Staff Writer
Kids and parents were treated to a hands-on example of what some of the programs will be like inside the coming Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, during Family Fun Day held last Saturday at the Caribou Wellness Center.
At left, Ellie Martin, 21 months, seemed a bit overwhelmed with all the hula-hoops but after selecting her favorite, she figured out just what one is supposed to do with them, during Family Fun Day, sponsored by the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum.
The gymnasium was full of a wide variety of educational, unusual, mind-expanding and imagination challenging exhibits just waiting for small hands and questioning minds to conquer.
From a reading corner, complete with free books, to a Lego building contest. Kids spent their time checking out the Caribou Fire and Rescue booth, a Maine Forestry site, were able to talk with representatives from the National Weather Station in Caribou, tried their luck at balancing, learned about the use of a GPS system, used their dexterity by making bracelets, learned about electricity and the wonderful art of playing dress up. Children learn from playing and the recent afternoon encouraged all aspects of this process.
Door prize winners at the Family Fun Day were; Angela Malone of Caribou who won the grand prize which was a basket full of baby items from Little Daniel’s Den – Kindermusick of Fort Kent; the second and third prize winners were Jackie Vincent and Vicky Duplessie both of Caribou, who won certificates and a CD from Little Daniel’s Den. Lorraine reed won the 50/50 drawing and in turn donated the money back to the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum fund.
Fund-raising for the children’s discovery museum’s capital campaign fund is a continuing effort supported by the museum’s directors, volunteers and other community residents . Endless hours are given by these individuals, all working toward the common goal of having the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum project come to fruition.
The museum group meets the second Thursday of every month at NMDC at 6:30 p.m., all interested residents are encouraged to attend these meetings.
For more information about the children’s museum or to make a donation go to www.cariboudiscovery.org or contact Chandler at 760-2556 or John Weeks at 498-8164.
Jane Morningstar was seriously measuring some water under the direction of Tony Surey from the National Weather Bureau in Caribou. The weather exhibit was one of many set up at the Wellness Center during the Family Fun Day sponsored by the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, allowing kids and parents to see what a discovery museum is all about.
Ken Atcheson, a teacher at Caribou High School was on hand, at the recently held Family Fun Day. The volunteer was readily eager to help young scientists understand more about the characterists of electricity.
Ben Aucoin not only made his own S’more , he patiently watched it cook in the microwave but agreed the best part of the whole process was definitely tasting the final product. The activity was part of the CCDM Family Day.