Night OWLS
Night OWLS (Night Out With a Loving Sitter) is a respite care program designed to be an evening of care and fun for children with special needs and their siblings. Our trained volunteers provide individualized care for each child and participate in pre-planned activities and events according to each child’s interest. A nurse is present to assist with any medical needs. An off-duty policeman is present to insure security and a quick emergency response if necessary.
Night OWLS is held 8 months out of the year. It is not offered in December, January, July or August. On the months it is offered, Night OWLS runs from 6:00 to 10:00 PM the first Friday of that month.
Night OWLS Families
Who is eligible for Night OWLS?
- Families with children who have Special Needs
- Children age 1 month to 13 years
- Siblings are invited to participate
- Families must pre-register by completing an application on each child attending
What happens at Night OWLS?
As soon as you walk in the door, you will be greeted and introduced to the volunteer(s) assigned to your child(ren) for the evening. You are required to sign in your child(ren) and sign a medical waiver. Then you are free to leave and your child’s volunteer will help your child explore the different rooms set up with fun activities. Examples of some of our rooms include:
Memories in the Making – two different crafts are available each night, as well as playdough
GPS (games, puzzles and more) – board games, a wooden train, puzzles, and more
Computer Fun Zone – a computer room equipped with computer games
Music Room – musical instruments and a small stage are set up for young performers
Tower Room – a room filled with toys that is a safe environment for children who prefer to play independently from other children
Owls Nest – a dimly lit, quiet room where children who are over stimulated can rest, regroup, or take a nap.
Wii Room – multiple controllers allow children and volunteers to test their Wii abilities
Playgrounds are open during months with daylight savings time
Each evening, special entertainment is provided. In the past, we have enjoyed a presentation by the Tennessee Aquarium on amphibians, a puppet show performed by Kids on the Block, painting lessons given by a local artist, and more!
Our evening winds down with Celebration Time, when we recognize any children with birthdays that month, act out a bible story, and then settle down to watch one of two movies, each appropriate for children under the age of 13. The Tower Room also remains open during this time for children who prefer not to watch the movie.
Does my child eat dinner at Night OWLS?
Due to complications with food allergies, we do not provide any food for children attending Night OWLS. However, we do provide an Owlettes Dinette where children can eat food provided for them by their parents. We are very strict about eating food only in the Owlette Dinette and also about not allowing children to share food with each other.
Click here to view photos of our Night OWLS program.
Night OWLS Community
It is our desire to create a community of love and support for families of children with Special Needs. We also offer special events to help foster this sense of community among the Night OWLS families:
Mom’s Retreat – A retreat with worship and support for Night OWLS mothers who share a common journey.
Birthday Party for Night OWLS program – An annual party where families can gather and fellowship and celebrate life together.
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" John 13:35
Request Night OWLS Application
If you would like to receive a Night OWLS Application, click here. We will be in touch with you soon.
Night OWLS Volunteers
To volunteer for a Night OWLS evening requires a 5 hour time commitment. It is our desire to keep the volunteer pool large enough that each volunteer is not needed each month. Volunteers arrive at 5:15 PM to prepare for the evening. Dinner is provided while the volunteers hear announcements, learn about the special events for the evening, and review the information for the child they are paired with that evening.
Every volunteer who works directly with the children must attend annual training which is offered twice a year; read and comply with the policies and training manual; and submit to and receive approval from a Criminal History Background Check as required by SMPC.
What volunteers are saying about Night OWLS:
“The bottom line of my Night OWLS evening was that you cannot outgive God. I thought I might teach [my child] something and instead she taught me…I thought I was giving something, thought I was serving, and instead I was blessed beyond what I could have asked for or imagined.”
If you would like to volunteer for Night OWLS, click here. We will be in touch with you soon.
Night OWLS Schedule for 2011-2012
Note: All Night OWLS evenings begin at 5:15 PM for the Volunteers and at 6:00 PM for the Children.
Summer Break for Night OWLS during July or August
August 23 – Orientation for new Night OWLS volunteers ~ 7:00 PM – First Floor of Cornerstone Building
August 25 – In-depth training for experienced volunteers ~ 7:00 PM – First Floor of Cornerstone Building
September 9* – Night OWLS
October 7 – Night OWLS
October 9 – Night OWLS Birthday Party after church
November 4 – Night OWLS
Winter Break for Night OWLS during December and January
February 3 – Night OWLS
February 23 – Training/orientation for new Night OWLS Volunteers at 7:00 PM – First Floor of Cornerstone Building
March 2 – Night OWLS
April 13** – Night OWLS
May 4 – Night OWLS
June 1 – Night OWLS
* First Friday in September begins Labor Day weekend. We will meet the second Friday in September.
** First Friday in April is Good Friday. We will meet the second Friday in April.
The Fall dates for 2012 are: September 7,October 5, November 2
For more information about our Night OWLS program, please contact:
Betty Galbreth, Night OWLS Director: 886-5483; galbreth221@gmail.com
Amanda Hayslett, Night OWLS Coordinator: 517-8743; amandahayslett@comcast.net
| Signal Pres Church Office | T: (423) 886-2190 |
| 612 James Boulevard | F: (423) 886-3977 |
| Signal Mountain, TN 37377 |