Family Forward is a family retreat organized by Mom It Forward (the company that I work for) for social media influencers, including mom and dad bloggers and their families, and is focused on helping families connect in the digital age. While Family Forward is comprised of social media influencers, the focus of the retreat is to strengthen the digital family. The hands-on workshops and events are centered on making memories and teaching skills families can apply everyday.
Family Forward
Now in its 3rd year, the Family Forward event in Orlando offers the perfect way to grow stronger as a family, and make meaningful theme-park vacation memories. Family Forward gives families experiences, ideas, and skills to embrace bonding in the digital age through workshops centered on topics like charity, communication, creativity, team building, and trust.
To kick off Family Forward in epic fashion we had an opening party Thursday night hosted by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with a Super Hero theme!
Children Miracle Network Hospitals
Families came in costume or dressed in capes and masks while completing several missions. We heard from Nathan, who has Mitochondrial Disease, (a degenerative disorder that attacks the mitochondria – the source that creates enough energy for the body’s systems to sustain function and support growth) and his mom. They are an amazing family who is so inspiring you can’t help but love them from the start!
DohVinci
The first session on Friday morning was with DohVinci, a returning sponsor. This year each family worked together to create 3-D artwork on paper, wood, plastic, and foam. It is such a fun and creative craft. You choose your color, place it in the styler, add a stamp shape or not, then just squeeze so the dough comes out. And guess what? It dries after awhile, leaving your designs permanent for all to see! I gave some to my girls last year and we spend a whole rainy Saturday having a great time crafting together.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Next we had a sponsored lunch thanks to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. They served some festive Caribbean food along with some favorite eats for the kids (I am guessing you know which buffet I ate off of). They even served their famous Mac&Cheese. It was so good that we had to meet the chef and have a picture taken! RCCL hosted a twitter contest during lunch just for our attendees and gave away a 7 day cruise to anywhere that RCCL sails! The winner was ECSTATIC to say the least! They also had a special guest show up to pose for pictures!
Monsanto
Last up for the day was Monsanto who hosted a series of hands-on activities to help families explore how DNA shapes all living things, including fruits and veggies grown through traditional plant breeding. The kids took strawberries and got to extract DNA and look at it under microscopes! It was a very fun and educational hour!
*At the beginning of September I attended and worked the Family Forward Orlando Conference. I went as an employee but was able to enjoy all that Family Forward had to offer. All opinions, comments, and suggestions are, as always, my own.
Jaime
September 18, 2015 23:01This looks like an AMAZING event! I woudl love to go one day!
Dhemz Apdian - Dias
September 17, 2015 21:22oh, how fun! looks like you had a fantastic time.
Ana De-Jesus
September 17, 2015 17:23This event looks like so much fun and Shrek?! You can count me in!
amytreasure0
September 17, 2015 15:54Sounds like so much fun-this is the exact type of even I love
Esme Sy
September 17, 2015 15:14Good for you that you were able to attend the events. You guys looked like you had a blast.
Travel Blogger
September 17, 2015 14:25Oh my gosh DohVinci looks awesome – where were they when we were kids? My daugter would love it.
Kelly (@KickingWKelly)
September 17, 2015 12:48I love to see women getting together and networking with each other. This looks fun!
RonRon
September 17, 2015 07:29Awesome events. All of them are fun and truly exciting, right?
Elizabeth O.
September 17, 2015 07:13What a fun series of events! I love that it’s all for raising awareness too!
Victoria
September 17, 2015 04:32Sounds like a fun and great event. I wish next year we had an vacation like yours.
Terri Grothe
September 16, 2015 22:07Such a fun and awesome event to attend. I cannot wait to go to Universal next year
klg1982
September 16, 2015 22:03looks like a fun night out! I love hearing about these events!
Boho Chic (@TotallyTerris)
September 16, 2015 21:00I’ve not heard of the FamilyForward workshops before so thanks for sharing. I bet it would be so much fun to attend as it looks really cool and awesome.
Liz Mays
September 16, 2015 19:28Participating in all the events they host sounds great. Family Forward looks like such a cool event!
jenniferclay795
September 16, 2015 19:10This sounds like a fun and cool event to take your family! I can tell by your story and pictures you had a ton of fun! Love that Shrek was there!
miss (@thedealmatch)
September 16, 2015 18:01Sounds like a fun event. I love Caribbean foods, chicken jerk and seafood are my favorite !
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
September 16, 2015 12:59That sounds like such an awesome event. I was at Universal this past March and I would love to attend this next year.