As school, the Roost, CCD, Sunday school, Pioneer Club, some sports practices, etc. get underway the kids are getting into the routine and feeling more comfortable with the expectations and flow of activity.  It is always an adjustment at the beginning of the year. 

Activities at the Roost have been varied and incorporated some new tactile experiences. Fall leaf borders featuring several colors of torn tissue paper pieces and clear contact paper centers became sun catchers. Dealing with the contact paper went surprisingly well. 

Another activity that definitely was interesting was painting with a white corn syrup and food coloring mixture. It began as a “paint a picture” activity and became literally a hands-on activity. Kids experimented with blending colors, making designs, and using their hands and fingers to make varied effects.  The “paint” as it dries becomes shiny and somewhat translucent. 

If you visit the Hand County Library you may notice a display of Roost art.  The kids used a brush to paint a tree trunk then added the fall leaves by dipping their fingers in acrylic paint. The pictures seemed to be a perfect fit for the pieces of tag board donated by The Miller Press.

We are often asked what types of things we can use at the Roost. The answer invariably is “Just about anything.” Often things that may seem useless can become a project or put with other things we have, to become an activity.  Swimming noodles have become bats, tag tools, hockey pucks; coffee mugs have become floral centerpieces and snowman candy cups; and the list goes on. We most certainly appreciate the items that are donated to the youth program to help enhance their experiences. 

This week as we start looking to fall and Halloween we could use some glass quart jars – can you see pumpkins emerging?  Also, toys for 5-6 year olds, vegetable cans, and paper towel/toilet tissue tubes are on the list. As we look forward to Christmas our plan is to feature Dr. Seuss at the courthouse.  We are looking for Seuss-related items – stuffed characters, costumes, etc.   Items may always be left outside our door just inside the Armory front door and to the right, if we are not there.

For information about the Rustler Roost K-6 afterschool program call the Roost afternoons at 853-0180.

Submitted

FALL IS IN THE AIR as Roost kids create tissue paper fall-colored leaf sun catchers. That contact paper is a little tricky…