Parent-Child Centre builds community
Operating out of Morris for over 25 years, the Red River Valley Parent-Child Centre’s focus is to build literacy and healthy lifestyle outcomes for young children and their families.
This summer was no exception, with activities running regularly throughout July and August at various parks in Lowe Farm and Morris.
Summer Fun facilitator Jayda Doell found her seasonal position to be a rewarding one.
“Finding fun crafts for children to do with their parents, [interacting] with families, and getting to see the kids was great,” she said. Many of her inspirations came from Pinterest, and she encourages parents to search the platform for interactive crafts for their children.
Different themes were attached to the crafts, stories, and activities, including space, dinosaurs, food, and ocean, with a new theme visited each week.
“The children especially loved the safari and superhero-themed weeks and making crafts,” said Doell. A favourite event included the evening science night where children rotated through activities like “elephant toothpaste,” learned about solubility with Skittles, and made gas creations with balloons, baking soda, and vinegar.
RRVPCC director Cheryl Crick is excited about the upcoming weekly Stay & Play programming that resumes on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
“The centre provides the biggest opportunity for connection to moms and children. They come together, provide each other with friendship, and build connections,” said Crick. “If my job is just to connect families, I have a pretty amazing job.”
Attendance to programming ebbs and flows depending on demand, but with overwhelming child numbers this spring, Stay & Play expanded from its usual Wednesday time to include Thursday mornings as well.
“We are hoping to keep both morning dates on the calendar this fall,” Crick said.
In the past, the RRVPCC has offered programming for pre-school aged children such as Messy Play, L’il Artist, a six-week movement and dance class, Growing Up Green, creative cooking classes for parents, and women’s empowerment crafting.
Keep an eye on the Red River Valley Parent-Child Centre Inc. Facebook page for ongoing programming available throughout the year, including Stay & Play mornings from 9-11 a.m. at the Morris United Church basement.
