Let’s Keep Our Kids Resilient & Strong
Social Distancing is hard on everyone. Finding ways to connect with our families and kids in meaningful ways is critically important.
Moorelands Kids understands that Covid-19 is increasing anxiety for many. Children and youth are particularly vulnerable and those already living below the poverty line are three times more likely to experience negative mental health impacts. Kids need a sense of community and strong connections, now more than ever.
In the first weeks of the pandemic, we reached out to all our families individually to learn what their most immediate needs were and how we could best help. We learned that parents want to keep their kids active, they need enriching and nurturing activities kids can do at home. Some of our families are really struggling with lack of connectivity and food safety.
While the landscape is changing daily, our nimble programs team has quickly adapted our offerings to best serve Toronto kids. Here’s how….
1. VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
We have adapted our programs, utilizing new platforms and modifying activities that engage and empower children using virtual delivery. Our after-school programs continued to deliver learning, leadership and a variety of fun activities, skills-challenges and socio-emotional teachings kids and families can do at home, using objects commonly found there. See how camp is adapting too.
2. MOORELANDS KIDS CONNECTS
We know our kids have many questions. It’s a scary time to see your parent walk out the door for essential work when you’re told it’s unsafe to leave home. Trusted mentors play a big role in kids’ well-being; so we’ve been piloting secure online meet-ups between participants and staff. It’s a chance for kids to reconnect with their familiar staff leaders and friends and ask the questions that are top of mind. We’ve also created a link to trusted resources for our families. Learn more: www.moorelands.ca/trusted-resources
3. EMERGENCY RELIEF
We are also seeking out urgently needed items and redirecting much of our Baby Bundles, camp and after-school program supplies to immediate relief of families in need via existing and new partnerships.
We have given out over 1200 children’s foaming soap dispensers; over 500 new kids’ books; 150 Reading glasses of various strengths and 100 Baby Bundles –to families who need them right now.
We are planning on distributing over $10,000 in grocery cards to camper-families to support them this June and July with tentative plans to assess needs beyond July.
Camp in a Time of Covid?
We well know the importance of getting out in nature and the life-long friendships forged by facing new challenges together. Moorelands Camp has been going strong since 1917… This summer we will be sending camp to kids instead of sending kids to camp! Check out what Virtual Camp might look like for kids!
