Welcome to Renegade Readers, where literacy meets wellness, creativity, and community connection! All programming except for our Sunday Stories is held at Selkirk Park, which is located on Houk Drive off Thatcher Street in Selkirk, NY. Sunday Stories are still held at 148 Old Ravena Road Lot C2 on the front lawn! We welcome invitations to bring story time to your front lawn or venue of your choice!

What started as pajama story times on a front lawn has blossomed into a vibrant hub of activities for neighbors of all ages.

Join us for any of our weekly gatherings, all programs are free and open to everyone!

Renegade Readers Community Connection Programming

 

Sunday Sunset Stories

Every Sunday, 6:30 PM

End the weekend with magical tales as the sun sets. This family-friendly storytime includes dramatic readings, occasional guest storytellers, simple snacks, and occasional themed activities tied to the stories. Children and families are encouraged to come in pajamas with their favorite stuffed animals. A gentle way to transition into the week ahead! Storytime is held at 148 Old Ravena Road Lot C2.

Our dropdown menu below includes all of our new available programming!

Renegade Readers Community Connection Additional Programming

  • Walking Meditation Group
    Every Monday and Thursday, 6:30pm
    Experience the calming practice of mindful walking in community. These sessions begin with simple breathing exercises, followed by a slow, intentional walk focusing on sensory awareness and present-moment experience. Perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this practice offers the dual benefits of gentle movement and stress reduction. Each session concludes with a brief sharing circle.
    What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing

    Calm in Chaos Stress Management Circle
    Every Tuesday, 7:00pm
    In our increasingly hectic world, this weekly gathering offers practical tools for finding peace amid life's challenges. Each session introduces accessible stress-reduction techniques including breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, mindfulness practices, and simple journaling prompts. Learn to recognize your unique stress responses and develop personalized strategies for returning to center when life feels overwhelming.
    What to bring: Just yourself - we provide journals and materials

    Mindfulness for Busy People
    Every Thursday, 12:00pm (Lunch Hour)
    A midday pause designed for those with packed schedules. These efficient 45-minute sessions teach practical mindfulness techniques that can be integrated into everyday life - even when time feels scarce. Learn 1-3 minute practices that can reduce stress, increase focus, and bring more presence to your day. Perfect for parents, workers, caregivers, and anyone who thinks they're "too busy for mindfulness."
    What to bring: Just yourself - handouts and materials provided

    Summer Solstice Wellness Retreat
    Saturday, June 21st, 9:00am-2:00pm
    This special retreat features a variety of wellness stations including:

    • Morning sunrise gratitude circle & Nature meditation walk (9:00am)

    • Seasonal craft making: flower crowns and sun catchers (10:30am)

    • Community potluck lunch (12:00pm)

    • Group movement practice: sun salutations (1:00pm)

    • Intention setting and closing ceremony (1:30pm)

    Drop in for specific activities or stay for the full experience!
    What to bring: Journal, lunch contribution if participating in potluck, water bottle

  • Trails & Tales Hiking Group (All Ages)
    Every Saturday, 9:30am
    Join neighbors of all ages for gentle exploration of our local woodland trails. These weekly hikes (typically 1 mile or less) offer a chance to connect with nature and each other. All experience levels welcome - our pace accommodates everyone from energetic kids to leisurely strollers. Discover local plants, share stories, and build community while enjoying fresh air and natural beauty. THIS GROUP MEETS AT 148 OLD RAVENA ROAD LOT 2C
    What to bring: Water bottle, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing. Stay tuned for updates on rainy days.

    Nature Explorers Club (Kids Focus)
    Biweekly on Wednesdays, 4:00pm
    A special outdoor adventure club designed just for curious kids! Each month features different nature-based activities including scavenger hunts, wildlife tracking, leaf identification, nature crafts, and outdoor games. Children develop confidence in outdoor settings while building observation skills and environmental appreciation. Parents/guardians welcome to participate or enjoy the community cabinet resources during the session. THIS GROUP MEETS AT 148 OLD RAVENA ROAD LOT 2C
    What to bring: Explorers' spirit! We provide nature journals and basic supplies. Stay tuned for updates on rainy days.

    Writers Circle
    Every Sunday, 1:00pm
    Find inspiration among the trees in this monthly gathering for writers of all levels. Participate in a prompted writing time in a peaceful park setting. The session closes with optional sharing in a supportive circle. Nature has inspired writers for centuries - discover how it might awaken your creative voice. No experience necessary, just an openness to putting pen to paper in the embrace of the natural world.
    What to bring: Notebook, pen, and something comfortable to sit on. Stay tuned for updates on rainy days.

  • "Different Minds, Same Community" Group
    Every 2nd & 4th Sunday, 11:00am-12:30pm
    A supportive space for neurodivergent adults and teens to connect, share experiences, and build community. Sessions include structured social time, skill-sharing, and discussions about navigating neurotypical spaces. Sensory-friendly environment with clear communication protocols, fidget tools available, and flexibility to step away when needed.

    "One Day at a Time" Recovery Circle
    Every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30pm
    An alternative or supplement to traditional recovery meetings, offering a space to discuss sobriety challenges and victories without specific program affiliations. Meetings include brief readings, open sharing, and practical strategies for navigating daily life without our substance of choice. Emphasis on confidentiality and non-judgmental support.

    "Morning Moms Circle"
    Every Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30-11:00am
    A supportive space for mothers with children of any age to connect, share resources, and discuss the challenges and joys of parenting. Children welcome with simple activities provided. Rotating topics include self-care, boundary setting, child development, and community resources.

    "Fatherhood Forge"
    1st & 3rd Saturday, 5:00pm
    A judgment-free zone where fathers gather to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs of modern fatherhood. Topics include building meaningful connections with children, navigating co-parenting relationships, balancing work and family, and modeling positive masculinity. The group combines casual conversation with occasional structured activities that fathers can later share with their children. Open to dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and other male caregivers looking to build their parenting toolkit and community connections.

    "Solo Parenting Squad"
    Every 3rd Sunday, 2:00-3:00pm
    Dedicated to single parents, co-parents, and primary caregivers who manage parenting responsibilities largely on their own. Includes childcare exchange possibilities, practical support planning, and community building. Children welcome with structured activities provided.

  • Community Sound Circle, Snacks and Conversation
    Every Friday, 6:00pm
    Gather around the record player, Bluetooth speaker, and acoustic instruments for an evening celebrating our connection to sound and music. Bring your favorite record, connect your phone to share beloved songs, or simply come to listen and discuss. Sessions include opportunities for simple sound meditation with singing bowls, group humming, and casual music appreciation. No performance skills needed - just a love of music and openness to its healing qualities. Snacks will be provided! THIS GROUP MEETS AT 148 OLD RAVENA ROAD LOT 2C
    What to bring: Favorite records, digital music, or instruments if you have them

    Expressive Arts for Emotional Wellbeing
    Every Saturday, 3:00pm
    Tap into the therapeutic power of creativity in these monthly arts-based sessions. Each gathering focuses on a different expressive modality:

    • Intuitive painting (no artistic skill required!)

    • Found object sculpture and assemblage

    • Poetry and word art as emotional release

    • Movement and dance as expression

    • Collage for processing feelings

    These judgment-free sessions emphasize process over product, using creativity as a window into our emotional landscapes. All materials provided, and no artistic experience necessary.
    What to bring: Just an open mind - we provide all art supplies

  • Monthly Financial Wellness Workshop
    Build confidence in managing your resources through these accessible financial literacy sessions. Each month explores a different topic including basic budgeting, understanding credit, savings strategies for various income levels, debt management, and accessing community financial resources. Practical, judgment-free guidance for financial empowerment.
    What to bring: Questions about personal finance (specific documentation optional)

    Digital Literacy & Technology Circle
    Navigate our increasingly digital world with more confidence through these monthly technology sessions. Bring your devices, questions, and digital challenges for hands-on assistance. Sessions include guided exploration of useful online tools, discussions about digital privacy, and practical computer skills development. Whether you need help setting up email, creating a resume, applying for jobs online, or understanding a new app, this supportive environment welcomes all tech questions.
    What to bring: Your devices (optional - we have computers available)

    Employment Resources Workshop
    A monthly drop-in resource center for job seekers featuring resume building, application assistance, interview practice, and job search strategy. Community members can work at their own pace with volunteer guidance, using provided computers and resources. Special focus on identifying local employment opportunities and preparing effectively for applications and interviews.
    What to bring: Current resume if you have one, job postings of interest

    Monthly Benefits Access Workshop
    Navigate the sometimes complex world of available assistance programs with support from neighbors who've been there. This monthly session provides guidance on applying for food assistance, utility help, housing resources, healthcare access, and other community support programs. Computers and resource guides available, along with confidential, judgment-free assistance with applications and paperwork.
    What to bring: Any relevant documentation you may need for applications

    "Intergenerational Skills Exchange"
    Pairing older and younger community members to share skills across generations. Rotating activities could include technology tutoring (youth teaching seniors), traditional crafts, cooking techniques, gardening knowledge, and oral history recording.

  • "Read Without Limits" Summer Adventure
    June 15- August 15, 2025
    Join the Renegade Readers Club for our inaugural summer reading program designed to spark imagination and build a community of readers! Free books, reading challenges, community meetups, and an end-of-summer celebration with prizes. Age-appropriate goals for everyone from preschoolers to adults.

    Please visit our Summer Reading Adventure page to learn more and join us!

  • "Creating Through Crisis" Teen Art Group
    Every 2nd & 4th Saturday, 4:30-6:00pm
    Art therapy-inspired sessions where teens can express complex emotions through various creative mediums. Each meeting includes a brief check-in, guided creative prompt, open studio time, and optional sharing. Emphasizes art as emotional processing, not technical skill.