Fun(d) Kids
It’s summer, and programs for kids are everywhere. From local bookstores with bingo cards to farmer’s markets that offer Kid Cash to the local library, there are dozens of programs that help kids become educated, engaged citizens.
How to do it:
Easy: find local programs and donate funds, prizes or time to them. If they’re self-funded (e.g. a business runs them) help spread the word or offer to help kids you know participate. Most programs need some level of adult assistance, and parents are busy!
Medium: start your own program for kids in your life! Create Bingo Cards with tasks they can complete for a prize. Don’t make the kids compete — everyone wins when they Bingo! If you’re stuck for ideas, pick a theme: “engaged citizen” might include learning how laws are passed, writing a letter about a relevant issue like playground maintenance, or helping research school board candidates. “World traveler” might involve watching a movie made in another country, eating a meal from another culture, and writing to a pen pal in a different place.
Hardest: if you run a business or volunteer with a community resource like a farmer’s market, consider building a whole program! Start with something that’s quick and easy, like a hidden stuffed animal at the farmer’s market whose location can be traded for a honey stick. If it goes well, make bigger plans for next year!
EASIEST: no time to research today? The Duvall Farmer’s Market gives kids a $2 token for visiting the info booth. This helps get fresh, local food into the economy, but this year there is no government funding, so they’re crowd-sourcing the money to keep the program alive.
