Club Mom Seeks New Members for Fun, Friendship

It's 10 a.m., but it feels like 5 p.m. You and your preschooler have colored, created and climbed—and she is still clamoring for your attention.

It's 10 a.m. but it feels like—well, you're not sure, because you can't read a clock yet. You and mom have colored, climbed and created, but she is losing steam and you're just getting started.

Are you looking for some friends in the same boat?

Club Mom of Lutz/Land O' Lakes is looking for both of you.

The group was founded in 2009 for stay-at-moms with young children to form a network of friends for support and to have fun together, longtime member Colleen Vinson wrote in an email.

"It's a great way to meet friends, get together and talk while the kids play," club spokeswoman Megan Hendricks said.

The group hosts a weekly playgroup, in addition to planning a variety of activities and outings, Hendricks said.

The group stays organized by posting events on its Meetup.com site. The online calendar, accessible to members only, lists the group's scheduled activities and allows members to R.S. V.P. online.

"We have two or three meetups per week," Hendricks said. "Most are in Land O' Lakes or Lutz, but sometimes we'll go to surrounding areas."

Past events have included the Citrus Park Mall play area, Santa Fest in downtown Tampa, Zephyr Park and Horse Power Farm, Hendricks said.

The club also hosts monthly meetings during the day where both mothers and children are welcome to attend, club event organizer Crystal Holloway said. 

In addition, Club Mom members volunteer in the community and participate in service projects to support various charities, especially those that serve women and children, Holloway said.

However, "Nothing is mandatory because we understand that with life and kids things happen," Holloway said.

"The great thing is that it's so open and flexible," Hendricks said.

Hendricks has been a member for about a year now, she said. She has two children, ages 5 months and 2 years.

Grace, 2, "really enjoys the playgroup that meets every week because she's kind of shy, and it allows her to get to know some of the kids to form friendships on an individual level. She always talks about her friends at playgroup," Hendricks said.

Hendricks said Club Mom is primarily stay-at-home moms with young children right now, but the group also welcomes mothers with school-age children.

Most meetups are during the day, but there also are some after-school and weekend activities, Hendricks said.

Club Mom dues are $25 per year, which cover the cost of the Meetup website and refreshments at some events throughout the year, Hendricks said.

Interested in joining?

The group will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 25 at the . The event will include refreshments and activities and crafts for the kids, and give prospective members a chance to mingle and ask questions, Hendricks said.

For more information, visit the club's website or contact Hendricks at meghendricks@gmail.com.