Jellystone Park Columbus North: Where Fun and Adventure Collide!
Last week my family packed up the minivan and headed 45 minutes north to go camping. Yes, you read that right. I went camping. My kids were shocked. My husband was shocked. I was shocked. My husband and kids love to go camping and typically go several times a year so this was an elevated camping experience to my brand new experience. They have been trying to get me to go with them and I always refused until we found Jellystone Park Columbus North. Now I can’t wait to go back.
Last week my family packed up the minivan and headed 45 minutes north to go camping. Yes, you read that right. I went camping. My kids were shocked. My husband was shocked. I was shocked. My husband and kids love to go camping and typically go several times a year so this was an elevated camping experience to my brand new experience. They have been trying to get me to go with them and I always refused until we found Jellystone Park Columbus North. Now I can’t wait to go back.
We arrived shortly after 4 pm on our first day and got started exploring right away. When we checked in they gave us a map and the keys to the cabin as well as the golf cart that we’d end up using a lot over the next few days. Check-in is located at the Ranger’s station which is also an enormous convenience store + gift shop. It has everything you could possibly need while camping plus so much more. Our kids liked stopping by for ice cream and other fun treats during our stay.
The cabin exceeded my expectations. It was clean and equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, running water, and two bedrooms. One room had a queen size bed and the other had two sets of bunk beds. Perfect for our family of six. Outside, we had a nice-sized deck with a picnic table and a firepit nearby. We also rented a golf cart that fit all six of us (with seatbelts!!) and the kids LOVED IT! They’ve already asked my husband to buy one for all of the other times they go camping :)
Let’s get into all of the activities…
On the first day, we drove around to find all of the fun things we wanted to get into. We took the time to get comfortable with the area, get unpacked and settled, and create a game plan for the next few days. Around 8 pm Boo Boo Bear showed up at our cabin to tuck the kids in with some milk and cookies and a story. The kids LOVED it! When I asked about their favorite part of the entire trip this was at the top of each of their lists. You can add items like this to your stay through their website when you book your reservation or through the ranger station. Some add-ons are only offered on certain days so not everything is available all the time but you can see the list here.
When we woke up the next morning Cindy Bear brought us donuts and then we were quickly off to the train ride. I shared a little about this in my reel on Instagram but each day they have a train ride and a wagon ride - we did both and the kids even got the train to go around a second time :)
Once we were back from the train ride we got ready for water activities. I had brought lifejackets for the kids but because they are required on the lake (thankfully) we rented one for me and one for my husband. We’re pretty good swimmers but I’m glad we had them because chasing the kids around the obstacle course caused a few falls lol
The rest of our day was spent at the lake going down the huge water slide or playing on the obstacle course. We luckily had the course all to ourselves which helped but time moved so quickly that before I knew it 2.5 hours had passed. We decided to go grab some food and head to the pool for the rest of the afternoon before we had to be back at our cabin at 5 pm for the smores delivery.
I really enjoyed having dedicated times we had to be back at our cabin because it helped us make the most of our time there. This is completely optional though and you don’t have to choose these additional experiences and could have complete control over your schedule.
At 5 pm we were joined by Cindy Bear and Boo Boo as they delivered a basket full of everything you could possibly need for smores by the campfire. The rest of the night we spent time by the fire roasting marshmallows and playing games together as a family. While my husband was getting the baby to sleep I took the older kids to the activity center for a silent disco. Definitely a fun experience for all of us.
When we woke up the next morning I focused on packing up while my husband helped the kids cook breakfast over the fire. After a few rides on the golf cart as we said goodbye to the park, stopped by the ranger station for souvenirs, and then we were off. Headed home to see our pups and tell everyone about the experience we just had.
What questions do you have about Jellystone Park Columbus North? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try to respond quickly.
2023 Touch-a-Truck Events in Columbus, OH
Touch-a-Truck events hold such a special place in my heart because of how much my kids LOVE them. Seeing their faces light up at the site of a big fire engine or a dozer makes this mama's heart very happy. I’m always searching for any Touch-a-Truck I can fit into our schedule and I thought I’d share my list with all of you. I hope this helps you plan your family adventures this spring/summer. If you know of one that isn’t on this list please comment and I’ll be sure to add it.
Touch-a-Truck events hold such a special place in my heart because of how much my kids LOVE them. Seeing their faces light up at the site of a big fire engine or a dozer makes this mama’s heart very happy. I’m always searching for any Touch-a-Truck I can fit into our schedule and I thought I’d share my list with all of you. I hope this helps you plan your family adventures this spring/summer. If you know of one that isn’t on this list please comment and I’ll be sure to add it.
Enjoy SuperGames inflatables, balloon twisting, and a craft, and meet Marshall from Paw Patrol!
May Touch-a-Truck Events
Powell Touch a Truck: Friday, May 5, 2023: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of climbing, pretending, and exploring different kinds of vehicles at this year’s Touch–a–Truck event. Dozens of vehicles will fill the parking lot for you to explore. The focus of Touch-a-Truck is to present children with an opportunity to touch, climb on, and pretend to drive vehicles they may see regularly in our community. This event also does double duty by educating youngsters about various aspects of the vehicles, such as their size, function, and more! This is one of the most anticipated events of every spring in Powell and part of COSI's Science Festival.
3rd Annual Touch a Truck to Fill a Truck: Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 AM – 2 PM
Your little ones will enjoy seeing the following: a fire engine, John Deere tractor, police cruiser, ambulance, skid steers, mini excavator, tow trucks, forklifts, and a trash truck.
Admission is free they just ask that you bring a canned good (or a few) to fill the bed of a truck to donate to the Grove City Food Pantry.
Pickerington Touch a Truck: Saturday, May 6, 2023: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Come by the Pickerington Community Pool parking lot to see all of your favorite trucks and equipment for FREE! Kids will be able to see all of the ins and outs of their favorite truck and also receive a free kid's driver's license!
Hilliard Touch-a-Truck: Friday, May 12, 2023 10 am-12 pm
Bring the kids to this popular annual event to see, touch, and explore their favorite vehicles. We'll have a Semi-truck, multiple tow trucks, a police cruiser, a fire truck, and more at the event. Enjoy SuperGames inflatables, balloon twisting, and a craft, and meet Marshall from Paw Patrol!
Upper Arlington Spring Fling: Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 11 am – 2 pm
Help us welcome spring in style at our annual Spring Fling family event! Touch A Truck is better than ever - kids and adults alike can explore a variety of City service and safety vehicles, and meet the people who bring outstanding services to the community! All budding fishermen should ready their poles and nets…
Prairie Township Touch a Truck: Saturday, May 20, 2023, | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.-
Come out to the Galloway Sports Complex and climb around in some of the vehicles that help keep the Township safe and running smoothly.
June Touch-a-Truck Events
Marysville Touch a Truck: Saturday, June 2, 2023, from 10 am – 1 pm | A fun opportunity to explore construction, emergency, and service vehicles! This event takes place at Mill Valley Park Central, 703 Millwood Blvd.
The Science of Big Machines at COSI: June 10-18, 2023: For over 20 years, guests have been able to experience the exciting science and technology of construction by climbing inside real machinery and operating them first-hand. Participants will be able to learn more about construction careers from a variety of industry professionals and real operating engineers. From small tools to big equipment, you’ll discover how big jobs get done.
The Science of Big Machines will be located on the west side of COSI, next to Dorrian Green Park, and is included with COSI General Admission and Memberships. A variety of equipment will be on hand to discover.
July Events
Dozers & Diggers at The Works: July 15, 2023, from 9 am-2 pm
We’re rounding up big trucks and exploring machine science! Families are invited to get an up-close view of the trucks, lifts, bulldozers, and other big machines that get things done in our community. Jump in, climb around, and speak to the people who operate these extraordinary machines! The day includes live demonstrations & family activities. Outdoor fun is completely free to explore. Access to the museum
& indoor activities are at a discounted rate of only $7 per person!
Pollinator Palooza at The Franklin Park Conservatory
Looking for the perfect family-friendly event to get outside this spring? The Franklin Conservatory is holding their annual Pollinator Palooza in honor of National Pollinator Week.
Looking for the perfect family-friendly event to get outside this spring? The Franklin Conservatory is holding their annual Pollinator Palooza in honor of National Pollinator Week.
My family and I LOVE attending this event and the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate our local gardens makes it that much more special. Pollinator Palooza has a variety of learning opportunities, the chance to connect with local pollinator advocacy organizations, crafts, music, garden tours, and more to enjoy.
This is a free event, open to all, no tickets required! Note that the event will be held on Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, southeast of the Conservatory.
The Important Details
When: Saturday, Jun 24, 2023, from 11 am-3 pm
Where: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory
Cost: FREE
Ages: This is a family event for all ages
Schedule of Events
Organization Fair & Activities | 11 am–3 pm
Stop by pollinator-centric booths from the Conservatory and participating organizations for activities, crafts, games, and more! The full list of participating organizations is below.
Exploring Pollinators in the Garden | 11am & 1:30pm
Take a walk in the garden and observe bees in action. Led by Denise Ellsworth, the Program Director of Honey Bee and Native Pollinator Education, OSU Extension.
Food Demonstration | 11am-3pm
Taste delicious foods made with ingredients that are only possible thanks to pollinators. Led by the Conservatory’s Culinary & Sustainability Educator, Heather Bell.
Plant Sales | 11am–3pm
Natives in Harmony and Scioto Gardens will have a variety of native plants for sale
Live Critters | 11am-3pm
Get an up-close look at local wildlife with The Bugman and For All Species
Live music from Greg Greyson | 11am–3pm
Greg Greyson plays a unique blend of soft rock with jazz overtones
Food Trucks | 11am-3pm
Machi Hibachi | Taquitos Food Truck | Turtle Island | More to be announced
Participating Organizations
Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center/Center for Applied Plants
| The Bee Collective
| The Bugman
| Child Development Council of Franklin County
| Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
| Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
| Columbus GreenSpot
| Columbus Recreation and Parks
| Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
| Dawes Arboretum
| East Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
| For All Species
| Franklin County Master Gardeners Volunteers
| Franklin County Public Health
| Gahanna Herb Center
| Gahanna Plant Library
| Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council
| Grange Audobon Center
| Greater Columbus Growing Coalition
| Hinton Apiaries
| Kiwanis Club of Columbus
| LEAD for Pollinators
| Love Your Alley
| Natives in Harmony
| Ohio Department of Transportation
| Ohio History Connection
| Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative
| Ohio State Beekeepers Association
| Ohio State University Extension
| Ohio Wildlife Center
| Red Beard Bees
| Scioto Gardens
A little life update…
A few weeks ago I sat in my doctor’s office with a long list of things I wanted to discuss.
My doctor had left the practice so I had to establish care with someone new. It felt like a great time to address all of the things I’ve had on my mind. We knocked through the easy items pretty quickly.
✅ Anxiety medicine refill
✅ Request for full set of labs
✅ Heel pain
The doctor had 30 minutes for my appointment and we went over by 45 minutes (so incredibly thankful) because she listened to me as I explained my relationship with food, my struggle to eat most of the time, and how desperately I want to feel better. I cried. I was desperate for someone to confide in and someone to listen to how difficult this is for me on a daily basis. She gave me exactly what I needed on this day. An ear to listen, professional advice, and the push to share these things with someone close to me.
After a long conversation with lots of questions she spoke the words…”eating disorder”
Not me. Nope.
I’m not purposefully doing this.
I’m at my largest size.
I can’t have an eating disorder.
After weeks of reflection, results of my labs and some honest conversations with myself (and my husband) I get it.
Disordered Eating.
Gut punch.
The truth is…
I’ve been pretty unhappy with my current weight for awhile so I never really cared that I couldn’t eat. My body didn’t want the food and that was okay. Maybe that will help me lose the weight I already struggle with, I would tell myself.
But the truth is I’ve been working on the wrong problem for a long time. Instead of worrying about my weight, I should have been worrying about my unhealthy relationship with food and the fact that nothing ever sounded, tasted or felt good to eat.
A relationship that stems from a lifelong concern over my weight and the way my value as a human is strictly determined by the size of my jeans.
I don’t know why I share this because I’m absolutely terrified to hit publish on this post but I think it’s important to shine light on the hard stuff too. If I’m going to be on social media I want to do so in a way that is authentic to me and not hiding the truth behind a screen.
Welcome along on my new adventure of falling in love with food again and maybe somewhere along the way falling in love with myself again too.
Regular content will still be here too. 😘
2022 Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory
POLLINATOR PALOOZA
We love the Franklin Park Conservatory + finding fun new events to attend as a family which is why we are excited to attend the Pollinator Palooza next month! If your kids love birds, bees, butterflies, and all of the creatures that make our gardens grow as much as my kids do - then mark your calendars because they will LOVE this event.
June 25, 2022, in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, Franklin Park Conservatory will be hosting Pollinator Palooza, a free event for the community. Attendees will get to engage with various organizations that are raising awareness for pollinators while enjoying learning opportunities, crafts, music, time in the garden and more.
This event is free to attend; no tickets or reservations are required. Please note that this event is held in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, located southeast of the Conservatory. Admission would be required if you wish to also explore the Conservatory before or after the event.
Schedule of Events
Organization Fair & Activities | 11am–3pm
Stop by pollinator-centric booths from the Conservatory and participating organizations for activities, crafts, games and more. The full list of participating organizations is below.
Exploring Pollinators in the Garden | 11am & 1:30pm
Take a walk in the garden and observe bees in action. Led by Denise Ellsworth, the Program Director of Honey Bee and Native Pollinator Education, OSU Extension.
Food Demonstration | 11am-3pm
Taste delicious foods made with ingredients that are only possible thanks to pollinators. Led by the Conservatory’s Sustainability Educator, Heather Bell.
Fort Hayes Student Band led by Jeff McGarish | 11am–3pm
Students from Columbus City School Fort Hayes will perform live music throughout the event.
Stinger from the Columbus Blue Jackets | 1-2pm
Greet the mascot of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Food Trucks | 11am-3pm
NAICCO
Tortilla
Dirty Franks
Dessert Food Truck (TBA)
Participating Organizations
Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center/Center for Applied Plants
Bat Conservation International
The Bee Collective
The Bugman
Child Development Council of Franklin County
Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Columbus GreenSpot
Columbus Recreation and Parks
East Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
For All Species
Fort Hayes
Franklin County Master Gardeners Volunteers
Gahanna Herb Center
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council
Grange Audobon Center
Greater Columbus Growing Coalition
Hinton Apiaries
Kiwanis Club of Columbus
Love Your Alley
Ohio History Connection
Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative
Ohio State Beekeepers Association
Ohio State University Extension
Ohio Wildlife Center
Red Bearded Honey Man
Scioto Gardens
Wild Hare Prairie Native Nursery
Wild Ones Columbus
Important Mental Health Statistics Every Ohioan Should Know
Mental health affects everyone, yet there is still a stigma surrounding it. It’s time for that to change. This is why I’m passionate about bringing awareness to such an important issue and opening up real and honest conversations about our own mental health experiences.
Mental health affects everyone, yet there is still a stigma surrounding it. It’s time for that to change. This is why I’m passionate about bringing awareness to such an important issue and opening up real and honest conversations about our own mental health experiences.
If you follow 614 Mom on Instagram you’ll know that this month I’ve been sharing a lot about mental health and how important it is to keep having these conversations to be able to break the stigma that surrounds it. Over the last few weeks, we have got to have some really powerful conversations through posts, direct messages, and comments. This community has been so kind to share their stories and experiences with mental health illnesses with me.
Before this month comes to a close I wanted to make sure to share a few very important statics with you as well as a few of my favorite books for myself and my children. I hope you find it helpful and as always my inbox is always open.
STATS
Nearly live 1 in 4 Ohioans live with mental illness.
People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness.
43.2% of adults in Ohio reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.
An estimated 200,000 Ohioans are suffering from addiction, and at nearly double the national average, Ohio has one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country
1 in 13 Ohioans have a substance use disorder.
Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it.
Transgender individuals are nearly 4 times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition.
Favorite Books
Connecting with my kids through stories is one of my biggest joys. They love listening to stories and putting themselves in the shoes of others and I love watching their brains as they make connections to everyday life. Because we read so many wonderful books in our home it’s been a great way to talk about mental health because it’s something they are already so comfortable with.
You can find some of our favorites below and as always my inbox is always open so if you have a recommendation for us, I’d love to hear it.
“Like the sun, I’m here to shine” one of my favorite quotes from the book. Hearing my kids repeat these words as they read the book is so good for my heart. Yes, baby. You are here to SHINE!
Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect
This one was very popular on social media! I picked this book blindly on amazon as I wanted to find a book that could help me have a conversation with my kids about consent. They need to know they can say no to a hug from even the closest family member and it must be respected. I really liked how this book discussed such a difficult topic in a way that opened up a real and honest conversation without scaring or overwhelming my kiddos.
This book focuses on compassion and sharing love with others. Watching those you love go through something difficult can be challenging to witness. Even as adults we often question how we can help or what we can do to ease the burden that our loved ones are facing. This book does a beautiful job of sharing how you can show love to others and to yourself.
“Let Yourself Fall then Pick Yourself Up” So much love for this book and this quote.
This super cute book focuses on kindness and inclusion. The main character, Scribble, didn’t know he was different until he met his new friends. After some time the other characters show kindness to Scribble and learn that they should have included him from the beginning.
What Do You Do With A Problem?
I found this on the shelf at a local book store after ballet one day. Elizabeth and I loved reading this together.
This book focuses on mindfulness and helping kids name different feelings and sensations.
No amount of kindness is too small and this book is the perfect example of that.
This book is great for the little girl in your life. Every little girl needs a reminder that she is strong, powerful, and loved.
I have both two daughters and a son so I picked this book up when I got Dear Girl. This is the book that reminds your son just how amazing he is being a helper or chasing his dreams.
Everyone needs love and this book helps explain how you can love someone the way they need to be loved and not just the way you want to love them.
Anxious feelings can be overwhelming, and as someone with anxiety who never had anyone to share my feelings with, I like reading stories like these. This story was so great with my kids.
Strength, Confidence, and Growth Mindset. All things I want my kids to have. I love this book so much.
Happiness is different for everyone and this book focuses on following those dreams in your own unique way. As someone who has a job that most don’t understand - I am here for this.
You are amazing! Each and every trait that you carry helps you become the amazing human you are and this book talks about all of the goodness in being remarkably you.
A mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. This cute book focuses on lessons like - it’s OKAY to make a mistake.
I also want to thank the Ohio Opioided Eucation Alliance as they have brought together a wide range of individuals to bring light to this VERY important issue and I’m so thankful I got to be part of such a powerful campaign. We have to beat the stigma that surrounds mental health!
The Salvation Army and the Summer LemonAiD Campaign
I’ve shared a lot about The Salvation Army and their LemonAiD campaign this summer, but it wasn’t until recently that I got to visit one of the Salvation Army Learning Centers. Filled with smiles, structure, and kindness, this particular Learning Center hosts their own lemonade stands all summer long. It was so fun talking with the children at the center and hearing directly from them on why they love giving back to the community.
I’ve shared a lot about The Salvation Army and their LemonAiD campaign this summer, but it wasn’t until recently that I got to visit one of the Salvation Army Learning Centers. Filled with smiles, structure, and kindness, this particular Learning Center hosts their own lemonade stands all summer long. It was so fun talking with the children at the center and hearing directly from them on why they love giving back to the community.
With ages ranging from 6-12 and various interests, the lemonade stands for kids in their community are a lot of fun and a topic for great conversations around community and the importance of helping others.
Zialab, age 10, tells me that she loves using her cheer skills to encourage cars to stop (safely) for a cup of refreshing lemonade while Dj, age 11, loves putting his artistic skills to use to create the posters.
It’s really a team effort between the entire group of children with one goal - to help the 1 in 4 children in Central Ohio who live in poverty.
Aalaya, age 6, is really passionate about helping kids and enjoys the LemonAiD stand program because she loves that her efforts are all to benefit other children in her community.
When I asked them why they thought their stands are so successful they told me it’s because of three reasons:
“Our teachers motivate us”
“Because we are helping kids”
“We work really hard”
Yes, they do. They work really hard.
Did you know?
● 1 in 4 children in Central Ohio live in poverty
● 1 in 5 children in our community go to bed hungry.
● 1 in 5 children are alone and unsupervised during the hours after school
● Only 15% of Ohio's K-12 children participate in after-school programs
● 1 in 30 children in Ohio experience homelessness.
Who better to help kids than other kids! Across central Ohio, parents are instilling values like generosity and community-mindedness in their kids through The Salvation Army's LemonAiD (#KidsHelpingKids) program. Kids participating in the program invite friends and family to donate while learning the priceless lesson that they can affect change in their community. The funds they raise will provide food and programs that lift children out of homelessness and poverty when they need it most. Parents and their kids, along with their families and friends, can help other kids by donating to www.SalvationArmyCentralOhio.org
Peace, Love, Lemonade
Parents, Andrea and Dan with their girls Libby and Hannah agree that The Salvation Army LemonAiD program is a great way for “Kids to help kids.” They raised over $1,400 last year with their virtual stand called “Peace, Love, and Lemonade.” This year they plan to meet or exceed that goal by hosting both a virtual and a physical stand where both Libby and Hannah can sell delicious lemonade.
Getting our kids involved in giving back to the community is something that most parents I talk to are really passionate about. We want our children to understand more of the world around them and how even the smallest actions can make a big difference. I personally love the LemonAiD program with The Salvation Army Central Ohio where children host a lemonade stand (in person or virtual) and give back to their community. 100% of the funds raised are used to provide food and programs that lift children out of homelessness and poverty. It is a great way to make that first introduction into community service.
Parents, Andrea and Dan with their girls Libby and Hannah agree that The Salvation Army LemonAiD program is a great way for “Kids to help kids.” They raised over $1,400 last year with their virtual stand called “Peace, Love, and Lemonade.” This year they plan to meet or exceed that goal by hosting both a virtual and a physical stand where both Libby and Hannah can sell delicious lemonade.
When asked how they were able to raise so much money, last year, in the middle of the pandemic, Andrea replied, “We shared it with our friends and family using both social media and texting.”
Looking for inspiration to promote your LemonAid stand? Andrea, Dan, Libby, and Hannah have you covered.
What started as a fun thing to do with their kids and families to give back to the community has since turned into an annual tradition that they just love! What a great family tradition to be able to teach your children about giving back to the community while having so much fun!
Did you know?
● 1 in 4 children in Central Ohio live in poverty
● 1 in 5 children in our community go to bed hungry.
● 1 in 5 children are alone and unsupervised during the hours after school
● Only 15% of Ohio's K-12 children participate in after-school programs
● 1 in 30 children in Ohio experience homelessness.
Looking to host your own lemonade stand? It’s easy to sign up, FREE, and offers you an opportunity to get involved in giving back to the community!
HOW TO GET STARTED. IT'S EASY!
STEP 1 — Register
● Register online at salvtionarmylemonaid.org
STEP 2 — Choose the Day, Time, Location, and name for your stand
● The LemonAiD Campaign runs thru July 31, 2021. Pick a date and time that work for your schedule!
STEP 3— Secure your supplies.
● A LemonAiD Kit will be sent to you once you have registered. The kit will include a sign for your stand, buttons, and a brochure with helpful tips.
● Parents provide the stand/table, cash box, the lemonade, and cups. Set your own prices or simply ask for a donation.
● Decorations (very important!). Kids typically enjoy making additional signs and decorating their stand.
STEP 4 — Promote. Promotion is key.
● Let your family, friends, and neighbors know about your stand with flyers, emails, social media, and signs. Remember to post photos to facebook.com/Salvation.Army.Columbus
STEP 5 — Start selling at your custom LemonAiD Stand!
The Salvation Army will perform weekly drawings for a $25 Graeter’s Gift Certificate!
At the end of the promotion (July 31st) will receive, in the mail, a small thank you from The Salvation Army and our sponsors/partners. Be sure to sign up today!
Kids Helping Kids | How To Host Your Own Lemonade Stand While Giving Back To The Community
I know that we are not the only family who is interested in teaching our children about giving back to our community this summer (and year-round) so I thought I would share more about how you can get involved with your own LemonAiD stand.
My son and I hosted our first LemonAID stand at Easton Town Center a few years ago. It all started with me wanting to teach my children that no matter their age, they can do good in the world. It was a beautiful day, full of sunshine, meeting new people, giving back to our community, and cold refreshing lemonade. This year our LemonAID stand, in support of the Salvation Army, will be even better because it’s become an annual tradition that we look forward to every year.
I know that we are not the only family who is interested in teaching our children about giving back to our community this summer (and year-round) so I thought I would share more about how you can get involved with your own LemonAiD stand.
The Salvation Army launched the LemonAiD program in 2016 to give kids the opportunity to give back to other kids. While typically kids would host a lemonade stand or two and donate the money to The Salvation Army, this year they have two options 1. all virtual due to COVID-19 or 2. A traditional lemonade stand. Either way 100% of the funds donated to the LemonAID stand go directly to provide food and programs that help lift children out of poverty and homelessness.
The Salvation Army served 24,702 children in 2019.. 35% of all persons served at the food pantry were children, and in 2019 they helped secure permanent housing for 1,947 individuals, 1,168 of those individuals were children.
Every single dollar we raise through the LemonAiD stand helps children and families in our community and that’s something we can definitely support.
You can make your own LemonAid Stand and donate directly to the Salvation Army. I’m sharing everything you need to know below.
Important Details:
. The LemonAiD Campaign runs in June & July to allow scheduling flexibility. Pick a date and time that works for your schedule!
You decide on the location - You can do a virtual stand or an in-person stand at a location of your choice.
You can sign up easily on their website and start sending your personalized web page to friends and family.
Promote your stand by getting creative - send fun emails, post videos on social media, put up a sign or two in your neighborhood, draw an announcement in chalk on your driveway and make sure to include personalized thank you notes in your marketing strategy :)
Share your photos and videos with The Salvation Army on their Facebook page to be entered to win weekly prizes.
Lemonade Stand Supplies:
Lemonade
Cash/Coin
Optional:
Promotion:
Whether your lemonade stand is virtual or in-person you’ll definitely need to promote to make the most out of your stand. You can have a lot of fun with this - fun videos for social, posters, social media posts, and more.
This is a great way to let your kids take the lead - after all kids helping kids is the ultimate goal.
Did You Know?*
1 in 4 children in Central Ohio live in poverty; 1 in 5 children in Ohio.
1 in 5 children in our community goes to bed hungry.
1 in 30 children in Ohio experience homelessness.
*Statistics provided by The Salvation Army Columbus.
Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory - FREE Event in Columbus
Franklin Park Conservatory is an absolute family favorite. We love it there. I could spend all day exploring and taking it all in and thankfully my kids love it just as much, especially the Children’s Garden. In just a few weeks you can celebrate the birds, bees, butterflies, and all of the creates that make our gardens grow during Pollinator Palooza!! It’s already on our schedule and we CANNOT WAIT! The best part? It’s FREE! You don’t need reservations or tickets to take part in Pollinator Palooza.
Franklin Park Conservatory is an absolute family favorite. We love it there. I could spend all day exploring and taking it all in and thankfully my kids love it just as much, especially the Children’s Garden. In just a few weeks you can celebrate the birds, bees, butterflies, and all of the creates that make our gardens grow during Pollinator Palooza!! It’s already on our schedule and we CANNOT WAIT! The best part? It’s FREE! You don’t need reservations or tickets to take part in Pollinator Palooza.
Let’s go over some of the most important details
Saturday, June 19th, 2021
11am - 3pm
FREE
It’s a great event for all ages!
Pollinator Palooza is the best way to have fun while learning about pollinators and raising awareness for all of the amazing creatures that help our gardens grow! This event includes crafts, music, garden tours, and MORE.
Before you check out the schedule of events below - grab your phone and add this event to your calendar.
Schedule of Events
Exploring Pollinators in the Garden | 11:30am, 1pm & 2pm
Take a walk in the garden and observe bees in action. Led by Denise Ellsworth, the Program Director of Honey Bee and Native Pollinator Education, OSU Extension.
The Bugman | 11am–3pm
The Bugman, Mark Berman, shares his knowledge and excitement about bugs.
George Barrie Band | 11:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-2:30pm
George Barrie Band will accompany the event with live music. George Barrie’s upbeat blend of groovy rock n’ roll is inspired by bluesy songwriters across genres and generations. George built a career as a musician, songwriter, and producer in Columbus, Ohio.
Stinger from the Columbus Blue Jackets | 12-12:30pm
Stinger from the Columbus Blue Jackets will stop by!
Food Demonstration | 11am–2pm
Taste delicious foods made with ingredients that are only possible thanks to pollinators. Led by the Conservatory’s Sustainability Educator, Heather Bell.
Food Trucks | 11am-3pm
NAICCO
Sweet T’s Southern Style
Too Good Eats
Participating Organizations
The Bee Collective
Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Columbus GreenSpot
East Central Ohio Beekeepers Association
Franklin County Master Gardeners Volunteers
Greater Columbus Growing Coalition
Kiwanis Club of Columbus
LEAD for Pollinators
Natives in Harmony, LLC
Ohio Herb Center
Ohio History Connection
Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative
