DREAM TEAM
PROGRAMMING INITIATIVES
Special Events are a unique aspect of Dream Team that provides the pediatric patients with enriching activities to make their stay at the hospital more enjoyable. These events range from arts and crafts to STEM events to musical celebrations that raise morale so that the kids can feel like kids again!
CAPES FOR KIDS
Our Capes for Kids program is an amazing and unique branch of Dream Team to remind the kids on 10-2 and 10-4 of the superheroes they truly are. Volunteers have the opportunity each month to design and create personalized capes for patients! Some past capes our volunteers have made have been themed as under the sea, insects, princesses, candy, space, and so much more! We also create matching mini capes for all their favorite stuffed animals and action figures so they can feel like superheroes too. Through this program, we’re able to brighten the days of each patient and show them just how brave they are.
MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Through musical events, volunteers are given the opportunity to sing and play instruments to patients in their hospital rooms.This could be through the various instruments we provide such as a keyboard, several guitars, maracas, cajon, bongos, the triangle, and more. By doing so, we are able to use music as a source of love and care for the kids at Shands. Music has been shown to reduce stress levels, bring relaxation, and uplift the mood of patients. Our musical development program allows us to make deeper connections with the patients in ways that talking might not be able to.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Our Art events provide volunteers with the opportunity to connect with children through creative expression. We bring our artistic initiatives to community events such as the UF Cancer Center’s Cancer Chomp 5K, the Jacksonville Heart Walk, and the Kids Count Afterschool Program. Each event features a variety of crafts, often centered around a fun theme, allowing kids and volunteers to create together. These activities help lift spirits and give children a chance to express themselves and simply enjoy being kids.
STEM EVENTS
Our STEM Special Events give children the opportunity to explore concepts like biology and the scientific method in a fun and engaging way. This year, we’ve focused on bringing these activities to the Kids Count Afterschool Program. One of our recent initiatives taught kids about plants and biology through a hands-on lima bean planting project. These events not only bring smiles to children's faces but also spark curiosity and interest in STEM fields through interactive learning experiences.
