What better way to spend the summer holidays than getting creative with arts and crafts while learning about fascinating sea creatures and their habitat? We were honoured to bring our beach themed event to the Bentall Centre in Kingston-upon-Thames as part of “Thumbs up-it’s Thursday”-an initiative that has been bringing families together while increasing footfall for local businesses in Kingston-upon-Thames for over 10 years. This year was no exception; with many families unable to seek out sunnier climes, we had the privilege of bringing the seaside to them!
Seas the day!
Each week we shone a spotlight on a different mini-theme and introduced a lead character who, with the help of a team of skilled arts and crafts assistants, guided participants through activities specially designed to promote learning through creativity. Our seaside themes included making Octopegs with Mermaid Melissa, Ice creams and Lollies with Gina Gelato, Treasure Maps with Pirate Peggy, Paper Plate Sea Horses with Athena and fin-tastic Sharks with Eco-Emily.
A theatrical atmosphere was a shore thing with themed music playing throughout the day and each character was equipped with fascinating facts and fun trivia about each topic as well as encouraging stimulating discussions about sustainability and conservation ideas. On completion of their craft, every participant was invited to join our hero for a final activity ranging from following their maps to find Pirate Peggy’s treasure to taking Eco-Emily’s environmental pop quiz.
As well as taking their creation home with them, each friend received a small reward such as a piece of treasure or a sea creature sticker as a special thank you for joining in with us, meaning that each one left as happy as a clam!
Dose of vitamin Sea!
Between the Kids’ People team, the public and our client, the verdict was unanimous: The Beach Club was one shell of an event! Local businesses were keen to get involved in the festivities; for example, an ice cream stand offered a discount when customers presented their children’s crafted ice cream or lolly at the kiosk, which in turn generated more business for them.
Families were beyond grateful for the chance to take part in a free event which not only educated and entertained but also presented them with the opportunity to participate in the activities together. The event was completely accessible to all ages and abilities allowing participants to express themselves through their creativity-the only limit was their imaginations!
In addition, the sheer quality of our activities, resources and team members added extra value to their experience proving that as the summer holidays come to an end, our tans may fade but the memories will last forever!
