February 2020 Programs & Events

The February calendar at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough is packed with special events and purposeful programming!  Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. We continue to ask program participants to RSVP for all programs so that program leaders can accurately prepare.

Special Events
Valentine’s Day Dance, Thursday, February 13, 6- 8PM (13+)
Our friends from the Hillsborough YMCA are back to celebrate another Valentine’s Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough. All teen and adult participants are invited for a night of crafts, dancing and holiday fun!
Please RSVP for the party.

Family Speaker Series- Ask the Therapist, Wednesday, February 19, 7- 9PM
Our 2020 Family Speaker Series is starting off with an Ask the Therapist panel discussion. Behavioral, occupational, physical and speech therapists will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
Please RSVP for the program.

NJ Devils vs. Washington Capitals, Saturday, February 22, 1PM
Please join GiGi’s Playhouse as the NJ Devils take on the Washington Capitals on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 1:00PM! A portion of every ticket sold will go directly to the Playhouse. Every year the GiGi’s group gets to experience something new; past experiences have been photos on the ice, high-fiving the team and even a Zamboni ride!

This year everyone who purchases a group ticket will have the opportunity to participate in the group picture in the penalty box and watch the pregame warm-ups on the glass! Tickets are only $72 and can be purchased online at https://fevo.me/playhouse.

Purposeful Programs
Destination Discovery, Saturday, February 1, 12- 2PM (all ages)
This is an interactive and engaging program for participants of all ages and their families. It supports the development of motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. In this all-ages program, participants progress from needing assistance, to working independently, to serving in the role of helper and partner to younger participants! This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Karate Kickers, Thursday, February 6, 6- 7PM (ages 6- 17 years)
The benefits of karate for people with Down syndrome are endless.  Karate focuses on development of balance, coordination, discipline, focus, attention, physical fitness, and confidence. There will be no physical contact between peers.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Fantastic Friends, Friday, February 7, 7- 9PM (ages 18+)
A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Friends, Fun & Fitness, Saturday, February 8, 11AM- 12PM (ages 10+)
Led by retired Social Worker Virginia, this program rotates every month between Zumba and Drums Alive. This month will be Zumba.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Cooking Club, Saturday, February 9, 12- 1PM (ages 10- 17 years)
Get cooking with your friends at GiGi’s!  This program is geared toward building safety awareness in the kitchen and preparing healthy recipes that taste great.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Nuestros Angeles, Viernes 14 de febrero, de 7 a 9 p.m. (Todas las edades)
Este programa brinda apoyo, amistad, trabajo en red y socialización para familias de habla hispana.
¡Los participantes y voluntarios del programa pueden confirmar su asistencia en nuestro calendario en línea!

2 & Under Playgroup, Saturday, February 15, 9- 11AM
Join our playgroup! We’re moving, grooving and laughing along the way.  This program is the perfect place for children two and under to meet new friends, learn and grow while parents have the opportunity to socialize and network with one another.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Leaps & Bounds, Saturday, February 15, 9- 11AM (ages 3- 5 years)
This program will help promote social, emotional and gross motor development through a variety of activities, including interactive play, sharing, cooperative games and physical activity.  Creativity and movement will be incorporated throughout the program.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Playhouse Pals, Saturday, February 15, 12- 2PM (ages 6- 9 years)
This program will help promote friendships, social skills and peer interactions through creative and social activities.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Art Explosion, Thursday, February 20, 6:30- 7:30PM (ages 10+)
This program provides a hands-on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence and socialize with peers.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

Fantastic Friends, Friday, February 21, 7- 9PM (ages 18+)
A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community.
Program participants can RSVP on our online calendar!

Little Gymnasts, Saturday, February 22, 10- 11AM (ages 2- 5 years)
This program will help promote gross motor development and cooperation through a variety of gymnastics activities.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar!

TEAM, Thursday, February 27, 5- 7PM (ages 18+)
TEAM (Teaching, Exercise, Activity & Movement) is a program that helps promote a healthy lifestyle, peer interaction and independence for adults 18 and older. Occupational Therapist Alison will lead the group in gentle yoga. Please wear clothes that allow for movement.
Please RSVP to guarantee enough food for everyone.

Teen Tastic, Friday, February 28, 6:30- 8:30PM (ages 13- 19 years)
This group promotes friendships, social interaction and communication through a variety of social activities, outings and games for teens.
Program participants and volunteers can RSVP on our online calendar! 

Volunteer Training
Volunteer Orientation, Thursday, February 20, 6:30- 7:30PM (all ages)
Are you interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough? Come join us for volunteer orientation and learn about the various ways you can donate your time and talents to the playhouse.

Volunteer Orientation, Saturday, February 22, 1:30- 2:30PM (all ages)
Are you interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough? Come join us for volunteer orientation and learn about the various ways you can donate your time and talents to the playhouse.

Literacy & Math Tutor Training, Tuesday, February 25, 6:30- 8:30PM (all ages)
We need tutors! GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough is proud that we can offer one-on-one literacy and math tutoring; however we can’t do it without tutors.  Are you interested? A 10-week commitment is required, but we guarantee it will be the most rewarding 10 weeks you will experience. Tutoring sessions are once a week for about 45 min to an hour; the times vary per participant based on the tutor and the participant’s availability.

This volunteer position requires that you must be at least 18 years old or have an adult chaperone present during sessions.  Being a tutor does not require being a teacher, just a desire to help others learn.  Training and tutoring materials will be provided to each volunteer from our trained GiGi’s Playhouse Literacy and Math Coordinators.

For more information contact Anne at LiteracyHillsborough@gigisplayhouse.org or Merry at MathHillsborough@gigisplayhouse.org. Please RSVP online to reserve your training materials!