The FCM Family Program for FCM members and their children or grandchildren occurs during Sangha at the Tampa Practice Center from 10 am – 12 pm, two Sundays a month during the school year. There are two age groups, Lotus Buds Ages 0-6 (with parents/grandparents) and Dharma Buds Ages 7-12. The program’s aim is to provide:
- · A safe and mindful environment
- · Fun and meaningful activities for children and families that promote Buddhist spiritual values such as mindfulness, understanding and compassion.
Dates for the Program are indicated on the FCM monthly calendar.
MEMBER REGISTRATION: Registration paperwork with a parent or guardian signature is required for members to enroll their children or grandchildren for the 2017/2018 school year. If you are a grandparent bringing a child, please request paperwork ahead of time so that you can bring paperwork that has been read and signed by the parent/guardian with you.
COST: The program is free, however dana is greatly appreciated. $5 per Sunday/family is suggested.
Please discuss any special needs your children may have with one of the Family Program Coordinators. Parents/grandparents are encouraged to regularly participate in selfless service activities that support the program.
FCM FAMILY MEET AND GREET
SUNDAY, SEPT 17, 9:30 AM
Please attend the Family Program Meet and Greet at 9:30 am on Sept 17, or email the FCM Office Manager, Liz Stepp to receive paperwork and information on joining the Family Program during the 2017/2018 School Year.
VISTORS: If you are a nonmember considering participation in the FCM Family Program and would like to arrange a visit, please email one of the Family Program Coordinators:
Suzy: suzystudio2@gmail.com
Karuna: karunaee@gmail.com
Lotus Buds AGES 0-6
Sunday mindful care and play is offered for children age six and under. We call these younger children our “Lotus Buds.” Activities include free play, music, stories, movement and art. For the comfort and safety of your child, we ask that an adult (parent, guardian or grandparent) remain in the Education Building to participate with them.
For FCM members, who attend regularly with their children, the option is offered, on a case by case basis, to leave children 6 and under in the Education Building while parents (or grandparents) attend all or part of Sunday Sangha in the Meditation Hall. Please discuss your child’s needs with one of the Family Program Coordinators to reach a mutually agreed upon arrangement, based on the comfort level of the child and the availability of adult supervision, as well as to discuss possible ways that parents can participate with other parents in providing cooperative care during Sunday Sangha and other events. To ensure quality supervision and care, check in with the Family Program Coordinator each week before leaving your child in the Education Building, as the number of adult supervisors available to care for your child each week may vary.
Dharma Buds AGES 7-12
Sunday meditation and mindfulness activities are offered for children ages 7-12. This program includes gentle meditation and other fun activities in an environment of mindfulness and loving kindness. Inspiration comes from the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition with activities including mindfulness practice, art, music and movement. The name “Dharma Buds” was chosen by our inaugural class of children to refer to this age group.
Two Promises for Children Ages 7-12: The Two Promises, to develop understanding and compassion, are the mindfulness trainings or Buddhist ethical guidelines for children, developed by Thich Nhat Hanh. They are an integral part of the Children’s Program. Once or twice a year children will be offered additional classes to learn about the Two Promises and discuss what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. They will then have the opportunity, if they choose, to receive transmission of the Two Promises in a formal ceremony with our Dharma teacher. The children receive a Dharma name and a certificate to remind them of their promises.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to discuss special needs please contact us. Ideas, feedback, and concerns are always welcome so that we can best support the needs of our families.
Family Program Coordinators
Suzy: suzystudio2@gmail.com
Karuna: karunaee@gmail.com
