It takes a village to raise a child. I know this for a fact…and we only have one kid! Parent friends from playgroups, school or even the playground can help make the experience of child rearing a lot less stressful and much more enjoyable. But in a world that has turned mostly virtual and hands-off as of late, one local organization has found a way to bring the joy and benefits of group play and socialization to families in a safe way.
Delray’s Sunflower Creative Arts recently sprouted their Sunflower Sandbox program, which aims to bring play, nature and the arts into a family’s home. If you’re not familiar with Sunflower Creative Arts, they are a local organization that offers programs for children (babies to age 12) as well as their caregivers. With more than 28 years of experience, they believe hands-on learning practices in play, nature and the arts are absolutely essential for healthy human development.
With Sunflower Sandbox, children will receive curated, age-appropriate play boxes on a monthly basis that are designed to inspire hours of imaginative play. Members are also invited to attend short yet highly interactive online play sessions with their Sunflower teachers and fellow members. This membership is also beneficial for parents who will be automatically connected to a strong caregiving community during weekly, virtual, adults-only sessions. In these, moms and dads can share and receive advice from Sunflower’s Director and Founder, Susan Caruso. Families also have the option of enjoying private in-person play sessions on Sunflower Creative Arts’ renowned playscapes to climb and run free with their chosen social “bubble”.
Each Sunflower Sandbox contains exciting new hands-on and virtual experiences with membership levels designed to meet the needs of each child. Packages include but are not limited to:
- Play Packs: Age-appropriate nature and art materials to keep. No two months will be the same, but they will always deeply engage a child’s creativity and curiosity. Members can choose to pick up the pack from Sunflower Creative Arts or pay a small fee for home delivery.
- Play Library Borrow Bins: These bins are filled with a set of materials from Sunflower’s play-based classrooms, designed to stimulate hours of imaginative play and joy and then be returned after some time.
- Private Play Sessions on The Shire: Sunflower’s outdoor space (for 0-3 year olds) is set up for safe, independent, and age-appropriate play for their youngest sprouts. Dig in the sandbox! Pick fruit from Sunflower’s mulberry tree! Explore the butterfly garden and water play fountain. Set up a session during the week or weekend for your family’s social group.
Having met my best mom friends at local “mommy & me” and dance classes, I know how important it is to find your tribe early on. Find that community (safely) and sprout some new friendships. We’re all in this together!
Sunflower Creative Arts // 227 Dixie Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33444 // 561/501-6615
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
