New BASA Offering - PLAY CLUB!

Author: VP Membership

Date: 10/22/2025 9:54 pm

Kids Need More Play Time? You Need More Childcare?

Join Play Club — a new BASA program from the CRES PTO!

 

What Is Play Club?

  • Play Club offers unstructured, mixed-age free play for CRES students on and around the CRES playground (indoors during bad weather).
  • Kids enjoy open-ended activities with free-play toys — think balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, cones, building blocks, the rainbow parachute, and more!
  • A few volunteer parent supervisors act as “hands-off lifeguards”—present for safety but letting kids lead their own play.

 

Potential benefits for kids:

  • Increased socialization and conflict-resolution skills

  • More physical activity

  • Boosted creativity and confidence

  • Reduced anxiety and behavioral issues

  • Less screen time — more outdoor fun!

When Is It and Cost?

  • Our initial 5-week session runs Mondays, 4:15–5:15 PM, Nov. 10–Dec. 8
  • Cost: $25 per entire 5-week session - that's just $5 a day!
  • If there’s strong interest, we hope to expand this into a year-round program offered before and after school (8–9 AM and 4:15–5:15 PM) starting this winter or spring.

Who Runs It?

  • The CRES PTO, supported by parent volunteers to keep costs minimal.

What Do I Need To Do?

  1. Register your K–6 CRES student(s) — PTO membership and $25 fee required.

  2. Volunteer once per session as either a kid supervisor or toy supervisor (instructions provided).  Note, the FCPSGuest Wi-Fi reaches the playground!

  3. Complete Volunteer Level 3 registration if possible (Level 2 also accepted).
    → Volunteer info link

Play Club Code of Conduct

Kids:

  • I will play respectfully and not deliberately hurt others.

  • I will stay within the designated area unless I have permission to leave.

  • I will listen to adults when they step in.

  • I will return any toys I’ve checked out.

Adults:

  • I understand kids may not always be happy — that’s part of learning.

  • I will not intervene in normal kid disagreements.

  • If a child deliberately hurts someone, they’ll take a break.

  • I view Play Club as an opportunity for kids to build resilience, resourcefulness, and maturity.

Weather Policy

We’re “weather-positive”! Please send your child with appropriate outdoor gear (coats, gloves, hats, etc.).
If it’s raining or the playground is wet, we’ll move indoors (location TBD) or use the fields per playground rules.

Register HERE to join our first session!  Registration closes Friday 11/7, so sign up today!

 

Learn more about the Play Club model: letgrow.org/program/play-club

 

Also check out our Okay to Delay initiative for healthier, reduced-screen habits.

 

Do I need to join Play Club if I already supervise my child at the playground?
No! If you’re supervising your child(ren) and using your own toys, you’re all set.
Play Club simply provides extra playtime supervised by volunteer adults — and affordable childcare for families who need it.

Questions?
Contact Monika at membership@crespto.org