The Okmulgee County Sharks Special Athletics Association is launching a brand-new program this fall designed to bring adventure, inclusion and community connection to area youth with special needs.

The new initiative, called Buddy Adventures, will feature monthly outings centered around learning, creativity, exploration and fun. Each session will be hosted on the third Thursday of the month.

The inaugural Buddy Adventure is set for Wednesday, Sept. 18, and will dive into the theme of “Adventures with Food.” The session will be from 6-7 p.m. Participants will enjoy handson activities that explore the art, science and joy of food, setting the tone for a year filled with exciting, themed monthly adventures.

This program is free of charge and is open to youth with special needs. Each child will be paired with a dedicated community volunteer “buddy” to help ensure an enriching and inclusive experience. Due to space limitations, families are asked to sign up each month, and the deadline for the September event is Sept. 8.

To reserve a spot or get more information, families can call or text Nancy at 918-759-8470.

While the September session will focus on food, upcoming sessions contained a varied lineup of themes for the coming months:

• Adventure with Money

• Adventures in FFA

• Adventures with Plants

• Adventure in Art – A dive into creativity, color, and expression

• Adventure in Photography Though the full list of monthly themes is still being finalized, it’s clear the program’s goal is to offer a diverse range of experiences that are fun, educational, and empowering.

— Mission of the Program

Buddy Adventures was created to help young people with special needs participate in unique experiences they may not otherwise have access to, all in a safe and supportive environment. Each session is designed to encourage:

• Social interaction and friendship

• New skill development

• Creativity and imagination

• Confidence building through exploration Volunteers from across Okmulgee County are expected to help support the program by partnering with participants, ensuring each child receives individualized attention and encouragement during each monthly adventure.

The Okmulgee County Sharks Special Athletics Association has long been known for providing inclusive sporting opportunities for local youth, and the Buddy Adventures program is a natural extension of their mission.

This new initiative promises to bring even more joy and connection to the lives of young people with special needs and their families-and with a full year of adventures ahead, the possibilities are just beginning.

Interested families are encouraged to sign up early each month, as spots are limited and fill up quickly.

Buddy Adventures promises a monthly escape into fun and learning for some very special kids-making memories that will last a lifetime.