Submitted by Alli Behnke, Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services
(January 24, 2026) — Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services will offer the following programs during Winter 2026:
Empowering Families Through Connection and Fun!
“Over the course of the past year or so, HKYFS has been partnering with HK Youth Unplugged and the HK community to unite in reducing screen time, unplug from devices, and invest time in increasing play-based childhoods, “said Alli Behnke, Director of Programming. “Unplugging is important for reducing stress, improving mental and physical health, boosting focus, and strengthening real-world connections by stepping away from constant digital stimulation, allowing for better sleep, more physical activity, and presence with loved ones”
At HK Youth and Family Services, we envision a connected community where youth and families are resilient and feel safe, supported, and empowered. We believe in HK Youth Unplugged and its mission to support a healthier future for all our youth. We are thrilled to share a few wonderful opportunities this winter to do just that. These are fun and engaging ways for parents and their children to unplug and spend quality time together!
Food and Mood: Two Family Cooking Classes
Have you ever wondered if what your child is eating is impacting their mood and mental health? Would learning with your child help stop the arguing and inspire positive food choices?
Nutrition plays an important role in healthy child development and positive mental health. These kid-friendly nights out will feature hands-on cooking classes led by Mary’s Culinary Creations and Karen Therrien, Certified Health Coach and Owner HK Health and Fitness. This dynamic duo will lead you through the fun of preparing your healthy (and kid-friendly!) meals while also engaging with your family about the ins and outs of making choices to feel good! Perhaps hearing about healthier choices from another adult and learning new information together over a shared meal will inspire positive change and shared family goals. Both sessions will include hands-on cooking lessons, fun games, and a sit-down meal together.
Food and Mood is offered on February 18, 2026 and March 11, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam Volunteer Firehouse, 439 Saybrook Road in Higganum.
HK Family Hikers: Winter Wellness Series
–“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” – Henry David Thoreau
Partnered with Renee from Trail Talks and guided by the belief that creative expression and time in nature refreshes and restores our inner world, this family winter hiking series invites participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect through creativity and in nature.
Trail to Tile: A Hiking and Mosaic Event
Please join us for our second hike in a three-part winter series! Strive to improve personal well-being and family connection! Create a mosaic art project with family and community members!
Taking place at Lovers Lane Farm in Killingworth on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for this event is $20 and will include all materials for one shared project per pair or group. This hike will be suitable for all ages/abilities. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing/footwear!
Charting Your Course: Introduction to Navigation Skills
Please join us for the final hike in our three-part winter series. Charting Your Course will be a youth and family experience that blends outdoor exploration, introductory compass and mapping skills, and meaningful reflection on finding our way! In partnership with Deer Lake, an outdoor center and active camp that strives to offer accessible outdoor education opportunities for youth, families will take part in a guided, all-ages hike where participants will learn the basics of using a compass and reading simple maps—using navigation as a metaphor for building self-confidence, goal setting, and finding direction along the many paths that bring us closer together and closer to ourselves.
This introductory skills course will be held at Deer Lake, 101 Paper Mill Road in Killingworth on March 28, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The course will be suitable for all ages/abilities. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear! All necessary course materials and tools will be provided.
Registration is first come, first serve for all of these programs. Please sign up at www.hkyfs.org/event/
Photo provided by HKYFS
