Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Karate Kickers (8+ years)

November 1, 8, 15 and 22 @ 4:30 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. **

Destination Discovery (all ages)

November 2 @ 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.

GiGi’s Syracuse’s 7th Birthday!

November 3 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

It’s our Birthday and we want to celebrate with you!

Please join us at the Playhouse on Sunday, November 3rd, from 2-4pm to celebrate our 7th birthday! There will be games, snacks, crafts and cake (including gluten free)!

*Please consider donating items from our wish list to help us stock up for the Winter months: paper towels, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues, toilet paper, gluten-free snacks and gift cards to Wegmans, Costco, Amazon and Walmart.

Thank you!

Invite your friends and family & please help us prepare by RSVPing.

GiGiFIT Adult (18+ years)

November 4, 11, 18 and 25 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

GiGiFIT is a session based program that meets a minimum of one day per week. The goal is for participants to exercise and learn nutritional information to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle that helps them achieve their #bestofall!

Participants age 18 and up will be expected to continue the exercises they learn outside of the day(s) they meet. They will also be keeping a journal to track their eating habits. All classes will be led by volunteer leaders with a fitness background.

A Physician Approval Form will need to be completed and returned at the first class in order to participate.

Space is full this session. Registration for our Winter session will open in December.

Music In Motion (13+ years)

November 4, 18 and 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

This program for ages 13 and up will be learning songs and practicing different handheld instruments in preparation for our Christmas party in December. We will meet every other Monday through early December.

Please let us know you will be joining in the fun by RSVPing!

LMNOP (0-3 years)

November 9 @ 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!

Art Explosion (13+ years)

November 11 and 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

This program for ages 13 and up will be creating art pieces in preparation for our Christmas party in December. We will meet every other Monday through early December.

Please RSVP so we have enough supplies for everyone!

Volunteer Orientation

November 13 @ 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 assistants, Administrative help, Cleaners, Event & Group Volunteering Opportunities!

Please let us know you are coming by signing up HERE!

Gratitude Committee (20+ years)

November 19 @ 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!

Fantastic Friends (17+ years)

November 21 @ 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.

Friends, Fun & Fitness (12+ years)

November 26 @ 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!

As we at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse look to add more and more FREE purposeful programming we need you! Family input, volunteer hosts, family hosts, etc.  Always feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions on how we can make your GiGi’s experience the very best! syracuse@gigisplayhouse.org.