the development of a new cultural center on Hoffer Farm, owned by Pleasant View Communities. Both organizations have signed a letter of intent signifying the start of this project in 2020. Aaron’s Acres will […]