Monday, November 4, 2024

Cays Kids Love ‘Bus Stop Breakfast’

Parents in the Cays treated their kids to a hearty breakfast before they took the bus to Silver Strand Elementary School Friday Jan. 19. While it is often difficult to motivate kids to get moving in the mornings before school, the Cays ‘bus stop breakfast’ tradition has kids running out the door at least once a month.

Moms quickly set up the breakfast.

Coronado Cays resident, Elsie Hammond, coordinates a monthly ‘Bus Stop Breakfast’ for children that take the morning bus from the Cays to Silver Strand Elementary School.  Designating items parents should bring, Elsie makes sure kids are treated with fruit, pastries and main dishes like eggs, mini quiches and French toast sticks. On special occasions one of the dads brings his camping skillet and makes fresh pancakes. It is a tradition that began years ago, and has endured because of the happiness it brings to the kids.

The children quickly line up when the food is ready and dig in. Luke and Logan, fourth graders at Silver Strand Elementary, were the first kids to arrive and Luke shared, “My favorite part is the donuts,” while Logan added, “my least favorite part is when the bus comes because then it’s over.” Next to arrive was Leah Camaisa with a big smile and some mini-quiches to share.

Potluck breakfast means everyone contributes.

It isn’t only the kids who enjoy the morning, the parents also appreciate having time to catch up with their neighbors. One mom shared with me that when the Navy moved her family here, the bus stop breakfast was a great way to meet other parents and become part of the community.

I asked Elsie why she put all the effort into coordinating and she responded, “The kids really like it and it’s only once a month. I took over coordinating this about four years ago now and I am about to hand off the coordination responsibilities to one of the other parents since [my son] Andrew will be heading to middle school next year.”

Kids fueling up before school.

The Cays is a very family-friendly community made up of folks who enjoy getting together with neighbors and spending time with their kids. Bus Stop Breakfast will be sure to create lasting memories for the Cays kids for years to come.

 

 



Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie Groeneveld
Jeannie is a retired Naval Aviator and Public Affairs Officer whose post-Navy career includes freelance writing, PR Consulting and a two year stint as the San Diego Padres Military Affairs Advisor. Having been stationed in various parts of the country including Washington D.C., Florida and Hawaii, Jeannie appreciates how amazing the Coronado community is and loves the experience her children have had growing up here. Jeannie earned her BS in Marine Biology from Auburn University, her MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and her MA in Communication and Media Relations at San Diego State University. A life-long learner and avid traveler Jeannie enjoys writing travel pieces, Navy stories and anything else that will broaden her perspective. When she is not working you will find her watching her boys play sports, walking Odin at dog beach, hiking, playing beach volleyball or spending time with the family.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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