July was full of sunshine, connection, and summer adventures across DSAW! Chapters throughout the state brought families together for pool and splash pad days, picnics, park play dates, sporting events, community celebrations, educational opportunities, music therapy, cooking classes, inclusive recreation, and plenty of time spent with friends. From learning new skills and exploring new places to cooling off in the water and cheering from the sidelines, each gathering created opportunities to build friendships, strengthen connections, and celebrate our incredible DSAW community. We’re so grateful to the families, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, and supporters who helped make another memorable month possible, and we’re looking forward to even more fun and connection as summer continues!
Fox Cities
DSAW Fox Cities – July Recap
July was full of sunshine, smiles, and time spent together with our DSAW Fox Cities families!
We enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Timber Rattlers Baseball Game, cheering on the home team and making great memories together. We also gathered for a Park Play Date at Highview Park, where families connected while the kids played and explored.
To finish the month, we hosted Lemonade & Lawn Games at Erb Park. It was the perfect summer evening filled with games, laughs, and great conversation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in July. We love creating opportunities for our families to connect, and we’re looking forward to more fun together soon! 💙
Greater La Crosse Area
La Crosse July Recap:
We had a busy month full of time and space for connection, outdoor play and community awareness! We started the month with a pool picnic at the Sparta Aquatic Center, where participants were able to meet for a pizza lunch and then cool off from the heat. We were really excited about the lazy river! Some of our DSAW families started taking a cooking class this month at Aptiv, with funding provided by The La Crosse Community Foundation. We learned how to make “Smores in a Mug” and are looking forward to new easy recipes to add to our collection. We rounded out the month with a visit to The Children’s Museum in La Crosse, where once again we used play to discover and learn about the world around us. This event was sponsored by Dave Utterback, CPA. We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!
Green Bay
DSAW-Green Bay July Recap
On July 9, Joel Walters (President of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association) and Attorney Bridget Erwin shared their expertise and provided practical guidance to our families to help navigate future planning with confidence. Joel discussed the importance of pre-planning and how making arrangements in advance can ease the burden on loved ones during difficult times. Bridget shared valuable information about wills, trusts, guardianship, and special needs planning, helping families better understand the legal and financial tools available to protect and support their loved ones. Thank you Greater Green Bay Community Foundation for supporting the Parent Equip Speaker Series and helping DSAW-Green Bay make opportunities like this possible.
Throughout July, DSAW-GB sponsored Music Therapy classes on three Monday evenings. These interactive sessions gave children and their caregivers the opportunity to connect through music, movement, rhythm, singing, and play while supporting communication, social skills, emotional growth, sensory regulation, and self-expression. It was wonderful to see so many smiles, new friendships, and meaningful family connections throughout the month.
South Central
DSAW-SC July Recap
July was filled with connection, community, & unforgettable experiences!
Watched Wicked 2 and ate dinner together for our 18+ participants.
Improved communication skills through ASL signs at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville
Built friendships through our playgroup (ages 0–6) at Brittingham Park in Madison
Came together for the 25th Annual DSAW-SC Golf Outing
Enjoyed The Crew get-together at Palmer Park in Janesville
Saw a ton of animals at Timbavati Wilfdlife Park in the Dells with 100 participants
Joined together for a swim at the Monona Pool for our 7–12-year-old playgroup
Celebrated community pride through the Heritage Day float preparation, a picnic, and participation in the yearly Edgerton parade
Gathered for a family picnic and pool day at Blue Mounds State Park
Cheered on Forward Madison FC at their soccer game
Explored the Madison Children’s Museum
Southeastern WI
DSAW – SEWI/KRW – Looking Back on July 2026
July events in SEWI/KRW had a lot to do with fun in and around and with WATER. Whether it was splashing in the sprinklers at the Down Home BBQ, meeting up with DSAW Families at German Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park at the Lakefront, chilling at the beach while viewing a thrilling Muskego Water Bugs show, splashing through waterpark attractions at Bear Paw Adventure Park, or fishing in the pond at Zachariah’s Acres’ Picnic & Fishing Jamboree, DSAW families had a lot of ways to beat the heat in July. Families also made sure to stay hydrated while basking in the sunshine at Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa and taking in A Minecraft Movie at Petrifying Springs Biergarten at sunset. Definitely NOT a watered down month of family events!
Chippewa Valley
DSAW – CV July Recap
On one of the hottest days in July, the Chippewa Valley chapter came together for a fun-filled picnic and a visit to the splash pad! Kids and adults alike had a wonderful time. The kids kicked off the afternoon by exploring the playground and testing out the workout area before cooling off in the water.
Thank you to all the families who came out to support my first event. Your kindness and encouragement helped me feel more comfortable in this new role, and I truly appreciate it. I’m looking forward to many more opportunities to get together and make great memories with all of you!
Sheboygan & Surrounding Counties
DSAW – Sheboygan July Recap
July was full of swimming and pickleball.
We enjoyed a fun afternoon of swimming at the Blue Harbor resort in Sheboygan. The day was filled with swimming and lots of laughs with our DSAW families.
Later in the month we had a Pickleball Tournament fundraiser the was hosted by Brody Konrad at Kiwanis Park in Sheboygan. This was the 3rd annual tournament hosted by the Konrad family. Save the date for next year’s tournament so you can come and join in the fun! The date for next year’s event is July 24, 2027.
Thank you to all who joined us for our July events and we look forward to more summer fun in August!
Looking for upcoming events?
DSAW hosts activities and programs across Wisconsin throughout the year. Visit our Events Calendar to find opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the DSAW community.