Back to School, Back to Community Block Party with GPCA Cares

Free Block Party for Early Learners! Games, food, DJ, haircuts, school supplies & more—come celebrate with GPCA in South Philly!

About this Event

GPCA Cares Block Party | Back to School, Back to Community

Why We're Celebrating

The best way to build strong communities? Start early and build together. GPCA invites you to a one-of-a-kind celebration of Early Childhood Education, where families can explore free Pre-K programs, connect with real resources, and enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, learning, and love—South Philly style.

What’s Happening (everything is free!):
For Kids:

🎯 Carnival-Style Games — Play your heart out & win fun prizes!

🎨 Arts & Crafts Stations — Spark creativity with hands-on activities

📚 Literacy Corner — Grab free books & enjoy live read-alouds

🎁 Raffles & School Supply Giveaways — Score school supplies, bookbags and surprise goodies all day long

🥋 Self-Defense Demos — Learn powerful moves in a kid-friendly way

✂️ Snag Your Free Hair Cut — Step into school in style

🎮 Building with Minecraft — Dive into pixelated fun and build your own world!

For Parents & Caregivers:

• Powerful breakout sessions: mindfulness, self-care, financial literacy & more(see schedule below)
• Real Talk parent-led discussions on what families really need
• Meet the teachers behind our award-winning Pre-K
• Explore free GPCA programs for afterschool, parenting, housing & more

For Everyone:

• Free BBQ, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and ice-cold drinks
• DJ, dancing, community vibes, and connection
• Info tables from all GPCA departments—come see what’s possible

RSVP Now

Let us know you’re coming! RSVPs help us prepare enough food, supplies, and materials—and help you stay in the loop for more resources and giveaways. Walk-ins are always welcome.

This isn’t just a party—it’s a movement for strong families, safe communities, and a future where every child has the chance to thrive.

🧡 Hosted by Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) www.gpcacares.org

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Agenda


🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Opening & Welcome

Info: • Welcome table open (sign-in, get wristbands, raffle entry)

• Emcee opening remarks and overview of the day- Dr. Terrance Hobson & Tynnetta Beyah

• DJ kicks off

🕑: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Carnival Games, Activity Booths, Carnival Food

Info: CARNIVAL GAMES AND ACTIVITY BOOTHS • Face Painting

• Monkey Striker

• Tall Striker

• Connect Four Hoops

• Blitz

• Go-Kart Racetrack • Hair Cuts

• Early Childhood Learning Tent with Science, Math, Literacy Activity, and Sensory Activities

• Photo Booth with Props


GRAB A BITE TO EAT!

• Hot Dogs

• Popcorn & Cotton Candy Stations

• Funnel Cakes & Fried Oreos

• Water Ice


PROGRAM ENROLLMENT & INFO TABLES

• Meet the Staff & Teachers

• GPCA resource tables

• Volunteer Opportunities

🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Importance of Financial Literacy
Host: Richard Concepcion

Info: This breakout will discuss ways for families to budget for next school year and ways to improve their credit.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Parent Break Out Room: Mindfulness “Cultivating the Calm”
Host: Tynnetta Beyah

Info:

🕑: 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Building with Minecraft (Ages 3 and up) - 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm
Host: James Davis (Mr Jim)

Info: Explore the world of Minecraft and learn how build in the world. Drop into one of our sessions at 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm. Sessions run for 25 minutes. For the smaller kids we will be building with blocks in real life and older kids will be building in the video game.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Self Defense (all ages) - 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Host: Coach Gene, The Sky is the Limit Fitness

Info: Drop into an all-ages self defense class with Coach Gene of Skys the Limit Fitness. Classes are 45 minutes and run on the hour at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Learn more about Coach Gene here. https://linktr.ee/skysthelimitfitness

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Spotlight Showcase & Mini Talent Show

Info: • Testimonials from current families or students

• Staff introductions & Storytime by Joseph Parham

• Short performances by Mlanjeni Magic Entertainment

• Announce midway raffle winners

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Identifying Parental Roles In Your Family
Host: Richard Concepcion and Adley Robles

Info: This breakout session will allow parents to identify their roles in the family dynamic to empower themselves to practice boundaries within their home. This allows us to develop role and responsibilities together as a family unit.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Self Care
Host: Jasmine Alston

Info: This breakout session will allow parents to develop a self care routine and developing practices for wellness. Come join to learn more about how to empower you and the people around you!

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Storytime Tent – Language & Literacy in Spanish
Host: Alexandre Lesi

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Cooking with Ms. Lisa
Host: Ms. Lisa

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Final Hour Fun & Prize Giveaways

Info: • GPCA Trivia

• Raffle draw

• Thank-you remarks & last call for registration

• Group photo session

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