The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

African American & Multicultural Family Support Meeting
2024-04-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us as we kickstart this family support group. Niasha Fray with Niasha Fray Consulting is sponsoring and facilitating this event. We are excited to support the AAMC group and look forward to providing more supports throughout the year with our support group leads: Jeanette Little and Sybil Gaines.

Parent's Night with Piedmont Music Therapy
2024-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | 224 Westinghouse Boulevard, Suite #608, Charlotte 28273, 224 Westinghouse Boulevard, Suite #608, Charlotte, NC, 28273
Parents and guardians are invited to join this evening workshop to explore wellness through music. Attendees will have an opportunity to play instruments, reflect on favorites, sing songs or chants, and much more to assist in coping skills and stress management! This will be led by Gabby Jones, a music therapist on staff passionate about promoting self-care for those who care for others!

Mother's Day Out- Huntersville
2024-05-11 17:00 - 20:00 | 14503 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, 14503 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
Mother’s Day is coming up!! This day is coordinated for Mom’s (birth and adoptive) of individuals with Down syndrome for time to get together in fellowship and some time to get away. Enjoy an evening out on the porch, enjoy board games, beer or wine, and a food truck. First drink is on US!!
RSVP by May 10.

Spring Adult Weekend Retreat
2024-05-17 17:00 - 2024-05-19 14:00 | YMCA Camp Thunderbird, 1 Thunderbird Way, Lake Wylie, NC, United States
The Adult Weekend Retreat is a 3-day/2-night overnight camp experience for all adults with Down syndrome, ages 18 and above. The Retreats occur two times per year on location near Lake Wylie in South Carolina. The Retreats also offer a 3:1 participant-to-counselor ratio. The counselors support the vocational trainings and work closely with the adult participants to provide the best experience possible! We also welcome other adults with intellectual disabilities to join us if space allows.

Dad's Night Out- Kannapolis
2024-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingpin Underground, 207 B West Ave, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, United States
Bowling at Kingpin Underground from 7pm-9pm.

This night is coordinated for Dad’s of individuals with Down syndrome for time to get together in fellowship and a night to get away.

18th Annual DSAGC Golf Tournament
2024-05-31 08:00 - 16:00

18th Annual DSAGC Golf Tournament
2024-05-31 08:00 - 17:00 | Rocky River Golf Course, 6900 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC, 28027, United States
WHY DO WE HOST THE DSAGC TOURNAMENT??

The DSAGC is a 501 (c)(3) organization and all net proceeds will benefit youth and adults with Down syndrome through camp opportunities provided by the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. We also work diligently to ensure there are resources available, social events, parent meetups, workshops, volunteer opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome, and work throughout the year via medical and educational outreach
We host three Camp experiences throughout the year: Adult Weekend Retreat (18+), Camp Holiday (Summer Day- 5-21) and Camp Horizon (10-17).
Camp Horizon offers a camp experience for children with Down syndrome, ages 10-17. This exciting 4 day overnight camp program offers a special and safe place where campers can share common experiences, discover new abilities, develop friendships, and enjoy the beauty of nature! To learn more about DSA of Greater Charlotte’s Camp Programs, please visit www.DSAGreaterCharlotte.org

Developmental Milestones Workshop + Little Buddies Playdate
2024-07-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Playroom Social, 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Concord, NC, 28025, United States
An interactive session to expand your knowledge on developmental milestones for children ages 12-24 months. You will be provided with practical strategies to support your child’s motor skills, sensory processing, communication skills, and overall development. You will have the opportunity to connect with other parents/caregivers in a supportive environment to share experiences, insights, and resources to help overcome daily challenges for children with Down syndrome.
This workshop will take place during the Little Buddie Playdate in the designated play area at Playroom Social. Volunteers will be present to engage with your child, or you are welcome to bring an older sibling to assist, allowing you to attend the workshop simultaneously.
**Children aged 0-5 are welcome to attend this playdate, but please note that the workshop will focus on providing information to parents of children aged 12-24 months.

Couples Respite Weekend with "A Mother's Rest"
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-29 | A Mother’s Rest at Lawton Place Manor, 136 7th Street, Mt Airy, GA, 30563, United States
Three nights of peace, sleep and friendship with other DSAGC and caregiving COUPLES who understand your life. Breakfast is NOT included. Bring your own, eat in, or try one of a dozen+ amazing local restaurants.

Our signature inns function more like AirBnB residences. OPEN KITCHEN, meals are the responsibility of the guests collectively. Cook in or eat out, it’s entirely up to you. Completely casual, totally free-style, sleep as long as you want. Go hiking, enjoy the lake, visit Tallulah Falls, or historic Helen or Clarkesville. Zero expectations of you. You don’t even have to come out of your room if you don’t want to 🙂

Minimum requested donation of $115 directly supports this respite inn. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED! ***If you need a grant, please ask. *** Donate once or set up monthly giving to “pay it forward” for other caregivers. If you need to cancel, donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Junior Achievement Career Readiness Camp (for all ind. with I/DD ages 14 - 35)
2024-08-05 - 2024-08-09 | Junior Acheivement Career Readiness Camp, 1701 North Graham Street, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
In partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Carolinas, JA of Central Carolinas engages students with different abilities in an inclusive summer camp experience. Throughout their week at JA BizTown Adaptive Career Readiness Summer Camp, campers with different skill sets from their peers will work on developing and practicing life skills in hands-on, interactive citizenship role-play that encourages future independent living and career adaptation. This adult-centered approach seeks to foster empowerment for campers to utilize healthy social and interpersonal skills, self-regulation during potentially overwhelming and overstimulating career centered-life activities, advocation for unique needs, and mindfulness for self-care.
Campers will work together on team building games, role-playing employment skills, raising confidence in their strengths for a work force, as well as practicing reading, writing, math, multitasking, and motor skills. Campers will gain valuable experience in writing resumes, working in a team environment, self-regulation in a workplace, and more day-to-day life abilities because all students deserve to feel proud, capable, hopeful, and included in their futures.
NOTE: Students must not have any significant behavioral issues and be able to be independent in the bathroom. This camp does require active engagement. Please contact ctaylor@jacarolinas.org if you are unsure if this camp is the best fit for your student.

Camp Horizon Overnight Retreat (youth with Ds ages 10 - 17)
2024-08-14 - 2024-08-17 | YMCA Camp Harrison, 7901 NC-18, Boomer, NC, 28606, United States
Camp Horizon is a 4-day/3-night traditional overnight experience at YMCA Camp Harrison in Boomer, NC. Participating campers with Down syndrome, ages 10-17, enjoy traditional camp activities, including horseback riding, arts & crafts, boating, fishing, swimming and more. Campers are assigned a 1:1 volunteer counselor for the duration of their time at camp. Camp Horizon builds self-confidence and independence within the context of a traditional sleep-away camp experience.
Scholarships are available for eligible families. To apply for a Camp and/or Retreat “Angel Guyeska” Scholarship, please go to the camp registration site, create an account, and fill out the application form located in the “Camper/Participant Information” section.

Mom's Night Out- Charlotte
2024-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Puttery Charlotte, 210 Rampart St, Charlotte, NC, 28203, United States
Join us for a night out Mom’s in the Down syndrome community. Not only provided for a night of respite but for fellowship and to connect with new and veteran mamas of kiddos with Down syndrome. Enjoy putt putt together (indoors– no one needs to melt in this heat) and enjoy some food and drinks at your leisure.

Summer Family Picnic
2024-08-23 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for a Summer Sendoff Family Picnic with the DSA of Greater Charlotte

We invite families and friends to join us at Pineville Lake Park on Friday August 23 from 5-8pm. We will be hosting under the large shelter (near the playground and a short walk to the splash pad).

Carolinas Homecoming
2024-08-24 18:00 - 21:00
To celebrate the end of summer, we will be dancing the evening away at the CAROLINAS HOMECOMING! The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte and Best Buddies of North Carolina along with Next Step Clubhouse are tri-hosting this special dance. In addition to great music by DJ JOEY, there will be pizza, drinks, snacks, and desserts. The best part? This event is free to attend, and you do not need a ticket to enter.
· Semi-Formal inclusive dance for individuals* 11 and older
· 6:00 to 9:00 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024
· First United Methodist Church of Charlotte’s gym**

Dad's Night Out - Huntersville
2024-08-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Primal Brewery Huntersville, 16432 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
Trivia Night at Primal Brewery-Huntersville

This night is coordinated for Dad’s of individuals with Down syndrome for time to get together in fellowship and a night to get away.

Hip Hop Dance with Ms. April (Virtual Sessions)
2024-09-11 18:30 - 2024-10-19 19:30 | Virtual Event via Zoom
DO YOU LOVE TO DANCE? Join Miss April for a special VIRTUAL Hip Hop Dance class that will end in a LIVE performance at the Buddy Walk on Saturday 10/19/24

Join us for a 6-week series hip hop dance class for ages 9 and up!
Class will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm EST to rehearse a hip hop routine.
All participants will receive a link to the full routine to practice at home between class sessions.
This 5-week course will culminate in a virtual recital at 7pm on the 5th week.
Dancers of all abilities are welcome!
Wednesday, September 11
Wednesday, September 18
Wednesday, September 25Wednesday, October 2
Wednesday October 9
Wednesday, Oct 16 (In-Person at Park Rd Baptist Church)
SATURDAY Oct 19 (LIVE PERFORMANCE at Buddy Walk at 12:30pm)
Registration Fee is $35.00 per participant and covers all 6 classes, including the performance – scholarships are available, please contact victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org.

Fall Adult Weekend Retreat (adults 18+)
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15 | YMCA Camp Thunderbird, 1 Thunderbird Way, Lake Wylie, NC, United States
The Adult Weekend Retreat is a 3-day/2-night overnight camp experience for all adults with Down syndrome, ages 18 and above. The Retreats occur two times per year on location near Lake Wylie in South Carolina. The Retreats also offer a 3:1 participant-to-counselor ratio. The counselors support the vocational trainings and work closely with the adult participants to provide the best experience possible! We also welcome other adults with intellectual disabilities to join us if space allows.
Adult participants will focus on increasing self-confidence and independence through individual, small group and large activities and vocational projects throughout the weekend. For example, participants will learn about and practice Soft Skills for Success, Job Interviews, Appropriate Communication, and other Vocational Readiness skills.
The adults will also have the opportunity to participate in camp activities like Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Fishing, Ziplining, Team Building, Rope Courses, Slip ‘N Slide, a Dance Party, and a Campfire with S’mores.

Mom's Respite Weekend with "A Mother's Rest"
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-16 | A Mother’s Rest at Lawton Place Manor, 136 7th Street, Mt Airy, GA, 30563, United States
Three nights of peace, sleep and friendship with other SN moms, adoptive moms, and adult female caregivers who understand your life challenges. Our signature inns function more like AirBnB residences. Breakfast is not provided. Bring your own, cook in, or eat out! OPEN KITCHEN, meals are the responsibility of the guests collectively. Completely casual, sleep as long as you want. Enjoy our beautiful outdoor pool! Go hiking, enjoy the lake, visit Tallulah Falls, Lake Russell, or historic Helen, Cornelia, Toccoa, or Clarkesville. Zero expectations of you. You don’t even have to come out of your room if you don’t want to 🙂 ** If you need to cancel, donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.**

​Minimum requested donation of $90 per person directly supports our respite inn. ADDITIONAL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED! Donate once or set up monthly giving to “pay it forward” for other caregivers. *** All ticket payments are made as donations to the inn. They are non-refundable if you can to cancel ***
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Throw Down Cornhole Tournament
2024-09-14 16:00 - 18:30 | Hi-Wire Brewing, 340 W Tremont Ave, STE 140, Charlotte, NC, 28203
Come Join Northwestern Mutual and Queen City Cornhole for our 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament! This will be a family-friendly event to be held at HI-WIRE Brewery, with food and alcohol available for purchase.
SIGN UP HERE

T-21 Friends and Siblings (ages 13+) with Movement Martial Arts
2024-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Movement Martial Arts, 584 Indian Trail Rd S, Indian Trail, NC, 28079, United States
In collaboration with Movement Family Martial Arts, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte invites our friends in the Down syndrome community (ages 13+) to bring a sibling and participate in a martial arts session led by Master Majesky. This session offers fun, discipline, skill-building, and bonding, with adaptations as needed.

Annual Greater Charlotte Buddy Walk
2024-10-19 - 2024-10-27 | Kannapolis Cannonballers Ballpark, 2888 Moose Rd, Kannapolis, NC, 28083, United States
A day of inspiration and celebration, the walk brings together the Down syndrome community all while raising funds to support the mission of Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. DSA of Greater Charlotte is a one-stop-shop for information and resources on Down syndrome. The programs it offers are intended to promote the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in their greater community, as well as to offer support and information to families, caregivers, educators, employers and the professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome.

Virtual Improv with The Improvaneer Method
2024-10-31 18:00 - 2024-12-05 19:00
DO YOU LOVE TO HAVE FUN? Build Creativity, interact with peers, grow your skills? Join us for Improv with the amazing Improvaneer Method.

Join us for a 5-week virtual series Improv class for ages 16+ and up!
Class will meet weekly via Zoom on Thursdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm EST to work on a wide variety of skills that lead to an awesome, engaging Improv class. This is a great opportunity for those of ALL abilities.
All participants will receive a link prior to the first class.
Registration Fee is $35.00 per participant and covers all 5 classes – scholarships are available, please contact victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org.

T-21 Friends and Siblings (all ages) with Movement Martial Arts
2024-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Movement Martial Arts, 584 Indian Trail Rd S, Indian Trail, NC, 28079, United States
In collaboration with Movement Family Martial Arts, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte invites our friends in the Down syndrome community (ages 12 and under) to bring a sibling and participate in a martial arts session led by Master Majesky. This session offers fun, discipline, skill-building, and bonding, with adaptations as needed.
*Registration Required*

Mom's Day Out- SouthEnd
2024-11-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Paddywax Candle Bar, 1930 Camden Rd # 130, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28203

DSAGC Float at Birkdale Village Parade
2024-11-23 16:30 - 17:30 | Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Dr, Huntersville, North Carolina, 28078

DSAGC Family Holiday Party- Sweetwater Farms
2024-12-07 13:30 - 16:30 | Sweetwater Farms, 14412 Beatties Ford Road, Hunterville, NC, 28079, United States

Charlotte Ballet Sensory Friendly Ballet
2024-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Belk Theatre, 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Wednesday, December 11th, 6:00 PM
Belk Theater
In the heart of Uptown Charlotte at Belk Theater, the Snow King and Queen bring about frosty festivity this holiday season. Be transported into a winter wonderland, making a delightful stop in the Land of Sweets with Nutcracker and Clara on their mystical adventure.
Act 1: 35 minutes | Intermission: 20 minutes | Act 2: 35 minutes
4 Tickets per Family
Sign Up here: https://dsagreatercharlotte.networkforgood.com/events/79096-charlotte-ballet-sensory

Virtual Hip Hop Dance with Ms. April (Winter Session)
2025-01-22 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for a 5-week series hip hop dance class for ages 9 and up! Starting January 22, 2025.
Class will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm EST to rehearse a hip hop routine.
All participants will receive a link to the full routine to practice at home between class sessions.
This 5-week course will culminate in a virtual recital at 7pm on the 5th week.
Dancers of all abilities are welcome!

Jan 26 - New Year's Nutrition Class with Clean Juice - Rea Farms
2025-01-26 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a fun event at Clean Juice. Great way to start the year for teens, adults, parents and caregivers!!
In partnership with Clean Juice, participants will have the opportunity to make your own fresh, organic juice and take some home! Enjoy crafting delicious, healthy blends while learning about the benefits of organic ingredients. It’s the perfect way to sip, savor, and share the goodness!
Date: January 26
Time: 2pm
Location: 7918 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC
Cost: FREE (hosted in partnership with Clean Juice)
Ticket Link: https://dsagreatercharlotte.networkforgood.com/events/80689-jan-26-new-year-s-nutrition-class-with-clean-juice-waverly-place?fbclid=IwY2xjawH3sFJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcPjSlIOoHk6mwwVlU-qHXlzWut2WXOwPvWlX8am2a9P8mao0y8RF8xAxw_aem_CtAFQ3KPuQMkcHtrZYbz6A

Dads Night Out
2025-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf-University, 9110 Drivers Way, Charlotte, NC, 28262, United States
DADS!!! It’s tour night! Enjoy a night of friendly competition, delicious food, and great company at Top Golf University.
For more information: https://dsagreatercharlotte.networkforgood.com/admin/events/80684-dad-s-night-out?event_type=event-advanced&onboarding_complete=true
