Van Buren Great Start Parent Coalition

06/01/2026

Free adventures at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven.
June 6, 2026 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
See their website for full details
https://michiganmaritimemuseum.org/event/free-fun-fest/

Next Saturday is the second annual Free Fun Fest hosted at the Michigan Maritime Museum from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. And if you see Fred around town, be sure to ask, "Where’s the fun?"

Stop by the MMM for a community-wide celebration of the kickoff of the summer season. Guests can enjoy exhibits, tour the museum’s boats, take a brief river-ride on the “Lindy Lou,” win prizes at the vendor’s game booths, or just enjoy watching the maritime traffic on the Black River from an Adirondack chair. Lunch and raffle tickets are available for $1 (cash only).

To learn even more about FFF, click here.https://south-haven-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/south-haven-free-fun-fest-2026-brochure.pdf

06/01/2026

MSU Extension is offering Free Self-Paced Class: "Positive Discipline"

Helping young children learn self-control is important to their ability to be successful citizens now and in the future. Positive Discipline workshops help adults learn how their role in creating appropriate environments and experiences can strengthen that development. For either parents or professionals.

Registration: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/positive-discipline-online-course
For more information contact Courtney Aldrich at [email protected]
This class is eligible for MIRegistry Credit!

This workshop will help parents and caregivers learn about factors that promote self-discipline in children, increase awareness of our personal role in creating an environment where discipline and self-control are learned and practiced, and gain new ideas for personal actions that we can take to mai...

05/28/2026

MSU Extension is hosting a class: "Building Early Emotional Skills"

This is a four-week class for primary caregivers of children 0-3 that teaches about how young children develop social emotional skills, helps give caregivers skills to deal with the stress of caring for children, and to help their children develop strong social emotional skills.
Dates: Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026
Times: 6:30pm -8:00pm ET
Registration: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o36w6pw1qKkVD0

For more information, contact Courtney Aldrich, [email protected]

05/26/2026

2026 Kinship Caregiver Conference

Saturday and Sunday, July 25th & 26th, 2026
Lansing, MI

This event is created for kinship caregivers currently supporting children through Michigan’s child welfare system. Come connect with others who understand your journey and build practical skills to help the children and families you care for. Please note: this event is not intended for those providing kinship care outside of the child welfare system.

REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE: The Conference is free, but you must be accepted. Please see the flyer for full details.
Registration available at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/axU416Nszw

05/25/2026

MSU Extension Child & Family Dev. June 2026 Offerings:
These free online parenting workshops will provide guidance for parents of children as they navigate the challenges, concerns, and joys of parenting. Participants may register for as few or as many workshops as they wish.

Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00PM as follows:
June 2: Mindfulness for Children
June 9: Internet Safety
June 16: Potty Training 101
June 23: Learning to Talk
June 30: Essential Skills for Learning and Life

Registration: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_niFCQDzYRKGCnu3qCa5vmw

05/25/2026

Bring your little one(s) out and join us this coming Tuesday, May 26 for Popsicles in the Park! All families with young children 5 years and younger are invited to attend with siblings always welcome. Families can enjoy free books for each young child, literacy resources, a chalk drawing contest and of course popsicles! Don't miss this opportunity to pack a lunch if interested, meet other families with young children, enjoy time at the park!
¡Traigan a sus pequeños y acompáñennos este próximo martes 26 de mayo en Paletas en el Parque! Todas las familias con niños pequeños de 5 años o menos están invitadas a asistir; los hermanos mayores también son siempre bienvenidos. Las familias podrán disfrutar de libros gratuitos para cada niño pequeño, recursos de alfabetización, un concurso de dibujo con tiza y, por supuesto, ¡paletas heladas! No se pierdan esta oportunidad de traer su almuerzo (si lo desean), conocer a otras familias con niños pequeños y disfrutar de un rato agradable en el parque.

05/21/2026

Bring your little one(s) out and join us this coming Tuesday, May 26 for Popsicles in the Park! All families with young children 5 years and younger are invited to attend with siblings always welcome. Families can enjoy free books for each young child, literacy resources, a chalk drawing contest and of course popsicles! Don't miss this opportunity to pack a lunch if interested, meet other families with young children, enjoy time at the park!
¡Traigan a sus pequeños y acompáñennos este próximo martes 26 de mayo en Paletas en el Parque! Todas las familias con niños pequeños de 5 años o menos están invitadas a asistir; los hermanos mayores también son siempre bienvenidos. Las familias podrán disfrutar de libros gratuitos para cada niño pequeño, recursos de alfabetización, un concurso de dibujo con tiza y, por supuesto, ¡paletas heladas! No se pierdan esta oportunidad de traer su almuerzo (si lo desean), conocer a otras familias con niños pequeños y disfrutar de un rato agradable en el parque.

05/19/2026

I'm checking out the new VBISD Early Childhood page!

https://www.facebook.com/vbisdearlychildhood/directory_links

Providing high-quality programs, services, and resources to give every child in Van Buren County a strong start. Our mission is to support each child in being safe, healthy, and prepared to succeed in school and in life.

05/18/2026

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi's
2026 GGATÉNMAMEN - GDANKOBTHEGNANÊK POW WOW
Open to the Public!
Saturday Grand Entries are at Noon & 6 p.m.
Sunday Grand Entry is at Noon SAT. MAY 24, & SUN. MAY 25

Gates open at 10 a.m. No entrance fee
Free parking Rodgers Lake Campus, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047
Food & arts/craft vendors will be available
Please see flyer for details