Let’s get physical, physical! The Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program toured the Weston YMCA for their CBI trip in order to familiarize themselves with different physical activity options.

First, the class was taken to the weight room to explore the strength training machines and learned how each machine targets a specific muscle group. One of the students, Sam, had the chance to try out the dip machine and feel his triceps start to contract!

Once they were finished touring the equipment and weights, the students then headed outside towards the pool. The aquatic instructor showed the students the different pools they had available for members to use. A few of them had questions about the pool use. For example, Stephanie asked if she would have to pay extra to use the pool or if it was included in the membership fee. Eric asked if the different pools were open to all families. William asked what part of the pool was the deepest so he could avoid that area.

After the tour was over and the questions the students had were answered, they all enjoyed a wonderful lunch outside by the pool. Students enjoyed conversation with one another wondering what everyone was planning to do for spring break. This CBI was a success since it allowed the students the opportunity to practice their development, independence and social skills.

The three words children and teens learn in case of a fire are: Stop, Drop and Roll. But not many know what occurs at a fire station, the firefighter’s role, or the training that goes into becoming one. With that being said, the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program took their weekly CBI trip to the Weston Fire Station!

As the bus rolled in and the students walked out, the class was greeted by some of the firefighters who gave them a tour of the station. The tour began in the kitchen where students quickly started to ask many great questions which included: “How much money do firefighters make a year? What happens when firefighters are sleeping, and the alarm goes off? How do firefighters know what type of emergency it is?” and more. The firefighters were impressed with the many questions being asked and took the time to answer every single question.

After touring the inside of the station, students made their way outside towards the fire trucks. They were educated about the process firefighters take to prepare for an emergency, the different tools that are used to help people in a fire, and the variety of horns trucks had and the meaning of each sound. One of the tools that the students were able to experience was the heat sensor. This tool demonstrated how intense real smoke can be in a fire and how hard it is to see past it. Students’ jaws dropped at how amazing and cool it worked to save lives. Then came the loud noises… Students listened to the horns used to warn cars to move over and heard the alarm that goes off warning firefighters when there is an emergency. Lastly, the best part of the day for the students was the end where they had the opportunity to use the hose and spray water. The smiles on their faces were PRICELESS!

Once the tour was over, the firefighters invited the students to eat lunch with them where they enjoyed their delicious meals over great conversations. This CBI focused on the class’ resources and socialization skills and had to be one of the students’ favorite CBI trips. Stay tuned for the next CBI!

As Autism Awareness Month is approaching, the Homestead Senior Highschool B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program has been exploring their creative side. They visited Painting with a Twist in The Falls for one of their Community Based Instruction trips. Students, Teachers, HDS Foundation Staff and HSH Best Buddies crew arrived bright and early to work on their own renditions of a colorful night sky. As everyone created their own version of a colorful night sky, students were able to practice their social skills with their peers along with independence skills as they followed directions. Once the class finished painting, they all showed off their masterpiece to one another. It was interesting to see everyone’s renditions of the same piece!

Before heading back to school, students were able to enjoy burgers and shakes from Shake Shack. We look forward to having events like this one in the future because this allows students to explore different interest and hobbies together. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

Looking for a one of a kind and creative experience to enjoy with your friends? Painting Fiesta is the place to go. The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class went on their weekly CBI trip to A Painting Fiesta Art Studio in Weston where they had the opportunity to feel like they were professional artists.

Robyn Fisher, the owner of A Painting Fiesta, guided the students each step of the way through directions and visual representation of the steps to paint an owl on a branch. She taught the students how to hold the brush correctly, what color they needed to dip the brush in, what primary colors were and how to get the certain colors by mixing them. The students did a fantastic job listening and following the directions!

Even though everyone was painting the same artwork, it was fascinating to see each student add their own personal creativity to their piece. One of the students, Matt, learned that even if you make a mistake, it could easily be fixed without having to start completely over.

This CBI was meant for students to practice their development, independence and social skills while also giving them time to relax and let loose. Students were all pleased with their artwork and what they were able to accomplish. They were all excited to go home and hang their paintings in their bedroom. The HDS Foundation, along with Ms. Kathy and Donna, are so PROUD of each and every student, and can’t wait to see what they all accomplish throughout the years!