According to an article by Highland Springs, one of the top ten benefits of spending time with family is that “children who spend more time with their families have shown less risk of behavioral issues, such as violence and substance abuse.” The Fulton Hickman Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) provided funds to host a Family event. ASAP Council’s goal is to reduce the incidence of substance and tobacco use in adults and youth. Along with the Fulton County FRYSC and the Fulton County 4-H Agent, funds were spent to host a Family Paint Night event with the intent of families spending quality time together and giving them an activity to do together.

The Family Paint Night was a night for households to gather over zoom, paint a wooden Christmas ornament, and drink hot chocolate. The event was marketed through Facebook, the local school district, and by word of mouth. Supplies were purchased for a total of 35 families. Supplies consisted of a wooden ornament, paint, paintbrushes, paint marker, paint tray, cookie recipes, and hot chocolate for each family member. Families just needed to call and come by the Extension Office and pick up a bag.

Those who picked up a bag were giving a Zoom link and a time to log in. with their family (adults and children). Families were told we would paint, talk about our Holiday traditions, play games such as “Would You Rather” and emphasize to the children how much we love them. Eight families picked up bags and five families joined Zoom. We had so much fun, we laughed, we painted, and the kids had a chance to talk and interact with one another and be silly. 100% of participants said we should do a Family Paint Night every month!