Social Skills Camp Builds Confidence and Friendships 2026
This summer, GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento | Down Syndrome Achievement Center welcomed dozens of participants to Social Skills Camp, hosted by Capital KIDS Occupational Therapy (Capital Kids). Over the course of five weeks, children and teens with Down syndrome built confidence, strengthened friendships, and developed important social and emotional skills through engaging activities in a welcoming and supportive environment.
With three weeks dedicated to teen sessions and two weeks focused on kids’ sessions, participants had the opportunity to practice communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation while having fun with peers and creating lasting memories.
From the very first day, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities, and celebrate each other’s successes. Through interactive games, crafts, and hands-on activities, campers explored emotions, practiced communication skills, learned the importance of positive self-talk, and discovered ways to build and strengthen friendships.
Learning Through Play
Activities like calming breathwork, yoga techniques, making friendship bracelets, and even creating delicious Rice Krispie treats gave participants opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn skills they can carry with them long after camp ended.
One of the biggest highlights of each session was ending the day with everyone’s favorite activity—karaoke! Participants cheered each other on, celebrated one another’s individuality, and built confidence through music, laughter, and fun.
At the end of each session, participants celebrated their accomplishments during graduation ceremonies, where their growth, achievements, and new friendships were recognized.
Building Confidence Through Connection
When asked what they learned during camp, participants shared:
Payton: “How to be a good friend.”
Kassidy: “How to make a friendship bracelet.”
June: “I learned about empathy and comforting friends.”
Sofia: “Communicating with others.”
Aidan: “How to make friends.”
Jonah: “Positive self-talk.”
Lance: “Singing and doing self-affirmations in the mirror.”
Nic: “Being a good friend.”
These reflections capture what Social Skills Camp is truly about—building confidence, encouraging independence, and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to develop meaningful friendships while feeling accepted and supported.
Families See the Impact
The impact of Social Skills Camp extends far beyond the participants. Families shared how meaningful it was to watch their loved ones grow, connect with others, and gain confidence throughout the program.
Nic’s mom, Nicole, shared:
“Nic got to participate in two of the three weeklong Social Skills for Teens programs this summer. I was a little nervous since it was his first year as a teen, but I should have known better. The older teens were so welcoming and kind, already living GiGi’s mission of Acceptance for All. The Capital KIDS OTs came incredibly well prepared, and Nic loved it so much that he bounced out of bed every morning asking if it was a ‘skills’ day. One of my favorite things was seeing several participants who are usually more reserved during programs jumping right in and participating all week. It was a joy to watch the teens build confidence, make connections, and simply have fun together.”
Tammy, Tyler’s mom, shared:
“Making friends has been a struggle for Tyler, so seeing him make friends while learning and practicing social skills at this program this week has been such a blessing.”
Parents and grandparents also shared additional feedback about their experiences:
“Such a valuable program.”
“Sad it’s ending.”
“So well organized and prepared. I was really impressed with how they were able to get everyone to participate and feel comfortable.”
“Happy to see my child participating and their growth throughout the week.”
“Loved it. Thank you for everything.”
A Special Thank You to Capital KIDS Occupational Therapy
We are incredibly grateful to the amazing volunteers from Capital KIDS Occupational Therapy for helping make Social Skills Camp such a success. Their expertise, creativity, and compassion created an environment where every participant felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Their team thoughtfully designed engaging activities that helped participants strengthen communication, build friendships, and develop skills that will continue to benefit them long after camp ended.
One occupational therapist shared:
“It was nice to see the kids branch out and build relationships with those who they didn’t know.”
Creating Opportunities to Thrive
At GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento, we believe every individual deserves opportunities to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and reach their greatest potential.
Because of our dedicated volunteers, community partners, and generous donors, programs like Social Skills Camp are offered completely FREE to families. This ensures that children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome have access to meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive regardless of financial circumstances.
You can help make programs like Social Skills Camp possible. Whether you volunteer your time, support our FREE programs, or DONATE, your generosity helps individuals with Down syndrome build confidence, develop lifelong friendships, and reach their fullest potential.
Learn more about our FREE educational and therapeutic programs, Volunteer – Sacramento opportunities, and ways to support GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento | Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Together, we can continue creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this summer’s Social Skills Camp such a memorable success. We are incredibly proud of every participant and can’t wait to see the confidence, friendships, and skills they continue to build long after camp has ended.
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