Weston, Oamaru and Lower Waitaki playcentres all met up for a beach trip at Friendly Bay Beach on Thursday.
Weston Playcentre facilitator Miki Shimpo said playcentre’s philosophy was based on parents being their children’s first teacher and learning and growing together.
"The get-together is a chance for the three centres to re-connect and support each other while having fun with their families".
The three playcentres have traditionally got together each year in the past at All Day Bay or the Oamaru Gardens. But this was the first gathering since Covid, Mrs Shimpo said.
"Trips ... can provide children with new experiences and increase their understanding of the world around them while helping them become more confident in social situations."
Playcentre is run by a parents’ council who made all the decisions, Mrs Shimpo said, although many playcentres now had a facilitator to help parents with sessions and activities.
Mrs Shimpo has been a facilitator at the Weston Playcentre for 15 years. She finished a two-year kindergarten teacher course in Japan and has a diploma in early childhood and adult education.
Oamaru Playcentre facilitator Abi Morton, who also runs the ‘‘space group’’ for parents and new babies with Mrs Shimpo, encouraged her to take on the role as she had kindergarten training.
Mrs Morton said playcentre could also be a great way for parents to build community and connection.
She started going to Weston playcentre with her son Ethan when he was 1; he is now turning 3 next month.
‘‘It was amazing just to meet other families . . . I started going just for me, really.
‘‘As he’s got older it’s been amazing to see him connect with other children and parents as well’’.
The space group, which runs at the Oamaru Playcentre on Mondays, has a structured framework including songs, books, crafts and focus discussion with relevant parenting topics such as child development and sensory play.
