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Cosmos Club

Friendship, belonging and community connection

Friendships and social connections often begin through school, work or other regularly shared experiences. For adults living with intellectual and developmental exceptionalities, these opportunities can become harder to find after leaving school.

Cosmos Club was created to help fill that gap. It offers welcoming opportunities for people to meet, build friendships, explore shared interests and participate more fully in the Kingston community.

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Cosmos Club is evolving

Since Cosmos Club began, we have learned alongside our participants.

We discovered that social connection does not always grow from gathering in the same room or following a structured activity. It grows when people have shared interests, see one another regularly, make choices about how they spend their time and have opportunities to participate in the wider community together.

Participants especially enjoyed our larger celebrations, community outings and interest-based activities. Many formed friendships and returned regularly to programs such as Game Galaxy.

Based on this feedback and experience, Cosmos Club is evolving. Rather than offering several separate weekly activities at Bloom, we are focusing on:

  • Weekly connection through Game Galaxy

  • Supported outings and activities within the Kingston community

  • Opportunities to explore shared interests

  • Larger seasonal events that bring people together

  • Support with building the confidence and skills needed to participate in community life

This new model allows Cosmos Club participants to do more than attend a social program. It helps them become part of the community around them.

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Game Galaxy

Game Galaxy is our weekly gathering for people who enjoy board games, video games, role-playing games and connecting with others through play.

Game Galaxy takes place during Nerd Night, an established community gathering in Kingston. Being part of Nerd Night gives participants a consistent and welcoming place to meet while also creating natural opportunities to connect with the wider gaming community.

Whether someone is an experienced gamer or simply wants a relaxed way to meet people, Game Galaxy offers an easy point of entry. Participants can join Micah, our Game Host, in our featured games, bring something they already enjoy to play with others or learn something new.

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When: Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560
Address: 734 Montreal Street, Kingston
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Community activities and outings

Cosmos Club will also offer supported opportunities to participate in activities already happening throughout Kingston.

Depending on the season and participant interest, these may include:

  • Festivals, concerts and arts events

  • Karaoke and trivia

  • Swimming, aquafit, pickleball and other recreation

  • Berry picking, apple picking and seasonal outings

  • Community celebrations

  • Trips and special experiences

  • Social gatherings developed around participant interests

These activities give participants opportunities to try something new, practise navigating community spaces and enjoy Kingston alongside people they know.

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Larger Cosmos events

Throughout the year, Bloom will continue to host larger events that bring participants, friends, families and community members together. These may include seasonal celebrations, dances, special trips and other signature Cosmos gatherings.

Details about upcoming events will be posted below and shared through Bloom’s social media pages.

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