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Play to Grow: Movement Programs for Inspired Kids

Uplifting children and families with therapeutic and enrichment aerial yoga!

$400
pledged of$10,000 goal
3
0Days Left

Project Description

The Story Behind Play to Grow

As a pediatric physical therapist serving local children, Christine saw the need for a new kind of enrichment activity for kids. She wanted programs that were developmentally appropriate and encouraged all children to thrive. In 2017, Christine had the opportunity to train with children's aerial yoga pioneer, Lindsey Lieneck, OTR, RYT. This experience would help cement the vision that Christine had to create a space to help children grow their bodies and minds. 

Christine began using the hammock and techniques with her physical therapy clients. She observed that the children were enamored with the hammocks and were more motivated to participate, worked harder, and were empowered in a way they had never been before. While learning new poses in the hammock, the children were building their grip and core strength, developing their balance and coordination, and getting a healthy dose of sensory input as they moved their bodies in all directions.

With a desire to uplift more children through aerial yoga & mindfulness, Christine found the perfect tiny studio space to try something new. This magical 250 square feet in Urbana has been filled to the brim with laughter as children aged 2 - 14 have learned how to fly - building strength, confidence, and creativity.

Our Urbana Studio - photos by Brittany DeFrehn Photography

Since January, this fun and unique practice has captured the hearts of children and families in the community. In addition to weekly classes, Play to Grow has hosted over 10 girl scout troops, a handful of intimate birthday parties, a one-of-a-kind summer camp, mother-child playdates, "glowga" parties, and more. As the studio approaches it's one year anniversary, it has become obvious that we need more space to grow and evolve!

After much searching (and a bit of stressing!) Christine found a location that is perfect for Play to Grow! We can't wait to tell you about it...

 

The New Digs

This new studio promises so much potential for uplifting children through movement and mindfulness. At approximately 850 square feet this new space will include:

  • A larger studio DOUBLE the size of our current one which will accommodate up to EIGHT hammocks! This will be perfect for classes, workshops, camps, and yup - birthday parties! 
Movement Studio - Artist Rendering
  • An intimate gathering space perfect for arts and crafts, sharing birthday treats with friends, and teacher and family workshops.
Gathering Area - Artist Rendering
  • A cozy seating area where families can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat during their children’s class.
Welcome Area - Artist Rendering

Giving & Receiving

As we begin this next chapter, we are so thankful for all we've received from our community. We would not be here without the families, friends, teachers and therapists, and other community members who believed in our mission to uplift children through movement, mindfulness, and creativity. 

We're asking for your support, but want you to receive just as much value as you are gifting Play to Grow and the community. That is why from now through January 2nd we are offering some truly amazing movement and mindfulness packages to uplift your family! Check out the available gifts to the right and determine which is the best fir for you.

 

What the money will go towards

Flooring: The safety and comfort of our students is our top priority so we will be re-flooring the new studio with a padded floor that will clean easily, prevent injury and absorb sound to best serve our students. ($2000)

Aerial Yoga Equipment: The key to our new studio’s success is the wings that help kids fly! We will need 8 new hammocks and the suspension system to install them as well as safety equipment such as mats, bolsters, and swivels. ($3000)

Storage: With plans for classes, parties, camps, and more, we're gonna need some space to store all our equipment, art supplies, and other goodies. A solid wall of cabinets will divide our gathering space from the studio and contain everything we need to run fun programs! ($2000)

Furniture: It’s also important to have ample seating for the families who come to visit us and for children to utilize during workshops, camps, and parties. Seating for our waiting area and gathering space will be stylish and comfortable and create a homelike environment for our Play to Grow family. ($1500)

Closed circuit television: We want families to see firsthand how their children are moving, creating, and growing! Parents will have the opportunity to relax and observe class from our waiting area via CCTV. ($500)

Miscellaneous: To make this space the perfect meeting spot for families we need to spruce it up with some fresh paint, new lighting, and fun and educational decorations and resources for families. ($1000)

 

Risks and Challenges:  

We've been in business for nearly a year and already have an established community of students as well as therapists ready to support our mission.  As with any big move, there may be obstacles that limit our ability to stick to our time frame, but we plan to have this new space ready to go in March 2019. If there are any delays that would prevent delivery of perks according to schedule, we will do our best to keep everyone updated. 

 

Other ways you can join the movement:

We know not everyone will be able to contribute financially, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support us and the mission for more movement and mindfulness for kids! This is a grassroots campaign, so spreading the word to others who may be interested in Play to Grow is a HUGE help for us!

If you can't contribute but would like to join our effort, I encourage you to consider sharing this campaign with someone that may be helped by more movement and mindfulness so we can truly uplift the next generation!

 

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Coming soon!

 

 

12/28/2018
Private Aerial Playdate for 4
$100
Diana
11/27/2018
Mom's Night Out
$200
11/26/2018
Private Aerial Playdate for 4
$100
Monetary Contribution

Every little bit counts! We appreciate your support of Play to Grow!

0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Gratitude Email & Updates

We appreciate your support in helping us uplift children! We're sending a thank you your way as well as continued updates about our journey to building a bigger and better studio space!

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
80.00 USD
$100 Gift Certificate

To help with your holiday shopping we are offering a limited number of $100 gift certificates...for only 80 bucks a piece! What a great way to gift your child one of their favorite experiences this holiday. Gift certificates may be used towards any programs at the new Play to Grow Gaithersburg studio, including classes, workshops, camps, and birthday parties. You can redeem as soon as our spring and summer registration open in January!

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Movement & Mindfulness Private Session

Let's fly! This perk offers you the opportunity for a 1:1 introductory aerial yoga & mindfulness session at the studio. This will include poses on the floor and in the hammock, fun challenges, and breathing exercises. May be used for one child or two siblings between 4 - 14 years of age.

 

We will begin scheduling consultations in February 2019.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Private Aerial Playdate for 4

Let's Fly! At this level, you will reserve our studio for a 1 hour playdate for four children (ages 4 - 14). They will receive instruction in introductory poses, attempt fun challenges, and learn age appropriate mindfulness activities.

 

8 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Mom's Night Out

We hear ya, moms! The most frequent questions we get from moms is "When can I fly in the hammocks?!" Well here is your chance! Enjoy 90 minutes of self care at our new studio for you and 3 friends! Package includes light drinks & snacks, a fun craft, playful time in the yoga studio, and a relaxing meditation cocooned in the hammocks. It doesn't get better than this!

4 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Community Partner

Are you a professional or business owner that supports children? We'd love your support! Community partners will receive a set of 25 of our beloved cell phone sleeping bags (now larger sized to accommodate all smart phones), tip sheets for decreasing screen time, access to our family screen time workbook to share with your community, and an invitation to our special Community Partners Open House!

8 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Aerial Yoga Birthday Party!

This package allows you to claim your date for a 2019 birthday party at Play to Grow. This party for children ages 5 - 14  includes 90 minutes at our studio for up to 8 children. This consists of a 60 minutes introductory level aerial yoga class that includes basic poses, fun games, a mindful craft to take home. We'll provide the space for you to serve cake or other treats for your guests, and a relaxing space for parent's to sip tea during the children's yoga adventure.

12 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Private Lesson 4-pack

Go higher! If you want a completely unique experience for your child, this perk offers you 4 private/semi-private lessons for your child (or 2 siblings) in our aerial studio. We'll learn introductory poses, play fun games, attempt challenging poses and obstacle courses, and practice mindful breathing. Sessions will be customized to your child's ability and needs. 

Each lesson is 60 minutes.

 

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Gaithersburg, MD
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Every little bit counts! We appreciate your support of Play to Grow!

0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Gratitude Email & Updates

We appreciate your support in helping us uplift children! We're sending a thank you your way as well as continued updates about our journey to building a bigger and better studio space!

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
80.00 USD
$100 Gift Certificate

To help with your holiday shopping we are offering a limited number of $100 gift certificates...for only 80 bucks a piece! What a great way to gift your child one of their favorite experiences this holiday. Gift certificates may be used towards any programs at the new Play to Grow Gaithersburg studio, including classes, workshops, camps, and birthday parties. You can redeem as soon as our spring and summer registration open in January!

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Movement & Mindfulness Private Session

Let's fly! This perk offers you the opportunity for a 1:1 introductory aerial yoga & mindfulness session at the studio. This will include poses on the floor and in the hammock, fun challenges, and breathing exercises. May be used for one child or two siblings between 4 - 14 years of age.

 

We will begin scheduling consultations in February 2019.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Private Aerial Playdate for 4

Let's Fly! At this level, you will reserve our studio for a 1 hour playdate for four children (ages 4 - 14). They will receive instruction in introductory poses, attempt fun challenges, and learn age appropriate mindfulness activities.

 

8 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Mom's Night Out

We hear ya, moms! The most frequent questions we get from moms is "When can I fly in the hammocks?!" Well here is your chance! Enjoy 90 minutes of self care at our new studio for you and 3 friends! Package includes light drinks & snacks, a fun craft, playful time in the yoga studio, and a relaxing meditation cocooned in the hammocks. It doesn't get better than this!

4 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Community Partner

Are you a professional or business owner that supports children? We'd love your support! Community partners will receive a set of 25 of our beloved cell phone sleeping bags (now larger sized to accommodate all smart phones), tip sheets for decreasing screen time, access to our family screen time workbook to share with your community, and an invitation to our special Community Partners Open House!

8 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Aerial Yoga Birthday Party!

This package allows you to claim your date for a 2019 birthday party at Play to Grow. This party for children ages 5 - 14  includes 90 minutes at our studio for up to 8 children. This consists of a 60 minutes introductory level aerial yoga class that includes basic poses, fun games, a mindful craft to take home. We'll provide the space for you to serve cake or other treats for your guests, and a relaxing space for parent's to sip tea during the children's yoga adventure.

12 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Private Lesson 4-pack

Go higher! If you want a completely unique experience for your child, this perk offers you 4 private/semi-private lessons for your child (or 2 siblings) in our aerial studio. We'll learn introductory poses, play fun games, attempt challenging poses and obstacle courses, and practice mindful breathing. Sessions will be customized to your child's ability and needs. 

Each lesson is 60 minutes.

 

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward