Patient Programs

Our Care Extends Beyond Our Walls

At Shriners Children's Philadelphia, our team is committed to caring for the overall health and well-being of our patients. This includes their minds as well as their bodies. In that spirit, we offer a wide variety of programs and camps.

Our extensive patient programs give children the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities to brighten their stay and in camps that can help them return to their communities more active and confident.

Shriners Children's partners with a number of community organizations to provide opportunities for children to explore and grow their overall potential inside and outside of the hospital. Your nurse or care coordinator can direct you to opportunities in the community.

Camps

Thera-Stride Camp Program

Each summer, the rehabilitation team hosts a locomotor training program for patients with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy and other disorders that affect a patient's ability to walk. The program strives to provide therapies to improve the health and quality of life, increase independence with activities, and promote functional recovery for children living with disabilities. As a part of this camp-like program, we provide patients with an outing that gives them a sense of independence and pairs well with the therapies they receive at the hospital. Outings have included the zoo, indoor and outside playgrounds and museums.

GLAHM (Good Lives and Healthy Minds)

GLAHM (Good Life and Healthy Mind) Camp was developed to help young women with spinal cord injuries learn to confidently embrace their abilities, individuality and femininity. The program offers a four-day immersive experience for participants ages 18 to 21 to engage in activities geared toward health, exercise, employment and improving self-confidence with community integration. Mini camps are also held at the Shriners Children's Philadelphia facility or virtually throughout the year.

For either camp opportunity, please email Kimberly Curran.

Programs

Art Class

One night a week, a teacher from the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers an art class at our facility for inpatients of all ages and sometimes their families. The class uses different mediums to help patients and families cope with the stresses related to overnight and/or long-term stays at our facility.

Music Therapy

Music isn't just fun to listen to. It also offers physical and mental benefits as well, such as improving respiration and lowering stress. Sessions include concerts, individual performances and one-on-one sessions and are conducted at our facility twice a week. Learn more about our Music Therapy Program or email Rebecca Dadi.

Patient Ambassador Program

Current and former patients come together in our Patient Ambassador Program as champions for our program. Not only do they serve as positive role models in their community, but they also donate their time and energy to promoting our medical center as well as the Shriners fraternity. Email Erin Winkler for more information.

Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life

Therapeutic recreation and child life specialists come together in the Central Activity Area to facilitate structured and unstructured play each day. To learn more, read about our Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life program.

Pet Therapy

Dogs, cats and rabbits registered as Shriners Children’s pet therapy volunteers provide comfort and affection. Contact the child life at 215-430-4198 to see if there are furry friends in the lobby of our hospital today ready to pay a visit. Learn more about our Pet Therapy Program.

School Re-entry Program

A child might return to school with scars, a prosthetic arm or leg, or a wheelchair, but they’re still the same inside. Our School Re-entry Program educates teachers, classmates and other individuals about the child’s injury or condition and how they can support the child in their transition back to school.

Team Impact

Team Impact is a therapeutic program that pairs children with local collegiate sports teams. Children visit participating collegiate athletic facilities where they meet with athletes to practice team skills and build confidence. Contact the child life department at 215-430-4198 for more information and to get connected with local athletes in our program.

Shriners Children's Philadelphia offers a wide variety of programs and services that cater to the overall health and well-being of our patients and their families. View all patient programs and services offered by Shriners Children's.