Building Confidence Through Care: Our Teddy Bear Clinic Is for Everyone!

Join us on Saturday, June 21st for a playful and interactive healthcare experience for kids, teens, and adults with Down syndrome.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, we’re always finding new ways to make learning fun, build confidence, and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday, June 21 – a one-of-a-kind, interactive event that blends play with practical life skills, easing healthcare anxieties and boosting familiarity with medical settings in a safe and joyful environment.

Whether your loved one is a toddler, teenager, or adult, this event is for participants of all ages, and we can’t wait to welcome you!

What Is a Teddy Bear Clinic?

The Teddy Bear Clinic is a creative, hands-on event where participants bring their favorite stuffed animal (a teddy bear, doll, or plush friend) and guide them through a simulated doctor’s visit. With support from our friends at Frist Medical School, attendees will rotate through a series of fun and educational “medical” stations. These might include:

• Height & Weight Checks
• Temperature Taking
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Stethoscope Listening
• X-Ray Reading
• Bandaging & First Aid
• Hand Washing & Hygiene Stations

Participants will engage in each activity using their stuffed animal as the “patient,” which helps take the fear and uncertainty out of medical procedures. Our hope is to reduce common anxieties around doctor visits and empower participants to feel more confident and in control during their real-life healthcare experiences.

Why This Clinic Matters

For many individuals with Down syndrome, unfamiliar environments, especially doctor’s offices, can be overwhelming or even frightening. Medical appointments often involve new people, equipment, sounds, and physical sensations, all of which can trigger stress or discomfort.

The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to be a low-pressure, play-based way to explore medical routines. With volunteers and medical students leading each station gently and clearly, our participants will:

• Learn what to expect at common doctor visits
• Practice medical routines in a safe, familiar setting
• Ask questions and explore tools like stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs
• Build confidence and trust in healthcare environments

We believe in equipping our participants with not only academic skills but life skills—and this event is a wonderful opportunity to do just that.

Great for All Ages

While the term “Teddy Bear Clinic” might sound like it’s only for little ones, we’ve designed this event with every age group in mind. Our early learners will enjoy the fun of bandaging up their teddy bears and exploring the doctor’s toolkit. Our school-age participants can take a more active role in leading their stuffed animals through the check-up process. And our teens and adults will gain age-appropriate exposure to health routines that are especially relevant as they take on more personal responsibility and independence.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like seeing adults and kids alike light up as they take care of their stuffed animal “patients.” Whether you’re 4 or 40, this experience is filled with joy, laughter, and empowerment.

A Special Thanks to Frist Medical School

We’re incredibly grateful to our event partners at Frist Medical School for making this event possible. Their medical students will be volunteering their time, compassion, and expertise to guide each participant through the different stations. Not only does this partnership bring professional insight to the experience, but it also fosters a beautiful connection between future healthcare providers and the Down syndrome community—something we are always proud to be part of.

How to Register

Registration is free, but space is limited—so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

🧸 Event Date: Saturday, June 21
📍 Location: GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm
🔗 Register Here: Click to register

Bring your favorite teddy bear (or plush pal) and get ready for a day of learning, play, and confidence-building. We can’t wait to see you there!