Community
"It's all about creative play, where kids will have the chance to engage in exciting hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and imaginative thinking,” said Zoie Prothe, a Graphic Communication major from Paola. “Our goal was to create a solution to a community need so we created a day where children could connect with peers their age free of technology.”
Activities will include such experiences as building “spaghetti towers,” board games, and engaging in structured outdoor play.
“They’ll be immersed in an experience that promotes connection and fun, without the distractions of digital devices,” Prothe said.
Her classmates include Eli Winter, a Nursing major from Clearwater, Oklahoma; Adam Jonnes, a Biology (Pre-Med) major from Baxter Springs; Michael Karguth, a Biology (Pre-Med) major from Baxter Springs; Adison Randall, a Finance & Accounting major from Mound City; Olivia Wobken, a Biology major from Carl Junction, Missouri; and Landry George, a Nursing major from Pleasanton, Kansas.
The class has been working with partners from the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush, Sunshine Childcare, and Pitsco Education. They also have received support from faculty and staff in departments across campus on aspects like age-appropriate activities, parental waivers, snacks, and volunteer recruitment.
“It’s been a valuable learning experience,” said Karguth. “There is a lot involved to pull off something like this.”
Associate Professor Phillip Frank, Kelce College of Business, said the class was tasked with choosing a social issue that impacts youth in Pittsburg and to develop a plan to positively impact that issue, or causes of that issue, for their final project.
“The students have gone above the requirements for the course,” said Frank.
He and the students hope that this event serves as a pilot and that additional events are planned in the future.
Parents must register their children at https://bit.ly/4jEhhei , where additional details can be found.
Drop-off will begin at 8:15 a.m. at Cleveland Plaza in front of the Kelce College of Business.
