I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming out in such big numbers to help us kick off the season at our Outdoor Family Kickoff to Summer event this past June 11. What an incredible turnout and gorgeous day we had for the first edition of this fun event. It was great to see familiar faces and also to meet so many new families. I loved meeting each of you and having the chance to chat in-person, instead of on Zoom!
Thank you to the Morrin Centre for a great outdoor edition of Storytime and to all the volunteers that helped us out during the event. Thanks also to Jarryd Smith, our new WE Dads Community Animator, for setting up a great motor skills course and then leading us in a fun outdoor workout for the whole family. The impromptu soccer game was a great finalé to the day.
The day went off much better than I had hoped. It brought so many families together, so mission accomplished! My son has been asking me non-stop when the next event like this will be held. Don’t worry, we have taken note that this kind of family event is super popular and we hope to be able to offer more like it in the coming year.
Connecting English-speaking parents all summer long, dads too!
While much of our programming will slow down over the summer, be sure to check out the Park Playdates schedule. Hosted by volunteer parents, these Playdates will take place on either Friday or Saturday morning during most weeks over the summer in different parks across the city. Join our WE Dads & EPIQ Facebook group pages for the most up to date details on our dad activities. You can also reach out directly to Jarryd if you are a dad in the Québec City are looking to connect with other English-speaking dads.
At the end of summer, the EPIQ group (English-speaking parents in Quebec) will get together for a pizza party and evening of planning parent-led activities for 2022-’23. EPIQ is a great way to build a network of new friends and a welcoming community vibe. Volunteer parents have hosted events like pumpkin patch outings, apple picking, hikes, clothing swaps, spa nights, tobogganing, cooking classes, and nights out without the kiddos. All events are led by volunteer parents like you, but we’re here to support you and help spread the word.
So what’s new for EPIQ in the year to come? For one thing, WE Dads Community Animator, Jarryd Smith will be joining the gang. So c’mon Dads, no excuses, join in on the fun! We will be meeting at the end of the summer, but please let me know now if I can add you to the list of participants for the planning/pizza evening.
I will be in and out of the office over the summer and taking some vacation time, but don’t hesitate to send me an email and I will get back to you once I am back in the office.
Wishing you a wonderful summer, and some quality time with your families,
Jessica
