Peers at Play is a socialization group for children ages 2-5 and 6-10. Age groups meet alternating Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm, at St. Francis de Sales Church, 614 McAfee Glenwood Rd (Route 517), Vernon, NJ 07462. Peers at Play is designed to build self-esteem, encourage peer relationships and improve social skills, i.e., sharing, turn taking, waiting and speaking in front of classmates. Activities are play-based. We welcome all children. We foster peer interaction through games, group activities, crafts (older group), story time, show and tell and gross motor activities. Parents are required to stay but are encouraged to take this time to socialize with other parents while providing their children the opportunity to grow and play independently. We ask that families please bring one can of new play-doh per child on their first visit. Children are also encouraged to bring a show and tell item. Families may also bring food items to donate to St. Francis’ food pantry that services all of Sussex County. This provides an opportunity to give back to the community and teaches the children to help those less fortunate. We have been blessed to host our weekly social group at St. Francis since 2011, free of any charge to our families. No sign up is necessary and you can come as often as you would like, to your child’s respective age group. Dr. AnnMarie Murphy, an Occupational Therapist, posts great information on our Peers at Play FB page. Please check it out weekly. Thank you AnnMarie! We really appreciate all your hard work and dedication to help our children and families. Please refer to posted schedule for October through December 2024. January through April 2025 will be posted at a later date. We will meet from the first week of October through the last week of April. We follow Vernon’s school closings due to inclement weather and emergencies. If Vernon schools are closed Peers is canceled and we will resume the following week with the age group reflected on schedule. Please refer to FB page for cancelations and schedule. We look forward to seeing you and are so excited to be back! Facilitators Helen O’Shea (973) 271-7394 Liz Rockwell (973) 670-7961