Registration for Summer 2025 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs is Now Open!
April 8, 2025
Registration for our FREE therapeutic-based and educational programming in Brentwood this summer is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer.
The summer semester begins on June 2nd, and wraps up on July 31st. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are scheduled to take place betweenMonday, June 2nd and Thursday, July 31st.
Our Program Coordinator, Tracie, will work with each student and tutor pair to schedule a weekly tutoring session. We currently offer tutoring for:
Create OR log-in to your My GiGi’s account. Click here for more information.
To register for a program, click on the desired session on our website calendar and click the Register button. If you are registering for a weekly program, the system will automatically register you for all sessions!
You can also register for a program by clicking the program name in this blog post! It will automatically open the shift from our calendar for you to click “register.”
If you have any technical issues or additional questions, feel free to email our Program Manager, Emily, at [email protected].
Recommended for ages 0-36 months: Language Music N‘ Our Peeps is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities.
Dates: 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, and 7/24 | Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Recommended for ages 4-8: These Kitchen Kids sessions are all about playful learning and sensory exploration! Tailored for younger participants, activities blend early kitchen skills with imaginative storytelling, themed snacks, and interactive fun. Each week starts with a story to spark curiosity and is followed by a simple, guided snack-making activity.
Parents, caregivers, and siblings are encouraged to join in, making it a joyful opportunity for connection, communication, and creativity. These sessions focus more on social interaction, motor skill development, and introducing kitchen basics in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Participants ages 9-12 will dive deeper into nutrition, food preparation, and kitchen safety. With guidance from program leaders, each session includes skill-building activities such as measuring, chopping, identifying ingredients, and preparing a healthy snack or light meal.
These sessions go beyond the basics- focusing more on independence and confidence in the kitchen, encouraging participants to work together, follow multi-step directions, and develop wellness habits that last a lifetime. As always, sessions are interactive, fun, and designed to build friendships along the way!
Dates & Time: Every Monday (2-3PM) & Wednesday (1-2PM) between 6/2-7/30
Designed for kids ages 5–12, these weekly workshops blend fun, creativity, and skill-building, all led by passionate Occupational Therapy Doctoral students from Belmont University.
Each session focuses on key developmental areas like motor skills, communication, and social interaction through hands-on, play-based themes your child will love. This summer’s lineup includes: 🎨 Art Exploration 📚 Books Come Alive 🏗️ Build It 🏃 Field Day
Whether your child is a builder, an artist, or always on the move, they’ll find something to love (and grow from) at Destination Discovery. Join us for a season full of laughter, learning, and new friends! Workshops are offered twice a week- sign up for one or both days, whatever works best for your summer.
Recommended for ages 13-17: At Teen Tastic, you can expect a mix of games, new activities, and plenty of time to socialize with friends—both with and without Down syndrome. As we dive into exciting new hobbies and team-based activities, we’ll also focus on building important skills like responsibility, setting expectations, and navigating community spaces. It’s all about learning, connecting, and having a great time together!
Recommended for ages 13-17: GiGi’s Kitchen Teen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!
Recommended for ages 13+: Develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness! Yoga gives individuals with Down syndrome a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development. Yoga programs will help your participant develop more personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage their emotions and impulses.
Recommended for ages 13+: SHiNE Dance Fitness™ brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet with the perfect balance of cardio and dance. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected.
Dates & Time: Every Tuesday & Thursday from 2:30-4:00PM between 6/3-7/31
Designed and led by passionate Occupational Therapy Doctoral students from Belmont University, these sessions offer so much more than just an activity; they’re opportunities to build real-life skills in ways that feel natural, empowering, and engaging.
Each week brings a new theme, like Field Day, Hobby Exploration, Games with Friends, and Life & Workplace Skills, all centered around movement, connection, and personal growth. Whether your participant is learning how to navigate routines, explore new interests, or simply enjoy time with peers, these workshops support it all through a supportive OT lens.
It’s a great way to keep summer exciting while working on the things that matter most. We’re offering these workshops twice a week. Join us for one or both sessions each week, based on what fits your schedule!
GiGi’s Achievers
Participants must be 18+: This summer, we’re excited to offer two sessions of GiGi’s Achievers, a program designed to empower adults with Down syndrome through continued learning, purposeful engagement, and real-world skill-building. Interactive and engaging lessons will focus on communication, self-awareness, independence, wellness, and community involvement through hands-on experiences in a supportive, inclusive setting. This program and its content are heavily influenced by the feedback and input received from families and participants within our local community. Our aim is to ensure we are addressing the needs of adults with Down syndrome and assisting them in achieving their individual goals.
This summer, Achievers is a great way for returning Adult Education participants to stay connected and for new families to explore what our Adult Ed & Career Training programs at GiGi’s can offer.
To help accommodate different schedules, we’re offering two options:
Green Team Mondays · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Dates: 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28
We can only accept 6 participants into each of the teams for this Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered for each team, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily, Program Manager, at [email protected], or Denise, Executive Director, at [email protected].
Recommended for ages 18+: Fantastic Friends is all aboutmaking connections, having fun, and doing what YOU love. From exciting group activities to engaging games, every session is packed with laughter and purpose. You’ll get the chance to chat, play, try new things, and stay active with games that get you moving. With a focus on building social skills, boosting conversation, and simply having a good time, Fantastic Friends is the place to be for new experiences, lasting friendships, and plenty of fun!
Recommended for ages 18+: Designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, cooking techniques, and nutrition.
We are thrilled you are interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville! Here are the different ways you can get involved:
Program Leader: The Program Leader plays an integral role within GiGi’s Playhouse Programs – to facilitate skill development activities and connect with families. It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and/or training in the program subject, such as developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art, or a related field.
Program Volunteers: This person will assist the program lead, and the number of volunteers depends on the size and type of program. Program volunteers just need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation)!
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to a 9-week session. You will work with Tracie and the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week. For more information about literacy tutoring, click here. For more information on math tutoring, click here.
Host Family: The Host Family attends programs to support new families, assist others with check-in/check-out, and make all feel welcome at GiGi’s. Please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Tracie, at [email protected] if you are interested in being a Host Family!
For any questions about Summer 2025 Programs or the registration process please email:
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