Building Stronger Bonds with Youth Through Family Field Days

From museum adventures to culinary creations, these family days foster curiosity, community, and connection, empowering Asian American youth and their families to grow and thrive together.

Each year, Apex for Youth’s Elementary Enrichment programs host family field days that bring youth, and families together in an engaging and collaborative environment. These family field days offer a unique opportunity for families outside of the regular workshops to participate in fun, educational, and community-building activities. 

Apex provides a welcoming space for families to bond, addressing the challenges that often arise from intergenerational and language barriers. By creating an environment that bridges these gaps, Apex helps families strengthen their relationships while building a supportive and inclusive community. With a focus on fostering curiosity, confidence, and connections, these field days exemplify the heart of Apex’s mission to empower Asian American youth.

Read with Apex fosters a love of reading and storytelling in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, with Saturday morning reading clubs that spark discussions about identity, community, and family. Elementary Explorers, for 3rd to 5th graders, offers hands-on STEAM activities like cooking, digital art, and design, encouraging students to explore new interests, learn about AAPI culture, and contribute to their communities.

Family field days are a cornerstone of Apex’s approach to fostering community engagement. These events provide families with opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun together. Our most recent family days featured:

Read with Apex Museum Visit

Our youth and their families visited the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The interactive exhibits across four themed floors captivated the students, and families worked together on a scavenger hunt, culminating in prizes such as a whiteboard game. 

Manhattan Family Day

In partnership with Arts Ignite and Cultured Kids Cuisine (CKC), this year’s Manhattan event took place in Apex’s office, offering families an enriching day of creativity and culinary exploration. Arts Ignite led a self-portrait activity where families created art using native birds and plants, while CKC guided participants through making tiramisu—a delightful glimpse into the cooking classes their children enjoy in workshops.

Brooklyn Bowling Day

Families gathered at Melody Lanes for an annual bowling trip. This beloved tradition allowed families to bond over friendly competition, enjoy food, and connect with one another in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Family field days are designed to achieve several key goals:

• Strengthening Family Engagement: By involving parents in activities similar to those their children experience in workshops, these events foster a deeper understanding of and connection to the programs.
• Encouraging New Experiences: Families try activities like art projects and cooking classes, broadening their horizons and inspiring creativity.
• Building Community: Field days bring families together to interact, share experiences, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Apex community.

Through initiatives like family field days, Apex for Youth continues to create meaningful touchpoints that connect students, families, and staff. These events not only showcase the enriching experiences offered by the Elementary Enrichment programs but also build stronger relationships that help students thrive both academically and personally. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, Apex for Youth empowers families to grow together and inspire future generations of learners.