08/21/2026
The first Gather & Grow Supper Club was exactly as I envisioned it — but even better. 💜
A small group cooking, eating, learning and spending time together.
Tonight's BLTs, Baskets & Besties was all about friendship. Parents completed a survey ahead of time that helped me tailor the activities to what would be most meaningful for this particular group.
We practiced making and keeping conversations going, played a little Friendship Detective to learn why we shouldn't jump to conclusions, and looked at different friendship situations to decide whether they were healthy or unhealthy.
That led us into a conversation about peer pressure, where I pulled out the classic, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?"
Apparently I'm officially old because none of them had ever heard that expression. 😂
Kole, however, had an answer ready: "Better call the ambulance!"
We also talked about something very practical — how to actually make plans with a friend. Partners worked through the steps and made some mock plans together.
Then it was time to cook!
Partners worked together at different stations in the kitchen to bring our meal together: BLTs, seasoned chips, fruit salad and lemonade. Along the way, they had a chance to learn more about each other, too.
One of my favorite moments of the night wasn't planned at all. While everyone was assembling their BLTs, somehow the whole group ended up in a spontaneous conversation about superheroes. Those are the moments I love — when the conversation just happens.
Everyone headed home with their own basket that included a chip-seasoning recipe, chips with BBQ and cinnamon-sugar seasonings to try at home, a friendship bracelet kit with a friendship mission, a Making Plans With Friends how-to card, and a magnifying glass as a reminder to always get all the facts before jumping to conclusions.
Thank you to all of tonight's participants for making our very first Gather & Grow such a fun evening.
I couldn't have asked for a better way to start. I'm already looking forward to the next one! 💜