At WC Unplugged, we’re working to raise kids well in a digital age. We believe face-to-face interaction is a cornerstone of mental health, that free play and childhood independence are critical for healthy kids, and that parents should be the architects of family culture, not big tech. Curious to learn more? This event is for you. Join us in person at our September Kick-off meeting to find your people and help plan our priorities for 2026-2027.

Our kids are growing up in a digital world. How can we help empower them to use tech without letting tech use them? How can we make educated decisions as parents? Want to hear from an expert? Come out to hear from Dr. Nicole Amoyal Pensak about the impact of smartphones, social media, and texting on the adolescent brain. Learn how to help our kids develop resilience skills and protect their brains with considering delay of certain tech as well as intentional usage of the tech you have — wherever your family is in your tech journey. It's never too early to prepare. It's never too late to make adjustments. Make educated decisions for your family. The presentation is for both the students and their parents to attend together. Parents of all ages of children welcome. The event is recommended for students in grades 4-8. ALL STUDENTS WHO ATTEND WILL BE GIVEN A FREE ICE CREAM CONE. ALSO, STUDENTS WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN A BAGELMASTERS GIFT CARD! Please RSVP by 9/21 so that we can be sure to have enough ice cream on hand for all our kids.

But everyone has a phone!” - what do you say when your child asks for one? How do we help our kids navigate phones, social media, gaming, and constant screen access when it feels like everyone else already has it? Join us for a casual community gathering at the clubhouse to learn more about The Balance Project, a parent-led initiative focused on helping families create a healthier balance between technology and real-world connection. We’ll walk through a short presentation covering: • What The Balance Project is and why it was created • How families can handle the pressure around getting a first phone • Practical ways to create healthier technology habits at home • How local parents can support each other instead of feeling like they’re making these decisions alone • What we can do together here in the Fort Mill community This isn’t about eliminating technology. It’s about helping our kids have more space for friendships, independence, outdoor play, sports, creativity, and family connection — while introducing technology in a more intentional way. 📍 Location: The Massey clubhouse and residence club, 1840 Felts Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715 📅 Date: 24Sep2026 ⏰ Time: 6pm (start the presentation at 6.30pm) Parents, grandparents, educators, coaches, and anyone interested in supporting healthier childhoods are welcome. Come meet other local parents, ask questions, and be part of building a community where families don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. Please RSVP and share with another local family who may be asking the same questions.

Come out for a playdate and phone number exchange! The Croton Community Collective recently arranged a discounted promotion on Tin Cans - and lots of families now have a landline that is ready for calling! Let's get together to exchange phone numbers and encourage our kids to call each other via their home phones. We will be passing out phone books and gel pens for the kids to decorate and write down numbers. Snacks will be provided. Croton children with other types of landlines (or no landline yet at all) are welcome and encouraged to join! Note: There is a $10 parking fee to park at Croton Point Park. If this fee will prevent your family from attending, please reach out to the CCC (crotonccc@gmail.com) and we will happily cover this expense for you - no questions asked. We will meet at the picnic tables near the far playground - look for the orange and black balloons!

Let's get together! Ever wondered what it might be like to volunteer with OR Unplugged, be part of a parent group, or even lead your own? Come on down to OR Unplugged headquarters on Sunday, August 16th and let's connect about it. Everyone is welcome - parents, kids, coalition members and leads, future and current volunteers, interested friends, your neighbors, your mom, and your mom’s neighbors! The more the merrier! Childcare for ages 3+ and light snacks provided.

How attached are your kids to their screens? How attached are you? How are your kids (and you!) faring with the new state law prohibiting phone use in schools? Did you make a bucket list this summer? Join us as we talk about these things and more at the latest meeting for the Long Valley Balance Project

Explore the latest kid-safe phones, watches, music players, cameras, and digital wellness tools—all in one place. Meet company representatives, compare products, and discover healthier technology solutions for your family.

Join us for an essential lecture by the acclaimed Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, on Monday, November 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm at Sanctuary Hall (1126 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205). Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, best-selling author and expert in the field of human learning. His new book "The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kid's Learning - And How to Help Them Thrive Again" pulls back the EdTech curtain and explains the research showing how digital tools in the classroom consistently undermine learning. It also explains how parents, teachers and schools can push back with purpose. As a leading expert in the field of learning and technology, Jared testified at the US Senate about EdTech, and is an internationally sought after speaker. Sponsored by the Institute for Families and Technology and OR Unplugged. Reserve your tickets at the link below!