Join us at the lake

 
By Brandie Majeau 
It really was the perfect day.  With overcast skies teasing the idea that rain may be
imminent, Thorhild County Family Centre still went ahead with their weekly Wednesday “picnic
& play” at Halfmoon Lake.  The rain never came, and the light cloud coverage created ideal
conditions and temperatures for a day of fun.  Family Resource Network Coordinator Tammy
Kuefler mentioned a small response to the beginning of this summer program but was
delighted with the influx of last-minute registrations for the July 12 activity; many of the
families attending were joining this particular program for the first time.  
Families packed up picnic lunches, sand toys, swimsuits and any beach paraphernalia
they could think of and joined each other for a day at the lake.  This is not the first time Thorhild
County Family Centre has offered this program.  For many years, they have utilized this small
piece of paradise so close to home.  The relaxed environment, with all the amenities you need,
provides the perfect atmosphere for families to come together and meet new people.   
The picnic & play program is not just a chance to hang out.  It facilitates a safe place for
children to meet new friends.  It gives families a reason to get out with others if they are new to
the area or long-time residents who may be feeling isolated or alone.  It provides something
each family needs; the needs are not always apparent, but they find themselves leaving with
something personal that they did not realize they were missing.  It provides a mini-vacation in a
world that is often overwrought with stress and anxiety.  It gives families a chance to
strengthen their own relationships by doing something together without the distractions of
reality.   
Children and parents flow from activities and groups, sometimes largely together, at
other times one-on-one.  Kuefler noted that it doesn’t seem to matter how many families
attend, whether it is a huge turnout (approximately 45 individuals was the largest to date) or
only a couple of families.  She notices that each individual gains something from the
connectivity.  Parents are getting to open up about frustrations and dreams, or enjoying the
simplicity of nothing conversations.  Quiet children may play contently with other quiet ones, or
they may migrate to someone who draws them into the chaos of play that often comes with
freedom, water and sand.   
Picnic & Play is a program that strives to build and maintain happy and healthy
relationships.  It is not about how many people attend.  While more is generally merrier and
more are always welcome, the overall outcome and purpose is to bring people together. 
Sometimes two families may have an easier time connecting than a group of ten families. 
Many parents in attendance commented about how happy they were that they decided to
attend.  They had a chance to be drawn out and reunite or meet someone new.  The comment
was also made that they were amazed none of the children were fighting or arguing; the games
and sharing of toys came naturally and without coaxing. 
The day would not have been complete without screams of excitement and pure
childhood joy. “Look at the leeches I found!” “I caught minnows!” “Mom, I need a bigger pail!”
“The butterfly landed right on my ball!” “Come see!”