Share this Story: Running wild, playing with passion
Running wild, playing with passion
Apr 04, 2016 • April 4, 2016 • 2 minute read
Nicole Nemeth
Special to Londoner
Childreach has been offering indoor playgroups since they first opened 40 years ago, but they realize the importance of getting children outside and are now offering outdoor playgroups, too.
"We started this outdoor playgroup back in December, but the idea was planted last fall when the ParticipACTION report card came out," said Nadine Reeves, communications and marketing coordinator. "In the report card it identified that children were not getting enough outdoor play. We recognized that our mission is to help parents, and the best way to get children outside is to have parents go with them,"
Wild Child Outdoor Playgroup happens every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These weekly events are free for families to drop-in and explore the outdoors with their children while being lead by the staff at Childreach.
On Thursdays they meet at Art on a Limb Studio, 944 Western Counties Rd., where they then head into Westminister Ponds. On Saturdays they meet at Museum of Ontario Archaeology, 1600 Attawandaron Rd., where they then head into Medway Valley Heritage Forest.
"We thought we would have this outdoor playgroup to build parents confidence, and maybe teach them to enjoy being outside, to follow their child's lead, to let their children take little more risks and develop their thinking and decision making. It's not just good physically and for our bodies, but also for our minds and our social involvement," Reeves said.
The purpose of Wild Child Outdoor Playgroup is to help demystify the risks of outdoor free play, so that children are free to explore and play while also building confidence and competence in a safe environment.
"It is child led, so it's whatever they're interested in and what draws them; some of them climb, or play near the water, or play with sticks and stones. We try to make it as enjoyable as possible," Reeves said.
Reeves said there are no rules, but at the beginning of each playgroup the staff on site will explain what the expectations are while reminding parents to allow their children to lead them.
"There might be some questions we prod the kids with like what do they smell, what can they hear. We get them to talk about what they're seeing and experiencing. It's quite fun! It's a nice way to spend the morning," Reeves said.
It is Childreach's mission to help parents be the best parents they can be. They offer a variety of services and programs and are located at 265 Maitland St.
"We recognize that every parent wants the best for their children but sometimes they just need a little bit of help, so we also do one on one parenting support. Parents can talk about their issues and we can help them create better strategies or reach out to the community. We also do free workshops and they're on everything from baby massage to potty training, to handling tantrums and bedtime routines," Reeves said.
Families are encouraged to dress accordingly to the weather, and to bring their own water bottles and snacks when joining the Wild Child Outdoor Playgroup.
"We really encourage parents to get their kids outside every day," Reeves said.
For more information: childreach.on.ca
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