The Kamloops Y has been a trusted community hub for over 50 years, offering programs that support health, connection, and lifelong learning for people of all ages. One of its most cherished offerings is the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, which has helped Kamloops families build strong bonds for nearly 25 years through the simple joy of rhymes, songs, and storytelling

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program began in Ontario in 1986, when a social worker, storyteller, and therapist created a program to support at-risk families by strengthening oral language skills and the parent-child bond, explained Crystal Murgatroyd, Family Outreach Coordinator at YMCA BC. By 1990, the program had developed a facilitator training course for individuals and organizations, focusing on oral language and parent-child connection.

In the early 2000s, BC’s Make Children First funding initiative highlighted the importance of a child’s first six years. Around that time, the Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative (KELLI) was formed, and by 2006 a Literacy Coordinator was hired. Fundraising efforts — such as the annual Raise a Reader campaign — helped sustain and expand these programs, which operate as non-profit initiatives. The Kamloops Y’s Child Care Resource and Referral was one of KELLI’s first community partners to offer the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.

“Our programs are shared experiences for parents and young children that focus on the power and pleasure of rhymes, songs, and oral storytelling,” said Murgatroyd. “Parents gain skills and confidence, while children enjoy healthy, meaningful interactions.”

She emphasized that the program is directed toward parents, with no props or books — storytelling itself is the heart of each slow-paced, supportive session, reinforced through repetition.

A program highlight has been the growth of intergenerational programming. By partnering with seniors’ residential homes, children and parents connect with elders, building a sense of purpose and belonging across generations. For families without grandparents nearby, these relationships can provide mentorship and emotional support. The interactions benefit seniors as well, reducing isolation while fostering social, cognitive, and emotional development.

Designed for children aged 0–5, the program blends play, imagination, and language. Over an eight-week series, a facilitator leads parents and children through songs, rhymes, and finger plays, strengthening their bond while encouraging self-respect, joy, and early learning.

The Kamloops program aims to run 30–40 sessions each year, reaching over 1,000 families, with specialized groups for kindergarten readiness and newcomer families. Facilitator training is also offered year-round.

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program has been part of the Kamloops community for nearly 25 years and hopes to continue enriching families for many more.

For more information contact Crystal Murgatroyd at 250-376-4771 or by email at [email protected]