Agnostic Parents

Bring your little ones (and not so little) for a couple of hours of supervision, giving you a chance to focus on work or enjoy a moment of rest. **What is offered:** * A table for work, ( four power sockets available, or bring your own battery or power bank) * Free play on trampolines and games with adult supervision, * Soft play for little ones (supervision is in place, but maybe we can arrange a childminder to help?) * Café with drinks and food, * Wi-Fi internet (8MB Down, 7MB upload) * If we book as a group in the future, discounts are available!!! \*\*\* The cost of the jump time is extra, buy your kids jump or soft play time here: [https://oxygenactiveplay.co.uk/activity-parks/the-o2/openplay/](https://oxygenactiveplay.co.uk/activity-parks/the-o2/openplay/) , £29.50 for two hours of jumping per child for open active play, this includes the cost of the needed socks. \*\*\* **Action Steps Needed:** **1,** RSVP to show your interest. **2,** Fill in our basic info form at [https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL](https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL). **3,** Comment in the conversation to let the others know how many you are! **Age:** 4 years and older **Childminder Cost:** Older kids included, younger to be advised. **Location:** Oxygen Active Play at The O2, [More pictures here](https://www.meetup.com/london-home-education/photos/35712844/) **Time:** Monday at 12:30 am (bring lunch) **Important Note:** This "Childminder and Work Time" event is currently providing a Childminder via the venue staff. If you wish to put our own Home Education child minder in place, please ask. **Possible Alternative Childminder and Work Ideas are:** Adventure Playgrounds, free play, Soft play, garden time, task-based play, Wall or rock climbing, Natural trust-based transition from parent to child playing with a childminder, parent drop off, Parent present at play group, splash pad, forest play time, River Picnic... What would work well for you?

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

Welcome to the Christmas special edition of Philosophy Cafe . All the goodness as usual plus festivities . Topics might reflect the mood . Try to come in your Christmas jumper and all the cheer . There will some special goodies for the occasion . We have reserved the Chicester Room in ther pub for us . Please ask for Philosophy cafe at the door and they will direct you . We like to break into small groups and have a healthy discussion about life , philosophy and ideas . We break out into groups of 6 to discuss three questions over 45min to 1 hour; and then spend another 45min feeding back into the main group. The three topics are chosen on the day by vote, and largely derived from suggestions on the day. We welcome new ideas , so please come up with suggestions or topics that you want to talk about . There is no specific topic list and you do not need to read or know anything particular about philosophy . The official time is 7-9: 30 pm , but we usually go into a pub mode after 9:30 pm and continue our discusssions.

Sorry, no events UFN until a stand-in host is found to temporarily host this event on Mondays and Thursdays (see message to members 24 -8-2021). ................A nice coffee shop near Oxford Circus for the group's twice a week coffee shop meetup when there's a host to host the event. Normally there would be a Central London Group sign on one of the tables. I phoned the coffee shop twice (2022) and both times they confirmed that they're open till 8pm. Any questions my phone number is 07706964277 or email ysi240@yahoo.com ...........Bill (organiser) Again, sorry no events until a stand in host is found as I'm still temporarily not living in London. No membership fees for this group by the way and all events free.

🌌Ever look up like I do and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the big questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (almost every star you see at night has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, the 3I Atlas **interstella** **Comet** ☄️(estimated to be 8+ billion years old), the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, the Tau Ceti star system with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Dec fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (Astrobiology, SETI/Femi Paradox, cosmology, space exploration, exoplanetology, astrophysics, paleontology etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **====Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =====** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **=== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe===** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **====ITINERARY=====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **===What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJin Astronomer

\#\#\#\# Step 1: TAKE THE TEST The Oxford Capacity Analysis identifies 10 vital personality traits that influence your entire future. It is a factual, scientific analysis taken from your answers, and it takes about an hour to complete. \#\#\#\# Step 2: GET YOUR RESULTS After you complete the test, your personality analysis is generated and displayed. Within minutes your analysis will highlight your strengths and weaknesses—which personality traits to take advantage of and which need help. \#\#\#\# Step 3: CONSULTATION While the analysis graph shows distinct personality traits, it is the interrelationship of these traits that provides the greater picture of your personality. We provide a complimentary consultation with one of our trained staff, who will give a detailed evaluation of your personality analysis. In this one-on-one consultation, you gain a better understanding of your personality strengths and weaknesses, and establish the recommended path to your fast and lasting success.

\*\*\* This event is hosted by a third party. \*\*\* \*\*\* We are looking for event ambassadors for this event. Are you able to help? \*\*\* An event ambassador helps with passing on event notices like cancellations, time changes or special happenings regarding the event. The best people to be event ambassadors are parents and the real host or organiser of the event, but especially the parents who attend! **Event Description:** The Home Ed group is open to families during term time on Wednesdays 10.30-13.00. All ages of home-educated kids are welcome! 🥳 Generally, during school holidays, the group is exclusively open to HE families between 10-12, and the site is also open to all families from 12-2. Please get in touch to receive a Link to pay £3 per family. Cash or card payment on the door is also totally fine. All money goes direct to the organisers of the playground. **Place:** Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground **Address:** 69 Shakespeare Walk, Stoke Newington, London, N16 8TB **Price:** £3 per family **Reminders!** The site is designed for children aged 6 and over. Younger children are welcome and need to be supervised by their adults. Due to food allergies, all food must be consumed outside - no food inside the hall. Children are not allowed in the kitchen and grown-ups can make their own cups of coffee or tea as long as they bring their own resources as the milk, sugar etc. We need to all work together to tidy the site at the end of the session to ensure it’s left as we found it. Tidy-up time is at 12:45PM and we must vacate the premises before 1 PM. Thanks! Please check the official links for more info: [https://www.swapa.org.uk/calendar](https://www.swapa.org.uk/calendar) [https://www.instagram.com/homeedswapa/](https://www.instagram.com/homeedswapa/) [https://www.facebook.com/HomeEdshakespearewalkadventureplayground/](https://www.facebook.com/HomeEdshakespearewalkadventureplayground/) \*\*\* This event is hosted by a third party, and we attend regularly. \*\*\*

\*\*\* We are looking for another parent to host the game in the future, Is that you? \*\*\* To play the game you need to follow this link and rsvp here: [https://www.meetup.com/londoncashflow/events/](https://www.meetup.com/londoncashflow/events/) 1, Follow the link, 2, Look for the next Kids game, 3, RSVP and pay for your child to play game.

Join us for a heartwarming family gathering in our self-contained community garden and play area, where the children can run free and play along with their furry dog friends and beloved grandparents who are warmly welcomed! The relaxed, open space garden allows the children to use their imagination to create games and run around and there are also many toys that can help with entertainment. The event provides parents with an opportunity to relax and spend time together. Let’s gather together and make plans moving forward, unwind, and delight in watching our children play, laugh, and make memories together.

\*\*\* First Child ONLY £5 pm! Next two will be £15p/m! - [https://www.paypal.com/webapps/billing/plans/subscribe?plan_id=P-0R1788104G517544NNC6AXRI](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/billing/plans/subscribe?plan_id=P-0R1788104G517544NNC6AXRI) \*\*\* There is a golden period each child or young adult has: between the ages of 8 and 25 (kids can start as early as six), while your child is still living at home. During this period, they have a wonderful opportunity to create a real income greater than their monthly expenses. This allows your child to achieve the power of multiple incomes safely while their expense needs are still low and their parents are present to support and provide help and perspective. **Steps:** **1,** Your User Name or User ID for the form are found here: [https://images.typeform.com/images/8bxrTGGWQC8C/image/default](https://images.typeform.com/images/8bxrTGGWQC8C/image/default) **2,** Go to [https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL](https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL.) **3,** Fill in the form. (it takes 60 seconds) **4,** RSVP to the event **OR** Subscribe with the discounted event fee **Potential opportunities could be:** (There are just so many!) 1, Run a lemonade stand, help your child manufacture lemonade and sell it at your nearest train station or pub. 2, Help other kids learn by making a short video. You'll earn money when people watch your video, and it will keep paying you every time someone watches it. 3, Advertise to find adults who have extra LAZY money, introduce them to The Financial Freedom Mastermind, and we will pay you a finder's fee (Or a Monthly Income, depending on the person and what they buy) when the adult spends money! ... there are so many ways to make money! Join us, and we will help you find your first income stream. **Passive Income is -** Getting money every month by doing some work at the start, and then not having to do much after that to keep getting paid. **Income safety** **is -** Having a few different people (customers or employers) who pay you for your work, so if one of them stops working with you (or you get fired), you still have money coming in from the other people. **Leverage -** Leverage is using a smart tool or idea to make your work easier and get bigger results with less effort. **What you will learn from the experience:** * That it can be fun earning money, * There is a process that needs to be followed to create content, * Digital content can be leveraged over time repetitively, * That great income generally requires an upfront effort, * The power of leverage, * The power of income safety, * The power of having 10+ employers, * The power of repetitive income, **Event Details:** * **Skills Needed:** None * **Resources Needed:** You and your kids time and energy to take action and make it happen. * **Date & Time:** First Sunday of each month @ 3:45 PM for 15 minutes * **Cost:** £35 at the door (or £5 pm subscription for the first person) [https://www.paypal.com/webapps/billing/plans/subscribe?plan_id=P-0R1788104G517544NNC6AXR](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/billing/plans/subscribe?plan_id=P-0R1788104G517544NNC6AXRI) **Sponsorship opportunity:** Are you interested in supporting the entrepreneurial initiatives of your child or other children by funding their enterprise? We propose supporting our children's efforts, regardless of quality, to motivate them to continue creating, knowing that with practice, their skills will steadily improve and in most cases improve very quickly. \*\*\* This event is partnered with "Get Out of The Rat Race - In the real world" found at [https://www.meetup.com/takingaction/events/](https://www.meetup.com/takingaction/events/). This is a fun but serious event. \*\*\*

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!