We have four playgroups currently available. Our Wednesday playgroup is all-ages and meets from 10:30-12, two Wednesdays a month. Our Thursday playgroup is also all-ages and meets on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:00, the first three Thursdays a month. Our Friday playgroup for children under 36 months is held twice a month from 10-12 and we also have an All-Boys playgroup held every other Friday from 10-12.
Monthly MOMS Night Out
These activities are designed specifically for our moms to relax during the evening after dads or other caregivers can take over. It gives us a chance to chat and reconnect. Most moms opt to leave their children at home, however children are welcome if need be. Some of our MOMS Night Out activities have included:
- Sushi Night Dinner - Cooking Class at Pronto in Royal Oak
- Comedy Club Outing - Year-end dinner
- Bingo Night - Moms Slumber Party
- Ceramics Painting - Christmas Cookie Exchange
- Movie Night - Spa Night
- Card and Game Night
Community Service Opportunities
Each year we focus on a major community service program and typically several smaller ones as well. For the current fiscal year (July 2003 - June 2004) our chapter has chosen the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center as our primary focus. We are currently in the process of fundraising through raffle ticket sales, recycle can drives, and pledges from local companies and merchants. Our goal is to supply Christmas gifts for 80 children in foster care through the center. We are also collecting Campbell's Soup labels and Box Tops for Education to benefit local schools.
Monthly Business Meetings
Each month we hold a business meeting to discuss and vote on activities, philanthropy projects, and topics of interest. Often during these meetings we will provide a speaker on a topic relevant to our moms. Sometimes we will schedule a discussion forum or a craft activity for moms and kids. There is a separate 'Children's Room' available during the meetings that 2 or more of our moms staff to watch over the children. We provide it as a service to our membership so that they may fully participate in the meetings, however it is optional and children are welcome in the meeting room.
Speakers
Some of the speakers and topics we have had in the past include:
- Massage and Reducing Stress
- Children's Dental Care - Child Safety
- Children's Book Author - Child Development
- Women's Issues
Family get-togethers
Our chapter schedules a family get-together every other month. This is a great opportunity for the dads to get to know each other too. Some of the past activities have included:
- Dad's Dessert Night - Family Tailgating and Chili Cook-off
- Couple's Night out Holiday Party - Family Night BBQ
- Family Campout
Special Outings and Seasonal Activities
We try to take advantage of all the fun activities that occur throughout the year. Here are some of the activities that have taken place:
- Park Days in spring, summer and fall - Library visits throughout the year
- Trips to the zoo and the beach in summer - Pool parties at member's house
- Trips to petting farms, cider mills - Raspberry picking
- Trips to indoor play areas - Bumper bowling
- Trips to the fire station - Halloween Costume party
- Visit to Santa at the mall - Easter Egg hunt
- Tours of local supermarkets and bakeries - Story Time at local bookstores
- Kid's Matinee Movies - Walking in the Farmington Memorial Day Parade