DSAWM

Cooking Capers
2025-07-10 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
DSAWM has Cooking Capers every other week in the summer. Cooking Capers is a program led by GVSU nutrition students to teach independence in the kitchen for members 12 and older (members 12-15 must have a guardian present). We work on goals and learn kitchen safety, measurements, and more! We cook a delicious 3 course meal each week and enjoy socializing with others. Registrations are required so that we can make sure to accommodate all food allergies and purchase the correct amount of groceries. Please register HERE!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Summer Stars
2025-07-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-30 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, 49548
Summer Stars is a free program for children with Down syndrome aged 7-12 or in grades 1-6. Through a variety of thoughtfully designed activities, including games, crafts, and outdoor play, the program helps children make progress on their IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals while supporting their overall development. Summer Stars will take place Monday-Thursday from June 9th-August 7th skipping June 19th, June 30th-July 3rd, and July 21st-July 24th. The program runs from 1:00pm-4:00pm with an optional early drop-off available at 12:00pm and the option to stay for extra programming offered from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to complete this application by May 8th to be considered for participation.

Please click HERE to complete the application if you have a child who is interested in attending Summer Stars.

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Developmental Sports
2025-07-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
The Developmental Sports program, in partnership with Special Olympics and Autism Support of Kent County, is designed to introduce children with developmental disabilities, ages 7-13, to a variety of physical activities. This program will be on Mondays from 4pm-5pm. Each week, we focus on teaching the basics of sports, helping participants develop essential athletic, cognitive, and social skills. The program allows kids to build sportsmanship while also exploring the possibilities in their athletic development. Sports vary and are repeated multiple times throughout the season to reinforce and strengthen skills.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Rapid Runners
2025-07-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan Park, 3180 Cascade Rd SE, East Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
This summer, teens and adults with Down syndrome (ages 12 and up) are invited to join Rapid Runners, a fun and supportive running program where we train together for the LMCU Bridge Run 5k on September 14th! We meet at the pavilion at Manhattan Park to warm up, then participants are paired with volunteers to walk/run for an hour around East Grand Rapids. DSAWM covers the cost of the race for both participants and volunteers.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

School Aged Dance with Arts in Motion
2025-07-16 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join our Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion and our intern Molly! This is an adaptive program for all of our school-age members aged 7-12. We stretch, dance, and play fun percussion instruments while we listen to fun music!

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Dance for Teens and Adults with Arts in Motion
2025-07-16 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join our Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion and our intern Molly! This is an adaptive program for all of our teens and adult members aged 13 and older. We stretch, dance, and play percussion instruments while we listen to participant-selected music!

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Drumming with Arts in Motion
2025-07-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-31 16:00 - 17:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join us on Thursdays from 4pm-5pm for Drumming with Josh from Arts in Motion! This program is for members of all ages and it will be a fun opportunity to work on your rhythm and make some music with friends.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

iCan Shine Bike Camp Orientation
2025-07-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Grand River Preparatory High School, 650 52nd St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
DSAWM is working with iCan Shine to do another Bike Camp in Grand Rapids! Grand River Preparatory High School is generously donating their gym for the camp. The goal of iCan Bike is to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Riders attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters”. Over the course of the week we continually adjust the bikes’ stability in an effort to challenge riders’ balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. In one week approximately 80% of riders will learn to independently ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. The remaining 20% make tremendous progress towards that goal.

The program will take place from July 21st-July 25th. We are having an in person orientation for volunteers and parents on July 20th from 4:00pm-5:00pm at Grand River Preparatory High School to give the opportunity to learn about how the program works and ask questions.

If you have any general questions please email program@dsawm.org

DSAWM está trabajando con iCan Shine para realizar otro campamento de bicicletas en Grand Rapids. Grand River Preparatory High School está donando generosamente su gimnasio para el campamento. El objetivo de iCan Bike es enseñar a las personas con discapacidades a andar en una bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas y convertirse en ciclistas independientes de por vida. iCan Bike utiliza bicicletas adaptadas, un programa de instrucción especializado y personal capacitado para permitir que las personas con discapacidades aprendan a andar en una bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas. Los ciclistas asisten a una sesión de 75 minutos cada día durante cinco días consecutivos, donde aprenden a andar acompañados y alentados por “observadores” voluntarios. Durante el transcurso de la semana, ajustamos continuamente la estabilidad de las bicicletas en un esfuerzo por desafiar el equilibrio de los ciclistas a medida que descubren gradualmente la habilidad y la alegría de andar en bicicleta. En una semana, aproximadamente el 80% de los ciclistas aprenderán a andar en bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas de forma independiente. El 20% restante hará un progreso tremendo hacia esa meta.El programa se llevará a cabo del 21 al 25 de julio. Tendremos una orientación en persona para voluntarios y padres el 20 de julio de 4:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. en Grand River Preparatory High School para brindarles la oportunidad de aprender cómo funciona el programa y hacer preguntas.

Si tiene alguna pregunta general, envíe un correo electrónico a program@dsawm.org

iCan Shine Bike Camp
2025-07-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Grand River Preparatory High School, 650 52nd St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
DSAWM is working with iCan Shine to do another Bike Camp in Grand Rapids! Grand River Preparatory High School is generously donating their gym for the camp. The goal of iCan Bike is to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Riders attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters”. Over the course of the week we continually adjust the bikes’ stability in an effort to challenge riders’ balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. In one week approximately 80% of riders will learn to independently ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. The remaining 20% make tremendous progress towards that goal.

Please click HERE to complete the Bike Rider Registration Form!

Please click HERE to complete the Volunteer Registration Form if you are interested in volunteering!

If you are a DSAWM member you will need to submit a $50 refundable deposit no later than 2 weeks after completing the registration form. Deposits will be refunded at the conclusion of the camp. The link to pay the deposit is in the confirmation message once you submit the registration form. If the deposit or fee is a financial barrier for your family, please contact us at program@dsawm.org to request a waiver.

If you are not a DSAWM member you will need to submit a nonrefundable payment of $200 no later than 2 weeks after completing the registration form. The link to pay the deposit is in the confirmation message once you submit the registration form. If the deposit or fee is a financial barrier for your family, please contact us at program@dsawm.org to request a waiver.

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

DSAWM está trabajando con iCan Shine para realizar otro campamento de bicicletas en Grand Rapids. Grand River Preparatory High School está donando generosamente su gimnasio para el campamento. El objetivo de iCan Bike es enseñar a las personas con discapacidades a andar en una bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas y convertirse en ciclistas independientes de por vida. iCan Bike utiliza bicicletas adaptadas, un programa de instrucción especializado y personal capacitado para permitir que las personas con discapacidades aprendan a andar en una bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas. Los ciclistas asisten a una sesión de 75 minutos cada día durante cinco días consecutivos, donde aprenden a andar acompañados y alentados por “observadores” voluntarios. A lo largo de la semana, ajustamos continuamente la estabilidad de las bicicletas en un esfuerzo por desafiar el equilibrio de los ciclistas a medida que descubren gradualmente la habilidad y la alegría de andar en bicicleta. En una semana, aproximadamente el 80% de los ciclistas aprenderán a andar de forma independiente en una bicicleta convencional de dos ruedas. El 20% restante hace un progreso tremendo hacia esa meta.

¡Haga clic AQUÍ para completar el formulario de registro de ciclistas!

¡Haga clic AQUÍ para completar el formulario de registro de voluntario si está interesado en ser voluntario!

Si es miembro de DSAWM, deberá enviar un depósito reembolsable de $50 a más tardar 2 semanas después de completar el formulario de inscripción. Los depósitos se reembolsarán al finalizar el campamento. El enlace para pagar el depósito se encuentra en el mensaje de confirmación una vez que envíe el formulario de inscripción. Si el depósito o la tarifa representan una barrera financiera para su familia, comuníquese con nosotros a program@dsawm.org para solicitar una exención.

Si no es miembro de DSAWM, deberá enviar un pago no reembolsable de $200 a más tardar 2 semanas después de completar el formulario de inscripción. El enlace para pagar el depósito se encuentra en el mensaje de confirmación una vez que envíe el formulario de inscripción. Si el depósito o la tarifa representan una barrera financiera para su familia, comuníquese con nosotros a program@dsawm.org para solicitar una exención.

Envíe un correo electrónico a program@dsawm.org si tiene alguna pregunta.

Mom's Night Out
2025-07-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Firerock Grille, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, Michigan, 49316, United States
Mom’s Night Out is a monthly program for mothers raising children with Down syndrome. Each month, mom’s have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost for first-time attendees (excluding alcohol). This month’s gathering is going to be at Firerock Grille.

Please email Keri at dsmamas321@yahoo.com to RSVP or if you have any questions.

Kalamazoo Member Picnic
2025-07-26 12:00 - 16:00 | River Oaks Park, 9202 E Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI, 49053, United States
Join us on July 26th for our Kalamazoo picnic for DSAWM members! Come connect with other families and enjoy River Oaks Park. We provide food but we ask that you please bring a side to pass.

Click HERE to register!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Annual Member Picnic
2025-07-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Tunnel Park, 66 Lakeshore Dr, Holland, MI, 49424, United States
Join us July 27th for our annual DSAWM summer picnic! We will have face painting, games, and more so come connect with other families and have some fun! We provide food but we ask that you please bring a side to pass.

Click HERE to register!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Aging with Down Syndrome Meeting
2025-07-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, 49548
Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to this support group that meets every month. The Aging with Down Syndrome Meetings are sponsored by DSAWM and Alzheimer’s Association. Participants share experiences and discuss the process of caring for loved ones growing older with Down syndrome.

Please register HERE if you are interested in attending and email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Therapeutic Horse Handling
2025-08-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Hestóvin Stables Therapeutic Riding Center, 1217 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, United States
DSAWM is excited to partner with Hestóvin Stables Therapeutic Riding Center (1217 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546) again this year to offer Therapeutic Horse Handling sessions on August 1st and August 9th, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. While there won’t be any riding, participants will take part in grooming, bathing, and interactive games with the horses.

This program is open to individuals ages 5 and up, with a maximum of 10 participants per session. Due to limited capacity, we can only accommodate our members with Down syndrome for this program. To help us include as many members as possible, please register for only one date.

Click HERE to register!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.
