When I was a new mom in Charleston and didn't know anyone else with kids, I started attending Gymboree classes and joined The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. Both were a great way to escape the house and meet other moms (And Dads! Wink, wink, Ray) and really find a place that I felt comfortable taking my squirmy new infant.
When I paid that first year's membership fee at The Children's Museum, I never dreamed that it would become such an important part of my life. That was 6 years ago.
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, or CML, has meant many things to me over the years. It was a place to go on rainy days. It was a nice cool respite from the 102 degree heat in August before Teague went back to school. It offered a private place to nurse both of the boys in between playtimes. And it still gives me an opportunity to interact with the kids in a way I just can't achieve anywhere else.
Let's face it. CML is fun!
Where else can you splash water on the floor indoors and NOT get in trouble?
In what other location can I name a pirate ship after both of my kids and pretend to be a man-eating mermaid while having rubber fish tossed at me?
Where else is it alright to lauch golf balls down a ramp in hopes of them taking a detour and hitting your little brother? Ok, so that last one was added by Teague and might not be ok.
But seriously: CML is definitely not only for kids. It makes you want to jump up and play WITH your kids. How many places do you go that you can honestly say that about?
I absolutely adore it.
So last Fall when my friend Bonnie Geer, who is Director of Development at CML, contacted me about starting a Parent's Advisory Council and asked me to be a founding member, I couldn't hit respond fast enough. I think I might have even text message stuttered a repsonse. I was SO excited.
I wasn't sure exactly what this Council might do or when it might materialize, but I wanted in. And I am happy to say that not only has it materialized, but we have made some great strides over the last few months.
So far, we've grown from an idea to a council of nine people. We have successfully helped Fam Jam move from a paid event to a free one for the entire community. And last month, we held a meeting to nominate new members! We have so many great moms in this community and I am truly honored to be a part of this endeavor.
If you know any great Mommy bloggers in the Charleston community, please let me know! I am compiling a list and I don't want to miss anyone. As a community, we can continue to grow CML, its membership, and make it the best non-traditional learning resource in Charleston!
So visit often! Attend a class! Sign your child up for a camp! Or just go and be a queen or king in the castle for an hour. You won't regret it. And your kids won't forget it.
www.explorecml.org