Pumpkin Patch 2023
Don’t Miss It! Easter Seals Greater Houston's Pumpkin Patch 2023
Mark your calendars for Tuesday the 17th, anytime from 2 to 6 p.m. Send RSVPs to Ross McCann, RMcCann@EasterSealsHouston.org.
It's almost time for our annual “Spooktacular” Pumpkin Patch! For many families, traditional Halloween parties and trick-or-treating are not options, for reasons ranging from sensory sensitivities to mobility impairments to elopement tendencies. Professionally organized events offer a fun alternative.
Easter Seals clients and staff are invited to bring their kids to Pumpkin Patch for an afternoon of not-too-scary costumes, games, and Halloween decorations including sensory displays. And, of course, for tons of candy and other treats.
(For clients currently new to, or still exploring, Easter Seals Greater Houston, there’s also the chance to meet other clients and staff members—and to ask about other events and services.)
What’s Pumpkin Patch All About? Straight from the Easter Seals Greater Houston Staff
Many of our parents do not feel comfortable trick-or-treating in their neighborhood, especially with their child who has a disability. This gives them an opportunity in a supported space.
–Kelly Klein, Development Director
The main purpose of Pumpkin Patch is to give kid clients, and children of clients, a place to trick-or-treat where everything is accessible and inviting. Since we serve a very large population of disabilities, we consider sensory overloads, physical constraints, and everything in between. Getting candy is the highlight for most participants, but getting to dress up and explore our phenomenally decorated space are huge bonuses!
–Ross McCann, Camp Coordinator
One of the most popular parts of Pumpkin Patch is the room (aka our upstairs conference room) where the recreational team organizes games and crafts. Activities this year will include many items children can create on their own to take home, such as:
• Witches’ Brew (a sensory activity using slime and plastic Halloween “ingredients”)
• Pumpkin painting
• Festive bracelets.
–McKenzie Garland, Recreational Therapist
The main purpose of the Pumpkin Patch is to provide kids, teens, and adults with a fun, judgment-free space where they can dress up, take pictures, trick-or-treat, and play games. At ESGH, we can guarantee a Pumpkin Patch run by staff and volunteers who understand when things might need to look different, and where modifications or additional supports may be needed. These are regular considerations when manning games, passing out candy, and otherwise helping at various stations.
Clients like having the Pumpkin Patch indoors and wheelchair-accessible.
–Anabelle Cortes, Early Intervention Specialist (and experienced upstairs-hallway decorator)
Volunteer opportunities are open right up to the date of Pumpkin Patch. We can always use help decorating the Easter Seals offices—making everything as fun and/or spooky as we can—and preparing activities and crafts ahead of time. Then on the day of the event, we have volunteers showing our kids where to go, guiding them from upstairs to downstairs and making sure they see everything, that they get the entire experience.
–Ross McCann
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday the 17th, anytime from 2 to 6 p.m. Send RSVPs to Ross McCann, RMcCann@EasterSealsHouston.org.