Adventure Gym

06/16/2025

We’ve been nominated for Best Nonprofit and Most Community Involved in the Herald-Citizen Readers’ Choice Awards.

We were thrilled to see our name under Most Community Involved—but Best Nonprofit hit us hard. Justin teared up and I cried—with the most humbled heart. Because we saw who else is on that list. And to be named alongside them? That’s not small to us.

We look up to so many of those organizations.
We’ve seen the work they do—the kind that rarely makes headlines but always makes a difference.
The kind that keeps this town stitched together quietly, consistently, without applause.

We’re not a polished organization with a PR team. We’re a local family doing everything we can to hold space for kids and families who need somewhere to land.

When we opened Adventure Gym, we didn’t have a roadmap—heck, we didn’t even have a road.
We were just answering a call. We saw families like ours doing everything right—fighting for services, stretching every dollar, showing up tired—but still getting overlooked. So we built the place we all needed: safe, clean, inclusive, and rooted in real support. Since then?

We’ve celebrated first steps, new words, foster placements, and bubble storms. We’ve played with families going through loss, big life changes, and first long goodbyes. We’ve played while we waited on therapy approvals. We’ve checked car seats at midnight in the snow. We’ve handed out diapers mid grocery run. We’ve sat cross-legged on the floor with overstimulated families until everyone came back online.

But this space didn’t grow because we did everything right—we didn’t. It grew because you stayed with us while we learned. And you kept showing up.

🗳 If you believe in what we’ve built, we’d be honored to have your vote.
Best Nonprofit + Most Community Involved

https://www.herald-citizen.com/readers_choice/ #//

💙 Want to support for free or get involved?
✔️ Vote
✔️ Leave a Google review
✔️ Share this post
✔️ Email director@adventure-gym.com to: sponsor diapers, a family, or join The Village Network

Thanks for being part of this crazy adventure and continuing to show up with us 💙🩵

06/03/2025

05/01/2025

This April, we planted seeds — seeds of acceptance, protection, and hope.

As we close out Autism Acceptance Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re honored to join Pass the Pinwheel Putnam — standing alongside families, advocates, and community members who believe that every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and free.

The blue pinwheel is more than a symbol — it’s a reminder of the childhood all children deserve:
One filled with safety.
One filled with understanding.
One where being different is not a risk — it’s a joy.

We know that autistic and disabled children are significantly more likely to experience abuse, neglect, and exclusion — not because of who they are, but because the world isn’t always built to understand or protect them. That’s why our work is not just about awareness — it’s about action.

At Adventure Gym, that action shows up in everyday ways:
Through sensory-inclusive play.
Through emergency support services.
Through free programs for foster families.
Through the quiet, consistent work of building daily spaces of safety and acceptance.

All children need a safe adult.
Someone who listens.
Someone who believes them.
Someone who creates space for them to be exactly who they are.

It may be April 30 — but awareness doesn’t end here.
Prevention doesn’t end here.
Our commitment to every child’s safety, joy, and belonging continues every single day.

I hope that anytime you see a blue pinwheel — today or any day — it’s a quiet reminder that every child deserves safety, love, and a place where they are free to be exactly who they are.

Thank you for being part of that work with us — this month and always.

04/29/2025

Autism is a spectrum. It’s not one thing. It encompasses a vast range of experiences, each unique and essential.
How autistic individuals interact with the world, process information, and communicate can look different from person to person—and that’s exactly what makes it so important.

Autism isn’t defined by a single experience. Some autistic individuals are verbal, some nonverbal. Some may need more support, others less.
These differences are part of what makes each autistic individual unique—each person has their own way of engaging and thriving in the world.

The blue in the design reflects the range of experiences within autism—some experiences are more visible, while others are more subtle, but each is equally valid and significant. Autism can show up in many ways, but every way is important. The pink adds another layer: autism isn’t limited by gender. It’s experienced by people of all genders, including autistic girls and women, who have historically been underrepresented and misunderstood. The pink highlights these voices, ensuring they are seen and valued.

When we embrace the full spectrum—from the softest blues to the boldest pinks—we recognize that autism is not one monolithic experience.
It’s as diverse, individual, and dynamic as the colors that represent it. Every experience, every person, adds something essential to the world.

Let’s celebrate the full spectrum—every experience matters, and every voice deserves to be heard and respected.

04/28/2025

Research shows what many autistic girls already know—friendship isn’t about the crowd; it’s about connection.

Autistic girls are more likely to build small, loyal, and lasting friendships. Studies show they tend to choose friends who share their passions, understand their rhythms, and make space for them to be themselves (Sedgewick et al., 2016). It’s not about how many friends—they’re focused on the ones who matter.

04/27/2025

Early diagnosis of autism can be a powerful tool in providing support and understanding from the start.
The earlier an autistic individual is diagnosed, the earlier they can receive the support they need to thrive.
This includes developing sensory strategies, communication tools, and self-regulation techniques that work best for them.

But it’s not just about diagnosing—autism is a spectrum.
Every person is different, and their experience of autism is as unique as they are.
Understanding this means accepting that autism doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Some individuals may need more support, while others may navigate the world with more independence.

Recognizing the diversity within the autism spectrum ensures that we’re not just providing general support, but the right kind of support for each individual.

04/26/2025

An inclusive environment is one where everyone feels welcome and understood—no matter how they show up.

For autistic kids and adults, it’s about giving them the space to be themselves, without pressure to fit into a mold.

Creating this space starts with embracing differences.

Autism is one way the brain can work, and when we recognize that, we can support everyone in a way that makes them feel valued.
It’s about accepting and celebrating what makes each person unique.

Letting autistic individuals have choices is a big part of that.
Whether it’s choosing what they want to do or how they want to communicate, giving them the freedom to decide helps them feel in control of their environment.
Things like visual schedules or simple communication tools can make a huge difference in making the day feel smoother.

Creating an inclusive space also means meeting people where they’re at.
Sometimes that might mean providing a sensory break or making sure there’s enough flexibility to allow everyone to engage in their own way.
It's not about forcing anyone to fit a mold; it’s about letting people be who they are, exactly as they are.
Inclusion is about supporting everyone to thrive, and it’s about creating a space where everyone feels safe and seen.

04/25/2025

We want to keep you informed—not alarmed.

April 2025 Car Seat Recall Update –
Full Model List Below

All car seats currently under recall are safe to continue using as-is—with one important exception:
The Chicco MyFit Zip Air should never be installed forward-facing using only a lap belt.

This recall highlights the importance of using a top tether with every forward-facing installation. That’s something we always recommend—it significantly reduces head and chest movement during a crash and adds an essential layer of protection.

Not sure if your seat is included?
You can usually find the model number and manufacture date on a white label—typically located on the side, bottom, or back of the car seat shell (not the fabric cover). It’s okay to lift the padding gently to look.

Here’s a breakdown of all currently recalled seats, including full model numbers and what families should do next:

—
Chicco MyFit Zip Air Harness + Booster

Model Numbers: 07079561970070, 04079561190070

Issue: When installed forward-facing using only a lap belt (without a top tether), the seat may allow excessive forward movement, increasing the risk of chest injury.

What to Do: This seat is safe to use as long as it is not installed with a lap belt only. Always install forward-facing with a top tether, which is best practice for every seat. If your vehicle doesn’t have a tether anchor in that seating position, we recommend switching to one that does—or message us for help exploring safe alternatives.
Contact: 1-877-424-4226

—
Safety 1st Grow & Go Sprint

Model Numbers: CC321GYU, CC321GYUD, CC321GYY, CC321GYYD, CC321HAO, CC321HAR

Issue: The headrest foam can loosen and pose a choking hazard.

What to Do: Dorel is mailing a replacement headrest pad to registered owners that fully encloses the foam.

Contact: 1-800-544-1108

—
Nuna RAVA Convertible Seat

Model Numbers (partial): CS-50-001 through CS05115DDC

Issue: The harness adjuster may jam due to debris, allowing the harness to loosen unexpectedly.

What to Do: Nuna is providing a free repair kit that includes a replacement seat pad, screwdriver, cleaning brush, and step-by-step instructions.

Contact: info.usa@nunababy.com or 1-855-686-2891

—
Cybex Aton G, Aton G Swivel, and EOS Travel System Car Seats

Model Numbers Include:
522001441, 522001443, 522001445, 522001447, 522004777, 522004779
522004167, 522004169, 522004171, 522004173, 522005099, 522004781, 522004783
522003793, 522003795, 522003797, 522003799, 522003897, 522003711, 522003717, 522003723, 522003729
522004805, 522005355

Issue: Hip anchor hooks underneath the seat may bend if scraped, preventing the harness from anchoring correctly. If you suspect damage please message us and we can help evaluate.

What to Do: Cybex is mailing a free repair kit with updated hardware, printed instructions, and a video tutorial.
Contact: 1-877-242-5676

—
Safety 1st & Disney Baby 3-in-1 Harness Boosters

Model Numbers:
• Comfort Ride: BC159GKO, BC159HAA, BC159HBE, BC159HBED, BC159HBH
• Boost & Go: BC163HAS, BC163HAY; BC181HFW, BC181HFWD, BC181HGW
• Disney MagicSquad: BC167GNT, BC167GNU

Issue: The forward-facing label lists the wrong child height range—43–57” instead of the correct 34–49”.

What to Do: Dorel is mailing corrected labels with instructions to apply them over the original.

Contact: 1-877-657-9546 or comfort-ride-recall@djgusa.com

—
Evenflo Car Seats and Travel Systems (Labeling Issue Only)

Model Numbers Include:
34512335C, 34212036C, 34612173C, 34631038C, 34712059C, 34912200C, 34912258C, 3811198C
39212241C, CS300212376C, 53112311C, CS300212340C, CS300212408C

Issue: Certain Canadian models were shipped to the U.S. without a U.S.-compliant registration card. This is a labeling error only—there are no safety defects.

What to Do: Evenflo is mailing updated registration cards and instructions.
Contact: 1-800-233-5921

—

If you already mailed in your registration postcard or registered online, the manufacturer should contact you directly. If you didn’t—or you’re not sure—call the company using the info above. They’ll guide you based on your seat’s model and manufacture date.

Need help checking your seat? Message us to schedule a time to bring it to Adventure Gym.
Mrs. Sarah is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), and happy to check your car seat, confirm your model, walk you through installation, and answer any safety questions—completely free of charge.

Not local to us? We can help you find a certified CPST or fitting station near you anywhere in the country.

Every little explorer deserves the safest ride possible. Thanks for being part of a community that looks out for one another—and for staying informed, supported, and empowered as caregivers!

04/25/2025

Hi friends! I still have a sick kiddo so Cookeville Mother’s Circle will NOT be meeting today. Sorry for any inconvenience

04/25/2025

Different tools meet different sensory needs. Here’s a look at some common ones and how they can help:

Chewelry:
Helps satisfy the need to chew, offering oral input that can ease anxiety and support self-regulation.

Chew tubes:
Provide a safe, durable option for kids who seek oral stimulation, helping to reduce chewing on clothes or other objects.

Oral motor tools:
Encourage chewing, sucking, or blowing activities that support calming and organizing sensory input, and can even strengthen oral muscles.

Weighted blankets:
Use deep pressure to signal the body to relax, helping with sleep, anxiety, or sensory overload.

Weighted lap pads:
Offer steady pressure across the lap, which can help kids stay grounded and improve attention during seated tasks.

Compression vests:
Provide consistent, all-over pressure input to the torso, which can promote a sense of security and body awareness.

Fidget toys:
Keep hands busy with small, repetitive movements, helping to release energy and improve focus without disrupting others.

Stress balls:
Provide a simple, rhythmic squeezing motion that can help reduce muscle tension and manage anxious energy.

Therapy putty:
Engages fine motor skills and offers resistance, which can support hand strength while providing calming tactile feedback.

Noise-reducing headphones:
Help block out overwhelming background noise, reducing auditory overload in busy or loud environments.

Swings:
Provide rhythmic vestibular input through back-and-forth or circular motion, which can be calming or alerting depending on need.

Crash pads:
Offer a safe, soft surface for jumping or crashing, helping kids release big energy and meet proprioceptive needs.

Wobble cushions:
Allow for subtle movement while sitting, promoting core engagement and body awareness without needing to leave the seat.

04/24/2025

For many autistic girls, the expectation to mask or hide their true selves can be overwhelming.

The world often pushes them to conform to societal norms, but we need to shift the focus:
Let her be-Let her express her identity authentically, without judgment or pressure to meet a standard that doesn’t align with who she is.

Autistic girls often face challenges that aren’t immediately visible. They may hide their struggles, internalize their differences, and feel disconnected from their peers because they’re expected to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit them.

Letting her be means allowing her to engage with the world on her terms—
whether it’s through her own form of communication, preferred routines, or unique ways of interacting with her environment.

Support isn’t about changing who she is—it’s about accepting her for who she truly is, without the pressure to fit an ideal.

Autistic girls have incredible strengths—creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and a deep connection to their passions.

By supporting them in ways that allow them to be themselves, we create a world where they can thrive, exactly as they are.

04/23/2025

Adventure Gym will be closed for the rest of the week. Mr. Justin’s recovering from oral surgery, one of our kids has a high fever, and I’m spread thin like the last bit of butter on cold toast—just doing what I can to hold it all together. This weekend is fully booked with private events, so we won’t be open to the public.

When you’re a family-run space, sometimes being a family has to come first. Thank you for understanding, for cheering us on, and for being part of this wildly wonderful community. We’ll be back Monday, ready to welcome your little explorers again.