This summer is PACKED for us as we gear up for the new school year so we are sending you allllll the summertime feels and hope you have good excuses to get outside, do lots of playing & enjoy the long light-filled days.
Finding pockets of time to get outside and play can be hard when you're juggling work, kids, family, and all the other responsibilities.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw
We found these great tips on making play a priority from www.yourtherapysource.com
How to Give Children the Gift of Play
Make play a priority. Sometimes we have to say no to certain outings, events or activities. Family life is challenging enough but downtime, where kids can just be kids, is a necessity for children.
Allow for independence. If your children are old enough, leave them alone. Don’t hover. This will help you and them. They will argue and settle it without you ever even hearing it all! They will fail and succeed and you will only hear about the success stories.
Schedule it! I know that may sound ridiculous to some parents but since there are 6 kids in our house and 2 adults with insane schedules if we didn’t set aside time for play my kids would lose out.
Find your OWN way to get outside and play, know that even a few minutes can bring about great memories. If you're ready to hit the road, check out the link below for some tips on the best parks to visit with kids.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER we've got some race discounts for you, a cool announcement about a film about to go into production and yes...links to register for the FALL. We know...let it be summer. :)
If you've got any questions about Mini Mermaids or Young Tritons, shoot me a note! heidi@minimermaidrunningclub.org
Happy Summer Friends.
Heidi Boynton, CEO MMRC
Ready to get outside with your kids?
You want to take your kids on an unforgettable adventure in one of our spectacular national parks—but which one? Follow this link for National Geographics Best National Park Adventures for Kids.
Photo Credit: imgorthand (iStock)
At Mini Mermaids & Young Tritons, we believe in collaborating with work that impacts the world for the better. We are excited to introduce you to Sharon Contillo, Sharon is a filmmaker with a new very personal mission. Learn about her new film "Curls" and why it matters so much to her.
In Sharon's words:
"My daughter sadly believed, at age 5, that she needed to have straight hair to be considered beautiful. She didn’t like the image she saw in the mirror and tried all kinds of ways to hide her true self. As a result, she wasn’t confident growing up. This was the inspiration for this short film, but the topic is not only about hair, but it’s also about being body confident. The theme sheds light on the endless unrealistic images our girls see in media, social media, and advertising. My goal is to give girls a positive outlet for inspiration, to see a realistic image of themselves, on screen, of someone who struggles with embracing her perceived uniqueness and ultimately conquers it. We’re fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit that focuses on social change films such as ours and need $25,000 to produce and distribute the film. Our goal is to have all funds raised by July 26, 2019.
I so appreciate your help with this film and global crisis so our girls can be confident about who they are and break through archaic stereotypes.
If you want to join in and support, please follow this link to our crowdfunding page."
- Sharon Contillo, Screenwriter, Executive Producer, Director, Actor, and Author
Now this is a mission we can get behind. Please consider donating to "Curls" campaign so kids can hear this important message of self-acceptance.
Did you know we reach thousands of kids and families and community members with the power of VOLUNTEERS? If you are one of our rockstar volunteers - we want to celebrate YOU. Please join us on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz from 5 - 9 pm.
Registration for FALL is OPEN and we are stoked to have sessions all over the country already on deck. You can start Mini Mermaids and/or Young Tritons ANYWHERE. We will help you will all the details.
Don't miss out on your chance to get in on these sessions already set:
{{California}}
Oakland/North Bay Area:
Sessions begin the week of September 2 and end at East Bay 5k Sunday, October 13th, 2019
***Spots limited, race fees covered in program registration
San Francisco
Sessions begin the week of September 9th and end at Mermaid Series San Francisco Sunday, October 20th, 2019
***Spots limited, race fees covered in program registration
Redwood City/Penninsula
Sessions begin the week of September 23rd and end at Redwood City Oktober Run 5k Sunday, October 27th.
***Spots limited, race fees covered in program registration
San Jose/Santa Clara County
Sessions begin the week of October 7th and end at Run Sweat Love 5k/1k San Jose Sunday, November 17th, 2019
San Diego
Sessions begin the week of February 3, 2020, and end at Padres 5k on Sunday, March 15th. ***Spots limited, race fees covered in program registration
Santa Cruz County
Sessions begin the week of March 9th, 2020 and end at Run Sweat Love 5k/1k Santa Cruz, Saturday, April 25th.
Who can coach Mini Mermaid and Young Tritons?? ANY adult over 18 who passes a background check and is stoked to help kids feel STRONG.
Ready to get started? Email Allison Pfferkorn, our Program Coordinator by following this link. For our returning schools, she will get you a new registration link and for our new Young Triton/Mini Mermaid family - she will help you with all the steps.
