Leap Day 2012 was a smashing success. It did my heart good to see kids and their parents having such a great time.
By far the most popular equipment was the bounce house, followed by the roller coaster and trampoline, but I saw every single toy or piece of equipment being used at some point, if not continually....even if some items were not quite used as I'd envisioned. Some enterprising older kid discovered that the Tot Tunnel could be used as a costume, and he or she was walking around in it! I'm not sure Happy Hoppers were meant to be used as basketballs, but they didn't seem to do any harm. Don't forget to save those stamped passports to display proudly in your child's schoolwork portfolio.
Door prizes will be distributed next week. Thanks so much to the businesses and organizations that supported us, including Billy and Nancy Greer of the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, Jeanne Calderon and Heather McCune-Hustwit of Music Together Chesapeake, and several other businesses contributing informational freebies or door prizes. A visit from Louie of the Bowie Baysox brightened our day tremendously, especially on the heels of a brief power outage in the morning. I'd be remiss not to thank the Severna Park Community Center for their beautiful facility and outstanding service. A pink and brown child's coat and a pair of dark blue striped child's socks were left there in the Lost and Found.
Please contact me at leapdayfitness@gmail.com for feedback or with ideas for the next fitness event. Several families have suggested that waiting for Leap Day 2016 is too far away!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Happy Leap Day!
We've turned the corner into counting down the hours: 15 to go as I write this. It's been exciting to receive many enthusiastic phone calls from parents looking for more information about Leap Day 2012.
Here at home we're getting ready to pack up in preparation for tomorrow morning's trek to Severna Park. We hope to see many families throughout the day. Please let us know if you have questions: we hope to have the information table staffed all day. Volunteers will have name badges with the Leap Day logo.
For any early birds who would like to lend a hand for set-up between 8-9 am, please do! Likewise, those who may be around at 2 pm when Leap Day concludes would be our heroes if they could pitch in to pack things up. The $5 fee will be waived for volunteers.
I would like to invite all participants to email your feedback and suggestions for future events to me at leapdayfitness@gmail.com
Until tomorrow, then!
Here at home we're getting ready to pack up in preparation for tomorrow morning's trek to Severna Park. We hope to see many families throughout the day. Please let us know if you have questions: we hope to have the information table staffed all day. Volunteers will have name badges with the Leap Day logo.
For any early birds who would like to lend a hand for set-up between 8-9 am, please do! Likewise, those who may be around at 2 pm when Leap Day concludes would be our heroes if they could pitch in to pack things up. The $5 fee will be waived for volunteers.
I would like to invite all participants to email your feedback and suggestions for future events to me at leapdayfitness@gmail.com
Until tomorrow, then!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
One Week to Go!
One More Week until Leap Day 2012!
Thanks to Linda, Brenda, and Eleni for volunteering to help out in various ways. Others are still welcomed to lend a hand.
The gym layout is nearly completed, mapping out stations and areas for the various activities. Next up will be my task of organizing the door prizes.
A note about the check-in procedure...no advance registration is required. You'll be able to pay the $5 per family at a table by the door (receipt available upon request) and you will need to sign a brief waiver affirming that this is not a "drop-off" event and that participation is "at your own risk." Pick up a packet of handouts including a map of the stations, info about door prizes, and freebies.
Remember that you are welcome to bring a lunch for your family.
We can't wait to meet you and your family!
Thanks to Linda, Brenda, and Eleni for volunteering to help out in various ways. Others are still welcomed to lend a hand.
The gym layout is nearly completed, mapping out stations and areas for the various activities. Next up will be my task of organizing the door prizes.
A note about the check-in procedure...no advance registration is required. You'll be able to pay the $5 per family at a table by the door (receipt available upon request) and you will need to sign a brief waiver affirming that this is not a "drop-off" event and that participation is "at your own risk." Pick up a packet of handouts including a map of the stations, info about door prizes, and freebies.
Remember that you are welcome to bring a lunch for your family.
We can't wait to meet you and your family!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
34 Days and Counting Down
We are really excited about Leap Day around here. Invitations have been mailed out or electronically sent to local homeschoolers, generating some buzz.
No one has asked yet (we've had such a mild winter!), but in case of inclement weather that forces the Severna Park Community Center to close, we will have to reschedule. That information would be posted here. Since Leap Day's indoors, as long as the gym is open, we will be there.
Behind the scenes these days we are working on mapping out all the activities and where in the gym they will be, to facilitate set-up and participation. As you enter the gym, look for the welcome table to pick up your packet of information, sign in, pay ($5 per family to help defray expenses), and learn about door prizes.
Can't wait to see you there.
No one has asked yet (we've had such a mild winter!), but in case of inclement weather that forces the Severna Park Community Center to close, we will have to reschedule. That information would be posted here. Since Leap Day's indoors, as long as the gym is open, we will be there.
Behind the scenes these days we are working on mapping out all the activities and where in the gym they will be, to facilitate set-up and participation. As you enter the gym, look for the welcome table to pick up your packet of information, sign in, pay ($5 per family to help defray expenses), and learn about door prizes.
Can't wait to see you there.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Welcome, 2012
The New Year is here! Welcome, 2012. The beginning of the year, with its "New Year's resolutions," remains the most popular time of the year to join a gym, begin a weight-loss program, etc. Everyone likes a fresh start, and perhaps the holidays boasted a menu that was a trifle on the rich side.
While I think turning over a new leaf is a great idea, I hope everyone will see Leap Day in the context of beginning (or continuing) a family habit. Make a lifestyle course adjustment, if you like, rather than an all-out "do-or-die" thing. I've been so grateful for the gentle voice of our 5-year-old, who cheerfully works out with her kids' video (PraiseMoves for Children) for PE. She's such an encouragement to me. "Mom, are you going to come exercise with me?"
Thanks to Laurette Willis, creator of PraiseMoves and PraiseMoves for Children, for donating a video and sending material in support of LeapDay 2012. You can find these and many other excellent resources at http://praisemoves.com/
56 days 'til Leap Day!
While I think turning over a new leaf is a great idea, I hope everyone will see Leap Day in the context of beginning (or continuing) a family habit. Make a lifestyle course adjustment, if you like, rather than an all-out "do-or-die" thing. I've been so grateful for the gentle voice of our 5-year-old, who cheerfully works out with her kids' video (PraiseMoves for Children) for PE. She's such an encouragement to me. "Mom, are you going to come exercise with me?"
Thanks to Laurette Willis, creator of PraiseMoves and PraiseMoves for Children, for donating a video and sending material in support of LeapDay 2012. You can find these and many other excellent resources at http://praisemoves.com/
56 days 'til Leap Day!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Plans Perking Along
Great things are afoot for Leap Day 2012. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm people are showing for the event. Questions or suggestions are most welcome!
As the weather turns cooler, we've been counting "raking leaves" as part of our family fitness activities, but of course that includes jumping in the leaf piles before we throw them over into the compost bin. Hurray for fall!
As the weather turns cooler, we've been counting "raking leaves" as part of our family fitness activities, but of course that includes jumping in the leaf piles before we throw them over into the compost bin. Hurray for fall!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
We have a venue!
We have reserved the lovely Severna Park Community Center gymnasium, located at 623 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard,
Severna Park, MD 21146. It's a great facility: we'll be able to enjoy all our activities plus have lunch or snacks right there in the gym.
Thanks to Stephen T. Terhune, Architect, LLC for the photo above.
Severna Park, MD 21146. It's a great facility: we'll be able to enjoy all our activities plus have lunch or snacks right there in the gym.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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Monday, June 20, 2011
Homeschool Classifieds
I found a very straightforward website allowing homeschoolers to list their used/new materials for sale, and also to post items wanted to buy. I lost no time in listing a few things and requesting some others. I love used curricula: somehow I enjoy walking along a trail others have blazed before me. And it's the green choice! The logo below will take you there. Browse to your heart's content!
WeightWatchers!
I have to give a shout-out to WeightWatchers. Before our son came into the picture, I'd just reached my first goal of losing 10% of my body weight with them. This past Saturday, it felt really good to get back into the swing of things by going to a meeting, weighing in, and starting to track my food. Here's to seeing less of me as the days and weeks go by!
By the time Leap Day 2012 is here, I want to be ready.
By the time Leap Day 2012 is here, I want to be ready.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Gently Used Donations Sought
About Door Prizes...
If anyone would be able to donate health- or PE-related items* to use for Leap Day 2012, your generosity would be much appreciated. By starting to track them down now, we should be able to collect some great give-aways as spring, summer, and fall roll past us on the calendar.
Summer's a great time to poke through your attic, garage, and that dark hole under the stairs for sports items your family's outgrown. You might also consider asking at work, where you shop, or in any online community of which you're a member (eg Freecycle). Be sure to specify that these are items to be given for free to homeschooled students participating in a physical fitness-oriented field day.
The donations are not tax deductible as of this posting, but if the status changes, I'll be sure to update this site. I'll be very happy to send appropriate thanks to all donors.
*Examples:
If anyone would be able to donate health- or PE-related items* to use for Leap Day 2012, your generosity would be much appreciated. By starting to track them down now, we should be able to collect some great give-aways as spring, summer, and fall roll past us on the calendar.
Summer's a great time to poke through your attic, garage, and that dark hole under the stairs for sports items your family's outgrown. You might also consider asking at work, where you shop, or in any online community of which you're a member (eg Freecycle). Be sure to specify that these are items to be given for free to homeschooled students participating in a physical fitness-oriented field day.
The donations are not tax deductible as of this posting, but if the status changes, I'll be sure to update this site. I'll be very happy to send appropriate thanks to all donors.
*Examples:
- Books like Hop on Pop or The Jump Rope Book
- Equipment like safety cones and playground balls
- Coupons for local health or fitness businesses
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Why celebrate Leap Day?
I read a seminal book a year or so ago: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. For some time I've been feeling regretful that we don't get outdoors as much as we'd like. I'd really like to work on getting in better shape myself, as well.
When I started mapping out the things I wanted to include in our daughter's kindergarten year of homeschool, I realized that 2012 is Leap Year. Wouldn't it be fun to plan a "Leap Day"--a field day on February 29, just when kids are going stir crazy and their parents are wondering what to count for PE when the snow starts turning into mud?
Leap Day 2012 is an indoor field day at the Severna Park Community Center gym on February 29, 2012 from 9-2. Come by for a few hours and get active with your kids. We aim to have a supervised mini-trampoline, ride, and bounce house just for the littlest ones, along with a slew of other activities for older students:
Here's my favorite: freebies & door prizes. Families may take home a bag full of homeschool- and fitness-related information and freebies. Door prizes will include themed items like new jump ropes, donated gently used LeapFrog LeapPad (R) items and a brand new Wii Fit (R) accessory. Your students who participate can receive incentives like stickers, temporary tattoos, and sports-themed items.
When I started mapping out the things I wanted to include in our daughter's kindergarten year of homeschool, I realized that 2012 is Leap Year. Wouldn't it be fun to plan a "Leap Day"--a field day on February 29, just when kids are going stir crazy and their parents are wondering what to count for PE when the snow starts turning into mud?
Leap Day 2012 is an indoor field day at the Severna Park Community Center gym on February 29, 2012 from 9-2. Come by for a few hours and get active with your kids. We aim to have a supervised mini-trampoline, ride, and bounce house just for the littlest ones, along with a slew of other activities for older students:
- jump rope with rhymes
- hopscotch
- leap frog
- sack races
- bean bag toss
- hula hoops for all ages
- and much more: even cross-curricular activities!
Here's my favorite: freebies & door prizes. Families may take home a bag full of homeschool- and fitness-related information and freebies. Door prizes will include themed items like new jump ropes, donated gently used LeapFrog LeapPad (R) items and a brand new Wii Fit (R) accessory. Your students who participate can receive incentives like stickers, temporary tattoos, and sports-themed items.
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