Mindfulness for Families - Appleton Parks and Recreation

Let’s Craft + Connect!  In this new parent-child program for youth ages 6-12 and their parents, we focus on finding joy, connection, calm, and fun through playful games and plenty of fun crafts!  Each workshop will include large group games, a parent-child craft (or two!), family communication tools, and time for reflection.  Each workshop has a different crafting theme; join us for one session or all three!

Why Craft with Your Child?  Research has shown that crafting is the ultimate stress reducer for both you and your child! In addition, crafting has a multitude of other benefits.

  • Improved self-esteem
  • Increased self-expression
  • More happiness + joy
  • Deeper sense of connection
  • More relaxation + calm


About the Teacher:
  The Craft + Connect series is offered by Christy Sprotte, Ed.S., PPSP.  Christy’s journey into crafting began when she was a child who loved to craft and create all day!  After becoming a school psychologist, Christy co-wrote a scrapbooking curriculum called Students Creating a Positive Self (SCRAPS), where she learned about the transformative power of collaborative crafting.  Christy runs her own private practice working with neurodiverse youth and their families, Fox Valley Mindful Learners.  She is also the author of three family and youth empowerment curricula, including SCRAPS and Mindfulness Mysteries!

Crafting Calm Workshop: Do you want to cultivate more peace and presence in your home? You and your child will create a variety of crafts to help your family practice emotional regulation and mindfulness skills. Crafts will include Zen stone painting, breathing sticks, and a gratitude jar.

LOCATION: Scheig Center inside Memorial Park (1313 Witzke Blvd.)
DATE:  Saturday, November 11, 2024
TIME:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

FEE:  $35/session
AGE:  6-12
*This is a parent/child workshop.  Registration should be done under the child’s name and a parent attends with them.    
CLASS #:  114716-01

CLASS CANCELED

Scrapbooking Fun:  Calling all Scrapbookers! You and your child will create a book of shared memories.  Scrapbooking is an artform full of fun paper, washi tape, stickers, and embellishments! But did you know that scrapbooking also helps you and your child communicate feelings, cultivate gratitude, and deepen family connections? In this workshop, we will play some fun games, practice emotional awareness skills, and of course, co-create a book of family memories with your child. All participants are asked to bring 15-20 of your favorite family photos to class; 4×6 photos are preferred. 

LOCATION: Scheig Center inside Memorial Park (1313 Witzke Blvd.)
DATE:  Saturday, January 27, 2024
TIME:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FEE:  $35/session
AGE:  6-12
*This is a parent/child workshop.  Registration should be done under the child’s name and a parent attends with them.    
CLASS #:  114716-02

Building Bonanza: Calling all Engineers! You and your child will have fun building and engineering structures together. This workshop will feature a series of building challenges that will promote collaboration and creative thinking skills. Challenges will include folding paper airplanes, engineering your own game, and creating an egg-drop contraption. Can your egg withstand the fall? In this workshop, we will play some fun games, practice communication skills, and of course, build lots of fun stuff!  

LOCATION: Scheig Center inside Memorial Park (1313 Witzke Blvd.)
DATE:  Saturday, February 24
TIME:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FEE:  $35/session
AGE:  6-12
*This is a parent/child workshop.  Registration should be done under the child’s name and a parent attends with them.
CLASS #:  114716-03

Painting Palooza: Painting Palooza is the perfect place for you and your child to cultivate connection and creativity together. Painting promotes positivity, emotional awareness, connection, and stress relief. All participants will leave with a painted design or canvas to display as well as strategies to cultivate more connection, fun, and creativity in your home. 

LOCATION: Scheig Center inside Memorial Park (1313 Witzke Blvd.)
DATE:  Saturday, March 16, 2024
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FEE:  $35/session
AGE:  6-12
*This is a parent/child workshop.  Registration should be done under the child’s name and a parent attends with them.
CLASS #:  114716-04