Pro-D at West

Although it is sometimes a daunting challenge to plan an entire day in the community center, the day tends to fly by. Many of the children see this as a chance to spend more time with their favorite toys, games, or leaders, and look forward to taking part in more time consuming activities unavailable on a regular day.  We get a chance to visit the park, the turf, the gym and to make yummy snacks like oatmeal cookies. Oftentimes we adjust the day based on what the kids suggest, and this is how half of our room became a “museum.” One activity that is quite difficult to fit into a normal day is face painting. There is something very exciting about having an animal, design, or favorite cartoon painted on them, and many kids wait almost patiently for a chance in the chair. Although there are always requests for the usual designs such as butterflies, or cats, recently we have been having more difficult and/ or unusual requests. Logan and Cole have become used to my “thinking” face as I try to figure out requests such as “I want a robot arm that is controlled by a panel,” or “veins like a strongman.” An even more challenging endeavor has been the recent Pokémon revival, and trying to figure out not only what a “krookodile” is, but how I can possibly draw one on Alden’s arm. This past pro-D way definitely a fun one, and was a reminder of the summer days to come.

Gemma.

Stars in the Making!

Hey folks, hope everyone is having a great spring so far. Lately we have been taking full advantage of the good weather by going outside whenever we can. As some of you may have heard, I have started working on a short film called, "The Mystery of the Missing Lunchbox." The film is about a child's lunchbox that goes missing, but upon finding it they notice that instead of the food being inside, they come across something most unexpected! The film will star some of our very own jr celebrities and most enthusiastic performers. I will update the blog when it's all done. Enjoy the rest of your long days of sunshine! 


Peter Sammarco 

¡Feliz cinco de mayo!

¡Feliz cinco de mayo! 

A popular Mexican holiday, adopted by the United States as well (why not, it's another reason to eat, drink and be merry) is celebrated to commemorate the Mexican victory over the French in Puebla, Mexico. But ultimately, it's a celebration of Mexican heritage. 

The word piñata struck some excitement in the kids when I announced art, but to their disappointment and their parents' delight there was no candy involved. These were more like 'pull' piñatas; we decorated an empty toilet paper roll with streamer, covered the bottom side with tissue paper and taped some ribbon to the tissue paper which would be where the treats fall out from. They filled their piñata with 2 prizes from the prize bin, small enough to fit into their TP roll, and of course sequins and glitter to jazz it up. I made one myself, so that I could demonstrate what their piñata might look like when they pulled on, releasing all the glittery, sequiny mess. What's good fun without a little mess? Seems to be an ongoing theme for my art activities... But if they're having fun, I am too!

- Sara