The Play Network Gets Creative with Family Fun During Covid
How does an organization, whose claim to fame is planning fun activities for families, continue when bringing groups together during a pandemic isn’t safe? It seems like a daunting task, but The Play Network has risen to the challenge, churning out socially distanced activities and fun ways for their members to connect, even if it is a little different than before.
Pre-covid, The Play Network, was busy. They were organizing weekly activities for kids, coordinating playgroups, and even putting together regular parent’s night outs. As a small nonprofit that is 100% volunteer run, the dedicated Board of Directors has worked really hard to provide connection for kids, parents, and caregivers while introducing them to fun activities and resources in Missoula.
The current leadership team, consisting of ten moms from all walks of life, have come together to continue to provide the same connections and family fun, while keeping it all socially distanced and safe. Katherine Porter, the event coordinator for the group said, “This year has been an obvious challenge and I am beyond grateful that so many in our community have been open and willing to problem-solve with us to make new ways for our families to build connections.”
From virtual cooking classes and socially distanced movie nights, to take home activity kits, The Play Network has adapted and changed and is an asset to our community now more than ever.
One of their new activities is StoryWalk®. Created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal of Kellogg-Hubbard Library, has been brought to Missoula! It is a fun way to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.
This week’s story takes place at McClay Flats and tells the story “Harold Loves His Wooly Hat” by Vern Kousky and will be up until 11am Saturday, December 11th. This is the second StoryWalk® that The Play Network has organized, but they have more planned. In an effort to reach more families in the community, the location and stories change each time. The next story can be found January 14-16 at Traveler’s Rest State Park in Lolo.
To find out more about The Play Network or to join, visit their website at playnetworkmissoula.org
Membership is $25 per year for each family, but scholarships are available. Dues are used to offset the cost of materials and supplies for activities.
