There is something joyful about messy play, especially when someone else cleans it up.
“That’s the point: someone else gets to clean up the mess for the mothers,” shared summer coordinator Morgan Dickins of the almost daily summer programming being offered through the Red River Valley Parent Child Centre. “We have something new and fun each week. Often with a little bit of mess.”
A recent biomedical science graduate from Australia, Dickins is at Stagecoach Park in Morris every Monday through Wednesday, usually from 9:30-11:30 a.m. A rotating series of activities with a different theme each Wednesday—All About Me, bugs, and STEM field interactives, to name a few—there is always something new for the preschoolers and their parents.
“I like to see the kids’ personalities come through,” Dickins said. “There is always one part of the activity that is fun for each individual child.”
The regular interaction is also good for the parents.
“Moms come to see other parents, they vent, and their children share their attention with other adults.”
Tuesday morning offers a twoonie swim at the adjacent pool. Dickins is the support person at the beginning of the session, offering a book and song. Parents can splash in the shallow end with their children afterward.
“I would love to see your face if you are around,” Dickins said, encouraging local parents to drop by for a craft if they are able.
She asks that families check the centre’s Facebook page regularly for potential changes and to stay current on the “week of fun coming your way.”
