Program Spotlight: Teen Tastic

What is Teen Tastic?

I think we can all agree, being a teenager is tough! Those years between childhood and “adulting” can feel awkward and uncertain, with so many personal changes and an increasingly complicated world to navigate. It’s often difficult to find confidence in who we are and to feel like we belong.

GiGi’s Playhouse is always a safe place to learn and grow for individuals of all ages, but it is especially important for our youth. In a judgement-free zone, Teen Tastic provides a space for youth to let loose while escaping from the challenges of this difficult life stage. It may look like a party from the outside, but Teen Tastic is an opportunity to gain empowerment, confidence, social skills, problem-solving, and leadership abilities among friends.

Through creative projects, games, dance parties and more, we aim to achieve the following:

  • Increase social skills, with focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options
  • Verbal and nonverbal language development, with attention to appropriateness and maintaining conversation
  • Strengthen gross motor skills, with focus on general health, fitness, balance, and awareness of personal space
  • Improve fine motor skills & self-sufficiency through participation in various activities

Below are some images from our last session, where our wonderful program leader, Betsy, led the crew in tie-dying beach towels with their names on them. Everyone had a blast and the results were awesome!

      

All youth, with and without Down syndrome, are invited to attend Teen Tastic every first Saturday of the month, from 1 – 2pm. Friends and family are always welcome to participate as well. Our next meeting is Saturday July 2nd, and we hope to see you there!

Recent Posts

1

The Power of Play: Fueling Growth, Learning, and Confidence in the Down Syndrome Community

At GiGi’s Playhouse, play isn’t just a pastime — it’s a powerful tool for learning, connection, and lifelong development. Backed by decades of research in...
Lucy's Best Of All

Lucy’s Best of All Moment: The Power of Communication

Lucy completed her first session of Speech this past spring. Her Wayne State graduate clinician, Clara, was so excited to share Lucy’s Best of All...
Volunteer Banner

Make an Impact That Lasts: Why Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Matters

At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe in the power of human connection—and volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Each time a volunteer walks...

Leave a Comment