When Samantha Gernhart was getting the hang of being a first-time mom, she realized she needed to connect with other new moms.
She wanted to socialize with other women who could relate – but she didn’t really want to chat over coffee while the kids “monkeyed around.”
“Which is fine,” she says, “but it’s not my style.”
Gernhart wanted to do something active – like go for a walk or a hike, and share tips and advice.
So she turned to an online resource called Meetup.com, where she found several “mom-oriented” groups, and headed out to a few local meet-ups, groups and classes for new moms.
Last September, she ended up taking over as volunteer organizer of one of the meet up groups, renaming it the Surrey and Langley Active Moms group. Her aim was to offer women a free, healthy, social outlet – and a way to meet other moms in a safe, fun environment.
Taking the helm of the group was a way for the 2013 Surrey Women in Business Awards finalist to socialize, get out of the house, and, above all, be active.
Son Logan, 17 months, is very active – as is Gernhart and her husband.
“We love to camp, hike, go canoeing, skiing and snowboarding.”
When she took over the meet-up group, there were 24 active members. Now there are 300 and growing, as word about the group spreads.
Gernhart, a busy business owner – just 26, she owns a marketing company called Clarity Marketing & Design – organizes one to three events a week.
Newcomers and members keep up to date about the goings-on at www.meetup.com/surrey-langley-active-moms, and on Facebook.
They go hiking, visit local parks, and swap parenting tips.
She’s encouraging more women to get involved – and plan events.
“Last week we did a walk in Bear Creek Park, in the rain, and I fell in love with the park. Everything you could possibly need is there,” she says, adding she’s trying her best to plan more events in Surrey and Langley.
“I recently asked the moms on Facebook what park we should meet up next. I want to make sure we do different areas to allow more moms to come out.”
Members find moral support, and can ask other moms questions, says Kimberly Gleave, who’s learned about baby time, swimming lessons, swap meets, mom co-ops and more since joining.
“This group is best thing I have stumbled upon since becoming a mom,” she adds, admitting she tells any new mother she meets to join the group.
All mothers are welcome, from parents with newborns to those chasing after toddlers and older kids.
The biggest ongoing event is a weekly hike on Fridays called Hike Our Butts Off! at Derby Reach Park in Fort Langley. An average of 10 to 15 members attend.
Any of the members to schedule an activity – there just has to be another member in their area who can join the outing. Women RSVP through the meetup.com group.
Gernhart has set up a Facebook page for the group, too, and a website: Westcoastactivemoms.com.