Board and staff members of La Cañada Presbyterian Church Parent Education program retreated to Newport Beach over the Columbus Day weekend to relax, reflect and refine their goals for the 2013-14 school year. The retreat was held at the home of Linda Fults.

Over the weekend, the women shared strategies for continuing Parent Education’s mission of both empowering parents through the challenging journey of parenthood while also building powerful bonds within families among the program’s participants.

Returning and new volunteer board members joined the staff on Saturday to discuss how they can best continue to build the 35-year program, both in the classroom and through their selected global outreach programs: International Princess Project, Operation Christmas Child and Wild Hope International.

“I always look forward to our Parent Ed Retreat each year. It is a wonderful time to spend together planning and enjoying one another’s company. What an honor and a blessing to work alongside such amazing women to make this program as strong and powerful as it is!” said instructor Sloan Walsh who has been on staff with LCPC Parent Education for nine years.

Teachers and board members also spent time embracing their 2013-14 theme “Strong and Courageous” through devotion and team building exercises designed to strengthen members as individuals and as a group.

LCPC Parent Education offers classes to parents with children from infants to 18 years old. To sign up for the new nightly Parent Express Series or to experience a free LCPC Parent Education class during the week, visit www.lacanadapc.org/parented  or call (818) 790-6708 x 205. Classes meet weekly through May and attract approximately 400 participants from 22 different cities.

La Cañada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.