We have eight Family Days each summer -- one in May; two each in June, July and August; and one in September. Family Days are always on weekend days, alternating Saturdays and Sundays. Family Days are an excellent opportunity for kids to meet, play, and become friends with other MAR kids.
"I like Family Days, the coin toss in the pool and the dino hunt." Dylan, age 8.
Each Family Day starts at 11 AM, and planned activities continue until about 3 PM. Family Day activities are the work of helpful MAR parents and MAR's Family Coordinator. After the day's planned activities, the kids often play in the playground or hike or make S'mores
"It's lots of fun and there are a lot of nice people there. Kids' Days are the best!" Athena, age 12.
Past Family Day activities for kids have included scavenger hunts, pie-eating contests, face painting, hikes, beading, coin tosses into the pool, tie-dying, water volleyball, and carnival games. This year we may add a paper-making class, an origami class, a child-safety class, and a wilderness survival class (for the older kids).
We have parent meetings at the beginning and toward the end of each summer to help plan our family programs. Parental input and involvement are always welcome!
"I like to play pinball, ping pong, and pool with my kids. Family Days are great fun with lots of great activities and free time for the kids. There are so many families there and our kids have made several friends." Keith, father of three.
Special Family Events
Here are some of the special events that we have done (and are doing):
- --Helicopter rides
- --All-Kids Birthdays celebration
- --Introduction to scuba class (in the pool)
- --Halloween party
- --Aquarium visit (in Denver)
- --Pot-luck dinners for families
- --Overnight campouts
"The SCUBA class was AWESOME! I love being able to go to the bottom of the deep end and not have to come up for air!" Benjamin, age 13.
Teen Group Activities
Past activities for our teen group (MAR Teens) have included:
- --Jump Street
- --Skate City
- --Roller skating
- --Swimming get-togethers at the rec centers
- --Ice skating
- --Hikes
- --Helping with Family Days
- --Running a lemonade stand at MAR
- --Caribbean dance lessons (!)
- --Overnights at the MAR Lodge (with parental supervision)
The MAR Teens decide their own schedule of activities throughout the year -- usually once a month during the winter months and more often during the summers. They are an active and involved group, and we're proud of them!