VERNON HILLS – The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County provides recreation programs and services to individuals with special needs. This fall, participants and staff have been taking in all Lake County has to offer. The children and adults with disabilities have visited farms, orchards and fall festivals while learning about the simple life.

Early in October, a group of boys braved the rain and seized the day at All Season’s Apple Orchard in Woodstock. They especially enjoyed the petting zoo and learning where one of their favorite fruits comes from.

Halloween started early for some of the teen and adult participants, when SRACLC headed to the Barn Bash hosted by SRSNLC-Round Lake at the Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake Beach. William Greene of Mundelein won the funniest costume dressed as a CSI agent with his camera and notebook collecting evidence from the “crime scene.” However, the group’s favorite part was listening to ghost stories on the hay ride.

SRACLC’s Active Adult day program found the best of autumn on several trips. They milked cows at Wagner Farms in Glenview, toured the Von Bergen Farm in Hebron, checked out the animal zoo at Harm’s Farm in McHenry, and picked pumpkins at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire.

The SRACLC Winter Registration deadline is fast approaching on Nov. 20. Winter program brochures have been distributed and can be found online at www.sraclc.org.

All the little boys and girls on Santa’s nice list are invited to join them on the second annual Holiday Train Ride with Santa, his No. 1 elf, Christmas carols, delicious treats, and a reading of “The Polar Express.” This train ride is sensory-friendly, accessible, and perfect for children of all abilities. Registration is required. All aboard at the Libertyville Metra on Dec. 16.

When school is out for winter break, don’t miss the SRACLC Winter Break Mini Camps for youth and teens with special needs.

For details or to register for SRACLC winter programs for people with disabilities, call the SRACLC office at 847-816-4866, go to www.sraclc.org or like them on Facebook.