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

Volunteer Orientation

October 2 @ 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!

Karate Kickers (8+ years)

October 4 and 18 @ 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)

October 5 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

** New Day **

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.

GiGiFIT Adult (18+ years)

October 7, 14, 21 and 28 @ 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 limited this session. Please be sure you can attend for the full 12 weeks prior to signing up. We want to make sure our friends who can commit to the full session are able to participate. Please RSVP here.

Music In Motion (13+ years)

October 7 and 21 @ 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)

October 12 @ 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!

Open Play (all ages)

October 14 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 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!

Art Explosion (13+ years)

October 14 and 28 @ 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!

Gratitude Committee (20+ years)

October 15 @ 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)

October 17 @ 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.

Get Down For Down Syndrome Dance-a-Thon

October 19 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Why are we getting down for Down syndrome? Because ACCEPTANCE MATTERS. Because EMPOWERMENT MATTERS. Because LOVE MATTERS. Playhouse families, volunteers, sponsors and friends will unite on Saturday, October 19th, at St Joseph’s Parish Center in Camillus in support of individuals with Down syndrome at GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse’s 2nd annual Get Down for Down Syndrome Dance-a-Thon! With your support, we will be raising awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. All donations will support our FREE purposeful programs that help kids and adults with Down syndrome improve their speech, literacy, math, fitness, career skills, and self-confidence. Thank you for your belief & support!

For more information and to register, sponsor or donate, please go to our Dance-a-Thon page!

Kids Club/Playhouse Pals (5-12 years)

October 20 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

** We are meeting at SweetFrog, 8063 Brewerton Road, Cicero. Please be sure to RSVP! **

Kids Club/Playhouse Pals is an interactive and engaging program for participants ages 5 through 12. We support the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program may also support gross motor skills through active games, fine motor, and self-help skills through meal/snack preparation and activities.

Friends of all abilities are welcome & wanted! Please RSVP so we can best prepare for the fun!

Friends, Fun & Fitness (12+ years)

October 22 @ 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)

October 22 @ 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!

Halloween Spooktacular with 93Q | 5-8pm

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.