In 2002, parents and care providers spoke of the need for a fun summer program they could participate in with their child. Families struggled to find a place where they could network and play, and provide their children with some fun memories of the summer. Dragonfly Pond facilitated a small working group of volunteers, who planned, fundraised and implemented a summer children's program known as Dragonflies & Minnows.
During this program, children and caregivers or parents, spent an hour in the gym exploring the developmentally appropriate equipment, art activities and social circle times. Many parents were drawn to the art table and began developing friendships, and connections. The second hour of the program was a transition into the community center pool. Some children, who had never been in the pool before, experienced for the first time the freedom of the water. All the families enjoyed the developmentally appropriate activities and games that the special needs swim coach shared with them.
Dragonflies & Minnows owes its success to the volunteers, instructors, parents, and the partnerships with the City of Penticton.