through this website, AAFSW receives a small percentage to help fund out activities and services. AAFSW is also affiliated with 
Washington DC Playgroup
The AAFSW Playgroup was founded in 1997 by a group of stay-at-home Foreign Service parents who had recently returned to the Washington, D.C. area. Since then, with the support of AAFSW, the playgroup has grown to include members from other foreign affairs agencies, in addition to the State Department.
Any parent (Mom or Dad) associated with a foreign affairs agency who would like to attend with their preschool children (ages 0 to 5) and is willing to host the group on occasion is welcome to join. Those who are only in the Washington, D.C. area for a few weeks are also welcome to attend. You do not have to be a member of AAFSW, although we certainly encourage membership!
For the most part, Playgroup meets on Friday mornings. However, we also have mid-week activities and weekend picnics. Meetings rotate among the members' homes and various parks and children's attractions in the Northern Virginia area. 
Excursions have included a train ride at Burke Lake Park, pumpkin patch carnivals, Chuck E. Cheese's for pizza and games, and visits to most of the area's major playgrounds. During the summer, the age range is greater as older siblings who are on vacation often join in the fun.
This group provides a great opportunity to share information about life in the D.C. suburbs. Members offer mutual support and encouragement as only fellow Foreign Service spouses can. Discussions have ranged from cost-cutting tips for families getting by on one income, to the pros and cons of various overseas posts, to the challenges of building a career as a "trailing spouse." Spouses new to the Foreign Service have enjoyed visiting the group to get the real scoop on overseas life.
For more information about the AAFSW playgroup email playgroup@aafsw.org. For more information about starting a playgroup in Maryland or the District of Columbia, email the AAFSW Main Office at office@aafsw.org
