Summer Fun with Encore: Making Memories That Matter

Summer, with its sunny days, fresh air and plenty of chances to enjoy fun activities with friends and family, is one of our favorite times of the year. Through our Encore program, we have the opportunity to spread summer fun and help adults with disabilities make the most of everything the season has to offer, from everyday joys to unforgettable adventures.

What is Encore all about?

Encore is a program that helps adults with disabilities feel empowered, supported and part of something bigger. In the summer, we take full advantage of the warm weather to explore the community, try new things and have fun.

This time of year, it’s not unusual to see Encore groups heading out for a picnic, spending the afternoon at the zoo or grabbing ice cream. These fun outings allow for these individuals to grow friendships, build confidence and create moments they’ll never forget.

Indoor fun

Unfortunately, not every day is made for sunshine, but even on the hottest or rainiest days, Encore keeps things fun and busy. Within our program sites, creativity comes to life. From arts and crafts to music sessions and dance parties, there’s never a dull moment. This provides individuals with the chance to express themselves and try new things.

Building connections

One thing we’re proud of is the level of connection Encore participants have with the wider community. We’ve teamed up with local organizations and businesses to give our groups meaningful ways to engage, whether that’s attending a public event, visiting with volunteers or doing work around the community.

Small moments, big memories

At the end of the day, it’s the small moments that add up to the biggest memories. The joy of someone seeing a lion at the zoo for the first time. The laughter over lunch with friends. The silent pride of finishing an art project and hanging it on the wall.

These experiences mean everything to these individuals, not just in the moment, but in the way they carry that joy with them. For many Encore participants, days like these aren’t just fun diversions; they’re milestones. They’re given moments of independence, belonging and of being seen and celebrated for who they are.

When someone has the chance to step out and be welcomed by their community, try something new and succeed, it builds their confidence that sticks with them. It could be something simple like ordering food at a café, dancing during a music session or petting a goat at a farm, but to them, it’s everything. These fun moments break routines and offer excitement, challenges and connections that allow participants to feel included, valued and free to be themselves.

Conclusion

At Weaver, we show up, plan every outing, organize every craft and cheer for every little victory because, to the people we support, these aren’t just activities. They’re memories they talk about for weeks; the stories they tell their families and the spark that ignites their week.

Summer might fly by, but the memories that are made with Encore last a lifetime. We’re grateful to our participants, families, staff and supporters who help make these moments possible.

Here’s to more sunshine, more laughter and more reasons to celebrate every day.