Dragonfly Family and Learning Services

06/02/2026

I'll be honest, I get this on a deeply personal level. I can't even tell you how many times my daughter has spent hours playing with another kid at the park/beach/forest school and has ZERO clue what the kid's name is.

Here's the truth though, they still played that whole time. They both had fun. So while yes, long-term in relationships, knowing someone's name is beneficial (probably even essential), it really isn't the thing you should focus on at the start!


And if I'm being doubly honest, I've totally walked away from conversations that I genuinely enjoyed, with perfectly lovely adults... and I have ZERO clue what their name is.

So maybe this is your reminder that connection doesn’t always start with introductions and remembering names.

And speaking of opportunities for connection this summer… we have limited spots remaining in our Friendship Builders Summer Social Groups across select weeks:

Week 1 (July 14–17): FULL
Week 2 (July 21–24): 5 spots left
Week 3 (August 11–14): 1 spot left
Week 4 (August 25–28): 4 spots left

Friendship Builders is designed for neurodivergent children and youth not requiring 1:1 support who are already motivated to connect with peers and are working on building and maintaining friendships.

You can register and find more info here: https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

05/29/2026

If you are a parent of a neurodivergent child, you probably know why this is such a HUGE deal.

Not every summer program or camp is the right fit for every child.

This National Accessibility Week, we are reminded that accessibility isn't just about getting through the door. It's about whether a child can participate, be supported, and enjoy being there once they arrive!

That is something we think about a lot when planning our Summer Social Groups. Every child deserves a summer program where they can have fun, make connections, and be themselves.

And on that note... we only have limited spots remaining in our Friendship Builders Summer Social Group across all camp weeks for children and youth not requiring 1:1 support.

If you have been thinking about registering, now is a great time to take a look before those spots are gone! You can find more info and register here: https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

This National Accessibility Week, we asked Erin (Dragonfly’s Director) what accessibility means at Dragonfly…

Accessibility means creating services, programs, and spaces that actually support neurodivergent individuals, their families, and the staff supporting them too!

What this looks like around here..

• Summer Social Groups where kids are not turned away because of their support needs
• Thinking carefully about safety and accessibility when choosing park locations for Park Social Club (all of our parks this year are fenced!)
• Creating programs that allow for different support needs, communication styles, and ways of participating
• Supporting our team too because burnt-out providers cannot provide accessible care!

If you are looking for accessible supports for your child this summer, be sure to check out our summer programs:

✨ Limited spots remain in our Friendship Builders Summer Social Group for those not requiring 1:1 Support.
Find more information and register here:https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

✨ FREE Park Social Club events happening in Pembroke, Renfrew and Chalk River this summer: https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/events

Happy National Accessibility Week!

05/27/2026

And somehow we are almost in June… have you confirmed your child’s summer plans yet??

We still have LIMITED spots left in our Friendship Builders Summer Social Group, but they are filling up quickly!

Current Availability:
Week 1 (July 14–17): 3 spots left
Week 2 (July 21–24): 5 spots left
Week 3 (August 11–14): 1 spot left
Week 4 (August 25–28): 5 spots left

Friendship Builders is designed for neurodivergent children and youth not requiring 1:1 support who are already motivated to connect with peers and are working on building and maintaining friendships.

✨Skill Focus: Cooperating with friends and peers
✨Low ratio
✨RBA supervised
✨OAP funding eligible

Location: Horton Community Centre from 9 AM to 3 PM
Fees: $375/day or $1,500 for the full 4-day week

Registration and more information can be found at:
www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

05/26/2026

Park Social Club is BACK for 2026!

Join us for our very first Park Social meet up of the year at Hillcrest Park in Pembroke!

Park Social Club events are FREE, drop in style park meet ups for families of neurodivergent children and youth to connect with other families and children within Renfrew County.

📍 Hillcrest Park, Pembroke
🗓 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 11 AM to 1 PM

We hope to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones too!

05/20/2026

Finding social opportunities that actually feel supportive for neurodivergent kids can be HARD.

This summer, Dragonfly is offering social opportunities for neurodivergent children and families through our OAP Funding Eligible Summer Social Groups and our free Park Social Club meetups within Renfrew County!

Learn more about our summer opportunities here:

Summer Social Groups: https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

Park Social Club: https://www.dragonflyfamilyandlearning.ca/socialgroups

05/15/2026

Kick off the long weekend with a free movie night at PJYCC tonight!

Bring out the family for a showing of Hoppers starting at 7pm. A canteen in support of the Barry's Bay & Area Skating Club will be open with snacks and drinks.