This page was exported from Caledon Citizen [ https://caledoncitizen.com ] Export date:Sat Jun 13 11:34:46 2026 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: Families come together for BrightStart’s 2nd annual “Play, Learn and Grow in the Park” --------------------------------------------------- By Riley Murphy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter BrightStart Caledon Family Center held its second annual Play, Learn and Grow in the Park this past weekend. The event is a fun-filled day complete with activities for children ages zero to six and their families. The event provides the chance for families to meet their neighbours and discover local programs and support. Tracey Stewart, program manager at Brightstart Caledon Family Centre, said the event is in partnership through their EarlyON program under their customized funding.  “We really wanted the community to come together with our community partners and know what resources are available for them here in Caledon,” shared Stewart. “And to have a fun, family-friendly time where they can connect with each other as well. “ She said this is where the phrase “play, learn, and grow” comes from. Those in attendance could come out and play, learn more about community resources and grow together as a community. Multiple community partners came out to the event, such as Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, Caledon Community Services, Caledon Public Library, Peel Crime Stoppers, Vita Centre and many more. Another one of the community partners at the event was Peel Children's Aid Society. Susan Smith, a Service Manager with Peel CAS, said they attended to get the word out about the support and services that they offer within the region of Peel, and specifically the Caledon-Bolton region.  Peel CAS has a specific Caledon team, with three touchdown centers in the EarlyON centres. This, she said, allows them to work closely with many of the community partners here. Smith said one of their main goals for the day was “for families to hear more about the services that we provide, and if they need support, they will reach out to us and we will talk to them,” she says. Along with community resources, there were many activities available, especially for the children in attendance. Kids could enjoy face painting by BrightStart team members, and even grab a snow cone afterwards. Paige, a Family Support Facilitator at the EarlyON Centre, BrightStart Caledon Family Centre, shared that they wanted to showcase all the different areas they have at their center. There was sensory play and art, as well as open-ended art and take-home items. In the baby, infant, and toddler area, there was a play mat with cognitive toys such as cars, balls, and stacking toys, as well as a gross motor skills area, complete with hula hoops. Paige shared that many in attendance were surprised by the variety of areas they have at the centre and on display. “The purpose of this event was to really show what our centers are all about, and how we can encourage and promote connection through play,” says Paige. Some people in attendance were already very familiar with the centre and all it had to offer. Jaswinder and her daughter Hazel have been attending the BrightStart Centre for three years now. Jaswinder said they initially joined the program because of all the services they have to offer. She added her daughter loves the graphic programs as well as the chance to play and interact with other kids.  At the event, she shared that Hazel enjoyed everything that was offered. “She loved face painting, she loved the water,” says Jaswinder. “Especially the snow cones,” she added with a laugh. Each registered family was also able to bring home a goodie bag to celebrate the day. --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2025-08-21 12:06:13 Post date GMT: 2025-08-21 16:06:13 Post modified date: 2025-08-25 12:38:20 Post modified date GMT: 2025-08-25 16:38:20 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com