State of the Map US is proud to announce that we will be offering childcare for the very first time ever! TAG IT! Because this State of the Map will be the most accessible OpenStreetMap conference ever regardless of age. Space is limited so be sure to register and sign up for childcare now! Also note if you are considering proposing a talk, Sunday (22nd) is your last opportunity to do so.

The cheatsheet:

• When: Sat June 6th, Sun June 7th
• Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Where: TBD but super close to the UN (maybe even at the UN!)
• Cost: $90 per child, per day
• Register: Click here
• Includes: Lunch, certified childcare, and a day in NYC!
• Ages: 1 year to 16 years old

Childcare staff will will be provided by The Baby Sitters Guild of New York City. This guild of certified sitters have been providing trustworthy, tender, and conscientious care for babies and children since 1940 and are ready to bring all that experience to your little loved ones at the United Nations for State of the Map US. Specifically all caregivers are:

• Trained, certified, and experienced in child education and childcare
• Police background verified
• Insured
• Best of all, caring!

Activities

I am now going to do a rundown of the childcare activities but do not get jealous! Adults will be having a ton of fun and learning experiences at the conference proper. We might also bring Play-doh. Though I won’t deny that a round of Catch the Balloon sounds real tempting. The child care arena will be decked with:

• Photo identity check-in and check-out
• A collaboratively designed art mural (maybe it’s a map!)
• Puzzles and board games, including my own favorite Connect Four
• Age appropriate educational games, toys, and crafts
• There will be storytelling!
• Physical games such as Musical Chairs, Musical Statues, and Catch the Balloon
• There will be a treasure hunt! Costumes (for the kids) are encouraged!
• And all day supplied of legos, play-doh, coloring and arts and crafts.

Lunch will be provided and a high staff ratio has been arranged. In other words, it will be awesome to be a kid and an adult at State of the Map US! All are welcome.

Questions?

I love talking about childcare and OpenStreetMap so feel free to contact me or the organizing team with any questions!

Photo: Henry Hugo Gunn Rodenbeck, the youngest attendant of a State of the Map we’ve heard of. He was 10 months old when this photo was taken at State of the Map US 2012 in Portland. Photo © Justin Miller