Escape Zone: a place of connection

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  There are meeting places all around base. Officers have an officers' club, Airmen meet and interact at various locations, and school-age children interact with each other at school. Children up to 5-years-old have a place just for them too - it's called the Escape Zone Parent and Child Center, and it's free.

"Escape Zone" is a bit of a misnomer since its purpose isn't about escape, but rather about connection. It offers a place for children to interact with other children their age and, more importantly, it offers an environment where parents and children play and learn together.

"We have a scheduled lesson every day, but it's completely optional," said Mrs. Jayne Flaagan, Escape Zone director. "Some days we might learn about the letter 'A' and have the children pick out things that begin with that letter. Other days we might explore colors or cultural diversity. It really depends on the parents and children. However, I want to stress that everything is voluntary and parents are free to come and go with their children and are free to use anything in the facility."

Many spouses use the Escape Zone as a place to network with other spouses and make new friends.

"I've been coming here ever since it opened more than a year ago," said Mrs. Krishelle Gniotczynski, mother of AJ who especially enjoys the toy cars. "This is a great place to let kids interact and socialize with other kids. It's also a great place to get information about what's going on around base and the community. We even discuss parenting tips like potty-training."

Information is available in many forms, including pamphlets and flyers on a large bulletin board that lists events both on the base and around the surrounding areas. But word-of-mouth remains the most effective means of communication between Escape Zone parents.

There is no pre-registration or membership necessary. According to Mrs. Flaagan, some parents visit almost every day, others visit once a week or once a month.

"I love it," said Mrs. Kara Brumgard, mother of Ethan who took turns jumping into the giant, stuffed pillows. "I used to take my son to the CDC for an hour at a time just to let him socialize. Here we can both socialize and it's completely free."

Although it's a successful program, there remain many misconceptions regarding it.

Misconceptions
- It isn't like school. Parents can come and go with their children as they please. They can pop into the Escape Zone with their child or children for a half hour, stay for the entire time it is open, or even come to both sessions. The activities are offered as a fun way for parents to share learning with their children. Parents can participate in the day's learning activity with their child, or just play.
- It's not a drop-off daycare. Parents need to stay at the center with their children and are responsible for them. The fact that the Escape Zone is a place for parents to stay and play with their children sets it apart from other facilities. It's more akin to an educational play area at a mall than a preschool or daycare.
- Registration isn't required. The facility does maintain a roster of names and ages but it's just for tracking numbers. No one asks about rank, where a sponsor works, or any other information.

If there are misconceptions by people, some of the benefits are equally unknown.

Benefits
- It's free. There isn't a cost for using the craft supplies or the facility.
- It's a stress relief for parents. Playing in the spacious facility is a great way for everyone to have fun and make new friends.
- Information is always available. Everything from toy recalls to family support information is updated regularly.
- Snack time friendly. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and drinks. In fact, there is a little eating area set aside with kid-sized tables and chairs just for that purpose.

"It's probably the best-kept secret on base," said Mrs. Flaagan. "In the summer there are usually between four and six parents here. In the winter there are more."

"This place is essential in the winter time," said Mrs. Whitney Bildsten, active-duty mother of George who enjoys the puppet show toys. "Instead of being cooped-up at home all winter, children can play here with other kids."

The Escape Zone is located on the corner of H St. and 7th Ave. It shares the same building as the Laundromat. The hours are currently 9-11 A.M. and 1-3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The weekly schedule of activities is posted on the base internet site at http://public.grandforks.amc.af.mil/library/newsbriefs.asp, as well as CCTV3 and in the Northern Sentinel. Monthly schedules of activities are also posted at different facilities on the base. For more information or questions, stop by or call 747-3837.