The RECing Crew

OUR MISSION: 

The RECing Crew shall offer and support leisure and recreational programs for children and adults with special needs.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:  

The RECing Crew is a non-profit Special Leisure and Recreational Organization formed in the fall of 2002 by Pamela Stickler when she started the Alley Cats bowling league for her son who is disabled.  As the program grew in popularity, additional programs were added and organized by the families and friends of others with disabilities.  Growing from 25 participants in 2002, The RECing Crew currently provides leisure and recreational programming for over 200 individuals residing within Aiken, Barnwell & Edgefield Counties, South Carolina as well Burke, Columbia and Richmond Counties in Georgia.

HISTORY:  

The Stickler family relocated to North Augusta from the Chicago area in 2002.  In the Chicago area many recreation choices for people with disabilities were available and operated by area special recreation associations and supported by the local parks and recreation departments.  Their son Stephen, who was 20 years old at the time, has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair.  He loved to bowl but there were no organizations providing recreation and social activities for the mentally and physically handicapped in the CSRA.  

In the fall of 2002, Pamela Stickler collaborated with Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Inc.,  “recognized across the state as being a leader in the provision of services and supports to our fellow citizens with disabilities” and formed The RECing Crew, a non-profit Special Leisure and Recreational Association.  Since Stephen’s favorite recreation is bowling, the first program was the Alley Cats bowling league.  Tri-Development spread the word to their clients and Pam created an account with their Foundation to deposit donations, withdraw expenses, and show accountability.  The program grew in popularity and additional programs were added and organized by the families and friends of disabled.  

In 2009, The RECing Crew became a 501 (c) 3 organization, established a board of directors, and took complete control of their finances -- giving a sense of pride and ownership for volunteers, participants and the families who have been actively involved from the beginning.  The RECing Crew has grown to over 200 currently registered members ranging in age from 6-76 years old actively participating in one or more of the twelve programs offered.  These programs enhance the physical, emotional, and social growth of those who participate.