The Banyan Odyssey

A "WICKED" Afternoon on the Big Screen with the Banyan Odyssey and Friends!
2024-12-06 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Studio Movie Grill Theater – Seminole, 7718 113th St, Seminole, 33772, United States
The Banyan Odyssey presents a Private Screening of “WICKED” at the Seminole Studio Movie Grill for our friends in the neurodiverse/handicapable community. There is no cost for the ticket, but you must reserve one in advance to present at the ticket kiosk. Refreshments are at your own expense.
Reserve quickly because after our 40 reserved seats are claimed, latecomers can purchase a $9.00 discounted ticket at the SMG front desk at 3:00pm the day of the event.
Sign up to reserve your ticket today! Fill out the form on the “Contact” tab on this website and specify this event.

Tim Tebow and Central Christian Church: Night to Shine 2025!!
2025-02-07 18:00 - 21:00 | St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
It’s that time again! Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Central Christian Church is hosting the 11th ANNUAL – NIGHT TO SHINE! This exciting event for the Neuro-diverse community (14+) takes place on February 7, 2025, at the St Petersburg Coliseum. You must register to attend. Registration: CentralStPete.com. Be sure to secure you spot for this incredible evening of fun!
Night to Shine: Central Christian Church Video and Registration Information

The 3rd Annual Banyan Spring Dance for Neuro-Diverse Adults - Mark Your Calendar!
2025-05-17 18:30 - 21:00 | City of Belleair Bluffs Town Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs, FL, 33770, United States
Mark your calendar and join us for the Banyan Odyssey’s 3rd Annual Spring Dance!
We have grown! This year our Special Needs Friends of the Banyan will meet in Belleair Bluffs for dancing to the DJ, snacking on finger foods and making memories with friends!! There will be ‘magical’ moments at this year’s event including a Men & Womens’ Dance-Off Contest and special guests!
Where: The Belleair Bluffs City Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs FL 33770 (located near the E&E Steakout Grill Restaurant off of Indian Rocks Rd)
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Attire: Dressy
Registration: It is important to Pre-register for this event! To Pre-register complete the form below and click “submit”. Note: If you have more than one participant planning to attend, complete the form and submit for the first, refresh this page and then complete and submit the form for each additional participant.
PRE-REGISTRATION: DANCER PARTICIPANT INFORMATION FORM

Banyan Dancer Registration Form

Person Completing this Form:(Required)Relationship to Participant:(Required)Phone:(Required)Email(Required)

Participant’s Name:(Required)Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

Participant’s Age:(Required)Gender:(Required)List Food Allergies and/or Dietary Restrictions:(Required) Add RemoveIf Information is Provided Above, is the Participant Aware of any Food Allergies and/or Dietary Restrictions? Click One:(Required)

Yes

No
Emergency Contact:(Required)Relationship:(Required)Emergency Contact Phone:(Required)Is Special Assistance Required? If Yes, Please Explain:Is the Participant Bringing Their Own Dance Partner:

Yes

No
If Yes, Please Provide the Partner’s Name Here:Note: The Partner MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY To Attend.Photo Release [You Must Read and check the below box for the Participant to Be Able to Attend] I give my consent for the Participant mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All of these photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).

This consent is expressly intended to forever release from liability all personnel, agents, designees and persons associated with The Banyan Odyssey, the photographers and all personnel of the publication or television media, and as continuing in nature without limitation or restriction, specifically including but not limited to time. Consent(Required) I Am Acknowledging I Am Authorized and Give My Permission to The Above Photo Release Statement.(Required)Name of Person Giving Consent(Required)Name of Person Giving Consentfor Participant’s Name(Required)Participant’s NameCAPTCHA

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Want to See How to Train Your Dragon? Sign up for the June 29th Private Showing
2025-06-29 13:30 - 16:20 | Studio Movie Grill Theater – Seminole, 7718 113th St, Seminole, 33772, United States
The Banyan Odyssey is hosting a private viewing of the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie!
Friends of the Banyan are invited! (Dragons optional)
JUNE 29, 2025 – Studio Movie Grill in Seminole; Sunday Matinee, 1:30pm check-in, with pickup at 4:20pm
Admission is free to first respondents. YOU MUST REGISTER BELOW IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE MOVIE WITH US. Those who show up the day of the showing, will need to pay the full ticket price, if there are open seats.
Food and Drinks are at your (the movie-goer’s) expense. Cash/debit card (SMG adds18% tip)

Banyan at the Movies
Banyan at the Movies

Ticket Reservation Request for -(Required)

First

Last

If more than one person, you will need to submit each request separately.Email(Required)

Phone(Required)Special Notes:CAPTCHA

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Camp Banyan: Exploring Theatre Arts! (July 14 - 18, 2025)
2025-07-14 10:00 - 2025-07-18 14:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
“All the world’s a stage” so, if you’re over age 22, hop on!
Camp Banyan handicapable participants explore the Theatre Arts! You will brush up on stage skills, perform a Reading Theatre (with sound effects), create your own characters and storyline, practice improvisation, do a scenic design and paint it to life, learn simple choreography, and learn how these skills can help you in everyday life. Field Trip to be announced.
When: July 14-18, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Who: Neurodiverse/Handicapable Young Adults Over the Age of 22, Able to Self-care and Communicate Needs
Cost: $125 per week (If you register and pay for all three weeks of Camp Banyan, the cost is $110 per week)
Guest Master Teacher this Week: Brianna Larson
NEW Location: Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
To Prepare for Camp Banyan:
1) There is only room for 20 attenders, max. Make sure you register early and get your payment in to reserve your place
2) You will bring your own lunch daily (30-minute lunch break)
3) Wear comfortable clothes; you’ll need closed-toed shoes for Cooking Sessions and old clothes for Painting Days
4) Every day’s sessions include Themed Activities, a Core Values lesson, Practical Life Skills, and Recreational Fun
5) Master Teachers come in from the community each week
6) We take Field Trips into the community to learn more about the theme (Permission Slips will come home on Monday; must be returned signed by Wednesday)
Please complete the Registration form below and, to make your payment, go to the “GIVE” page (Link to “Give” Page) or send your check to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams at email: Hello@OurBanyan.com

Camp Banyan Registration 2025
Please complete the registration form and submit.

Camper/Participant Name(Required)

First Name

Last Name

If more than one person is attending, you must submit two registration forms.Age(Required)Grade / Ability Level(Required)Gender(Required)

Female

Male
PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATIONParent / Guardian Information(Required)

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to Camper/Participant(Required)Parent / Guardian Cell Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian Work Phone(###) ###-####
If different than cell phoneEmail(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Will You be Transporting Camper / Participant?(Required)YesNoIf No, Who will be Providing Transportation?Provide Cell Phone Number of Person Transporting(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian: Are you available to drive for field trips?YesNoIf Yes, How Many Seats/Seat Belts in Your Vehicle?EMERGENCY INFORMATIONEMERGENCY CONTACT IF WE CANNOT REACH YOU(Required)

Contact First Name

Contact Last Name

Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Cell Phone Number(Required)(###) ###-####CAMPER/PARTICIPANT MEDICAL INFORMATION (CONFIDENTIAL)Diagnosis/Medical Conditions(Required)Other information Helpful to Camp StaffDoctor's Name(Required)Doctor's Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Hospital Preference(Required)List Allergies / Dietary Restrictions(Required)Medications(Required)List Limitations to Normal Activities:(Required)CAMP PARTICIPATIONCheck which Camp Banyan Sessions Participants will Attend(Required)

July 14-18: Exploring Theater Arts

July 21-26: Transportation

July 28-Aug 1: Culinary Arts
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Camp Banyan: Transportation - Getting There in Style (July 21-25, 2025)
2025-07-21 10:00 - 2025-07-25 14:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
Can “Getting There” Be the Best Part of a Trip? Campers will learn about getting around with less stress, from here in Pinellas County to all over the world! We’ll travel virtually with Guest Speakers and in person on a field trip via the Jolley Trolley. We’ll plan your Dream Vacation from the get-go, including where to go, how to get there, what to take, how much to budget, where to stay and even what to wear! And let’s sample some dishes from around the world!
-When: July 21-25, 2025 (Monday-Friday)
-Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
-Who: Neurodiverse/Handicapable Young Adults Over the Age of 22, Able to Self-care and Communicate Needs
-Cost: $125 per week (If you register and pay for all three weeks of Camp Banyan, the cost is $110 per week.)
-NEW Location: Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
To Prepare for Camp Banyan:
1) There is only room for 20 attenders, max. Make sure you register early and get your payment in to reserve your place
2) You will bring your own lunch daily (30-minute lunch break)
3) Wear comfortable clothes; you’ll need closed-toed shoes for Cooking Sessions and old clothes for Painting Days
4) Every day’s sessions include Themed Activities, a Core Values lesson, Practical Life Skills, and Recreational Fun
5) Master Teachers come in from the community each week
6) We take Field Trips into the community to learn more about the theme (Permission Slips will come home on Monday; must be returned signed by Wednesday)
And now, Mr. Bill’s Dad Jokes for this week:
Why don’t bicycles stand up by themselves? Because they’re two-tired!
What’s a car’s favorite meal? BRAKE-fast!
How does a train eat? It goes Chew! Chew!
Join Camp Banyan to find out what makes a trolly jolly!

Please complete the Registration form below and, to make your payment, go to the “GIVE” page (Link to GIVE Page) or send your check made out to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779-1064.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams at email: Hello@OurBanyan.com

Camp Banyan Registration 2025
Please complete the registration form and submit.

Camper/Participant Name(Required)

First Name

Last Name

If more than one person is attending, you must submit two registration forms.Age(Required)Grade / Ability Level(Required)Gender(Required)

Female

Male
PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATIONParent / Guardian Information(Required)

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to Camper/Participant(Required)Parent / Guardian Cell Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian Work Phone(###) ###-####
If different than cell phoneEmail(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Will You be Transporting Camper / Participant?(Required)YesNoIf No, Who will be Providing Transportation?Provide Cell Phone Number of Person Transporting(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian: Are you available to drive for field trips?YesNoIf Yes, How Many Seats/Seat Belts in Your Vehicle?EMERGENCY INFORMATIONEMERGENCY CONTACT IF WE CANNOT REACH YOU(Required)

Contact First Name

Contact Last Name

Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Cell Phone Number(Required)(###) ###-####CAMPER/PARTICIPANT MEDICAL INFORMATION (CONFIDENTIAL)Diagnosis/Medical Conditions(Required)Other information Helpful to Camp StaffDoctor's Name(Required)Doctor's Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Hospital Preference(Required)List Allergies / Dietary Restrictions(Required)Medications(Required)List Limitations to Normal Activities:(Required)CAMP PARTICIPATIONCheck which Camp Banyan Sessions Participants will Attend(Required)

July 14-18: Exploring Theater Arts

July 21-26: Transportation

July 28-Aug 1: Culinary Arts
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Camp Banyan: Exploring the Culinary Arts! (July 28-Aug 1 & Special Session Aug 2, 2025)
2025-07-28 10:00 - 2025-08-02 14:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
Forget boring fast food! Let’s learn some kitchen prep and presentation skills!
Join Banyan Campers for hands-on lessons in the Culinary Arts. Learn to develop a healthy menu, budget and shop for ingredients, follow recipes, and serve a meal. Make a dish with a Professional Guest Chef and learn what it’s like behind the scenes of a busy restaurant. And, our handicapable participants will prepare and host the beautiful buffet luncheon for Caregivers attending Banyan’s “Lunch with a Lawyer” seminar on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 [For information on the seminar, see the posting on the Event’s page]
-When: July 28- August 1, 2025 (Monday-Friday); with a special session Saturday (08/02) at 10:00am for a special event!
-Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
-Who: Neurodiverse/Handicapable Young Adults Over the Age of 22, Able to Self-care and Communicate Needs
-Cost: $125 per week (If you register and pay for all three weeks of Camp Banyan, the cost is $110 per week)
-NEW Location: Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, FL 33770
To Prepare for Camp Banyan:
1) There is only room for 20 attenders, max. Make sure you register early and get your payment in to reserve your place
2) You will bring your own lunch daily (30-minute lunch break)
3) Wear comfortable clothes; you’ll need closed-toed shoes for Cooking Sessions and old clothes for Painting Days
4) Every day’s sessions include Themed Activities, a Core Values lesson, Practical Life Skills, and Recreational Fun
5) Master Teachers come in from the community each week
6) We take Field Trips into the community to learn more about the theme (Permission Slips will come home on Monday; must be returned signed by Wednesday)
“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart” – Julia Childs (Cooking expert, author, television personality)
“Oh boy, here comes the mess!” – The Muppets Swedish Chef
Please complete the Registration form below and, to make your payment, go to the “GIVE” page (Link to GIVE Page ) or send your check to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams at email: Hello@OurBanyan.com

Camp Banyan Registration 2025
Please complete the registration form and submit.

Camper/Participant Name(Required)

First Name

Last Name

If more than one person is attending, you must submit two registration forms.Age(Required)Grade / Ability Level(Required)Gender(Required)

Female

Male
PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATIONParent / Guardian Information(Required)

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to Camper/Participant(Required)Parent / Guardian Cell Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian Work Phone(###) ###-####
If different than cell phoneEmail(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Will You be Transporting Camper / Participant?(Required)YesNoIf No, Who will be Providing Transportation?Provide Cell Phone Number of Person Transporting(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian: Are you available to drive for field trips?YesNoIf Yes, How Many Seats/Seat Belts in Your Vehicle?EMERGENCY INFORMATIONEMERGENCY CONTACT IF WE CANNOT REACH YOU(Required)

Contact First Name

Contact Last Name

Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Cell Phone Number(Required)(###) ###-####CAMPER/PARTICIPANT MEDICAL INFORMATION (CONFIDENTIAL)Diagnosis/Medical Conditions(Required)Other information Helpful to Camp StaffDoctor's Name(Required)Doctor's Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Hospital Preference(Required)List Allergies / Dietary Restrictions(Required)Medications(Required)List Limitations to Normal Activities:(Required)CAMP PARTICIPATIONCheck which Camp Banyan Sessions Participants will Attend(Required)

July 14-18: Exploring Theater Arts

July 21-26: Transportation

July 28-Aug 1: Culinary Arts
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Lunch with a Lawyer: A Caregiver Seminar
2025-08-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
– A Banyan Event –
Join us for lunch to hear what David Lillesand, a well-known local Disability Attorney, has to say about the current Medicaid/SSI/SSDI environment. A founding partner of Lillesand, Wolasky, Waks & Hitchcock, P.L, Mr. Lillesand has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the ever-changing Federal and State Special Needs legal world. He represents many clients across Florida dealing with Social Security disability issues, Medicaid, Asset Protection (ABLE accounts & Trusts) and is a frequent lecturer on SSI, Medicaid, and Special Needs Trusts at a number of law schools. Following Mr. Lillesand’s presentation there will be an open Q&A session.
You won’t want to miss this valuable educational opportunity plus a chance to ask an expert the questions you may have about the laws and rules that are part of the neurodiverse / disabled world.
The luncheon will be created by our own Camp Banyan participants! They will plan, shop, prepare and serve a light buffet created just for this occasion!!
When: Saturday August 2, 2025
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Road S, Largo, FL 33770
Cost: The Seminar and Luncheon are Free (but you must register)
To attend, you must register by completing and submitting the information form below; you will receive a confirmation email of your registration.
To learn more about our guest speaker, visit his website: Link: Lillesand Special Needs Law
Sponsored by the Banyan Odyssey, there is no cost for the seminar or the luncheon. If you would like to make a donation to the Banyan Odyssey, you may give at the event or click this link: Give at OurBanyan.com

Lunch with a Lawyer Registration
Caregiver Registration Form for Seminar and Luncheon

Name(Required)

First

Last

If more than one person is attending, each person must complete and submit a registration form.Email(Required)

Phone(Required)Phone format: (###) ###-####Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

What topics or questions do you have for our guest speaker?Consent(Required) I Am Giving My Permission to The Photo Release Statement BelowPhoto Release [You Must Read and check the above box to Be Able to Attend]
I give my consent to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All of these photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication). This consent is expressly intended to forever release from liability all personnel, agents, designees and persons associated with The Banyan Odyssey, the photographers and all personnel of the publication or television media, and as continuing in nature without limitation or restriction, specifically including but not limited to time.CAPTCHA

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Banyan at the Ballpark: An Evening at the Clearwater Threshers with Your Neurodiverse & Handicapable Friends!
2025-08-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Baycare Ballpark, 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL, 33756, United States
Join Friends of the Banyan for a Night at the Ballpark!
Let’s meet at the Clearwater Thresher’s BayCare Ballpark for an enjoyable evening with Friends, Baseball and Fireworks! (Note: if you’re sound sensitive, please bring your headphones or other noise abatement device.)
Tickets to the game are free – courtesy of A Friend of the Banyan Supporter! You MUST register below by August 17th, for a ticket to be reserved in your name.
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025. 6:30pm-around ~10pm
Gates open at 5:30pm and the game starts at 6:30pm
Where: BayCare Ball Park, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater FL 33765
Where to Park: Use parking Lot D where there’s both handicapped and regular parking for $5 (you will need to take care of this cost). You can enter the lot from the Hwy 19 access road or Drew Street.
Where to Enter the Ballpark: We will enter the stadium at the handicap ramp entrance on the south side of the field next to Parking Lot D. There will be someone in front of this entrance to greet you. You must arrive no later than 6:30pm.
Who Can Come? Tickets are free and available to our Handicapable friends and their family. Everyone must complete and submit the registration form below to have a ticket reserved in your name. Quantity is limited so please register early.
You will be responsible for your parking fee and any food or drinks you want in the park.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams via email at Hello@OurBanyan.com.

Banyan at the Ballpark Registration
Banyan at the Ballpark Registration

Name of Person Completing this Form(Required)

First

Last

Phone(Required)Email(Required)

List All Persons for Whom You are Requesting Tickets (including person completing this form), the Age of Each Attender if Not the Parent and Note Any Special Consideration RequiredFirst NameLast NameAgeList Any Special Considerations Required Add RemoveConsent: Photo Release(Required) I agree to the photo release policy.Photo Release. I give my consent for the Participant(s) mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program, or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).CAPTCHA

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See you at the game!

HONK! The Musical. A Fun Evening for All!
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-28
Many of our Friends of the Banyan may be seen in the upcoming production of “HONK! The Musical.”
Don’t miss this exciting Theatre Exceptional production presented by Blue Butterfly Productions (Link to Blue Butterfly Productions) Honk! is the retelling of the Ugly Duckling which originated in London winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2000.
Where: Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
When: September 25-28th (times vary)
Obtain your tickets through the Largo Central Park Performing Arts Center (Central Park Performing Arts Center)

Festival of Trees Decorations Party – with PIZZA!
2025-10-10 18:00 - 21:00
Ready to be creative for a purpose? We’ll be making ornaments for a “Banyan Christmas Tree” to support the Arc of Tampa Bay’s Festival of Trees from November 22-24, 2025. Some of the ornaments will feature our very own Banyan Artists!
WHO: Open to our neurodiverse friends (Note: Space is limited to the first 15 who register)
WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6pm until 9pm
WHERE: Location is off of Indian Rocks Rd in Largo, FL. (The complete address will be provided following registration)
ATTIRE: Wear clothes that can get paint, glue or other artistic messy stuff on them
COST: Free – but you must register so we will have enough pizza!
TO REGISTER: We’re sorry but the event’s capacity has been reached. This event is no longer available; please watch the Banyan Odyssey’s Event Calendar for future events. ( Link to Events Calendar )
If you have questions, please email Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com

Join us and enjoy pizza, seeing friends and creating ornaments!
If you want to donate to the Banyan Odyssey (a Florida Not for Profit 501(c)3) visit the “Give” page at OurBanyan.com ( Give Link )
For more information on the Arc/Festival of Trees, click this link to their website: Arc of Tampa Bay Festival of Trees

Art Class at the Stirling Art Gallery in Dunedin!! A Banyan Event!
2025-11-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Stirling Art Gallery, 730 Broadway, Dunedin, FL, 34698, United States
LEARN A NEW ART MEDIUM IN NOVEMBER
The Banyan Odyssey is hosting a free Art Class for our neurodiverse friends at the wonderful Stirling Art Gallery!
Master Artist Joy Swanson, from Dunedin’s Stirling Art Gallery, will lead Banyan artists to create their own “Scratch Art” masterpiece to take home. Scratch Art uses a sharpened dowel to scratch off black ink to reveal a color or metallic surface underneath (see Joy’s owl below). Participants will create a sea turtle, owl, butterfly or their own design. There is no cost for student artists. Class is 4:00 – 6:00pm
6:00pm: Optional group dinner at Casa Tina, a Mexican restaurant located up the block from the gallery. Both class participants and their Caregivers are invited to dinner; the cost of dinner is the responsibility of the participants/Caregivers.
The Art Class is limited to 20 participants so register early!
Where: Stirling Art Gallery, 730 Broadway 2nd Fl, Dunedin, FL 34698
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2025. 4pm-6pm with optional dinner afterwards
Cost: The art class is FREE; individuals are responsible for their own dinner cost.
Who: Our neurodiverse friends; Caregivers invited to join us for the optional group dinner.
To register, complete the form below.

Art Class at the Stirling Gallery

Person Completing this Form(Required)

First

Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)Name of Person(s) Attending the Art Class(Required)Last NameFirst NameAny Special Note: Add RemoveAdd additional names by clicking the "+" sign on the far rightAttending the Optional Dinner at Casa Tina's?(Required)

Yes

No
If Yes, How Many will be Joining the Group for Dinner?Participants and Caregivers may join the group for dinner. Note: this is a 'self-pay' expense.CAPTCHA

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Night Owl by Joy Swanson using the Scratch Art Method.

Celebrate the Season with the Festival of Trees!
2025-11-21 - 2025-11-23
The Arc’s Annual Festival of Trees is coming!
Featuring over one hundred beautiful and unique Christmas trees and wreaths the Festival of Trees, organized by The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, takes place November 21-23, 2025. It is their largest fundraiser, and we are proud to help!
On Sunday, November 23rd, the “Twinklers Dance Troupe” from the Clearwater Dance Depot, will perform at 2pm. This is a must-see show!
The Festival runs Saturday, 11/22/2025, 10am-7pm, and 11/23/2025, 10am-5pm. Have fun viewing – and purchasing – creative Christmas trees, decorations and gifts! It features local vendors, entertainment, food, and Photos with Santa. Our very own Banyan Odyssey artists are decorating a tree that will be on display and available for purchase. General admission is $10 at the door.
Location: The Long Center at 1501 N Belcher Rd Ste 225, Clearwater, FL 33765
Your purchases and donations help support the work of the Arc of Tampa Bay.
For more details on events, costs (and also for purchasing tickets for Premier Night on 11/21) visit the Arc of Tampa Bay website (Link to Festival of Trees )

Banyan at the Movies: A “WICKED: FOR GOOD” Private Showing with Friends!
2025-12-04 15:45 - 18:30 | Studio Movie Grill Theater – Seminole, 7718 113th St, Seminole, 33772, United States
The Banyan Odyssey Hosts a Private Screening of the Musical “WICKED: For Good” at the Seminole Studio Movie Grill for our friends in the neurodiverse/handicapable community. This is the exciting second part to the movie “Wicked” we enjoyed so much last December!
There is no cost for the ticket, but you must *RESERVE A TICKET in advance. Refreshments are at your own expense.
Reserve quickly because our 40 seats will fill up fast!
Who: Neurodiverse / Handicapable Friends (age 22 and up)
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025. Arrive at 3:45pm (Look for Registration Table in Lobby)
Where: Studio Movie Grill – Seminole, 7718 113th St N, Seminole, FL 33772
Cost: Ticket is free – you must sign up below. Participant must bring their own money for any drinks or snacks.
What Else: Costumes in the Oz Theme are welcome. There will be a Photo Op Spot. We also are fine with singalongs to your favorite songs!
*Fill out the form below to reserve your ticket; you will receive a confirmation response email. Note: Caregivers who plan to attend must reserve a ticket, too. Hit the + button next to “Requesting Ticket” to add a name
Lights will be on dim in the theater. Bring earphones if you are sound-sensitive.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com
Watch or subscribe to the Banyan Odyssey Calendar on the Events Page. The Banyan Odyssey is a 501(c)(3) Florida Non-Profit. If you wish to donate visit the “Gift” page or CLICK HERE.

Wicked: For Good Ticket Registration Form

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Phone of Person Completing this Form(Required)I am Requesting Ticket(s) to be Reserved for...Participant's First NameParticipant's Last NameAge (Not Needed for Caregiver)List Any Special Considerations Add Remove(To add additional lines click on the + sign to the right)Consent: Photo Release(Required)

I agree to the photo release policy
Photo Release. I give my consent for the Participant(s) mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program, or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).CAPTCHA

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Holiday Bash!! The Banyan Odyssey and LiFT University Invite You to Join the Fun!!
2025-12-18 05:30 - 20:30 | LiFT, 1005 S Highland Avenue, Clearwater, 33756, United States
Exciting HOLIDAY BASH for our Neurodiverse / Handicapable Friends and their Caregivers and Parents!!!
This Free Event is brought to you by the Banyan Odyssey and LiFT University!!
To Register for the HOLIDAY BASH you must SCAN THE LARGE QR CODE below or CLICK THE “BASH!” link at the bottom of this information. You must register to attend.

Use the large QR Code below to Register:

If you are unable to use the QR Code, you may click on the “BASH!” link to access the Registration process form:
“BASH!” Link to Registration
Questions? Please reach out to Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com

Create Your Inner Comic Book Hero with Artist Josh Rodriguez (for Our Neurodiverse Friends)
2026-01-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
New Art Medium! Create Your Own SuperHero with Comic Book Artist Josh Rodriguez!
Comic Book Artist Joshua T Rogriguez (“JRod”) guides participants through the process of creating their inner SuperHero in ink and watercolor! You pick a template, then add permanent details in ink. Next, you’ll add watercolors with which to make your creation come alive!

This evening of creativity and learning includes PIZZA for dinner!
Josh Rodriguez or “JRod” is an artist, illustrator, writer, photographer, videographer and the list goes on and on…. JRod was born in Tampa and grew up reading, watching and pretending to be a superhero. He has a degree in animation and comic art and has been influenced by some of the most legendary illustrators and comic book artists. Many of you met him at last month’s Holiday Bash.
Come spend 2.5 hours with JRod as he guides you to illustrate the SuperHero inside you! You won’t want to miss this experience! And you won’t want to miss the pizza!
Who: For our Neurodiverse Individuals age 22 years and up.
When: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Pizza will be served while artwork dries. (Gluten-free artists will need to bring their own dinner)
Where: Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Rd SW Largo, FL 33770
Cost: $10.00 per participant. Pay with card on the link below or make your check payable to “The Banyan Odyssey.” The cost covers your art supplies. The pizza is on us! At the end of the session, you will take home your SuperHero creation and your watercolor kit.
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 25. Registration is required (no walk-ins)
If you have questions, please contact us via email at Hello@OurBanyan.com

SuperHero Art Class Registration

Name of Person Completing this Form(Required)

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Last

Phone of Person Completing this Form(Required)Email of Person Completing this Form(Required)

List Participant(s)First Name of ParticipantLast Name of ParticipantList Food Restrictions Add RemoveIf there is more than one participant, click on the "+" sign to the right to allow additional rows.If Needed, Add Special Notes Regarding Participant(s) AboveEmergency Contact Full NameEnter information if it's different than person listed completing formEmergency Contact PhoneCost of the Class is $10.00. Select the Appropriate Choice:(Required)

I will bring a check to cover the $10.00 cost

I will send a check made out to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779-1064

I will use the link below or go to the "GIVE" page to make a credit card payment
Consent: Photo Release(Required) I agree to the Photo Release PolicyPhoto Release. I give my consent for the Participant(s) mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program, or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).CAPTCHA

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Link to “Give” page for credit card payment ($10.00/participant): Click Here
