Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Traverse Bay

Benzie County: Family Concert at the Park

Music, movement, and storytelling are powerful early literacy moments! Families in Benzie County are invited to gather for a joyful concert with Miriam Pico and Jen Strauss, enjoy snacks, and take home a free book. It is a beautiful way to build language, connection, and happy memories together.

📅 June 25
⏰ 11 AM–12 Noon
📍 Beulah Village Park, 7122 Prospect Ave., Beulah
Free fun for the whole family!

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Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
Northwest Education Services
Story Be Told, Jenifer Strauss
Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó
COGNiTiON

Your voice matters!

Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members are invited to take part in a 1-hour virtual interview about how families, schools, and communities can work together to support children’s learning and well-being.

Participants will receive a $25 gift card for taking part.

This opportunity is through Noel Kelty, a professor at Oakland University and keynote speaker at the September MiFamily Conference. Email Noel at [email protected] to particiapte.

See the attached handout for details and sign-up information!

Leelanau County: Parenting Communities Family Street Fair

Big community joy for little learners! The Parenting Communities Family Street Fair is a free event where families can gather, play, explore, and connect with local early childhood resources. From books and art to music, games, bubbles, and take-home activities, every moment helps children feel seen, celebrated, and ready to learn.

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy Campus, 7401 E. Duck Lake Rd., Lake Leelanau
Free family fun, community resources, books, activities, and more!

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Parenting Communities of Leelanau County

Train-the-Trainer: Talk Protect Report

When adults learn how to protect children, communities become stronger places for children to grow, learn, and belong. The Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center is offering a Talk Protect Report Train-the-Trainer course to equip adults with tools for prevention, connection, and child safety — because every child deserves joy, safety, and trusted grown-ups who know how to help.

📅 June 24–25
⏰ 9 AM–4 PM
📍 Online via Zoom
For professionals in education, early childhood, youth-serving organizations, social work, mental health, healthcare, and child welfare.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.learn2protect.org/store/p/talk-protect-report-train-the-trainer-tpr-ttt

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Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center

Talk Protect Report Train the Trainer (TPR-TTT) — Learn2Protect Join us for Talk Protect Report Train-the-Trainer (TPR-TTT). TPR-TTT will equip future program facilitators with the knowledge, skills, and materials needed to facilitate TPR programs with fidelity and confidence. TPR-TTT will take place online, via Zoom, and consist of 12 contact hours of training

Leelanau County: Family Concert at the Park

Songs and stories help children discover rhythm, language, imagination, and joy! Join us in Suttons Bay for a Family Concert at the Park with music and storytelling from Miriam Pico and Jen Strauss. Families can connect, enjoy snacks, and take home a free book to keep the learning going together.

📅 June 17
⏰ 10–11 AM
📍 Herman Park, 1060 S. Herman Rd., Suttons Bay
Free fun for the whole family!

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Parenting Communities of Leelanau County
Story Be Told, Jenifer Strauss
Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó

Join Kingsley Branch Library and East Bay Branch Library at Camp Greilick for a day of activities and fun for the whole family!

Miriam Pico, Cognition, NorthSky Raptors, WCMU, AuSable Institute, the National Parks Service, Nature Awaits, and many more! There will be rock climbing, outdoor games, camp exploration, snacks & ice cream, & more!

This event is FREE and open to the public.

For more information, call 231-263-5484.

Traverse Area District Library
Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó
COGNiTiON

Benzie County: Thompsonville Summerfest

There is something special about children hearing music, seeing neighbors smile, and feeling like their community is a place where they belong. Thompsonville Summerfest brings families together for live music, dinner, kids’ activities, raffles, and local resource booths — all while building the connections that help children grow, learn, and thrive.

📅 Monday, June 15
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 Thompsonville Fire Barn
Free, family-friendly, and full of community joy!

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Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party

Celebrate the start of this year’s Summer Reading Club with a fun kickoff party for youth and families! Sign up for summer reading, pick up a t-shirt and reading log, choose books, enjoy a photo op, and explore dino-themed crafts and summer learning activities.

Kids can also pick up a free lunch from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, and families can enjoy The Spoonman in the McGuire Community Room at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Free books will also be available on the front lawn.

Traverse Area District Library

🎉 Great news for families in Northwest Lower Michigan! Free preschool applications are now open, and preschool applications are up 65% across Michigan!

Free preschool opportunities are available, including Strong Beginnings for 3-year-olds in 4 regional locations. Give your child a great start with joyful learning, caring teachers, and new friends!

📲 Scan the QR code or visit HelpMeGrowUpNorth.org to apply today.

Know a family with a preschool-aged child? Share this post and help spread the word!
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The children’s museum playgroup is cancelled today due to power outage.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Great Lakes Children's Museum