The Banyan Odyssey

April 11th Spotlight: The 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance for Neurodiverse Adults!!
2026-04-11 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | City of Belleair Bluffs Town Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs, FL, 33770, United States
THE DANCE FLOOR IS NOW FULL (March 31st); NO MORE PARTICIPANT RSVP’s ARE BEING ACCEPTED. THANKS! (WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS – SEE BELOW)

Time to deck out in your Hollywood best, board the stretch limousine and be transported to the Red-Carpet entrance of the Belleair Bluffs City Hall! Our Friends of the Banyan celebrities will be treated to an evening of music and dance with friends. Prepare for your glamor photos. We have awesome volunteers for Dance Partners if you do not have a date in mind. Hors d’oeuvres, healthy snacks and drinks will be available (no sit-down dinner).
NEWS FLASH: We’ve added some special guests to our line-up for the Dance. Artist Lars Robinson is coming to do some caricature drawings, too! AND the Coffee Uniting People (CUP) gang from Tampa will be serve up some specialty drinks when you need a refresher. One more surprise…
Making his debut Banyan appearance, ZACK GOTTSAGEN (“Peanut Butter Falcon”) will be presented with the Keys to the City of Belleair Bluffs by City Commissioner Suzy Sofer. Come meet Zack–he’s ready to pose for pictures and hit the dance floor!

Registration in advance is required. Space is limited to the first 75 respondents. Register now to make sure you are a part of this exciting evening!!
What & Where: The 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance “Hollywood Style,” at the Belleair Bluffs Town Hall (2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770)
When: Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:00pm
Check-in: Opens at 6:15 and closes at 6:45pm, at the Registration Tent across the street (location below)
Parking and Sign-in: The Registration Tent is at 125 Indian Rocks Rd N. (the Bank parking lot on the East side; look for signs)
Cost: NONE! It is free to participate, but you must register in advance
Attire: Glamor and Glitz – It’s Hollywood Red Carpet Time, Baby!
For Whom: Neurodiverse and Handicapable Friends, over the age of 22
Refreshments: Appetizers and soft drinks will be available (please eat a full meal before the event)
Reserve Your Place: To RSVP, complete the form below and click “submit.” Note: if you have more than one participant attending, complete a form and submit it for the first person, then refresh the page and complete/submit a new form for each additional participant. No walk-ins will be admitted.
Note: There is limited space, and we will need to recruit Dance Partners, so please register before March 15th
Event Pick-Up: Caregivers can collect their Hollywood Stars at 9:00pm at the Belleair Bluffs Town Hall main entrance
Volunteers: Yes, we can use you! Please click this link and fill out the Volunteer Registration Form Dance Volunteer Registration Click Here
Sponsors: If you would like to be a recognized as a Sponsor on our social media and at this event, please inquire about sponsorship opportunities at hello@ourbanyan.com

Banyan Spring Dance: You Must Preregister!
Registration form for the 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance

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

Participant's Name(Required)

First

Last

Participant's Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Participant's Age(Required)Gender(Required)MaleFemaleList Food Allergies and/or Dietary Restrictions(Required)If Information is Provided Above, is the Participant Aware of Any Food Allergies/Restrictions? Click One:(Required)

Yes

No

N/A
Special Assistance Needed? If Yes, Please Explain:Participant Wants to "Dance Partner" with the Person Named Below. Note: The Dance Partner Named Below MUST Register Separately.First and Last Name of Dance Partner to be Matched With.Emergency Contact (First & Last Name)Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Phone(Required)How Did You Hear About This Event?(Required)

Our Banyan Website

FaceBook

Camp Banyan

Dance Depot

Email Distribution

LIFT

Special Olympics

Other
Photo Release Consent(Required) I Am Acknowledging I Am Authorized and Give My Permission to The Photo Release Statement Below.Photo Release [You Must Read and check the above 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.CAPTCHA

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Would you like to donate to the Banyan Odyssey? Visit the “Give” page or click here. “Give”

Banyan Invitational Game Night!
2026-05-17 17:30 - 19:30
Banyan Invitational Game Night!!
The Banyan Odyssey is hosting a Game Night for our neurodiverse friends over 22 years of age. As a PILOT, this one is by invitation only. Board games and card games are a great avenue by which to make new friendships and grow existing relationships.
WHEN: Sunday, May 17th, 5:30 to 7:30pm
WHY: To foster friendships and conversations while having fun!
WHERE: Clearwater Location
COST: NO COST unless you want to order something from the Grill ($15). Please, no outside food is permitted.
Information for future Game Nights will be posted here. Subscribe on this tab to get updates.

Take Us Out to the Ballpark: An Evening at the Clearwater Threshers with Your Banyan Friends!
2026-06-12 17:30 - 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 evening of Fun, Friends, Baseball, AND a post-game Concert!
Tickets to the game are free courtesy of Special Banyan Supporters! You MUST register below by June 10th, for a ticket to be reserved in your name.
When: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00pm to around 10pm.
Gates open at 5:30pm and the game starts at 6:30pm.
EXTRA! EXTRA! This is Margaritaville Promotional Night and EARLY ARRIVALS will receive a Tropical Shirt giveaway courtesy of Coppertail Brewing Co. Following the game there will be a concert by “Sun Cruiser”
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 are responsible for this cost). You can enter the lot from the Hwy 19 access road or Drew Street.
Where to Meet: At 5:30pm we will meet at the handicap ramp entrance on the SOUTH SIDE (facing Drew St.) of the stadium, next to Parking Lot D. There will be someone at this entrance until 6:00pm to distribute tickets.
Who Can Come: Tickets are free and available to our handicapable/neurodiverse friends, their family members and Caregivers. List each individual on the registration form below (add on after your name) — and submit the registration form to have tickets reserved.
Incidentals: You are responsible for your own food or drinks in the park. Parking is $5 per vehicle
If you have questions, please email Ms. Jane Williams 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)

How Many Tickets? List All Persons for Whom You are Requesting Tickets, their Age (excluding Parent/Caregiver) and Note Any Special Considerations Required. (Click the "+" sign to the right of the column to add a row for an additional entry.)First 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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Would you like to donate to the Banyan Odyssey? Click here to go to the “Give” page.

Banyan Invitational Game Night
2026-06-28 17:15 - 20:00
Banyan Invitational Game Night!!
The Banyan Odyssey Game Night, hosted by Drew Maser and his awesome mom, Pat Shriver, is for our neurodiverse friends over 22 years of age. By invitation only, participants will enjoy Sequence, UNO, Beginners Chess, Checkers and more. This is a great avenue to make new friends and grow existing relationships. Email hello@ourbanyan.com for more information.
WHEN: Sunday, June 28th, 5:15pm to 7:30pm
WHY: To foster friendships and conversations while having fun!
WHERE: Clearwater Location
COST: Free to our neurodiverse friends over the age of 22
Information for future Game Nights will be posted here. Subscribe on this tab to get updates.

If you would like to donate to the Banyan Odyssey, Click here to go to the “Give” page.

Banyan & LiFT Summer Camp 2026: Four Exciting Weeks of Fun, Discovery and Sharing with Friends
2026-07-06 10:00 - 2026-07-10 14:00, 2026-07-13 10:00 - 2026-07-17 14:00, 2026-07-20 10:00 - 2026-07-24 14:00 | LiFT, 1005 S Highland Avenue, Clearwater, 33756, United States
Coming This July! A Summer Day Camp with the Banyan and LiFT U!
Presenting Four Exciting Weeks of Fun, Discovery and Sharing with Friends!!
This Summer, we will have 4 week-long sessions for our Neurodiverse / Handicapable Young Adults. Participants must be over the age of 22, able to self-care and the ability to communicate needs.
The first Three Weeks of Camp Banyan x LiFT U: We are partnering with the awesome Ashley Duffy Hill and her staff at LiFT U! Weeks 1 – 3 will be at the LiFT Academy Campus located at 1006 S. Highland Ave in Clearwater 33756 (the former Suncoast YMCA building). Ms. Jane is Camp Director. At LiFT we have an industrial kitchen, a gym, and loads of space to learn independence skills and how to navigate the world around us. Of course, this means we’ll be exploring the community in the Mobile Classroom.
The Fourth Week of Camp will be at Grace Christian Fellowship 901 Ridge Rd SW, Largo, FL 33770 (last summer’s location). We will be “EXPLORING CREATIVITY”! Participants will experiment in different art forms with some of our favorite Master Teachers. Check back on the website tomorrow for specific dates and themes.
• Week 1: Successful Communication & Healthy Relationships
Session Runs: Monday July 6 – Friday July 10 (10am-2pm)
• Week 2: Cooking Through Life: Culinary & Kitchen Skills with Chef Laura
Session Runs: Monday July 13 – Friday July 17 (10am-2pm)
• Week 3: Discovering Treasures in Our Community
Session Runs: Monday July 20 – Friday July 24 (10am-2pm)
• Week 4: Exploring Creativity
Session Runs: Monday July 27 – Friday July 31 (10am-2pm)
COST: Private-pay tuition of $150 per week which covers supplies, overhead fees and field trips (limited scholarship funding is available depending on need).
SESSIONS: Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm with a 30-minute lunch break.
LUNCH BREAK: Participants should bring a bag lunch each day unless notified in advance that we’re cooking or eating out.
Space is limited to 25 campers, so please register early and submit your payment to reserve your spot.
Enrich your life and strengthen friendships. You won’t want to miss some of the exciting Master Teachers’ sessions and outings we have planned!
To Prepare for Banyan & LiFT Summer Camp:
• Register below and submit your payment
• Participants should bring their own lunch each day for the 30-minute lunch break.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Closed-toe shoes are required for cooking sessions, and old clothes are recommended for painting and out-door rec days.
Each participant gets a camp tee shirt to wear for special outings (like when we take goodies to the Clearwater Officials downtown and and visit our First Responders).
What to Expect
• Each day includes themed activities, a core values lesson, practical life skills, and recreational fun.
• Banyan and LiFT U faculty are joined by guest teachers from the community each week.
• Participants will also take weekly educational trips into the community to explore each session’s theme. Permission slips will be sent home on Monday and must be signed and returned the day before the outing.
Please complete the Registration form below and, to make your payment you may click here for the GIVE page or send your check to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779.

Banyan & LiFT Summer Camp 2026 Registration
Complete the registration form and submit for each participant. If more than one person is attending, you must submit one form per person.

Camper/Participant Name(Required)

First

Last

Only One Participant Per FormAge(Required)Grade / Ability Level(Required)Gender(Required)

Male

Female
Men's T-Shirt Size

S

M

L

XL

XXL
Ladies T-Shirt Size

S

M

L

XL

XXL
Check which Camp Banyan Sessions the Participant will Attend(Required)

Week 1: Successful Communication & Healthy Relationships (at LiFT)

Week 2: Cooking Through Life: Culinary & Kitchenk Skills with Chef Laura (at LiFT)

Week 3: Discovering Treasures in Our Community (at LiFT)

Week 4: Exploring Creativity (at Grace Christian Fellowship)
PARTICIPANT MEDICAL INFORMATION (CONFIDENTIAL)Diagnosis/Medical Conditions(Required)List Limitations to Normal Activities (Participant's Physicial, Verbal, Social Challenges and/or Triggering Mechanisms)Primary Care Doctor's Name(Required)Doctor's Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Hospital Preference(Required)List Allergies / Dietary Restrictions(Required)List Any Medications that Need to be Taken During Camp HoursCamp leaders will not be able to administer the medication, however, they can ask the Participant if they've taken their medication.GROWTH ASSISTANCECaregiver: What Area(s) are You Working on that We can Help Reinforce at Camp?PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATIONParent / Guardian Information(Required)

First

Last

Relationship to Participant(Required)Parent / Guardian Cell Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Parent / Guardian Work Phone(Required)(###) ###-####Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Will You be Transporting Participant?(Required)YesNoIf No, Who will be Providing Transportation?EMERGENCY INFORMATIONEMERGENCY CONTACT IF WE CANNOT REACH YOU(Required)

Contact First Name

Contact Last Name

Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Cell Phone Number(Required)(###) ###-####GeneralName of Person Completing this Form(Required)

First

Last

Email of Person Completing this Form(Required)

Consent: Photo Release(Required)

I agree to the photo release policy
Photo Release. 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 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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If you would like to donate to the Banyan Odyssey, click here for the GIVE page
