Extra! Extra! Read All About It! March 21st is National Down Syndrome Awareness Day!
5 Summer Activities and 5 Strategies to Improve Engagement this Summer
By: Eliza Brooks, OTD
Looking for summer activities and strategies to improve social participation with someone with Down syndrome? Check out these organizations’ calendars before they are full! As you know structured events provided a safe and engaging space to practice all those wonderful skills your loved one is learning in therapy. These events vary from overnight camps to day time week programs, or community events to add to your routine, explore what fits your needs. As you know social participation is a meaningful and essential part of an individual’s development and mood regulator.
- GiGi’s Playhouse: C&FD loves GiGi’s playhouse. They a changing lives through FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs. Programs to support all ages: Early Learners, School Aged Learners, Teenagers, and Adults. Activities support mental and physical growth. GiGi’s Playhouse partners with Special Olympics and has several programs for your child including but not limited to: Language Music ‘N Our Peeps (LMNOP), Leaps and Bounds, GiGiFIT Teen, Teen Tastic, GiGi’s Kitchen Teen, Music Makers, Fantastic Friends. Check them out and experience the fun for yourself.
https://gigisplayhouse.org/charlotte/sfcalendar/?eventId=a0VVS000001OFlP2AW
- Come-See-Me Festival 2025
April 3, 4, 5th in Rock Hill, SC
Explore the fun with this FREE music, food, and craft festival. Practice trying a new food, or meeting a new person, or just sitting back and watching all the events. A whole weekend of fun.
https://www.comeseeme.org/events/
- Bitty and Beau’s: Quench your thirst. This café celebrates diversity and serves up opportunities to people with unique abilities. With locations all over the country, it is an honor to have one in South End right here in Charlotte, NC. Experience quality service with a friendly smile and great coffee, smoothies, and treats.
- Camp Holiday
https://dsagreatercharlotte.org/programs/camps/
Celebrates individuals with Downs Syndrome in day camps: For campers ages 5-21. Activities include: arts/crafts, drama, music, yoga, ,movement classes and so much more!.
Camp Holiday provides a unique opportunities through play where campers can develop and foster social and communication skills.
Scholarships, Angel Guyeska, available through application on website.
- Camp Horizon
Overnight Camp: August 13th-16th, 2025. Camp Horizon is a 4 day-3 night experience at Camp Harrison in Boomer, NC. Accessible for campers ages 10-17. Activities include horseback riding, arts/crats, boating, swimming, and more. There is a 1:1 counselor/camper ratio.
** Camp Horizon provides a unique opportunity to provide scholarships available through application.
https://dsagreatercharlotte.org/programs/camps/
**5 GREAT TIPS for Improved Social Participation**
- Speak clearly and calmly so individual can learn from you
- Sing songs and books to help with sounds and word recognition.
- Use a routine to help child feel secure and relaxed.
- Encourage walks, getting sufficient sunlight, and fresh air.
- Use pictures to encourage language development
The physical therapists at C&FD can be a great resources for families in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas! If you have questions about your child’s development, request an appointment with us today!
