Winter Holiday Zoom Camp Delivers Art, Music, Kung Fu, Healthy Eating and a Rocking Dance Party
Thirty-seven children registered for YDU’s December 2022 Zoom Camp and received an at-home delivery of camp supplies, healthy snacks and engaging activities to enjoy and learn from throughout the rest of their school vacation.
Camp took place during two three-hour sessions on December 28th and 29th.
On the first day, participants worked with Ms. Carolyn of Wallingford’s Community Arts Center to create a paper monster using the letters in their name as the foundation of their art. Then, Mr. Vincent and Ms. Joann of Keep Music Alive introduced a variety of percussion instruments, encouraging the kids to use their provided egg shakers to play along. Next, Sifu Fred of Grant’s Kung Fu Academy got everyone moving in a martial arts lesson. Last, the team from Real Kids Real Food inspired each member of the group to use a variety of healthy supplies to create their own edible gingerbread person. (See the recipe below!)
One participant, Jackson, reported, “I rated art a 9.5 out of 10 and I liked mixing the the ingredients for the ginger bread man.” His mother followed up, “The instructor and lesson kept him focused and engaged. Also, it was good to introduce new things like almond flour.”
On the second day, the same instructors inspired the children with new activities and constructive discussions of what they learned. Later that evening, Ms. Laura led us through warm-up stretches, and then camp ended with a hopping dance party led by Ms. Jackson and DJ Bizzy B.
No one wanted the fun to end, and there are plenty of opportunities for it to continue. Thanks to its generous supporters, Youth Development United makes it possible for interested children to take Kung Fu classes at almost no cost all year long. YDU partner Real Kids Real Food offers free programming for children and adults, providing free food as needed. Keep Music Alive and Wallingford Community Arts Center have collaborated with YDU to provide in-person activities at events like Party in the Park and Goals in Gardens. Our ever-growing schedule of planned events can be found at https://cuys.org/soccer-sat-2022
All are welcome to help Youth Development United make an impact on lives in Greater Chester. Please visit our Donate Time, Donate Money page to contribute your ideas and other support.
No-Cook Gingerbread People recipe:
1 ¼ cup almond flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup sunflower butter or peanut butter
2 tbsp molasses or honey
3 tbsp water if needed
About 6 raisins
1. Combine the first five ingredients in a large mixing bowl – stir until well mixed.
2. Add molasses/honey and seed/nut butter. Stir until dough is formed – it will be very crumby.
3. Add water if needed in very small increments until a softer dough is formed that can be rolled (you also don’t want it too wet!)
4. On wax paper, shape gingerbread man or woman and decorate with raisins. Store briefly in fridge before eating for best texture. Enjoy!
