What’s better than watching How to Train Your Dragon on the big screen? Doing it surrounded by friends, snacks, and a whole crew of adventurers ready for a good time. Our latest group outing took us to Event Cinemas at Springfield Orion, and it turned out to be a perfect mix of fun, learning, and a few quiet wins.
Lights, Popcorn, Action
Our day started with a bit of the usual chaos – traffic, ticket delays, a few nerves – but that didn’t stop our crew from pulling it together. Everyone met at the cinema, found their support worker, and got comfy for the movie. Some were buzzing with excitement, others were a little unsure, but once the lights dimmed and dragons took flight, everyone settled in.
A few participants had their own little routines. One checked the snack options with their support worker before heading in, another chose a quieter row and stayed close to someone they trusted. There were fidget toys, comfort items, and quiet check-ins throughout. It wasn’t just a movie; it was a safe space to enjoy a shared experience.
Lunch and Little Moments
After the movie, the group broke up for lunch. Some sat together and chatted over chips and nuggets, while others needed a bit of quiet to reset. One of our young people decided to head home a bit early and have lunch in their own space, which we fully supported. Another found a quiet corner to eat after feeling a little overwhelmed.
A highlight for one participant was popping into Mr Toys to buy two new dinosaur toys after the movie. For someone else, it was chatting in the car about their favourite scenes and how closely the movie followed the original. There were deep chats about writing stories, conversations about movies and music, and even quiet time on headphones. Everyone had their own version of success.
What We Noticed
We saw real growth and self-awareness. One person recognised they were reaching their social limit and asked for space. Another, who usually finds group settings tricky, stayed regulated and comfortable all the way through. A few needed help navigating choices at lunch and were supported to do just that without pressure or rush.
There were also beautiful moments of peer connection. A few kids who hadn’t met before shared lunch and talked about dragons. Some stuck close to their support workers, and others ventured out a little more.
Why These Days Matter
This wasn’t just a trip to the movies. It was a chance to practise independence, explore social settings, manage emotions, and enjoy something together. No worksheets, no pressure, just real life, real support, and real fun.
Our events aren’t just about filling a day. They’re about building confidence, creating community, and making space for young people to be themselves – whether that means joining in the group or hanging back with a quiet snack.
We’re proud of everyone who came along. Each person showed up, found their comfort zone, and made the day their own.
