Exploring SSM Health Treffert Studios: A field trip in our own backyard

During the school year, many of our school-aged students see familiar faces in the morning and afternoon as they begin and end each day at the Treffert Academy. But during the summer months, when the older children spend all day with us, frequent field trips and special events are planned to offer something new and different to the summer schedule.

This year, academy supervisor, Jennifer Thompson, had to look no further than SSM Health Treffert Studios, located just a couple of miles from the SSM Health Treffert Center, to find an ideal venue for such excursions. Treffert Studios, a newly opened 8,500 square-foot-facility, is the latest offering in the Treffert portfolio of services. It houses a variety of creative tools and innovative technology to help young people find their passion and express their talents, giving them a voice and platform to share their strengths with the world.

Every other Tuesday afternoon, academy staff accompanied the children to Treffert Studios to engage in a variety of activities at prepared stations such as Lego building, video editing, and dramatic play themes like camping and hair salon. They enjoyed baking during each visit (favorite treats included raspberry lemonade donuts and patriotic Jello cookies) and learned how to act in front of a green screen while studios staff manned the camera. Toward the end of the summer, participants could view their own short video, complete with costumes and special effects.

Without question, this became a favorite summer field trip, even if it was just a mile or two away. Johannah Peterson of Treffert Studios shared that during the hair salon dramatic play, the staff could hear the laughing and giggling as students got creative with colors and hairstyles. "It really warmed my heart to see how a little bit of effort brought so much joy to these kids. I hope we can do this again next summer!"

While the indoor activities were taking place, work on the new outdoor sensory garden continued. Next summer the academy participants will be able to take advantage of that lovely area, incorporating yet another component of the Treffert Approach into their everyday lives.

"We are very thankful to be part of such an amazing place like the Treffert Studios," said Thompson, expressing gratitude for the time and effort the staff put into creating such a unique summer experience. She added, "They do the same for everyone utilizing the facility and are amazing people with beautiful hearts."

The Treffert Academy, located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, serves the needs of children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.