Get ready... it's SWLF Kids' Club!
PSSSST, over here!
You may have heard that we're launching the brand-new SWLF Kids' Club this year …
And it's true! It's going to be awesome: games, crafts, swimming, circle time, dance parties and more await. Children of all ages are invited to attend! Read on for the What, Why, Where, When, Who, and How:
What?
WHAT is the SWLF Kids' Club?
Our Kids’ Club is a mixed-age day camp program just for kids of conference attendees - and we're making sure the grown-ups aren't the only ones having fun! We aim to provide a fun and engaging environment for kids of all ages and interests, with qualified, caring camp counselors and thoughtfully planned activities. Each day we’ll connect with circle time for the youngers and group games for the olders, then settle into arts and crafts, bust a move with pre-lunch dance parties, cruise into a calm period (with naps for those who who need them), then round out the afternoon with swimming and free play.
Why?
WHY should I send my kids to SWLF Kids' Club?
BECAUSE IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME – and also because it's an amazing opportunity for kids from polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, and other custom-built families (and allies!) to connect with their community, make new friends, and celebrate the many different shapes family can take.
As a bonus, we'll be sending home some helpful “continuing conversations" resources for Kids’ Club families, giving you useful tips and tools for discussing diverse family structures and relationship styles, including polyamory, with kids.
Where?
WHERE is the SWLF Kids' Club happening?
Our 480 square foot indoor ‘clubhouse’ is located on the second floor of the hotel, with plenty of space for play, relaxation, and imagination, with an attached bathroom and mini fridge.
​
Our outdoor play space (cool name pending) will be sectioned off from the rest of the conference - but not too far away! You might even see your camp critters in action as you walk across the grass between sessions - or you might spot us splashing in the pool for an afternoon swim.
When?
WHEN is the SWLF Kids' Club happening?
The Kid's Club runs every day during regular conference hours. Kids can be dropped off before the first session starts and picked up after the last session ends. Families who need a different drop-off or pick-up time can coordinate with camp counselors at the conference. Here's our daily schedule:
​
Schedule
Friday & Saturday
​
8:00am-9:00am - Drop Off Window
9:00am-9:30am - Circle Time / Group Games
9:30am-10:30am - Arts and Crafts / snacks
10:30am-11:15am - Free Play
11:15am-11:30am - Dance Party
11:30am-12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm-2:00pm - Quiet / Nap Time
2:00pm-2:30pm - Snack and Pool Prep time
2:30pm-4:00pm - Pool Time
4:00pm-4:30pm - Snack and Clean Up time
4:30pm-5:30pm - Free Play
5:30pm-6:00pm - Pick Up Window
​
Sunday
​
8:00am-9:00am - Drop Off Window
9:00am-9:30am - Circle Time / Group Games
9:30am-10:30am - Arts and Crafts / Snacks
10:30am-11:15am - Free Play
11:15am-11:30am - Dance Party
11:30am-12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm-1:00pm - Free Play
11:30am-1:30pm - Pick Up Window
Who?
WHO should attend SWLF Kids' Club?
And WHO are the camp counselors?
Children of all ages and ability levels are welcome to attend, from babies on up. If your child is still nursing or bottlefeeding, wears diapers or pull ups, is still potty learning, or has other special needs, we want to make sure we're sufficiently equipped to provide for your kiddo. Our goal is to make this camp inclusive for everyone and support families in all situations being able to attend the conference – please email us so we can chat.
​
All camp counselors are adult volunteers with multiple years childcare experience under their belts, with at least one adult certified in basic aid and CPR present at all times. We'll be updating this page with counselor bios in the near future, so please check back soon!
How?
HOW will kids be spending their time?
Morning Circle Time / Group Games
(30 mins daily)
A time for the kids to connect with each other and camp counselors, and get the low-down on the day ahead of them. Younger kids will play a short game, sing a song, or read a poem or short story together. Older kids will play some fun group games outside (Fastest Hands In The West, anyone?).
Themed Arts and Crafts
(1 hour daily)
We're offering a themed multimedia arts and crafts project invitation over the course of the conference weekend, with a focus on family diversity, self-identity, and community. Kids will also be welcome to work on independent creations if they prefer.
​
Free Play Time
(length varies daily)
Just what the title suggests! Kids will be free to roam around and play anywhere within our clubhouse or outdoor areas. All free play time will be supervised by adults, maintaining appropriate kid-to-caregiver ratios based on age.
Dance Party
(15 mins daily)
A quick lil’ get down before lunch time to rev our appetites and get out the wiggles! We’ll crank the (age-appropriate) tunes and move our bodies together.
​
Pool Time
(1.5 hours on Friday and Saturday only)
Weather permitting, we’ll throw on some sunscreen and our bathing suits for a dip in the pool. We’ll have pool toys and plenty of supervision in order to make sure everyone has a fun time! Make sure to pack a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit along with lunch on these days.
​
Food
​
Lunch and Snacks
(1 hour from 11:30am to 12:30pm daily)
​
Please make sure to pack a lunch and a water bottle for your child(ren) each day – we’ll make sure they lots of opportunities to eat and drink. If your kid drinks milk or formula, please pack as many servings as they will need during the course of the day.
​
Snacks will be provided daily and offered during planned snack times along with water.
​
Naps
​
Nap/Quiet Time
(1.5 hours from 12:30pm to 2:00pm Friday and Saturday)
​
Our clubhouse will have floor beds for the older nappers and a couple of pack-and-plays on hand as needed. Families who are able to send along a sleeping bag, sheet, and pillow for their napper are encouraged to do so; we will have some on hand as well. Non-nappers will head outdoors for quiet activities such as reading books, independent art creation, and puzzles.