April 2021 Activities
We are so excited to soon be transitioning to offer some in-person programs! Actually, we’ll be offering many in a hybrid format; which means some in-person participants and some virtual participants. We will continue to follow CDC guidelines and take all precautions necessary to keep our friends and families safe.
It will be important in the coming weeks/months to carefully read the description for each program and the RSVP for the attendance option you prefer. RSVPs will continue to be required as we are limited to the number of in-person participants. Please only RSVP your loved one with Down syndrome and one parent/guardian. At this time, second parents and siblings are asked to not attend.
Local Programs
Family Speaker Series: Take Time for YOU! (Hybrid session with in-person and virtual attendance options!)
Thursday, April 8th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join our Occupational Therapy Intern, Paige, for a discussion on stress relief, life balance, and self-care.
There will be tips, tricks, and gifts!
Limited in-person RSVPs accepted.
If you chose to join us here at the Playhouse: masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing will be implemented. A COVID-19 questionnaire will need to be completed at the entrance of the Playhouse and temperatures taken. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Click here to RSVP for Thursday, April 8th from 5:30 -6:30 PM!
Teen Tastic (Virtual and In-Person Options)
This group promotes friendship, social interactions, communication through a variety of social activities, outings, and games for teens. Recommended for all teens ages 13-17. Participants in Teen Tastic gain confidence, leadership skills, and empowerment while working as part of a team or on individual projects and tasks. If you, or your child, are looking for opportunities to socialize, practice your leadership skills, and be a part of amazing creative projects, then Teen Tastic is the right group for you!
Teen Tastic supports the therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome. Our goals include achieving the following:
- social skills increase, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
- language development increase, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation, and non-verbal social language.
- Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
- Increase fine motor skills & self-help skills through participation in various activities.
RSVPs are required.
VIRTUAL Session – Click here to RSVP for Friday, April 16th from 6-8 PM!
HYBRID Session – Click here to RSVP for Friday, April 30th from 6-8 PM!
Fantastic Friends (Virtual and In-Person Options)
Fantastic Friends is an interactive and engaging program recommended for adults ages 18 and up. This program is built to include adults with Down syndrome and those without Down syndrome. We support the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Adult participants participate in the planning of activities so that everything the group does is based on interests. During Fantastic Friends, the group may explore their local community by participating in outings and events. This program may also support gross motor skills through active games.
Fantastic Friends supports therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome, with goals of achieving the following:
- Increase social skills, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
- Increase language development, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation, and non-verbal social language.
- Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
In addition, the family will receive a Best of All book to build knowledge and:
- Understand the purpose behind all of GiGi’s Playhouse programs.
- Implement activities at home to build skills and increase language development
RSVPs are required.
VIRTUAL Session – Click here to RSVP for Friday, April 16th from 6-8 PM!
HYBRID Session – Click here to RSVP for Friday, April 30th from 6-8 PM!
Virtual Dance (5-12 years)
This 6-week session began on March 20th!
This program introduces different dance styles, techniques, and movements! Encouraging movement through fun and interactive dance moves and routines.
The goals of this program include:
- Improve gross motor skills
- Increase mental and muscle memory
- Increase cardiovascular conditions, strength, flexibility, and coordination
At-Home-Kits props and materials provided.
Individual participants will have an opportunity to join us in person on a Saturday of their choosing.
RSVP for Dance is closed.
Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult
GiGi’s Kitchen begins Tuesday, March 9th, and will continue till April 27th.
GiGi’s Kitchen 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, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult is recommended for ages 13-18+.
Applications are closed!
Visit here to read more about GiGi’s Kitchen and all the other amazing programs offered!
LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (0-3 years)
No LMNOP in April BUT we’re planning for a hybrid session in May. Stay tuned!
LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. We recommend this program for ages birth-3 years. This program is led by certified Music Therapist Ms. Misty with Quad City Music Therapy.
One-on-One Programs
Summer 2021 Tutoring & Speech Applications Open SOON for Participants!
The summer session begins the week of May 31st and is 10 weeks long.
Tutoring and speech like all programs at GiGi’s are FREE!
See additional information about these purposeful programs by clicking below!
Participant Applications open on April 18th!
Volunteer at GiGi’s
New Volunteer Orientation – Virtual
GiGi’s is a volunteer-run organization. New volunteers must attend an orientation to learn more about GiGi’s, Down syndrome, and the volunteer process. Come learn about all of the GiGi’s Playhouse programs and events and how you can get involved.
With over 3,900 volunteer hours at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities in 2019, we cannot do what we do without our amazing volunteers and we make training a priority!
If you have not completed the Volunteer Interest Form via our website yet, please do so prior to attending the orientation.
Our National Office is holding two Volunteer Orientation sessions in April.
Visit the GiGi’s At Home Calendar to RSVP!
GiGi’s At Home Programs
GiGi’s at Home offers live virtual programs and programs on demand with participants from around the world!
Yes, around the WORLD!
Click HERE to explore the site and view current program offerings.
GiGi’s at Home On Demand is our way of bringing 150+ purposeful programs to you at a time that is convenient for you. You will have access to program recordings, lesson plans, and activities to use when you are ready.
GiGi’s at Home Live is our way of bringing 28+ purposeful programs to you every week at a specific time. This allows you to interact with our volunteer program leaders and fellow participants engaging in purposeful activities designed for your loved one’s age group.
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