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History and Mission

My name is Julie Branstetter, and I am the coordinator of this playgroup.  Before I became a mother, I gained 15 years of professional experience as an event coordinator.  I now have two children, and I stay home to care for them.  I am currently studying seminary and working towards obtaining a Masters Degree in Theology.  It gives me great pleasure to serve my community through the Summer Playgroups. 
 
I believe it is very helpful for other parents to have a support system of people with like experiences (parenting) who are able to listen and talk with each other about their struggles and successes.  Many parents have an innate desire to help and encourage one another because we all know how being a parent can wear on us at times.  This playgroup hopes to gives parents and their children the opportunity to develop valuable healthy friendships.  Ever hear the phrase, "When mamma ain't happy, nobody's happy"?  Well, that's a funny saying, but it holds some truth.  When parents and children have healthy peer relationships then their satisfaction transcends to the whole family.
 
This Summer playgroup started informally between a group of about 5 moms and their children during the Summer of 2005.  Our children's ages varied.  We found that our time together was very valuable.  We really enjoyed being able to let our children play and have time to relax and enjoy one another's company.  It was very helpful to have other parents to share with our "pains" and "joys".  It was encouraging and just plain fun.  We try to keep the playgroup activities very simple and free or low cost whenever possible.  Usually we would meet at parks and bring our own lunches with us.  Occassionally we would meet at the Spray Park in Rocky Mount which only cost $1 for the day.

About the Playgroup

Thank you for your interest in my Summer Playgroup.  We meet throughout the summer at various locations in the Rocky Mount and Wilson area of North Carolina.  Joining the summer playgroup is free!  Most playgroup events are scheduled at a park and all you'll need to bring is a bagged lunch for yourself and your child.  Occassionally we schedule playgroups at the local spray park which is $1.00 to participate, or Chuck E. Cheese, where tokens can be as inexpensive as a couple of dollars.  Any cost that is incurred by you during our events is minimal and has been scheduled this way to keep it easy and affordable for everyone.  The playgroup does not cover your personal participation cost, however, I have personally absorbed the cost in reserving shelters at parks when needed, the cost in planning and materials, website and database maintanence, and "end of the summer" party needs.  If you would like to make a donation to help offset this cost, please send it to the coordinator and address listed at the bottom of each webpage.  It is greatly appreciated, however, not required!  This is a labor of love for me and I plan these events for families as a service of my faith.  The most important thing to me is for you to plan to attend and participate in the scheduled events.  The more families we have participating, the more successful and fun the playgroup is for everyone! :)


Coordinator, Julie Branstetter
* 603 West Nash Street* Elm City * NC * 27822 * (704) 469-0196 *