October Special Events & Programs

October is almost here, and at GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough the calendar 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.

Special Events
Pinnacle Charity 5K and 1 Mile Walk benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough, Sunday, October 6
Registrants can run or walk. Individuals with Down syndrome, their siblings and friends are all invited to Dash for Down Syndrome too! The race begins at 9AM, the walk starts at 9:15AM and the Dash will happen during the Post-Race Party!  Register today at runsignup.com/pinnaclehealthandfitness5k.
Volunteers can sign up online to help before and during the race at https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NJ/Hillsborough/HRCFitnessCharity5K.
Volunteers can sign up online to help with the Post Race Party at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44A8A629A6FC1-5kpost.

Family Speaker, Thursday, October 10, 7- 9PM (Parents & caregivers)
Our guest speaker will discuss Effective Inclusive Education and answer your questions!

Shop for a Cause, Saturday, October 19, 12- 4PM
We have partnered with J. Crew in the Bridgewater Commons Mall for a special event! A percentage of all purchases made during the event will be donated back to GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough.

Table or Treat, Sunday, October 26, 12- 2PM (all ages)
Our friends from the Woman’s Club of Hillsborough are organizing our annual indoor Trick or Treating Event. It will be an afternoon of holiday fun, crafts and games.
If you would like to decorate a table and hand out treats, please sign up online as space is limited.
If you plan on trick-or-treating, please RSVP online so that our table decorators know how many treats to bring.

Purposeful Programs
Fantastic Friends, October 4, 7- 9PM (ages 18+)
A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Destination Discovery, Saturday, October 5, 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.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Yoga, Wednesday, October 9, 6- 7PM (ages 13+)
Program leader Alison Koblin is an occupational therapist who will lead the gentle yoga class. Space is limited to 10 participants; please RSVP to reserve your yoga mat.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

TEAM, Thursday, October 10, 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. During TEAM, we will spend time devoted to nutrition and exercise before enjoying a healthy meal prepared by the group!
Please RSVP to guarantee enough food for everyone.

Nuestros Angeles, viernes 11 de octubre, de 7 a 9 p.m. (Todas las edades)
Este programa brinda apoyo, amistad, trabajo en red y socialización para familias de habla hispana.
Por favor confirme su asistencia en línea.

Friends, Fun & Fitness, Saturday, October 12, 11AM- 12PM (ages 10+)
Led by retired Social Worker Virginia, this program rotates every month between Zumba and Drums Alive. This month will be Drums Alive and space is limited to ten (10) participants. Please RSVP online.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Cooking Club, Saturday, October 12, 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.
Please RSVP to guarantee enough food for everyone.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Art Explosion, Thursday, October 17, 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.
Please RSVP online so we can guarantee art supplies for everyone.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Volunteer Orientation, Thursday, October 17, 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 & talents to the playhouse.

Fantastic Friends, October 18, 7- 9PM (ages 18+)
A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.

2 & Under Playgroup, Saturday, October 19, 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.
Please RSVP online.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Leaps & Bounds, Saturday, October 19, 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.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Playhouse Pals, Saturday, October 19, 12- 2PM (ages 6- 9 years)
This program will help promote friendships, social skills and peer interactions through creative and social activities.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Volunteer Orientation, Saturday, October 19, 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 & talents to the playhouse.

Yoga, Wednesday, October 23, 6- 7PM (ages 13+)
Program leader Alison Koblin is an occupational therapist who will lead the gentle yoga class.
Space is limited to 10 participants; please RSVP here to reserve your yoga mat.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

TEAM, Thursday, October 24, 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. During TEAM, we will spend time devoted to nutrition and exercise before enjoying a healthy meal prepared by the group!
Please RSVP to guarantee enough food for everyone.

Teen Tastic, Friday, October 25, 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.
Please RSVP so we can have enough program materials.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!

Karate Kickers, Monday, October 28, 6:30- 7:30PM (ages 10+)
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.
Space is limited; please RSVP online.
Volunteers sign up online to help at the program!