Children Play & Social
After-school programs that are designed to nurture a child’s social, physical and cognitive skills.
2024 Week 1: Dec 23, 24, 26, 27
From: 6 To: 18
Friendship Circle provides two, one week sessions of Winter Camp. This is a great opportunity for respite and friendship during your child’s winter break! We will enjoy fun electives including performances, sensory activities, art projects, sports, and more!
Date: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (NO Wednesdays)
December 23rd - December 27
December 30th - January 3rd
Time: 10AM-3PM
Ages: 5-17
2024 Week 2: Dec 30, 31 and Jan 2, 3
From: 6 To: 18
Friendship Circle provides two, one week sessions of Winter Camp. This is a great opportunity for respite and friendship during your child’s winter break! We will enjoy fun electives including performances, sensory activities, art projects, sports, and more!
Date: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (NO Wednesdays)
December 23rd - December 27
December 30th - January 3rd
Time: 10AM-3PM
Ages: 5-17
Sunday AM (Jan-May 2025)
From: 5 To: 40
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 12:00-1:30 (Jan-May 2025)
From: 5 To: 17
This program offers a unique opportunity for children to gain from group activities while still receiving one-on-one engagement 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 crafts, and free play in the activity wing. Sunday Circle is an hour and a half drop-off program, creating a wonderful respite opportunity for parents.
This year we are offering two sessions of Sunday Circle. Enrollment is limited to only one session.
Sunday 4:15-5:30pm (Jan-May 2025)
From: 13 To: 17
During Teen Trips, teen participants and volunteers go on weekly outings in the community to participate in meaningful projects and social opportunities. These trips give teens the opportunity to socialize 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 enjoy activities such as bowling, trips to the mall, swimming, visiting parks, museums and more! Teen Trips is best for participants that can navigate activities and discussions more independently.
Location: Various sites around Metro-Detroit*
*Drop off and pick up at site location.
Sunday 2:00-3:30pm (Jan-May 2025)
From: 9 To: 17
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 excitement and fun of the village experience.
Tuesday 4:30-5:30pm (Jan-May 2025)
From: 5 To: 17
Organized Sports gives participants an opportunity to get some exercise and exposure to new sports with their one-on-one volunteer in a fun, social environment. Each week we will lead a lesson in a specific sport such as soccer, pickleball, floor hockey and more. Our aim is to promote skill and interest building in new activities as well as the importance of working with teammates.
Monday 5:00-6:00pm (Jan-May 2025)
From: 5 To: 17
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 multipurpose room. 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 Social Circle, the art room and apartment offer a different, in-room activity and snack each week.
Siblings are invited to participate.
Wednesday 5:00-6:00pm
From: 5 To: 17
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 multipurpose room. 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 Social Circle, the art room and apartment offer a different, in-room activity and snack each week.
Siblings are invited to participate.
January 2025 Winter Party
From: 5 To: 17
Get ready for a fun and festive Winter Party designed especially for your kids! This exciting event is packed with delicious snacks, engaging activities, and creative arts and crafts tailored to delight every participant. This is a kids-only celebration, so drop your little ones off and let them have a blast while making new friends and celebrating the new year!
Sunday 4:15-5:30 (Jan-May 2025)
From: 17 To: 23
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
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.
