The Fetter Children & Teens Division
Children & Teen Play and Social
Join Us at The Fetter Children & Teens Division for a wide varitey of Children Play and Social Prorgams. Friendship Circle of Michigan is a non-profit organization affiliated with Lubavitch of Michigan. Our goal is to provide every individual with special needs the support friendship and inclusion that they deserve.
Efshar circle
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 30
Efshar Circle provides a Hebrew and Judaic education for children with special needs. Teachers focus on engaging the child’s sense of Jewish identity through exciting, hands-on learning. Each student is paired one-on-one with a volunteer which enables students to learn at their own pace with individualized curriculums. No previous Judaic instruction is necessary. Teachers design curricula to meet each student’s current level and learning style.
Sunday Circle
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 40
This program offers a unique opportunity for children to gain from group activities while still receiving one-on-one attention from their volunteers. Participants are divided into small groups to partake in structured activities and free play throughout the Friendship Circle facility. Activities include sports instruction, music and movement instruction, arts and craft, and free play in the activity wing and cheese-pit. Sunday Circle is a two hour drop off program creating a wonderful respite opportunity for parents.
Teen Trips
Ages: 13-17 Capacity: 20
At Teen Trips, teen participants and volunteers go on weekly outings in the community to participate in social opportunities and recreational experiences. These trips give teens a space to bond with their peers, practice social interactions with community members, learn life skills, and have fun! Teen Trips takes place outside of Friendship Circle, giving teens the opportunity to participate in activities like bowling, shopping at the mall, swimming, visiting parks, museum-going and more!
Sports & Rec
Ages: 5-12 Capacity: 20
Pathfinders is a social outing program designed for participants who can safely attend community outings without a 1:1 volunteer. The outings are planned to give participants exposure to outdoor exploration, music, swimming, art, and social excursions. Pathfinders takes place outside of Friendship Circle, allowing participants to socialize with their peers, practice social interactions with community members, learn life skills and have fun.
Transitions Together
Ages: 17-23 Capacity: 15
Our Transitions Together program is specially designed for young adults with special needs, ages 17-23, who are preparing to transition into adulthood. This new program offers the opportunity to build social skills while providing participants with fun, interactive experiences and activities that help them gain independence and confidence and make friends! Activities include movement, art, sports, field trips and more. This program is ideal for those who have aged out of our Friendship Circle kids & teen programs and who are interested in future involvement in our adult programs. * this is not a prerequisite to enter adult programs
Pizza and Play
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 20
Once a month, your child will enjoy an exciting evening filled with playtime in the Bauer Activity Wing, Elkus Gym, and Elkus Village Park—plus a pizza dinner and fun activities with a special guest buddy. Book through Eventbrite.
Friendship Free Play
Ages: 5-12 Capacity: 35
Each week, participants meet their volunteer at Friendship Circle to enjoy one-on-one free play with full use of the Elkus Gym, Bauer Activity Wing and the Elkus Village Park. Kids and buddies start with a welcome circle in the gym before creating their very own schedule of free play to maximize the fun! During Friendship Free Play, the art room and apartment offer a different, in-room activity and snack each week.
Life & Social Skills
Ages: 5-10 & 11-17 Capacity: 25
The Life and Social Skills Program provides participants with a realistic and supportive environment to develop essential life and interpersonal skills. Held in the state-of-the-art Elkus Village, the program combines practical life skill development with opportunities to enhance social abilities. Key focus areas include effective communication, building and maintaining relationships, conflict resolution, teamwork, street safety, money management, and personal responsibility. Participants also engage in activities such as visiting the doctor, placing an order in the café, and experiencing a simulated job environment for those aged 13 and older. With its engaging activities and real-world applications, the program promotes empathy, active listening, independence, and confidence while offering the ex
Teens Together
Ages: 13-17 Capacity: 20
Each week, participants meet their volunteer at Friendship Circle to enjoy one-on-one free play with full use of the Elkus Gym, Bauer Activity Wing and the Elkus Village Park. Kids and buddies start with a welcome circle in the gym before creating their very own schedule of free play to maximize the fun! During Teens Together, the art room and apartment offer a different, in-room activity and snack each week.
Movement & Arts
Ages: 5-10 Capacity: 20
Participants will explore the world of music, movement and drama through hands-on activities like learning about instruments and sounds, rhythm games, improv, and expressive acting. This inclusive and supportive environment encourages self-expression, builds confidence, and helps develop new skills—all while having a blast with friends.
Movement & Arts
Ages: 11-17 Capacity: 20
Participants will explore the world of music, movement and drama through hands-on activities like learning about instruments and sounds, rhythm games, improv, and expressive acting. This inclusive and supportive environment encourages self-expression, builds confidence, and helps develop new skills—all while having a blast with friends.
Election Day Stay & Play
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Thanksgiving Camp
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 40
Join us at Friendship Circle for a fun-filled day camp experience during Thanksgiving break! While school is out, campers are invited to enjoy exciting electives like performances, sensory play, art projects, sports, and more—all in a warm, inclusive environment that fosters friendship and joy.
Winter Camp Wk 1
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 40
Friendship Circle Winter Camp is the perfect way to bring joy, connection, and fun to your child’s winter break! Campers will enjoy a variety of exciting electives, including live performances, sensory activities, creative art projects, sports, and more—all in a warm, inclusive environment where friendships can thrive.
Winter Camp Wk 2
Ages: 5-17 Capacity: 40
Friendship Circle Winter Camp is the perfect way to bring joy, connection, and fun to your child’s winter break! Campers will enjoy a variety of exciting electives, including live performances, sensory activities, creative art projects, sports, and more—all in a warm, inclusive environment where friendships can thrive.
MLK Stay & Play
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Mid-Winter Stay & Play 1
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Mid-Winter Stay & Play 2
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Spring Stay & Play 1
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Spring Stay & Play 2
Ages: 5-17 No Capacity
All stay & play dates should be done through Eventbrite. I will submit those requests through Marketing.
Facilities ofFriendship Circle
Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to 3,000 individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational, social,educational and vocational programming. In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle enriches its vast network of volunteers by enabling them to reap the rewards of selfless giving.
