OLD-FASHIONED SPORT IS STILL A FAVORITE––Kids are joined by their parents in a tug of war. The Conejo Valley Moms Club enables mothers to visit (and sometimes dads, too) while their children have fun. The above activity took place during an Olympic End of Summer party. Patty Bleau didn’t know anybody in Simi Valley when she moved there from Massachusetts in 2004 with her husband and baby. That changed after she joined Conejo Valley MomsShe now has two children, ages 5 and 6½, and knows many people.

“I have met my dearest friends in the club, and we’ve developed lifelong friendships,” Bleau said. “My children have become so close to their children that they all feel more like cousins.”

Westlake Village resident Daryl Miller joined in 2000 when her twins were 9 months old. A self-described “older” parent, Miller said none of her friends had newborns. She sought advice from other moms about child rearing, recreation programs, schools and teachers. Although her children are now older and no longer involved, Miller still attends the momsonly events.

CHILDREN HAVING FUN–A relay race using cups of water instead of batons is one of the games offered during the Conejo Valley Moms Club’s end of summer party at the park. “I love the memories made for the children and the friendships I’ve made with the other women,” Miller said.

Established in 1993, Conejo Valley Moms connects working and stay-at-home mothers and young children, primarily ages 1 through 6, through social gatherings. The nonprofit group serves families in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Wood Ranch, Hidden Hills, Simi Valley and Moorpark.

The group hosts weekly play dates, themed park days involving games and crafts, seasonal parties, family events and field trips to the beach and zoo. Events rotate among parks in each of the communities and have featured such themes as pirates and princesses, superheroes, Valentine’s Day and kites. Times vary to accommodate different schedules. A monthly newsletter is emailed to members, and moms’ night out, couples’ night out and adult breakfasts are held.

About six playgroups take place monthly, with members meeting for free play in a local park or at an already organized community event such as a movie or concert.

“All of our events, even if their child is too young to participate, are a great way to meet other moms and get out of the house,” said member Dina Ford of Thousand Oaks.

Ford joined the group more than two years ago. The Thousand Oaks resident, whose son and daughter are ages 3 and 1, wanted to meet other moms with children the same age.

“My son likes getting together with other kids and just playing at the park,” Ford said. “I like that he has little friends of his own.”

A board of directors composed of club members plans activities. The group holds a holiday boutique fundraiser each November to raise money to support activities. Vendors may request applications by e-mailing conejovalleymom@yahoo.com. In addition, the group accepts donations and business sponsorship of events and newsletters.

The club is now offering community service opportunities to local youth groups through the planning and running of themed park days.

“I think the little kids would really enjoy the big kids, and it would allow them to plan a fun activity for small children,” Ford said.

An annual membership fee of $25 covers event costs such as art supplies, refreshments and decorations.

The events are free. For more information, visit www.conejovalleymoms.org.

Conejo Valley MomFall Schedule

September

Sept. 24, 3:30 p.m., Old Meadows Park, Thousand Oaks.

Theme: Balls, Balloons and Bubbles.

Arts, crafts, games, snack.

Also planned: Sept. 12 and 26, “Weekend Warriors” (Saturday playdate), moms’ night out, breakfast meeting, Santa Barbara Zoo trip, playdates.

October

Oct. 22, 3:30 p.m., Borchard Park, Newbury Park.

Theme: Ooey Gooey Fun.

Arts, crafts, games, snack

Also planned: Oct. 10, “Weekend Warriors” (Saturday playdate), Fo-Fo Figgily’s Bright Child in Oak Park, family night, breakfast meeting, visit to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark and weekly playdates.

November

Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m., Wildwood Neighborhood Park, Thousand Oaks. Theme: Superheroes and Princesses. Kids should come dressed in costume.

Arts, crafts, games, snack.

Also planned: moms’ night out, breakfast meeting, weekly playdates.