kidSTREAM is committed to engaging and supporting families and the community in creative and meaningful ways during this time. “Once the pandemic hit, we knew our role needed to shift.” Michael Shanklin, Executive Director, went on to say, “We created virtual learning at home STREAM activities, as well as hundreds of STEAM-based kits for children throughout Ventura County. We also mobilized our 3-D printers to help support our first responders with personal protective equipment.”
As 2021 fast approaches kidSTREAM seeks to have an even bigger impact on the lives of children and their families by opening the outdoor exhibit play space next year. With the prolonged isolation children have experienced, the need for play is greater than ever. As a result kidSTREAM will have a phased model approach, with the outdoor space opening ahead of the indoor exhibits. The half-acre natural landscape will celebrate the beauty and resources of the local area with experiences that includes an adventure trail, beach, stream, labyrinth, agriculture space, amphitheater, art & music, tree house, and Channel Islands exhibit. “Exhibits are designed to meet the needs of younger and older children, regardless of their learning style or interests” stated Shanklin. “Play opportunities will encompass full-body experiences, such as climbing the tree house or kelp forest, developing gross and fine motor skills while building fort structures with sticks, kinesthetic learning by squishing around in water and sand, engineering by diverting water at the stream, and creativity by expressing themselves through art and music.”
To help kidSTREAM achieve its goal of opening the space in 2021, generous donors have come forward with a matching gift challenge. Any gift made from now until December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar for up to $250,000. “Serving the community through play-based learning is an honor that comes with a great responsibility” stated Kristie Akl, President & Founder. “We are committed to empowering kids to become critical thinkers, innovators, and life-long learners but we can’t do it without you, our loyal supporters.”
To make a donation towards kidSTREAM’s matching gift challenge, visit www.kidstream.org or call 805-419-3545.
Help open kidSTREAM in 2021. Be Part of the Dream, Be Part of kidSTREAM!
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