January Program Buzz
Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Destination Discovery (all ages)
January 4 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Destination Discovery is an interactive and engaging program for participants of all ages and their families. We support the development of motor skills, social skills, and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships.
Destination Discovery is for all ages!! Invite your friends & please RSVP so we can be prepared for all our friends!
Visit us on Facebook to learn this month’s theme and purposeful activities.
Gala Committee Meetings
January 8 and January 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
It is time to plan for this year’s “i have a Voice” Gala! We will be forming committees to help with gathering donations for raffle baskets, logistical help and more. We welcome anyone and everyone to attend!
Please RSVP for January 8 or January 9 so we know how many to expect!
*Note: There are two meetings this week. You do not need to attend both.
LMNOP (0-3 years)
January 11 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Language, Music N’ Our Peeps guides parents and infants/toddlers through learning basic sign language and through incorporating music and dance therapy into daily activities, to stimulate the child. Recommended for children 6-36 months old.
Friends of all abilities are welcome! #inclusion
Please RSVP so we can be properly prepared!
Volunteer Orientation
January 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse? Please join us for an hour of information. You will learn a bit about Down syndrome, the way GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse is supporting individuals with Down syndrome and how you can use your talents to help the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse!
Volunteer Needs include – Program Leaders, Program helpers, Administrative, Cleaners, Event & Group Volunteering Opportunities!
Please let us know you are coming by signing up HERE!
Fantastic Friends (17+ years)
January 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us each month as we do something new and fun! We want to hear what you would like to do! So bring your ideas and we will help you host a Fantastic Friends night.
During this program, we aim to promote positive peer relationships, encourage relationships in the community, and develop our social skills!! Invite your friends, everyone is welcome and inclusion is celebrated!
Please RSVP so we know who will be joining us!
For the most up to date on our monthly activities please follow us on Facebook.
Karate Kickers (8+ years)
January 17, 24 and 31 @ 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
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. Recommended for youths with Down syndrome ages 8 and up.
Goals:
· Increase self-esteem
· Develop cognitive processing skills
· Learn to follow basic visual and verbal instructions
· Improve gross motor skills, coordination and balance
** This is by pre-registration only. For information on the next session, please email hrodriguez@gigisplayhouse.org. **
Open Play (all ages)
January 18 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This program invites families and their friends to the Playhouse for playtime! Open Play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, as well as support and networking for current families. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time!
Please RSVP so we know you are joining us!
Adult participants, this is a great opportunity to volunteer and be mentors to our younger friends!
Gratitude Committee (20+ years)
January 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join this core group of adult volunteers (ages 20+) to hand-craft thank you cards for our amazing donors, as well as assist the office with other playhouse projects. We provide the supplies, you provide the gratitude!
Please RSVP here!
Literacy Meet and Greet
January 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Parents, students and volunteers participating in the Winter 2020 Literacy session are invited to this informal meet and greet. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the volunteer who will be your tutor this session. Tutors will have the opportunity to learn more about the students they will be teaching.
Please RSVP so we know who will be joining us!
Friends, Fun & Fitness (12+ years)
January 28 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us for a fun & exciting time! This one-hour workout session focuses on building muscle tone and endurance, and is open to individuals with Down syndrome & their friends of all abilities (12 & up)! Each week we will encourage each other to give our #bestofall.
Goals:
· Increase knowledge and understanding of the importance of physical activity for teens/ young adults with DS
· Increase physical activity levels through various types of exercise
· Motivate participants to independently practice various physical activities at home/ in the community.
Please RSVP so we know you are joining us!
Gluten Free Cooking (12+ years)
January 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Get cooking with your friends at GiGi’s! This program is geared toward building safety awareness in the kitchen and preparing healthy, gluten-free recipes that taste great. During each program, we will make and eat a gluten-free entree and dessert to enjoy!
Recommended for youth, teens and adults (12 & up).
Please RSVP so we have enough food for everyone!
