Discovering What’s Possible at Destination Discovery

Amy Zimmerman 

As a co-leader of Destination Discovery at GiGi’s Playhouse, I have the privilege of seeing discovery happen in many forms. Sometimes it is loud and joyful — a child laughing during a movement activity, proudly completing a craft or excitedly exploring a sensory bin. Other times, it is quieter — a child trying something for the first time, making a new connection or taking one small step toward greater independence. 

Each session reminds me that discovery means more than simply trying something new. It means creating space for children to explore what they can do, what they enjoy and how they connect with the world around them. It also means helping families feel welcomed, supported and part of a community that celebrates every child’s abilities. 

That is the heart of Destination Discovery. 

Destination Discovery is designed around purposeful play. The activities may look like songs, crafts, games, sensory bins and movement stations, but each one is thoughtfully planned to encourage development in meaningful ways. I help prepare activities that give participants opportunities to practice communication, build confidence, strengthen motor skills, engage their senses and interact socially. 

One of the most meaningful parts of co-leading the program is watching children discover what captures their attention. A simple activity can become a moment of pride, creativity or connection. A child may realize they can toss a ring, paint with a cotton ball, dig through a sensory bin, move like an animal or complete a craft with just the right amount of support. These moments may seem small, but they often represent something much bigger: confidence, independence, self-expression and joy. 

The beauty of Destination Discovery is that there is no single way to participate. Each child is encouraged to engage in the way that works best for them. Activities can be adapted, volunteers are there to help and families move through the stations together. This creates an environment where children can explore without pressure. They can discover what interests them and what makes them feel successful. 

From my perspective as a co-leader, I also see how much parents and caregivers discover through the program. They discover a place where they do not have to explain everything. They discover other families who may understand similar joys, challenges and milestones. They discover a community that sees their child’s abilities first. While children are participating in activities, conversations naturally begin — families encouraging one another, sharing experiences or simply enjoying time together in a space created with their children in mind. 

Those connections are one of the most powerful parts of Destination Discovery. The program is not only about completing an activity or moving from one station to the next. It is about creating an environment where children feel encouraged, families feel supported and volunteers have the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. As a co-leader, I get to witness those moments of connection and help create an experience where every participant feels welcomed and celebrated. 

For me, co-leading Destination Discovery has been a meaningful reminder that discovery looks different for every child and every family. It is found in small steps, shared smiles, new skills and moments of confidence. More than anything, Destination Discovery is a place where children discover their abilities, families discover support and all of us discover the power of a community.