Summer Fun for Families

Summer is officially here! Don't miss out on great resources for families looking for fun activities for summer. Here are several free and low cost ideas:

Free Events in Norman

Jazz in June

Dates: June 24 - 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Location: Brookhaven Village, 3700 West Robinson Street
http://jazzinjune.org/blog/

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Date: June 26
Free admission! Bring your library card to get in for free.
http://www.snomnh.ou.edu/

4th of July - Fireworks and Live Entertainment
Date: July 4
Time: 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Reeves Park
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/4th-july-activities-reaves-park

Midsummer's Nights Fair
Dates: July 9 - July 10
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Lion's Park
http://normanfirehouse.moonfruit.com/#/midsummer-nights-fair/4524980380

Summer Breeze Concert Series
July 11 & 18
August 1, 15, & 29
September 12 & 19
http://www.thepas.org/content/blogcategory/18/74/



Free Activities in Norman

Norman Splash Pads
Two locations
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/splashpad
 
Norman Public Library
At each of the Pioneer Library System, you will find classes such as story time for preschool age and play times for children of all ages. Plus enjoy concerts, movies and computer help for all ages, and make and take art ages 3-6, and concerts for all ages. Visit http://www.pioneer.lib.ok.us/



Low Cost

Westwood Water Park
http://www.ci.norman.ok.us/parks/water-park

Little River Zoo
http://www.littleriverzoo.com/

Sooner Theatre
http://www.soonertheatre.org/cms/index.php?page=EventTickets



More fun ideas and activities

Metro Family Magazine - Family Fun:
http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-fun
 
Parenting.com: 101 Things to do this Summer:
http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Activities-Parties/101-Things-To-Do-This-Summer

Spotlight on CCFI's executive director Katie Fitzgerald

It has been my dream to run an agency that centers around children and families.  My work at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. is an absolute joy and the pinnacle of my career.  What led me to work for CCFI was the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
 
When it comes down to it - life is all about relationships.  The quality of the relationships we have in life - particularly early in life - fundamentally shape who we become.  Every child deserves to have caring, nurturing relationships in his / her life so they can realize their full potential.  Knowing that these children - and families - depend on CCFI for healing and for the chance to maximize their full potential in life is all the motivation I need at CCFI.

I hail from Lansing, Michigan and have been around the field of child development since I was young - my father is a respected researcher and educator in the field of infant mental health.  Being exposed to topics of children's health and development from an early age has certainly had a hand in guiding my passion to work with vulnerable children and families.
 
My husband, Brad, myself, and our two kids (now three!) moved to Norman five years ago when he accepted a job as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma.  What a difference world Oklahoma is from Michigan, yet how encouraging to find the common thread in those dedicated to helping children.

I was asked recently what my best day has been so far at CCFI.  The day and moment I remember most involved a child who has been in treatment for healing the abuse and neglect she experienced.  As she was about to leave our building she said to her foster-mom, "I love you, mommy." Her foster-mom said, "I love you too," That sums up the reason I, our staff, and volunteers are here every day...for moments like those.

- Katie
 

More about Katie:
Katie Fitzgerald brings more than fifteen years of experience working in the non-profit sector focusing on improving policies and programs that serve vulnerable children and their families.  her experiences include serving as a program director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, as well as holding several leadership positions with United Way.  She has worked as a non-profit consultant and in higher education as a program director with the University of Oklahoma and adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University.

My Volunteer Experience

By Lindsay Sparks
We asked Lindsay to share about her volunteer experience with our Trauma Focused Services, which gives foster and adopted children a way to begin the healing process. Lindsay helps out with the monthly therapeutic play group.


"I remember the first time I showed up for group.  I wasn't completely sure what the structure of the group would be, just that CCFI needed more volunteers.  The first day was a nice summer day and the kids were outside playing games.  They were playing with balloons and water hoses and all sorts of fun summer kid games.

As the months have passed, I've gotten a chance to see how the group allows for the kids to freely express themselves in a healthy way.  They learn new ways to cope with their past experiences creatively through music and dancing, or in their art class by building, molding, drawing, and crafting.  What works for one child many not work for the other because we are all unique individuals.

During the course of the breakout session we have only an idea of what we want to accomplish, but the children may change the whole course of what we do, but only because we allow room for creativity.  Every month we make sure the kids are all offered the chance to go to music group.  This is my favorite part of volunteering.  The little ones all come in and we sing the same song when they walk in every time.  In that, there is a little bit of consistency, but we also allow for variety.

If they want to run around and flap wings like a bird while we sing a song about birds, that is acceptable, if they want to play and sing London Bridges six times instead of two so they all get a chance to be "locked up," they we do that.  To see the kids smile and really enjoy letting loose and being creative and learning from each other is what my volunteer experience has been about."

- Lindsay Sparks