Start an Outdoor Playgroup
get active outdoorscanada
(Sep.29.10)
With cooler weather on its way, we spoke with Kari Svenneby, MySweetBaby's outdoor play expert and founder of Activekidsclub.com, about why parents should join or start an outdoor playgroup and just what fun doing so entails.
What is an outdoor playgroup?
I think every parent has taken his or her child to a playgroup. An outdoor playgroup is exactly the same; a weekly date where kids and parents get together to enjoy some fresh air and go out in nature together.
How does this differ from a regular playgroup?
The only difference an outdoor playgroup has from a traditional playgroup is that it is outside. Anything you can do inside you can usually adapt to do outside. You might be surprised on how much you can do all year round in all kinds of weather.
How do you convince people to join an outdoor group when the weather gets colder?
There always seems to be a bit of anxiety with some new members when the weather starts to turn colder. When is it too cold? What about windchill? All it takes is a few guidelines from the outdoor playgroup leaders and a passing on of the belief that there is no bad weather… only bad clothing. Parents will not only see how getting their kids outside during the dark, cold winters month makes their children happier and healthier, they will see a difference on how they feel themselves after a day outside.
What kind of cool weather activities would such a group do?
One of my favorite winter activities is to draw snow art with food coloring or to freeze water and food color in different shapes to make ice castles. Using what the season has to offer can be as simple as using the shorter days in the winter to go outside and allow younger children to look at the stars.
Who should join an outdoor playgroup?
I can’t imagine anyone with young children who wouldn’t benefit from starting or joining a playgroup. Anyone who wants to have their kids sleep better, develop both physically and mentally and just be healthier and happier should really think of ways to get their kids outside more.
How does a parent find an outdoor playgroup?
Outdoor playgroups are starting to really gather momentum but they are not everywhere yet. A great place to start is by joining Activekidsclubs.com’s community. Reading stories and blog posts from other parents about their outdoor experiences not only gives parents and caregivers ideas on what to do outside, it also is meant to inspire families and show that kids belong outside.
How does a parent start an outdoor playgroup if they can’t find one?
When you decide to start your own playgroup just fill out our playgroup application and get your own blog space and community forum. There are tools to help you market your playgroup and other group leaders who can help you with ideas and encouragement.
What should all outdoor playgroups include/specify?
We have spent the last four years writing, blogging and sharing photos and videos about that question. The short answer is happy kids and relaxed parents wearing quality outerwear and not to forget to bring some snacks. Oh, and in the winter a thermos of hot chocolate.
What’s the best thing about being part of an outdoor playgroup for a child and a parent?
One of the biggest surprises I have had with the playgroups I belong to is the parents have just as much fun and benefit just as much as the children. Getting together and enjoying the great outdoors seems to bridge all generational gaps and though the kids may jump in a few more puddles or get a little dirtier than the parents, the smiles I have seen on the big kids are just as big as the ones on the children who brought them there.
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