Tiny Tots Playtime @ Summit Gymnastics in Savannah will be offered on certain days during Summer 2021: June 8; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 27.

Tiny Tots is for children ages 5 & younger & their caregivers.

Kids can enjoy trampoline, foam in-ground pit, bars, balance beams & more.

Tiny Tots Playtime
9:30-11AM June 8; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 27.
Call ahead to confirm: 912.921.1034
$5 per child (Cash only)
For ages 5 & younger

Questions? Email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com

Summit Gymnastics, 74 W Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, 31406, (912) 921-1034, On Facebook here. Summit Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertise

Snow-capped Mount Hood & snow-capped biking 84-year-old grandmother with grandkids

Escape Adventures Volcanoes & Waterfalls Road Bike Tour

Biking down the mountainside of Washington state’s highest peak – snow-capped Mount Rainer – with their 84-year grandmother, cousins and aunts and uncles was a favorite part of what is now known as my kids’ best vacation ever.

Well-played Escape Adventures and thank you.

The secret to the success of this bike tour company’s 5-day Volcanoes and Waterfalls road bike tour is simple: savoring the sights of the Pacific Northwest while pedaling like mad. It’s the perfect way to keep pre-teens and teens interested in all the stunning nature surrounding them – because they are immersed in it.  Pedaling through mountain tunnels, past snow banks, lush fern-floor forests and enticing cherry orchards in the rain and sun beats scenic driving anytime.

We cycled down Oregon’s tallest peak, Mount Hood; the foothills of Mount St. Helen’s; through Gifford Pinchot National Forest; and along the historic Columbia River Highway in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and within view of Mount Adams.

One morning, we drove across the Bridge of the Gods and took a biking break to hike up Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

Multnomah Falls, photo by Escape Adventures

The rugged beauty we experienced every single day now feels dreamlike. Words like picturesque and scenic do not adequately describe the diverse grace of the Cascade Mountain range and surroundings.

Escape Adventures three guides provided the biking expertise; the knowledge of the area; the transportation; the meals and snacks; the lodging insight (Skamania Lodge & Whitakers Bunkhouse were ideal settings for our crew) and most importantly- the vigor and charisma that comes from doing a job they so clearly love.

Apres-bike with our guides in the Adirondack-chair bedecked lawn of Skamania Lodge (within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area).

Up to 1 in 7 women experiences depression after her baby’s birth — making it one of the most common complications of pregnancy.

To raise awareness of postpartum depression and maternal mental health, the Climb out of the Darkness 2021 event in Savannah will be held Sat. June 26 2021 in Savannah’s Daffin Park. Held on or near the longest day of the year, this annual walk helps shine the most light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) such as postpartum depression and anxiety.

All of the funds go to support and develop deserving projects and programs in communities around the world. The funds raised from this climb event will be used to support Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, which promotes awareness, prevention and treatment of maternal health issues related to childbearing in the state of Georgia.

Climb Out of the Darkness Savannah walk
Daffin Park, Savannah
10AM-Noon Sat. June 26 2021
Learn more here. 
Money raised is used to fund PSI Georgia Chapter, which promotes awareness, prevention and treatment of maternal health issues related to childbearing in the state of Georgia.
Free and open to the public

Health experts warn that about 27 percent of visits to the emergency are in the summer months

SouthCoast Health provides an Urgent Care clinic to the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire area of Georgia. Often times, a visit to urgent care is the most important first step when it comes to summertime emergencies. SouthCoast Health expert staff will be able to provide the next best steps to fix your issues.

Find SouthCoast Health adult and pediatric urgent care locations in Savannah, Rincon, and Richmond Hill here.

Top summertime emergencies typically include: heat stroke, dehydration, snake and bug bites, serious falls.

Learn more about the biggest summertime emergencies and what to do here.

If you have any more questions or concerns about summertime emergencies or SouthCoast Health’s urgent care, click here for more information on this service SouthCoast Health offers.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Treasure Maps pop-up, interactive, outdoor theatre, 7:30PM June 25 2021 @ Old Roberds Dairy Farm, Savannah

Treasure Maps is a pop-up, interactive, outdoor theatre taking place in six cities across Georgia.

The Treasure Maps show will include live-local hosts, film screening, installations, and interactive activities, all under safe social distancing practices. The roadshow feature is the film screening of Treasure Maps on the big screen.

Treasure Maps showcases a collage of ten Georgia storytellers’ experiences with an up-close and personal viewpoint into what it’s like navigating the complex webs of life in our communities as a person with a developmental disability.

Themes include:
starting your own business
friendship
going to college
alienation & acceptance
dealing with the physical aspects of disability
and how transformative living a full inclusion life can be.
This show is proudly presented by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and L’arche Atlanta. Local partners include the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and Savannah-Chatham County Parent Mentors.

NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved to an online format.

Register online for this free event here. 

Location
Old Roberds Dairy Farm
2500 Tennessee Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404

Rebekah Laurance, a dietician with SouthCoast Health in Savannah, recently spoke with WSAV television about the prevalence of food allergies in children.

Laurance explained how to spot food allergy sensitivities and shared tips on what to do if a child has an allergic reaction. Additionally, she suggested introducing children to a wide variety of foods while they’re young in an effort to keep allergies from developing.

Watch the interview here.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym Autism Awareness 5K

You’re invited: Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym AUTISM AWARENESS 5K Bubble Run & Children’s DASH on Sat June 26, 2021 in Bluffton, SC. Register online here.

There will be two children’s dashes at 8AM – one for ages 2-4 & one for ages 5-10.

The 5k race starts and ends at LowCountry Community Church off of Buckwalter Parkway. It is a fast flat course and will be chip timed by Grounded Running. There will be one water station on the course approximately at the halfway point. The race will start promptly at 8AM with the Children’s DASH followed by the 5k run. Parents are welcome to run with their child(ren) if necessary. All participants will be welcomed back to the finish with a shower of bubbles (representative of special needs) and a finisher’s medal. NOTE: Each participant MUST turn in their timing chip to receive a medal.

Register by June 15 to receive T-shirts.

Registrations accepted until 7:45AM on race day.

Packet Pick up is Friday June 25 9AM-6PM at Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym, 163 Bluffton Road, Suite C-1 and race day morning from 7-7:45AM at the race start.

**Proceeds from this event will be used to provide support groups, special events and activities like art, music, yoga and fitness opportunities for our local special needs population.

Register online here.
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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym, Bluffton, SC 

Ignite the Senses Gym is a gym for ALL kids…

At Ignite the Senses, we ignite each child’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships. Ignite the Senses gym is a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play, learn and party.

As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, we intend to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with Autism in and around the Lowcountry. We will provide a safe and fun indoor environment where autistic and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.

Ignite the Senses also has a new half day preschool program where children do active learning.

The gym’s motto: It’s OK to be DIFFERENT!

Check out the difference Ignite the Senses can make in your family’s life.

Learn more about Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym in Bluffton here.

Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym
163 Bluffton Road, Suite C1
Bluffton, SC 29910

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Ignite the Senses Children’s Gym is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Low Country Counseling: How do I keep my sanity during my child’s tantrum?

We’ve all been there: parental exhaustion when your child is in the midst of a meltdown.

Low Country Counseling therapists share three tips on how to remain calm during tantrums.

Once you have mastered the ability to regain patience and calm, here are five tips to cope with your child’s tantrum.

Learn more here. 
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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You’re not alone.

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics is administering COVID-19 vaccinations to their patients who are age 16 and 17 years old at the SouthCoast Health pediatrics location in Richmond Hill.

If you are interested in having your child (within this age range) vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine at that location, please CLICK HERE to add your child to SouthCoast’s waitlist. This waitlist will be used to contact patients to schedule a vaccination.

Vaccinations are by appointment only.

Completing the form is not a guarantee of an appointment as vaccine supplies could be limited.

You will be contacted by text to schedule when an appointment is available for your child. If you sign up on the waitlist with a landline, you will receive a phone call to schedule.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Dr. Carly Ryan of Pediatric Associates of Savannah answers your questions on this video for SouthernMamas.com readers.

Questions submitted by readers and answered by Dr. Ryan cover such topics as: at what age to start swim lessons; when to switch from crib to toddler bed; signs of dairy allergy in infants; when to call your pediatrician; signs of postpartum depression; at what age should your baby be sleeping through the night; how do you know if your baby is crying too much; what is ”purple crying” in babies and what to do about it; all the info you need on sterilizing baby bottles, nipples & pacifiers; plus more answers to your questions.

Watch it here. 

Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler.

Pediatrics Associates of Savannah locations

Pediatric Associates in Savannah
4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100,
Savannah 31404
912.355.2462

Pediatric Associates of Savannah in Pooler
110 Medical Park Drive
Pooler 31322
912.330.5010

Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Whitemarsh Is.
1001 Memorial Dr
Savannah 31410
912.898.9800

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Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Follow on Instagram here.

Follow on Facebook here.

Motherhood is not a career threatening event (anymore)!

Here’s a new free service to help you find a job – part time or full time.

Bus Stop Mamas is a female/mama founded tech startup that is a workforce tool for moms. It connects moms with flexible (key word), work that works for their life. 

So how do they do this? Mamas sign up for their FREE network then you will receive weekly emails with new job opportunities — and all of them have been vetted as flexible and suitable for a working mom. If you see something you’re interested in, you hit a button and are immediately introduced to the hiring manager.

Bus Stop Mamas recently partnered with companies in the Savannah area.

Free class, “Managing Parent-Teen Conflict” for parents and their teens aged 13-18 on Sat. March 20 2021, 9:30AM-12:30PM. The class is offered virtually and teaches parents and their teenagers how to constructively address their conflicts, communicate effectively, and heal their relationships.

Parents can sign up online at https://forms.gle/VHT74Usiw2E3ETXT6.

Find more info here.

This class will also be offered:
9:30AM-12:30PM Sat. April 17
9:30AM-12:30PM Sat. May 15

The class is presented by the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, a non-profit organization in Savannah that seeks to harness the power of qualified volunteers to facilitate the process of citizens proactively managing conflict, provide alternatives to litigation and increase access to justice.

Low Country Counseling’s Depression Tips for Parents

How is depression different from a typical response of feeling sad?

Everyone has bad days and times where they feel sad. The difference between sadness and depression is the persistence of symptoms. Typically, the melancholy spell lasts longer than 2 weeks and the symptoms interfere with functioning such as schoolwork, daily tasks, relationships, and interest.

Low Country Counseling therapists share factors that can contribute to the development of depression in children here as well as 5 signs of depression here.

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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for Individuals, Moms, Couples, Families, Children, and Teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You’re not alone.

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

6 Family Spring Break Ideas In 2021

While it may be winter outside, now is the time to make your spring break travel plans.

If you’re feeling ready to explore, adventure or simply just need to getaway, travel is slowly resuming. Many popular domestic destinations are welcoming guests again and several international borders have re-opened to US passport holders.

So, what’s open and where to take your family for Spring Break 2021, Two Sisters Travel is sharing top destination picks!

All Inclusive Resorts

Kickback and relax on island time by sipping frozen drinks on white sand beaches. All inclusive resorts combine relaxation and adventure blending together the perfect family vacation experience. Kids will enjoy water sports & age-focused activities while parents relax in the spa, there’s truly something for everyone at an all inclusive resort.

These resorts offer a great value by including accommodations, dining, drinks, activities and entertainment in one package price. Makes for an overall stress-free vacation.

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

Theme Parks

Celebrating spring break at Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort can be the perfect escape from reality. Slip into themed lands of fantasy, adventure, nature and science making memories with your family.

Experience new attractions & experiences at both parks, and for a limited time take advantage of special discounts.

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

National Parks

Highlighting some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes and landmarks our National Parks are true treasure to explore. A few of our favorites to visit during the spring are Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Zion and Grand Canyon.

Each offers an entirely different appeal and experience! Two Sisters Travel will help you narrow down the overwhelming number of options to curate the right itinerary to fit your national parks vacation vision!

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

Florida Keys

Experience the feel of the Caribbean without a passport. The Florida Keys are a 110-mile island chain surrounded by crystal-blue waters that are famed for stunning sunsets and a relaxed atmosphere.

Nature lovers flock to the Lower Keys with it’s state parks and protected areas, divers & snorkelers enjoy Marathon (access to America’s only living coral barrier reef), and for the more vibrant activities visit Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States.

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

Costa Rica

An eco-travelers dream, Costa Rica represents what an unspoiled tropical paradise should be. Blessed with beaches and biodiversity, this verdant land of misty volcanoes, roaring rivers, and lush jungles teeming with exotic fauna this country is the perfect place for adventure and relaxation.

Spend your days exploring cloud rainforests, zip lining through the jungle or surfing along the coast. It’s easy to see why they say Costa Rica is Pura Vida – “pure life.”

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

Hawaii

Situated in the Pacific Ocean and over 2,100 miles from the mainland sits the small island chain of Hawaii. These gorgeous volcanic islands formed millions of years ago are still intriguing visitors today.

Steeped in breathtaking natural beauty, warm Polynesian culture, and a near perfect year round climate, Hawaii makes an ideal tropical destination to celebrate the holiday season. Experience it all from history & culture, to relaxation & adventure.

Ready to start planning? Contact Two Sisters Travel.

Don’t let the stress of planning your family spring break vacation overwhelm you. Two Sisters Travel can custom curate the perfect itinerary to fit your vacation style, preferences and budget. Two Sisters Travel will make the entire travel experience easy and stress-free from start to finish.

Contact Two Sisters Travel today online here  or call 843-284-3241, and let’s get started.

Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There’s a new outdoor kid-friendly spot on Hilton Head Is: Adventure Playground @ Lowcountry Celebration Park.

Lowcountry Celebration Park – which opened in December 2020 – includes Adventure Playground for kids, a discovery trail, pavilion and lawn for festivals, exercise stations, Wi-Fi, restrooms. The Sandbox Children’s Museum is set to move there, too, from its current location later this year.

Lowcountry Celebration Park is located off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot.

The spacious Adventure Playground features a giant ship complete with mist cannons.

Adventure Playground is open from sunrise to sunset. Restroom facilities at the Park close at 10PM.

Parking is available in the Coligny Beach Parking Lot, the parking lot off Nassau Street or onstreet parking on Nassau Street.

Playground Water Feature: The Adventure Playground has a water feature. This feature will become operational once after requirements for permits are completed.

Find more things do with kids while on Hilton Head Is. here. 

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Winter Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

Couples Counseling @ Low Country Counseling, Savannah 

Seeking guidance together can improve navigating stressors such as parenting, career and finances, extended family pressures, internal struggles, affairs, life transitions, and feeling disconnected from one another.

Marital and couples counseling can help strengthen partnerships, improve communication, ease tensions, heal wounds, promote bonding, and enhance intimacy.

Learn more here.

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Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions you need answered or to schedule an appointment. Help is available. You are not alone.

Hope starts here. 

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

This 28-year-old single mom and her five kids, ages 2 to 10, were forced to move from their Savannah rental home this past spring when Robinet’s hours were cut at her housekeeping job at the Courtyard Marriott and she could no longer afford rent.

Since then, she and her children have lived in roughly 15 Savannah hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her story is heartbreaking and reflects the increase in first-time homelessness in Savannah due to the pandemic.

Read this mom’s story here. 

Help this mom and her kids by donating here. 

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Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless

Savannah’s number of people who are homeless for the first time is increasing. Here’s a way to get your children involved with volunteering to help.

Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless in Savannah – started by Colleen Moultry and her daughter Bethany, a home-schooled first grader-  distributes care packages, which include a variety of supplies and a kind note for people who are homeless, to Savannah shelters and hand out on the street.

To volunteer, visit Bethany’s Happy Bags Facebook page or email Bethanyshappybags@gmail.com

Low Country Counseling in Savannah: ADHD Tips for Parents 

Did you know that Justin Timberlake has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? And Michael Phelps? There are ways to channel the extra energy into SUCCESS!

Low Country Counseling therapists in Savannah share five signs of ADHD in kids and five ADHD tips for parents here. 

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If you or a loved one is in need of support, Low Country Counseling offers specialized therapy for individuals, moms, couples, families, and teens. Contact Low Country Counseling for any questions or to schedule an appointment. Help is available.

Low Country Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Put Magic In Your Calendar For 2021

Ready to escape these unprecedented times and have fun with your family? Walt Disney World Resort is open, and the magic is alive.

For a limited time you can save up to 35% off your stay at Walt Disney World Resort hotels January 3 – April 17, 2021.

With limited capacity inside the theme parks, now is the perfect time to visit! Take advantage of the low crowds and incredible deals to experience new attractions or the classics.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has opened 2 brand new lands, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Both offering exciting new attractions, entertainment and dining venues!

Not sure what visiting a theme park is like right now? Two Sisters Travel has visited them and can give you all of the insider details to make your getaway stress-free!

Contact your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at Two Sisters Travel now and let’s plan your magical getaway.

Remember, Two Sisters Travel concierge travel planning services are always FREE!

Tara McCoy
Travel Advisor at Two Sisters Travel
843.284.3241
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

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Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Early Voting in Georgia for the Nov. 3 election started Oct. 12 2020 and ends Oct. 30 2020.

Learn more here. 

ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL

Mail out of absentee ballots began on Sept. 19, 2020 and will end on Oct. 30, 2020.

A request for an absentee ballot may be submitted by mail, email, fax, through the online portal or you may complete the application in person at the Chatham County Board of Registrars office. You must file a separate application for each election and run-off election for which you are requesting an absentee ballot; except if you are a voter who is over the age of 65, disabled, a military service member or spouse of a service member, or an overseas citizen (temporary or permanent).

New Absentee Ballot Online Portal Website

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EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING IN CHATHAM COUNTY

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SATURDAY AND SUNDAY VOTING:

You’re invited to a free Open House with MOMS Club of Savannah  @ Hull Park Splash Pad in Savannah on Fri. Oct. 2 2020, 3:30PM.

Come along & meet some other moms in the area and find out what Savannah MOMS Club is all about!

Let the organizers know you’re coming via email at momsclubofsavannahga@gmail.com

If you would like more information or have questions, please email momsclubofsavannahga@gmail.com

Free Open House
Oct. 2 2020, 3:30PM
Hull Park Splash Pad

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About MOMS Club of Savannah

MOMS Club of Savannah is a group dedicated to the support of moms.

MOMS Club is not solely a group for playdates. The club is run by members and collectively members plan weekly activities, both in the morning and afternoons.

Learn more about the Savannah moms group here. 

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FIND MORE MOMS GROUPS HERE. 

Connect with other moms this school year.

Attend MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. MOPS groups are in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, the Islands & Rincon.

There is also a new Virtual MOPS Group for Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head area moms.

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New Virtual MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group for Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head moms

Join other local moms to discuss, encourage one another and grow in faith through the Bluffton/Savannah/Hilton Head Mamas MOPS virtual group!

If you are a mom of little ones looking to get connected and encouraged, sign up online here.  
Here is the quick registration code for this local group: G64J

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Other moms groups in the Savannah & Lowcountry area

MOMS Club of Savannah
FREE open house, Fri. Oct. 2, 2020 3:30PM @ Hull Park Splash Pad. Details here.

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Lowcountry Homeschool Solutions Facebook group
Discover creative and informative solutions to problems that homeschooling families may face.
On Facebook here.

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Savannah Islands MOPS
Savannah Islands MOPS Facebook page here. 

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Richmond Hill MOPS
Find Richmond Hill MOPS Facebook page here.

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Effingham MOPS
Find Effingham MOPS FB page here.

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Pooler MOPS
Pooler MOPS Facebook page here.

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