Sharing Our Story
Introducing Sam and Playful Acorns, plus spots to play in July 2023!
Hello and welcome! Thanks for joining the journey with Playful Acorns! This issue of our "In A Nutshell" e-leaflet features who we are, why we created Playful Acorns, and what we hope to do together. Plus, check out our free downloadable guide of fun indoor play spaces around the Madison area, and caption our first #WittyWildlife meme.
Hi! I'm Sam Haas (she/her/hers), and my family and I live in Madison, Wisconsin (which occupies the ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk Nation). I created Playful Acorns in early 2023 to encourage meaningful connections and learning opportunities between caregivers, children, and nature.
That's me (Sam) in the first photo with my mom in the early 1990s, and then with my daughter in 2023.
The concept behind Playful Acorns wouldn't exist without the generations of caregivers who came before me. My mom nurtured a love of the outdoors in me around our family's farm near Watertown, just as her mom did in her at their summer cabin up north. And I intend to do the same with my daughter. Maybe she won't be a bird nerd like me or a nature nut like her grandma. But, if her fascination for finding pinecones, stones, leaves, walnuts, and -- you guessed it -- acorns is any indication, she is already picking up some valuable life lessons: slow down, be present, and enjoy the simple things.
Experiencing the world from someone else's viewpoint is a remarkable gift. I thought I understood this well as a writer and photographer, but it wasn't until I became an auntie and then a mama that I understood the true joy of witnessing kids explore their surroundings, play, and learn new things each day. While I still hope to see the aurora borealis in my lifetime, watching pure wonder dance across my daughter's face lights me up more than anything else I could imagine.
These playful moments -- often when we're outdoors together -- help keep me going when the days get long and the nights get longer. I'm convinced this is why coffee shops are often located inside grocery stores. Taking care of kids is hard work. It's not all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it can feel incredibly isolating, overwhelming, and as though you're losing parts of yourself along the way. You are not alone. Together, we can grow side by side as we learn from each other, our kids, and nature.
If you've been wanting to gather with those who "get it" in a place that fosters your child(ren)'s curiosity, you're in good company. I've also been craving connection with more caregivers and the healthy benefits of being immersed in the natural world, and I am excited to create a business that supports this vision. Playful Acorns will be here through the changing seasons of our lives.
If you're not a caregiver, an easy way you can support other families is just by checking in with them. Ask how they are doing (not just their kiddos) and really listen; encourage them to drink some water/get some fresh air/go for a walk/schedule that massage or counseling appointment they've been postponing; and remind them that they are doing great and that they are not alone. My sincere hope is that Playful Acorns can become part of their village, too.
My dear friend took this photo without me knowing it when she came for a socially distanced visit at our home in the summer of 2022. As is often still the case, I was wearing my gray sweats and bathrobe, hair in a bun, and emotions on my sleeve. A trio of postpartum mood disorders, sleep deprivation, and heightened anxiety from the pandemic had been bubbling to the surface, and I desperately needed connection and a breath of fresh air. I am eternally grateful for friends, family, coworkers, and therapist for checking in on me and Z, especially in those early days, weeks, and months.
Together, we can grow side by side as we learn from each other, our kids, and nature.
What's New?
Playful Acorns will soon be partnering with local experts to offer play-based and nature-inspired music, movement, stories, art, and outdoor exploration in Dane County. There will also be opportunities for adults to enjoy coffee and chat, co-work, meal plan, and hear about resources geared toward families -- all while their kids (ages 5 and under) play and socialize in a safe and fun environment. While we search for a place to put down roots, we'll be collaborating with other organizations to host meetups -- potentially near you!
Website Sneak Peek!
Hello! Before I share on social media publicly, I wanted you to get a first look at the Playful Acorns website, which is now more than just a "coming soon" landing page!
Check out our updated website to get a glimpse of our upcoming offerings, plus read about our story, vision, and values!
I'd love to hear your feedback (which you can now provide through our contact page).
Encourage your friends to subscribe to our email updates, because more exciting news is on the way!
Thank you for your support as we get ready to start our journey together in Dane County!
- Sam
Let's Connect!
If you're not already doing so, here's your friendly reminder to follow us on social media and share with friends who might be interested in connecting with more caregivers of kids ages 0-5, nature, and their community.
While most of the content produced will appear on Facebook and Instagram, posts may vary on occasion, so it's best to follow both platforms if possible! If you're not on social media, that's OK! We'll do our best to share the highlights via email as well.
On Facebook we can easily share events, resources, links, and photo albums!
On Instagram you can easily find videos and story highlights by category.
Thanks for helping to spread the word about Playful Acorns! We're excited to gather and grow together throughout the changing seasons of our lives!
Resources for Families
Yes, we promote the benefits of outdoor play. It is also sometimes nice to go inside to get out our wiggles -- especially when the weather (or air quality) is fickle. While Playful Acorns is still getting started setting up programs and other offerings in the community, we wanted to share this free guide highlighting some fun indoor play spaces in the Madison area. Enjoy!
#WittyWildlife
Research shows that nature has healing benefits for our bodies and minds. We also know that laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. So, why not combine the two? From time to time you may see a humorous meme pop up on your social media feeds/stories. I'll provide the graphic from my library of nature photos, and you'll generate the funny phrase (puns are always welcome, just keep them family-friendly, please). Then, we'll vote for our favorite! Share this pic with a friend who could use a smile or chuckle, and submit your own #WittyWildlife caption for this photo of a red squirrel and pinecone. Have fun!
We All Belong
Nature benefits from diversity, and so does humanity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to gather and grow with Playful Acorns...very soon!
So, whether you're parenting solo or with a partner, providing care as a grandparent or nanny, or any other version of your village, this community embraces you and the kids you love. Come as you are.
If there's anything we can do to be more inclusive, please reach out. Thank you!
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
- Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring