With the sound of island music setting the mood, a luau in the Kinsmen Park made it the place to be for many children last week.
Summer Park Program coordinators Courtney Clark and Emma Ingell are busy providing activities for children from 10 am - 4 pm each weekday. Crafts, games and playing in the spray park are highlights each day and the coordinators want children to just come and enjoy themselves.
Courtney, a university student remarked, “I want to make it a place where kids can come in the summer and have fun things to do.” She is heading into the final year of her Education degree and said working with children is exactly what she likes to do.
Emma will be in grade 11 in the fall and said, “I like working with kids and I thought it would be fun planning theme days and crafts and things.”
On any given day there are from 5-25 kids that come out for activities. Courtney and Emma have plans in place but also recognize the need for flexibility in ensuring a successful day.
The luau theme was a huge hit amongst the children who came to take in the fun. Many were wearing tropical outfits and when they arrived at the picnic shelter, which became a Tiki Hut, they were given leis to add to the theme.
Finger painting, a limbo contest, musical tag, sno-cones and face painting were part of fun, as well as the chance to cool down in the spray park.
The next theme day will be Friday, July 27. Children can look forward to a popcorn machine, photo booth, games and dinosaur juice as they have fun at Jurassic Park.
It has a been a great summer at the Kinsmen Spray Park. Courtney said, “Our goal is to give kids a place to come and have fun. They often keep themselves entertained but we make sure they always have something to do and we’re a friendly face.”
The program continues through August 24.
