Special Needs Playgroup Formed by Wantagh Girl Scout

A new playgroup designed for special needs students has been formed by a Wantagh Girl Scout as part of earning her Gold Award designation.

Brittany Motis, a junior at and member of Girl Scout Troop 3536, started the playgroup last fall and it met monthly before wrapping up for the school year on May 11. The program was such a success that the group, which meets in at , will be re-launched in the fall for the 2012/13 school year.

The group features about a half dozen students with 25-30 volunteers. Motis was able to get volunteers from her Girl Scout troop as well students at Wantagh High School and . 

“I was inspired by people telling me stories about special needs students,” said Motis on her motivation to start the group. “The kids love it.”

For the group’s final session on May 11, members of Wantagh SEPTA attended and were impressed by how the volunteers interacted with the students.

“I think everything about it is wonderful,” said Tony Walker, co-president of Wantagh SEPTA. “The more social programs we have, the better.”

Motis, who hopes to pursue a career in psychology, plans to run the program as a senior next year and hopes it will continue even after she graduates from high school. 

"This has been such a great program, especially for the volunteers," Motis said. "It gives us a deeper understanding of the kids in special needs programs."