Contact Bancroft's Admissions Office
by calling (800) 774-5516 or via e-mail at inquiry@bnh.org.
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Lifelong Learning
"Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it."
— Albert Einstein
People are stimulated by the opportunity to learn new things, and can be energized by a new challenge. Continual learning also helps us broaden our horizons, increase our connections to the world and enhance our quality of life.
For these reasons, Bancroft offers a wide range of "lifelong learning" and enrichment services to the children and adults we serve. Opportunities include:
- The Life Enrichment and Recreational Network (LEARN). Bancroft provides this series of educational, cultural and recreational classes, social events and club activities to people 18 and older living in the South Jersey area. LEARN aims to increase intellectual, physical, socialization and independent-living skills, as well as to provide recreation and enjoyment. Classes focus on creative arts, fitness, healthy cooking, hobbies, music, personal development and more. Click here for the current LEARN catalog.
- Social groups. A range of groups are available for children and adults, which help develop competence in interactions with peers, other friends and co-workers. Individuals learn to better communicate, assert themselves, work with others and accept differences among people.
- Self-advocacy focus groups and supports. Bancroft provides many opportunities and supports to help people advocate for their rights, speak for themselves and have a voice at Bancroft and in their local, state and national governments.
- Adult education and college. We help individuals participate in continuing education and college, including programs at Camden County College, Rutgers University, Ocean County Community College and Rowan University.
- Special Olympics. Our extensive program offers a wide variety of sports, which foster confidence in physical endeavors and enable people to experience community acceptance and success. We have had many athletes participate in regional, state and national competitions over the years.
- The Bancroft School Original Opera. This annual project enables students to create their own opera — including the script, music, costumes and even the publicity — and perform their production for the public at a local playhouse.
- Artistic Realization Technologies (ART). Provided at The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, ART uses technology to help students with physical limitations create art. Children work with a "tracker," who executes each child's vision through laser-guided tracking and other technologies. A nod of the head, blink of an eye or facial movement can provide clear direction about color, texture, size and placement of a line or shape.
- Vocational training and day supports. Social skills development and life enrichment are major goals of our vocational training and day supports, with the primary objective to provide individuals with meaningful work and/or enrichment opportunities. A majority of the adults we serve work or volunteer in the community.
- Joyful Noise. Many adults served by Bancroft participate in this choir, which is mentored by a professional choral performer and teacher. The group performs regularly for the public in local, state and regional concerts.
- Activities and trips. Children and adults enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities including visits to local sites, art exhibits, concerts, shows, dances, recreational clubs and much more. The Recreation Committee for Persons Served enables adults to plan events, suggest classes or establish new leisure opportunities.