Families across Northumberland County can spend quality time together and take part in a free, county-wide challenge at the same time.
For a second year in a row, EarlyON Northumberland has brought back its “Family Fun Bingo” competition. Through the rest of February and March, families with young children can participate by completing activities together — at home, online, and in person — and visiting free EarlyON family programming.
“Our EarlyON Northumberland Family Fun Bingo competition is back by popular demand,” said Lesley Patterson, Northumberland County’s early years services manager.
“This friendly competition encourages families to make lasting memories by learning, playing and exploring together,” Patterson told kawarthaNOW.
“With a variety of activities you can complete at home, online or in person at an EarlyON program, the Family Fun Bingo aims to inspire creative ideas for family-friendly activities.”
Last year, around 100 families from across Northumberland took part in the competition. This year, Patterson hopes to see even more families participate.
“We look forward to welcoming them to our March Break programs and EarlyON Child and Family Centres as they work towards getting their bingo,” Patterson said.
All participants will receive a small prize for taking part and will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a “family fun pack,” which includes a 2024 Ontario Parks pass and a $100 Indigo gift card.
Northumberland County’s EarlyON child and family centres offer free, drop-in programming for families with children ages six and under, at eight locations throughout Northumberland and various additional partner locations, including community centres, libraries, and parks.
The programs encourage families to play, learn and be curious together, and meet other local families with children around the same age.
EarlyON Northumberland offers a range of programs on weekdays, evenings and weekends. Activities include family hikes, indoor or outdoor exploration programs, story time, gym time, visits to local attractions, Indigenous teachings, and informative programming for new and expecting parents.
To participate, families can grab a copy of the bingo card at their local EarlyON centre or can print one off at home by visiting the EarlyON Northumberland website. Participants can mark off spaces on the card by completing the activity written in the space.
Families who get a “bingo” by completing a line on the card either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, can submit their completed card to their local EarlyON educator until Thurday, March 28 to get the small prize and be entered into the draw.
For more information and to print a bingo card, visit northumberland.ca/EarlyON. Printed copies of the bingo card are also available for pick up at local EarlyON child and family centres.
