September Program Buzz
Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Volunteer Orientation
September 4 @ 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)
September 6, 20 and 27 @ 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. **
Literacy Meet and Greet
September 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Parents, students and volunteers participating in the Fall 2019 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!
LMNOP (0-3 years)
September 14 @ 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!
Kids Club/Playhouse Pals (5-12 years)
September 15 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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!
Open Play (all ages)
September 15 @ 3:00 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!
Gratitude Committee (20+ years)
September 17 @ 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)
September 19 @ 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.
Destination Discovery (all ages)
September 21 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
*** We are meeting at Shove Park in Camillus this month! Please RSVP so we know you are joining us! ***
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.
Music In Motion (13+ years)
September 23 @ 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!
Friends, Fun & Fitness (12+ years)
September 24 @ 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)
September 24 @ 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!
Buddy Walk
September 29 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Please join us for the NDSS Buddy Walk at Long Branch Park!
We are so excited to announce that GiGi’s Playhouse is the new host of the annual NDSS Buddy Walk! Festivities will include the walk, lunch, raffles, GiGi’s program spotlights and lots of FUN, FUN, FUN for our families! Most importantly, the Buddy Walk is an opportunity to celebrate achievements and raise awareness within our community and to change the way the world views Down syndrome, together.
For more information and to register, sponsor or donate, please go to our Buddy Walk page!
Art Explosion (13+ years)
September 30 @ 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!
