The Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre is celebrating a summer of fully booked programs aimed at building confidence, safety skills, and emotional awareness in local youth.
Program Coordinator Rochelle Curran says both the July and August sessions of their Home Alone and Babysitting courses were a hit, with each class filling all 10 available spots. “A favorite moment for me would probably be when the kids came out and they’re waving their certificates, showing their parents they passed,” said Curran. “It’s been wonderful to watch.”
The courses, led by Dan and Carol Graff, covered everything from safety basics to developing responsibility. In addition to those sessions, the pair also hosted day camps called Emotional Play and A Little Spot of Feelings, programs based on children’s books designed to help kids understand and manage emotions.
One of the highlights for Curran was being able to offer the courses free of charge thanks to local fundraising and community support. “The great thing about having these at the Family Centre is we can offer them as a free course, so families don’t have to worry about the cost,” she said.
Looking ahead, the centre hopes to offer the Home Alone and Babysitting programs again during the school year, depending on instructor availability. More emotional wellness camps are also in the works. With a new executive director set to join the team soon, Curran says the fall season will bring “changes and excitement” along with new programs for children of all ages.
The Family Resource Centre is currently welcoming donations of baby wipes but says they are in good supply of diapers and formula.