WHAT: Community Day — Kickoff

COST/FEE: None

WHEN: Wednesday, 5/24 — 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

WHERE: Duranceau Park | 3470 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Park in the lot across from the playground. We’ll spend most of our time in this area — the playground, shelter house (if available), and green spaces. If time and interest permit, we’ll take a hike back into the wooded area to explore the small caves and river edge (not stroller-friendly).

WHAT TO EXPECT + WHAT TO BRING: This is a new activity that we’ll be trying out for the summer months — a gentle time to connect and play as a group. After getting settled, moms will chat through some ideas for how we want to use this time in the future and we’ll also get started on our first Mama Book Club selection, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart by Sally Clarkson! Feel free to bring snacks or lunch, board/card/yard games… and pack the sunscreen and bug spray!

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies before attending an event and communicate behavior expectations to your children and teens.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 5/21 at 11:59 pm
Registration Extended: Monday, 5/22 at 11:59 pm

WHAT: Homeschool Curriculum + Book Market

WHEN: Saturday, 5/13 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: Linworth Baptist Church | 6200 Linworth Rd, Worthington, OH 43085

EVENT COORDINATOR:
Valerie Deutsch (Market Coordinator)
614-330-0837 or val.a.deutsch@gmail.com

VENDOR INFORMATION

This is a great opportunity to make a little money and maybe shop another mama’s table for your next season of home education! Here are a few things you need to know:

• Limited space is available on a first-come, first-served basis — fill out the form at the link below, and wait for confirmation from our Wild + Free leadership team along with payment details. Once we receive your payment, your reservation is secured. We reserve the right to move on to the next vendor in line if we don't hear back/receive payment in a timely manner.

• Items sold at this event must be new or used curricula, books, school supplies, educational games, and related items. No other goods/businesses can be advertised/sold.

• We will provide 1-2 tables for the entire sale labeled as “FREE RESOURCES” if you have anything you’d like to pass along free of charge!

• Central Ohio Wild + Free Members and non-members can reserve tables (8’ rectangular) free of charge for the 2023 sale.

• Tables (8’ rectangle) and chairs will be provided by our venue, but vendors must ensure that each table is covered with a sheet or tablecloth.

• Each participating vendor is asked to share the event with any friends who would like to attend our market as a shopper! Feel free to also spread the word via social media with the hashtag #centralohiocurriculummarket and the graphics on this page. Additionally, you can share our Facebook event directly by clicking here.

• Individual vendors will be responsible for how they would like to accept payment, but we encourage everyone to have multiple options available for our shoppers (including change for those shopping with cash and digital options like Venmo or PayPal).

• Setup begins promptly at 8:30 am (5/13/23) and must be complete by the time we open our doors to shoppers at 10:00 am. All cleanup must be completed by 3:00 pm. Additionally, we ask that all vendors check with the Wild + Free leadership team prior to leaving for one extra helping job to tidy the venue.

EVENT REGISTRATION: OPEN
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 12th at 12:00pm (Noon)

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Summer Survival Kit

COST/FEE: None

WHEN: Wednesday, 5/10 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATOR:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: For our final Mama Gathering of the spring session, we’ll gather around some snacks to spend time discussing rhythms and routines that can breathe life into your home and family over the summer months. From protecting against the dreaded “summer slide” in your kids’ academics to fun activities in and around Central Ohio to year-round schooling techniques and everything in between — you’ll leave with a plethora of ideas to tuck into your “Summer Survival Kit” as we head towards warm temperatures and sunshine! Be sure to read through the What To Bring section below as we have a couple of activities in mind that you’ll want to be prepared for!

WHAT TO BRING: Please reference our Mama Gathering event summary for a handy reference of what to plan for and what to bring to these events. For May’s event, we ask that each mom also bring a few things to share:

+ one non-fiction book you would consider essential reading for homeschooling or parenting
+ one fiction book you would recommend for a family read-aloud this summer
+ curriculum examples —  favorite resources for other mamas to flip through as we chat (see this post in our Facebook group for an ongoing conversation of who is bringing what)

Additionally, we do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: OPEN
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 5/9 at 11:59 pm

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Handicraft Night: Needle Arts

COST/FEE: TBD

WHEN: Wednesday, 2/8 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATOR:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: Plan on a sweet time of fellowship, snacks, and a casual opportunity to practice some needle arts together. Whether you are brand new to holding a crochet hook or knitting needles, or a skilled master of the cast-on, bind-off world, there is room for you on the couches! And if this particular handicraft doesn’t interest you, no worries — please come for the conversation and encouragement!

Three of our mamas will be on hand to teach the basics for making a dishcloth — you’ll need to decide whether you want to learn/practice your crochet skills, knitting, or loom knitting. Reference the related lists for the supplies you’ll need to have on hand based on which fiber arts skill you’ve chosen (you’re welcome to choose more than one and rotate between the groups)!

WHAT TO BRING: Order a pizza for the kids or supply them with peanut butter and jelly fixin’s and come on over for a time of refreshment and connection. We do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

SUPPLIES FOR CROCHETING

• J / 6mm hook (like this one or this one)

• 100% cotton yarn (like this one or this one)

• Scissors

SUPPLIES FOR KNITTING

• Size 7 needles (like these or these)

• 100% cotton yarn (like this one or this one — get two colors if you want to do stripes)

• Scissors

SUPPLIES FOR LOOM KNITTING

• minimum 24-peg loom (like this one or this one)

• Loom Hook (like this one)

• 100% cotton yarn (like this one or this one — you’ll need two balls to work with)

• Scissors

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 2/5 at 11:59 pm

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU MISSED THE REGISTRATION WINDOW, WE WILL CATCH YOUR FAMILY AT THE NEXT EVENT!

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Reflect + Reset

COST/FEE: None

WHEN: Wednesday, 1/11 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATOR:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: In January 2019, our core group of mamas spent a wonderful evening discussing the topic of reflection and resetting — we enjoyed it so much, we’ve added this discussion topic to our yearly rhythm!

Our culture tends towards broad, sweeping changes and resolutions during this time of year and we find ourselves expecting big things to shift in the areas of our health, our finances, our home, our relationships… and our homeschooling. The lists keep growing and growing — often to the point of overwhelm, beyond what is practical or even good for our souls.

+ Let’s talk about simplifying the rhythm of reflection and resetting.
+ Let’s look back and find one victory and one challenge to share.
+ Let’s take stock of our character, our relationships, and our priorities.
+ Let’s step forward and choose simple, right-sized intentions for the next season.

WHAT TO BRING: Just YOU! Order a pizza for the kids or supply them with peanut butter and jelly fixin’s and come on over for a time of refreshment and connection. We do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, 1/10 at 8:00 pm

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED.

LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN NOT BE ACCEPTED.

IF YOU MISSED THE REGISTRATION WINDOW, WE WILL CATCH YOU AT THE NEXT EVENT!

WHAT: Holiday Handicraft Market

COST/FEE: $5 registration fee — includes one 6-8 foot rectangular folding table

The registration fee can be shared by siblings or other “business partners,” but only one table will be provided per registration.  If your child requires multiple tables or you have multiple children who desire separate tables, you must register/pay for each table that you need.  The registration fee goes directly back into the support of the market.

WHEN: Saturday, 11/12 — 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Setup: 9:00 am | Teardown: 1:30 pm

WHERE: Linworth Baptist Church | 6200 Linworth Rd, Worthington, OH 43085

EVENT COORDINATOR:

sara Lowe (Handicraft Market + Curriculum/Book Sale Coordinator)
216-409-1335 or jslowe7205@yahoo.com

THIS EVENT IS CHILD-LED — the ideas, creative work, marketing and signage, and even the management of the booths should come from their minds and hands. Let them have extra chores to earn the money they need for the registration fee and supplies, and allow them to figure out through trial and error which product ideas are a good fit for their skills. We know it's sometimes hard for parents to sit on the sidelines as a cheerleader, but we promise you will see true growth and joy if you allow your children to take the reins with this project! Our general recommendation is for vendors to be ages 6 and older.
BARTERING NEEDS TO BE PARENT-MONITORED — One important aspect we ask parents to help monitor and guide is the bartering process to help educate our kids on how to make equitable trades. We have two requirements for bartering:

• All bartering must occur AT THE END of the market after all customers have shopped — after 1:00 pm.

• Bartering must occur with an adult present to guide the process and make sure it is favorable for all parties.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD — Each participating family will be provided with a digital flyer to share with any friends who would like to attend our market as a shopper! These could be grandparents, neighbors, small shop owners, or even other homeschool families who are not part of our Wild + Free group! Feel free to spread the word via social media using the graphics provided along with the hashtag #centralohiohandicraftmarket

INSPIRATION + PLANNING — For inspiration, we suggest a simple online search for children's handicraft markets. Pinterest and Instagram have great ideas to help your children brainstorm what kinds of products (or even services) they can bring to the market. There is no limit on price points, but we have found that items under $10 and specifically, items between $0.50 and $5.00 are a sweet spot — it may be a good idea for your children to have a variety of products at various price points to encourage different kinds of customers to purchase. Some children opt to specialize in one product for simplicity. Take into consideration skill level, time and materials used when helping price items with your child. Regarding how many items to bring, this year is a little different as our market has moved from a mid-week event to a Saturday morning and we are anticipating a greater customer turn-out. Our best guess would be to bring no less than 25 items to sell (but this is very subjective and dependent on the type and complexity of what your child is making). Some will bring a handful of very complex, intricate items at a higher price point, some will bring dozens and dozens of smaller-priced, easily replicated items. Use your best judgment. We have two additional recommendations regarding inventory:

• If it looks like your child will sell out of their inventory, consider having them save one of each product they have brought as a sample that they can use to take orders from customers. The methods you chose for this process are entirely up to each family regarding payment, delivery, etc.

• If it looks like your child has overshot their inventory and will have an excess at the end of the market, consider having them use their products as Christmas gifts OR they are welcome to save them for next year’s market for a “discount” section in their booth!

BOOTH REQUIREMENTS — Participating children/teens are encouraged to design and market their wares in creative ways with their booths. Be sure to have your kids design their booth with existing items from home like blankets, crates, boxes, etc. One table (per registration) will be provided at the venue, and vendors must ensure it is covered with a sheet or tablecloth.

SET UP + TEAR DOWN — Participants need to arrive promptly at 9:00 am to set up their booth. All booth cleanup must be completed by 1:30 pm. Additionally, we ask that all families check with Wild + Free leadership prior to leaving for one extra helping job to tidy the venue.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies before attending an event and communicate behavior expectations to your children and teens.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 11/6 at 11:59 pm

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Autumn Guided Art Journaling

COST/FEE: $5 (pay event fee below)

WHEN: Wednesday, 11/9 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATORS:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: After a brief welcome and time for announcements, we will dive right into a creative time of hands-on art journaling and easy conversation. In this workshop, Emily Burlingame (our Nature Outing Coordinator and former art teacher) will walk us through a thoughtful, step-by-step journaling page. No prior artistic skills are needed! Even if you fear that you’re not “creative” — we encourage you to come hang out with us and give it a try, you might find yourself surprised!

We know Wednesday evenings can be full and the drive for some of our friends is an investment. Sports schedules and church activities also have priority on our family calendar, but if we could humbly encourage you to carve out just this ONE 2-hour stretch of time each month, we know you will walk away with a full heart and renewed energy. Ask your husband, your mom, your neighbor, an older child, or a friend if they could help you guard this time by shuttling the kids to soccer practice, baseball games, AWANA, or Youth Group — we guarantee it will be well worth the effort.

WHAT TO BRING: For our guided Nature/Art Journaling sessions, you are welcome to bring a sketchbook (mixed media or watercolor paper), and any specific paint, pens, or pencils you like, but they are not required and we’ll have everything you need! We do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

One final note, nursing babies are always welcome at our Mama Gatherings and are often passed around for snuggles and knee-bounces.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies found at the bottom of the front porch home page before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 11/6 at 11:59 pm

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Family Rhythms

COST/FEE: None

WHEN: Wednesday, 10/12 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATORS:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: After a brief welcome and time for announcements, we will dive into a conversation about Family Rhythms.

According to Webster, rhythm is defined as: “a regular, repeated pattern of beat, sounds, activity, or movements.” Whether you are aware of it or not, your days are already filled with those repeated patterns of activity and movement. This month we will discuss the various rhythms within our households as they relate to homeschooling, chores, outside activities, and more. The big question remains: are rhythms more sustainable than a schedule? Let’s find out together and work through creating some family rhythms of our very own.

We know Wednesday evenings can be full and the drive for some of our friends is an investment. Sports schedules and church activities also have priority on our family calendar, but if we could humbly encourage you to carve out just this ONE 2-hour stretch of time each month, we know you will walk away with a full heart and renewed energy. Ask your husband, your mom, your neighbor, an older child, or a friend if they could help you guard this time by shuttling the kids to soccer practice, baseball games, AWANA, or Youth Group — we guarantee it will be well worth the effort.

WHAT TO BRING: Just YOU! Order a pizza for the kids or supply them with peanut butter and jelly fixin’s and come on over for a time of refreshment and connection. We do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

One final note, nursing babies are always welcome at our Mama Gatherings and are often passed around for snuggles and knee-bounces.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies found at the bottom of the front porch home page before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 10/9 at 11:59 pm

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED.

LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU MISSED THE REGISTRATION WINDOW, WE WILL CATCH YOU AT THE NEXT EVENT!

WHAT: Mama Gathering — Dessert Soirée

COST/FEE: None

WHEN: Wednesday, 9/14 — 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026

MEETING LOCATION: Coffee Connections — Main Location (Back Annex)

EVENT COORDINATORS:

Christy LaVigne (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
740-963-0206 or clavignefamily2002@yahoo.com

Debbie Hougland (Mama Gathering Coordinator)
269-330-5954 or dchjuiceplus@gmail.com

WHAT TO EXPECT + DISCUSSION: We will meet under the twinkle lights at the main Coffee Connections location in Hilliard for an outdoor (weather-permitting) dessert picnic. This celebration of the past five years together also serves as a kick-off event where we cast the vision for what is in store for our community this coming year, welcome new friends, and encourage each other as we prepare for another year of educating our children at home! We’ll provide the treats — you can simply come and be refreshed!

We know Wednesday evenings can be full and the drive for some of our friends is an investment. Sports schedules and church activities also have priority on our family calendar, but if we could humbly encourage you to carve out just this ONE 2-hour stretch of time each month, we know you will walk away with a full heart and renewed energy. Ask your husband, your mom, your neighbor, an older child, or a friend if they could help you guard this time by shuttling the kids to soccer practice, baseball games, AWANA, or Youth Group — we guarantee it will be well worth the effort.

WHAT TO BRING: For the Dessert Soirée, please bring a loose, printed photo of your family for a group activity. While we’ll be providing the food for this event, we do ask that each attendee consider purchasing a drink from Coffee Connections as the owners of this establishment have graciously offered their space free of charge to our community for years.

One final note, nursing babies are always welcome at our Mama Gatherings and are often passed around for snuggles and knee-bounces.

POLICY REMINDER: Please make sure you have read through all our policies found at the bottom of the front porch home page before attending an event.

EVENT REGISTRATION: CLOSED
Registration Deadline: Sunday, 9/11 at 11:59 pm