In May, I had the opportunity to attend the Expanding Horizons Infant Mental Health Promotion conference in Toronto, which was fitting since May was Mental Health Month. The conference was two days packed with learning. Four EarlyON Educators attended with me, and we all brought back new concepts and ideas to help better support families in Muskoka. Families are at the centre of our practice, and we understand the importance of mental health for all members.

With this is mind, we would like to share details with you about our upcoming Dad's Day Out event. Yes, like Mindful Mamas, this event will focus on fostering mental health. The difference is that last year when we tried to host a dads' mental health night, registration was painfully low. We have pivoted this year to include children with their fathers, as this may be more beneficial to both parties. Fostering healthy relationships is vital for the well-being of adults and children, and we hope to do this at our programs, as well as our special events.

With Dad's Day Out, we will be inviting fathers to come out to Morrison Meadows in Bracebridge with their children on Sunday, June 22nd between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy lawn games, two large bouncy castles, a woodworking workshop, and bubble balls that kids can be enveloped in for a game of soccer or simply to roll around the lush fields. A barbeque lunch with be available throughout. Our community partners will have booths set up to share resources that are available to families of Muskoka, which cover all aspects of health and well-being.

If you are familiar with Morrison Meadows, this beautiful site hosts both our Forest Families and Nature, Play, Kinship programs throughout the year. This property has a large, accessible playground, indoor washrooms, and endless hiking trails that wind through the breathtaking forests surrounding the clubhouse and yurt. Registration will be open from Wednesday, May 21st at 8:00 a.m. until Friday, June 13th at noon. You don't want to miss it!

Before I sign off, I wanted to thank all of those that participated in our Mindful Mamas Returns event on Thursday, May 1st. It is heartwarming to witness a community of women come together to bond and offer support to each other. Sometimes the path to wellness begins with stepping outside of your comfort zone. This could be one conversation, a new resource pamphlet, or the opportunity to witness someone else's courage and greatness. I experienced that first-hand with EarlyON's Program Coordinator, Roberta Snoddon, who shared her colourful life story. It was filled with heartbreak and devastation, but the message I came away with was that of resilience and perseverance. There are ways to work through your trauma and find joy in life. I hope you all find that, whatever it may look like.

Be kind when you can, be fierce when you need to be, and above all else, be unapologetically you.

Take care,

Christine, RECE