FATHER’S DAY EVENTS

Move, Empower, Ignite!

Michelle Turner-Young, founder of 🔥SoulFire Movement is a dynamic performer, movement coach, and experienced dance modifications instructor. She will lead a dance session at this year’s event! With her fiery energy, deep passion for community, and ability to empower through movement, Michelle creates a space where you can let loose, go at your own pace, and leave feeling stronger—inside and out.

Empowering young adventurers through hands-on learning

Get ready to learn awesome survival tricks from Justin Moore, a real military survival expert in the Army and Coast Guard veteran! This hands-on course teaches kids how to stay safe, think on their feet, and work as a team—all while having a blast.

From tying knots and purifying water to using a map and compass and learning basic first aid, they’ll gain confidence, courage, and skills they’ll never forget. With Justin’s expert guidance, every challenge becomes an empowering, unforgettable experience!

Create vision boards, set goals, and turn dreams into reality

In this fun and inspiring session, kids will explore their dreams and set exciting goals for the future! Led by Jillian Stout, a passionate coach and mentor, this hands-on activity will guide young participants through creating their very own vision boards. They’ll learn how to visualize their dreams, break them into achievable goals, and discover the power of positive thinking. By the end of the session, kids will walk away feeling empowered, motivated, and excited to turn their dreams into reality!

Shine bright or take a moment to unwind

Take a break and enjoy some “you” time at our Shine & Chill Self-Care Stations! Get sparkly fairy hair, a mini facial, your nails painted, or a fun braid—just for you. It’s all about feeling calm, confident, and cared for.

Need a moment to rest or recharge? The Cozy Corner is a peaceful space just for you—filled with soft pillows, calming sensory items, and quiet activities. You can write or draw in a journal, fidget with soothing tools, or simply take a deep breath and relax. It’s your space to slow down and just be.

Surfing with Strength: Honoring Our Dads

Gina Jurlando, founder and certified surf therapy facilitator of Ride the Tide Surf Therapy, is set to lead a transformative experience at Empower’s Father’s Day event. With a background in somatic therapy and a passion for ocean-based healing, Gina will guide participants through land activities designed to foster connection, mindfulness, and personal growth. Her approach integrates art therapy, movement, and discussion, creating a supportive environment for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-timer, Gina’s sessions offer a unique opportunity to bond with nature and oneself. Join us for an afternoon of healing and community under Gina’s expert facilitation.

Brave Bodies, Calm Minds

Join us for a special martial arts class, led by Anthony Pezzillo of Mastery Martial Arts. This session offers a safe and encouraging space to move, reflect, and connect. Through martial arts-based activities, Anthony helps children tap into their inner strength, build confidence, and explore the tools they already carry for healing and resilience. With a focus on discipline, and self-expression, this class invites kids to honor their fathers, support one another, and discover the powerful connection between body, heart, and mind.

Take a calming break with our furry friends. This special session offers kids the chance to spend time with certified service dogs in a safe, supportive environment designed to bring comfort, joy, and emotional relief. Gentle, friendly, and trained to support people through difficult feelings, these dogs offer a unique kind of healing—one that doesn’t require words. Whether you want to sit quietly, give some belly rubs, or just feel the soft presence of a loyal companion, the service dogs are here to help kids feel grounded, cared for, and not alone. This is a come-as-you-are space where everyone is welcome to connect, relax, and breathe.

Activities that help you relax, recharge, and nurture your creativity

In addition to the exciting facilitated sessions like Survival Skills and Dance, we’ve got a variety of fun activities happening throughout the day, with something for everyone! Enjoy lawn games, scavenger hunts, bracelet making, and painting. You can also take a photo at the booth, make shell crafts, create nautical knot keychains, try hair braiding, and explore many other hands-on activities. Plus, there will be opportunities to unwind in a laid-back, fun atmosphere!

Have questions, thoughts, or feelings you have always wanted to share but never felt like you knew who to talk to? We have a Q&A Circle session, one for girls and one for boys with Empower Volunteers and Mentors. Have the opportunity to say how you feel, ask a question, or just sit back and listen.