Reunions

Children’s Program

The hugely successful Children’s Program, now in its eighth year, is offered on Saturday, May 23 from 2:00 - 9:30 PM at the StonyBrook Children’s Center on campus (located behind MHC’s Gorse Child Study Center). Staffed by an experienced team of skilled, certified childcare professionals, the Children’s Program provides a safe, warm, caring, and fun environment for children between the ages of fifteen months and twelve years.

Children are grouped according to age. The program offers a variety of creative, age-appropriate activities and entertainment, including arts and crafts, music, non-competitive games, outdoor play, swimming, and a thoughtfully chosen movie as an after-dinner treat. The main pool will be closed for repairs during the weekend, however we'll be able to use the dive pool for swimming (ages 7-12 only); children must be able to swin without floatation devices. Children who participate in the program are made to feel welcome, happy, and at home, whether they choose quiet activities or active games with groups of new friends. Your child’s comfort is the priority, and no child is ever left out. Nutritious snacks, drinks, and meals are provided.

Parents are welcome to drop in and visit, or stay and join the fun at any time during the program. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Preliminary Schedule

2:00 – 2:30 PM
Arrival, welcome, snacks, activities

2:30 – 3:00 PM
Walk (hand-in-hand) to campus event

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Children’s event at Blanchard Lantern

4:00 – 5:30 PM
Activities at StonyBrook (arts and crafts, music, games, outdoor play, storytelling, reading)

5:30 - 6:00 PM
Dinner

6:00- 9:30 PM
Age-appropriate DVDs, quiet activities and snacks for younger children (sleeping mats and blankets available)

6:15 - 6:30 PM
Travel to swimming pool (children ages 7 -12 only)

6:30 - 7:30 PM
Supervised swimming at Kendall

7:45 - 9:30 PM
DVDs, quiet activities and snacks for older children (resting mats available)

9:30 PM
Departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “Is the Children’s Program only for children of alumnae?”
A: Yes. While alumnae are encouraged to bring guests to reunion, the Children’s Program has limited space and is not able to accommodate children of guests.

Q: “Does my child need to be potty-trained?”
A: Children younger than two years and nine months do not need to be potty-trained. Staff members are trained to care for children who may still need diapers. For children older than two years and nine months, it is preferred that they are potty-trained but it is not absolutely essential.

Q: “What if my child has a difficult time?”
A: Children’s Program staff are experienced and highly trained professionals and, as such, are extremely effective at helping children feel safe in the new environment. In the rare event that a child is not able to enjoy the program, the parents will be contacted (contact information will be required at drop-off). Parents are also encouraged to call or drop in at any time to check on their children (there is a phone at the center and a staff member to answer it at all times).

Q: “Should my child bring toys or games from home?”
A: Children are welcome to bring a special toy (a stuffed animal, a doll) if it helps them to feel more secure—but more than that is unnecessary. There will be more than enough to keep your child happily occupied!

If you have further questions about the Children’s Program, please contact Julie Ogg , assistant to the associate director of classes and reunions via e-mail or at 413-538-2159.

Someone sent me a T-shirt not long ago that read ‘Well-Behaved Women Don’t Make History.’ They don’t make good lawyers, either, or doctors or businesswomen. Imitations are redundant. Yourself is what is wanted.
—
Anna Quindlen, commencement address, 1999