Sunday, March 01, 2015

Parenting in the Gorge Guide for 2015

New baby resources, story times, playgroups, parenting classes, family life skills and recreation guides for kids K-12. Here's the Spanish Parenting in the Gorge Guide.

Updated New Parent Services Playgroups for 2014-2015 School Year

Meet other parents, exchange ideas and resources, get breastfeeding and other support!

Sensory Friendly Films at Kidsense

Every month on the 2nd Saturday at Hood River Cinemas. "Sensory friendly" means that we keep the lights turned up so it is not too dark and the sound turned down so it's not too loud. In order to avoid crowds, the movie is shown early in the morning before the theater is open to the general public.

Great Electrifying Event!

at Bonneville Lock and Dam February 28. This free educational event is designed to teach the basics of electricity and how it is generated at Bonneville Lock and Dam. It is geared toward elementary and middle school students, but informative and fun for the entire family.

Northern Wasco County 'Excellent Adventures'!

Excellent Adventures gives your child a chance to experience events beyond The Dalles. This gives them an opportunity to see what the Northwest region has to offer. Upcoming adventures include Portland Trailblazer games and snow tubing.

Think it! Code It! Make It! Gorge MakerSpace Fun at White Salmon Public Library

Fridays from 6-8pm from February 27 through March 13, join this fun family creative learning event for parents and kids ages 7-12.

Gorge Makerspace is a place where young people transform their ideas into reality. Part science lab, part metal shop, and part art studio, Gorge MakerSpace provides the coaching and tools participants need to design and build science and technology-based solutions to human challenges.

Group Games Social Group at Kidsense

This group is designed to guide students in developing appropriate social skills important for students as the create friendships and being to participate in various school and community activities. Emphasis will be in communication skills, working with others and friendship skills. Call Kidsense at 541-386-0009 for dates, times, more information and registration.

Volunteer for Winter SECRETS Program throughout the Columbia Gorge

Both Hood River and Northern Wasco County School Districts need volunteers for the SECRETS program introducing hundreds of new students to the ecological principals of our local forest and shrub-steppe communities of the Gorge. SECRETS is a program of the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute.

Recommended Websites for Kids

The Hood River County Library announces that the Association of Library Services to Children has created a guide to parents for their child’s online use.  See their recommended websites for kids.

Providence Coffee Shop Teaches Life Skills for Local Students

Walk through the main entrance of Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, and chances are you will notice the smell of coffee—and the energy of high school students at Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop. The Youth Transition Program at Hood River Valley High School is using the café to provide valuable work experience for youth with barriers to employment.

Gorge Soup Micro- Philanthropy for Kids!

GORGE SOUP is a great community building event in the Columbia River Gorge where you have dinner with friends while supporting new businesses or projects in our community.
Join us for Gorge Soup for Kids at Spring House Cellars February 26th at 6:00pm!

Klickitat School Pirate Carnival

Treasure Island, Food, Games and an excellent silent auction March 15 from 2-5pm!

Incredible Years Parenting Classes in Hood River and The Dalles

Starting on Feb. 19 in The Dalles and Feb. 26 in Hood River, for caregivers and parents of children 2-8 years, learn how to emotion coach, teach self control, effective praise, tangible rewards, child directed play, effective limit setting, ignoring behaviors, and calming techniques. Free dinner and child care is provided.

KidFit2Go - Mobile Fitness & Fun for Kids!

Preschools, Teachers & Parents will love these custom fitness classes brought right to your school, childcare, preschool or other organization. Children explore physical activities through a creative multi station challenge course, using specialized equipment design for safety, fitness and fun!

Playgroups in Hood River County

Hood River County Library and New Parent Services Playgroups happening each week for children.

Breastfeeding Support Group

The Columbia Gorge Breastfeeding Coalition will begin a newly formed mother-to-mother support group that offers guidance during this important time. The group is conducted by a trained facilitator who listens and guides the discussion, the first and third Wednesday each month at Riverside Church in Hood River from noon to 1.

Parent Connections Group at KidSense Pediatric Therapy Center

Parents share their personal experiences related to Sensory Processing Disorder. Call t 541-386-0009 for current group times as they do change.

Good Parenting Support

Here are a few excellent places to check for information or to call when you, a parent or a teenager you know needs some quick support and help. Parent Trust for Washington Children.

Parent Trust Family Help Line: 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) - Toll-free in Washington State.
Washington State Teenline:1-800-562-1240