Here is a list of activities that are regular occurrences. Most activities are regular monthly events while others are events that occur less regularly. Other functions and activities are also scheduled throughout the month.

Note: all playgroups also are inclusive of any other siblings in the family. Please feel free to bring all of your children to any event any time.

PLAYGROUPS – meet at least once a month

0-1 YEAR Playgroup: A time for moms with children 1 year and under to gather and discuss issues of children in this age group. It is attended by many first time moms who are looking for support as their children are going through the same phases as others. In addition, they are able to learn many things that moms do to make this time easier or just find support that they are not alone during what can be a difficult time as a parent. Seasoned moms with multiple children are welcome and encouraged to bring their advice and input. Babies love looking at babies so this is a good time for tummy time play and just investigating other infants.

1-2 YEAR OLDS Playgroup: This is a time for moms with toddlers to get together and converse while the little ones explore in the safe environment of other toddlers.

2-3 YEAR OLDS Playgroup: This playgroup is for children who are learning to share and transitioning between side by side play and playing together. Moms have the chance to let the children entertain themselves for a while and socialize with other moms.

3 and 4 YEAR OLDS Playgroup: This playgroup is for older children. Held in a member’s home or scheduled for outings such as bowling, playgrounds, etc...

5 YEAR OLDS and UP Playgroup: Meets as often as members volunteer to host this playgroup for children who are of school age.

Early Bird Playgroup: Meets at a local mall play area earlier in the day than other playgroups for all ages play.

OTHER

Dinner Exchange: At least twice a month in the late afternoon. Each attending member brings a dish to serve as many families as are participating, which fits the chosen theme. Attendees also bring containers to take home dishes brought by other MOMS. Many find they have enough food for two meals after each of these events.

Lunch Bunch: At least once a month; themed potluck lunches at a mom’s house.

Book Club: Once a month a book is selected and moms who are interested gather to discuss that month’s selection.

Kid’s Book Club: Each child attending brings his or her favorite book and the moms take turns reading the selections to all the children in attendance.

Game Day: Bring back the games of our childhoods. During outdoor weather: Tag, Hide & Seek, Mother May I?, Red Light Green Light, Hokey Pokey, Follow the Leader, Simon Says, etc. During indoor weather: card games, puzzles and board games, or Follow the Leader type games. Moms and children are all encouraged to participate.

Ice Cream Socials: Pot luck items are brought by attendees to host’s house who usually supplies the ice cream for sundaes.

Breakfasts Out: Different morning locations are chosen to meet up and share breakfast with friends.

All Ages Mixers: All ages playgroups. Sometimes hosted in private homes and sometimes as outings in parks or mall play areas.

Movie/Video days: Hosted in homes for videos and out to theaters for kids movies.

Outings: Children’s Museum, Barnes & Noble story time, puppet shows, magic shows, train rides at local malls, train station tours, make your own pizza day at local pizza chain, etc...

Club Mom: Once a month. Sponsored by local mall for all mothers with children to receive free breakfast and entertainment for children as well as discounts to local vendors.

Creative Club: Once a month a mom hosts a morning where moms can catch up on their craft of choice (or bills, thank you notes…) while the children entertain each other.

Cartwheels: Once a month we have an outing to Cartwheels Academy in Powhatan for preschool-style gymnastics and fun.

Family Day: Once a month on a weekend day: Families gather for activities or outings where dads can also socialize and get to know one another (pancake/pool party, family olympics, air show, hockey game, basketball game, End-of-Year banquet, family game night, Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes, etc...)

Fitness Walks: Members gather at a park, neighborhood or mall to walk for health and fitness.

MOMS Night Out: One evening a month moms leave the children at home and socialize. Dinner, movie/video, manicure/pedicure, massages, bowling, scavenger hunt, pajama party, game night or any activity that moms are interested in doing.

Service Projects and Fundraisers: Voted on annually.

Seasonal Events: Halloween/Fall party with costume parade, leaf play, cookie exchange, holiday gift exchange, winter holiday family party, New Year’s countdown to noon, Valentine party, egg hunt etc...

Day Trips: Beach, Charlottesville, Williamsburg (outlet shopping)

MEETINGS

Business Meeting: Once a month. See New Member information packet for more information. Members are encouraged to attend and vote on upcoming projects and calendar ideas. Games are played, food is shared. Some months we have speakers and others round table discussions on issues of relationships and seasonal topics.

Board/Planning Meetings: Once a month attended by board members and newsletter editor to put together the new calendar, discuss topics and projects to bring to the membership.

Service Committee Meetings: Held when necessary to organize projects and fundraisers for the club to participate in for the betterment of the children of the community. MOMS Club Chapters must complete one service project to benefit children in their community each year.

You may look at our list of activities and say, those are mostly for children, however most moms will tell you that if her children are occupied in activity or with other children that provides support for her too!

**Children are welcome at all events. Moms Night Out is the only calendar activity where moms are encouraged (but not required) to leave the little ones at home.