An Inside Look At Buddy Club! Manassas Park

Press release from the Manassas Park Park & Recreation:

January 14, 2021

You may have heard of the Buddy Club at MPCC, but did you know that it’s one of our longest-running programs? We talked to Theresa, the program’s facilitator, about her experience running the program and how the pandemic has changed it.

What is Buddy Club?

– There are actually two definitions to that question. The first being that it is a self-facilitated social group for individuals with developmental/cognitive disabilities. The true meaning of Buddy Club, however, is that it’s a place where you can come make friends, hang out, and be yourself- quirks and all. There is no judgment here and there’s so much heart at Buddy Club.

How has Buddy Club been affected by the pandemic?

The hardest part was when the Community Center closed. The buddies really didn’t understand why they couldn’t see their friends. They just knew that there was something bad out there. Now that we’re open again, they realize that only some of their friends are coming back to Buddy Club for now. So many of them just wish it was over, and it has made it hard for them to go on with their day-to-day life. So many of them are very routine-oriented and this makes them struggle. But as true troopers, they wear shields and masks and are just glad about being able to be together again.

What kind of activities does the group participate in?

As far as activities, Buddy Yoga is a class they love to participate in. Mostly, they come to the Community Center to play basketball or go work out in the weight room. They also like to do their art (we have a Buddy board in the room where we display their art every month) and there is the library for quiet time if they wish to read. When it’s nice outside, we go for walks. Some like to play card games or board games, while others like to do puzzles. There’s always coloring pages and word searches available for them as well. There are countless activities for the Buddies to enjoy!

What safety measures does staff take to make sure everyone can safely enjoy Buddy Club?

As for the safety measures, we spray and wipe down the tables, chairs, door handles, and keyboards hourly. Everyone is seated 6 feet apart and are wearing shields and/or masks. We remind the Buddies to wash their hands often. They each have their own individual box with their crayons, colored pencils, and markers for crafting and coloring.

What is your favorite part about the program?

My favorite part about the program is seeing the Buddies and how happy they are being able to see and be with their friends again. They are very loving and caring individuals. We have so much fun every day.

I love the fact that no two days are ever the same- it keeps everything very interesting.

Tell us some of your favorite Buddy Club memories from this year!

There are always moments in everyday that are memorable. I love watching the Buddies and how much fun they have at the holiday parties. But I’d have to say that the best memory of last year was when Buddy Club reopened again and seeing how happy they were to be able to be with their friends again.

If you’d like more information about Buddy Club, contact Tony Thomas via email at t.thomas@manassasparkva.gov.

This press release was produced by Manassas Park Park & Recreation. The views expressed are the author's own.