Playgroups are not immune to the poor economy. Many families face tight budgets, especially those trying to survive on one income. While a playgroup provides entertainment and time out of the house, some families may think they cannot afford to participate in a playgroup. However, a playgroup does not have to cost money.
The costs involved in a playgroup are generally found in the beginning when you are advertising your group. Once your playgroup has started, however, the primary cost involved is the money that the hostess spends on snacks, and that’s something you can control.
Here are six money-saving considerations:
1. Meet in free locations so you won’t have to worry about paying rent for facilities. Gather in each other's homes or in a park or playground.
2. Perhaps limit membership to the neighborhood to save on gasoline. If your members are spread over a city or large region, however, you may want to alternate locations in different areas so the same parents will not have to drive long distances.
3. Rotate hosting duties so that the same few do not host all the time. Follow an alphabetical membership list so everyone will take a turn and will know when her turn is coming up.
4. Members can bring their own snacks to keep the burden from falling on the hostess. If the hostess provides refreshments, keep them to a minimum by serving cookies, chips and dip or even just beverages.
5. If your playgroup organizes crafts for the children, you may need a small membership fee to cover expenses, or the hostess could be responsible for the craft supplies each week, or each mom could be responsible for bringing the supplies for her own child. For families on a tight budget, a simple social playgroup where the children play while the parents talk may actually work best.
6. Consider making playgroup a ministry of a church. Contact your church to see if they will finance a playgroup for church members or for the community at large as a ministry to at-home moms and their children. With the financial backing of the church, you can volunteer your services as the playgroup coordinator.
It’s all up to you. Make your playgroup fit your needs and your budget.
