Ithaca Youth Bureau
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Recreation Support Services

Recreation Support Services (RSS), a department of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, provides recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities year round. RSS is funded by the Tompkins County Youth Services, the City of Ithaca, the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, the New York State Division for Youth, and Tompkins County Mental Health Services.

Recreation Support Services provides safe, skill based recreational experiences to youth with disabilities. Recreation Support Services (RSS) strives to help individuals, primarily those with disabilities, achieve their goals for happiness and well-being. We aim to:
  • Provide opportunities to learn new social, emotional and physical skills through play
  • Promote positive peer interaction
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Encourage and assist with inclusion in recreation activities and programs
Adult ​Mission of RSS
Recreation Support Services (RSS) strives to help individuals, primarily those with disabilities, achieve their goals for happiness and well-being. We do this by creating leisure opportunities for active participation, making friends, fostering independence, and community inclusion.
Youth Mission of RSS
To provide quality recreation programs, with a focus on inclusion, for youth with disabilities (primarily developmental disabilities) in order to foster growth in social and physical skills, as well as provide opportunities for friendship.
Adult Programs
  • Art & Crafts
  • Biking
  • Bingo
  • Board Games
  • Bowling
  • Chorus
  • Dances
  • Fitness /  Yoga

  • Hiking / Walking
  • Horse
  • Ice Skating
  • Local Sporting Events
  • Movie Club / Theatre
  • Special Events
  • State Parks
  • Swimming 
Youth Programs
  • After School Activities
  • Biking
  • Community Buddy
  • Inclusion Training
  • Recreational Swimming
  • Saturday Playgroups
  • Sports Inclusion
  • Summer Day Camp Inclusion
  • Summer Day Program for Teens (Travelers Program)
  • Swim Lessons at the Y
  • Teen Movie Club
  • And more!
Travelers Program
Offered: Summer
The Travelers Program is a traveling summer day program for individuals with developmental disabilities, ages 14-21 who are NYS OPWDD eligible. The program meets from 9am-5pm, Monday–Friday, for 4 weeks. Typical activities include swimming and hiking at local state parks, bowling, crafts, and out of town trips to recreational sites.
Program Cost
Most programs are free or have a minimal charge. More extensive programs (especially those that include traveling) may cost the price of admission and/or possibly a meal.
​Register
Call RSS at the Youth Bureau at 607-273-8364. RSS staff will answer your questions and send you registration forms and information. Once you complete and return the forms to RSS, a RSS staff member will set up an appointment for a short interview to meet you. All participants will receive a monthly RSS calendar of events. Participation in programs is based on space availability.

Current Calendars and Participant Forms

  • ​​​May Calendar (PDF)
  • Recreation Support Services - New Participant Intake Forms
The Ithaca Youth Bureau is a Department of the City of Ithaca.
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 (607) 273-8364          [email protected]          1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca, NY  14850
  • Home
  • Divisions & Programs
    • Cass Park, Rink, Pool and Fields
    • Recreation Division
    • Recreation Support Services
    • Youth Development Division >
      • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County
      • College & Career Discovery Program
      • Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors
      • Outings
      • Paul Schreurs Memorial Program
      • Youth Employment Service
  • Seasonal Employment
  • About
    • Boards and Committees
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • History
    • Local Resources
    • News and Updates >
      • IYB Happenings
    • Staff
  • Rentals
    • Ithaca Bike Rental
    • Boat Rack Rental
    • Pavilion and Field Rentals
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Support the Youth Bureau
    • Donate
    • Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
    • Volunteer
  • Staff