Got little ones at home and looking for ways to connect?
Well, there are a lot of free programs available in Keremeos.
Stacey Lebeau, Community Action Program for Children coordinator at the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, runs a variety of programming for children aged 0 to six and their parents and caregivers.
“It takes a village to raise a child and we want to get to as many people as possible out so they’re active and they get a chance to connect with other young kids and the parents get to meet each other,” she said.
Programs run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays either at the Family Centre, located at the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society office or at parks, old age homes and at the Keremeos Legion.
Parents or caregivers must accompany children during programs. Programs also run throughout the winter.
Tuesday
Tumble Bumble held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Keremeos Legion.
“It’s an indoor gym program where the kids have a lot of fun. If people have older kids, I let them come anyways,” Lebeau said.
Positively Pregnant is held every second Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Family Centre.
“It’s a free program where we give out free prenatal vitamins, do some nutrition planning. We do some preparing for when baby comes and give out some planning resources,” she said.
On the alternate Tuesday, Moms Mingle is held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Family Centre,
“That really is what it sounds like. Moms get together and talk about the joys and successes of motherhood while connecting with other families,” she said.
Wednesday
Fun in the Sun takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Family Centre.
“It’s different learning activities, but in a playful way. We have a water table. Tomorrow, we are learning about wind and air. They’re going to build boats and see how the wind moves them,” she said.
Health Habits is held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Memorial Park. The program is open to all ages.
“It’s a drop-in program for parents, children, families. Basically I have people come out and volunteer like Rob from the kickboxing place came and Mountain Movement Yoga came out and they teach different ways of being active,” she said.
Special over the next few months is the RDOS PLAY trailer will be at the group. The trailer includes games, and activities for young and old to play with.
The PLAY trailer will be set up on the following dates July 31, Aug.8, aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19.
Thursday
Tumble Bumble is held from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Keremeos Legion.
Fun with Elders takes place at Kyalami Place and Orchard Haven from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“We have a little outdoor playgroup that comes out. It’s a gorgeous space and basically the kids just come in and play and have fun and connect with the elders,” she said.