Child/Teen Workshops (Adults Invited)

Please note the age limits on the Children/Teen Workshops.

No children will be registered in workshops for which they are too young.

Timeslot: Friday, March 16, 2012 - 10:30am - 11:40am

A21 - Romp 'n Play

Join us in this playroom which has been specially set up for two- to five-year-olds. Duplo, puppets, drawing materials and many other toys and games are sure to hold your child's interest. Rough-housing is not permitted. A low child-to-caretaker ratio will be enforced. Parents must sign their children in and out. Space is limited. If you sign your child up for back-to-back workshops, there is no need to pick up your child between workshops. Older siblings may attend with younger children.

Ages 2 - 6.
Staff Presenter
A22 - Real Life Heroes: Fascinating Stories of Great People Family Performance (Jim Weiss)
History has blessed us with countless heroic, extraordinary men and women from all over this world, who are real-life role models for today’s adults and children. In this workshop, Jim Weiss presents riveting, time-honored, true stories that provide character, history and life lessons. Jim’s stories will make these people come to life and offer perspective between the times in which they lived and today’s world.
Ages 4 - 99.
(Ages 7 and under require chaperone.)
Jim Weiss
A22 - Real-Life Heroes: Fascinating Stories of Great People - Supervised Section (Jim Weiss)

*This is the supervised section of Real-Life Heroes. An adult must sign the child in and out of this section of the workshop. Adult volunteers will supervise children 4 to 9 while they attend this performance. The supervised group will sit together for the performance. It is the parent's responsibility to check-in and drop-off the child with the volunteers, and then to pick up the child and sign them out, on time, after the performance.

History has blessed us with countless heroic, extraordinary men and women from all over this world, who are real-life role models for today’s adults and children. In this workshop, Jim Weiss presents riveting, time-honored, true stories that provide character, history and life lessons. Jim’s stories will make these people come to life and offer perspective between the times in which they lived and today’s world.

Ages 4 - 10.
Jim Weiss
A24 - Learn to Play Chess Family Workshop (George Krasnopolskiy)

Have you always wanted to learn how to play chess? CheckMates Chess Academy is giving you the chance to join the ranks of famous chess players such as  Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Will Smith, and Deep Blue. This class will introduce beginners to the game of chess and will even give them some of the history behind the world's oldest strategy game. Don’t be afraid; learning Chess is easy with CheckMates Chess Academy, as they make it both fun to learn and make sure kids are able to relate what they learn to their everyday lives.

Ages 4 - 99.
(Ages 7 and under require chaperone.)
George Krasnopolskiy
A25 - Strings that Sing: Hands-On Science and Problem Solving (Katy Cameron)

Why does it make sounds when I bang stuff? How does sound travel? Kids will explore these questions and the relationship between vibrations and sound in this hands-on exploration about strings and other things that “sing”.

At Kids Science Labs we believe that:

  • Science is fun, engaging, and builds creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • All kids enjoy hands-on learning
  • Kids love finding out how stuff works
  • Science provides practical tools for understanding everyday life
Ages 5 - 8.
Katy Cameron
A26 - Messy Fun (Maya Furukawa) FULL

Immerse yourself in mess!  Activities include face paint, collages, shaving cream art, galaxy playdough and murals.  You will get messy, so dress appropriately.

Ages 4 - 7.
Maya Furukawa
A27 - Bead Animals (DeLynn Zielinski) FULL

Come and make some bead animals with string and beads.  You will love what you make!

Ages 7 - 10.
DeLynn Zielinski
A28 - A Brand of Your Own: How to Promote and Sell Yourself (Mary Lamphere )

We will go over successful brand names and logo designs while discussing how to adapt them to specific persons and markets. What works, what doesn't, and why.

A successful brand doesn't just happen -- there is a lot of thought and reasoning that goes into it. Color, size, text, and image are all important elements of structuring a memorable brand. How can you represent yourself best without plagiarizing something familiar, or creating a design so vague no one knows who you are or what you have to offer?

As a group we will discuss marketing strategies, then work up brands individually or in small groups.

Ages 13 - 19.
Mary Lamphere
A29 - Finger Knitting (Jodi Bubenzer)

Come and join us as we create with a ball of yarn and only our fingers!  We'll learn how to create scarves, necklaces, jump ropes and more.  Materials required:  yarn (provided) and your four fingers.  Finger knitting is something you can do anywhere.  We might even do a little finger crocheting, too!

Ages 10 - 13.
Jodi Bubenzer
A30 - Button Blankets (Ann Wasserman) FULL

The Native Americans of the Northwest Coast (which includes Washington state in the US and British Columbia in Canada) developed a style of decorating blankets with buttons.  In this class you'll learn a bit about the native peoples of this area, how this style came about, and what their traditional designs are like.  Then, you'll make your own mini button blanket, and learn about needles, thread, and knots as you go. 

Ages 7 - 10.
Ann Wasserman
A31 - Juggle Without Struggle! (Chris Fascione)

Beginning and intermediate juggling coaching from a professional.  Low-key, participatory, supportive environment encouraging the effort as much as the end result.  Suitable for kids only or kids with their parents.

Ages 7 - 13.
Chris Fascione
A32 - Storybook Dance and Drama: The Nutcracker (Mary Ann Oberschmied)

This class uses a storybook to guide the class. Students will act/dance the story of The Nutcracker.

Ages 4 - 7.
Mary Ann Oberschmied
A33 - Play-Well LEGO® Engineering Workshop

Let your imagination run wild with over 100,000 pieces of LEGO®! Build engineer-designed projects such as boats, bridges, mazes and motorized cars, and use special pieces to create your own unique design! Explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO® building system with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor.

Ages 5 - 7.
Staff Presenter
A34 - Native Americans of Illinois (Michael Stachnik)

Learn more about the various tribes that lived in Illinois prior to the arrival of the settlers. Handle real animal furs, play simple Native American games, and create a clay pinchpot.

Ages 8 - 12.
Michael Stachnik
A35 - Take the Improv Plunge! Family Workshop (Judy Fabjance)

Take the improv plunge and learn the basics of improvisation (acting without a script).  In this fun-filled workshop you will create an ensemble and work as a team performing improv exercises and games.  You will unleash your creativity in this safe, fun and positive envoironment. 

This workshop is great for building self-confidence, improving communication skills and working as a team.  Have fun while you learn! You will be up on your feet and using your imagination. 

This is a wonderful experience between a parent and child and will enhance listening and social skills of both parent and child. 

Ages 4 - 99.
Judy Fabjance
A36 - Altered Books (Deborah Cunefare)

Most of us were taught never to write in a book, but this fun art form requires you to do just that! We'll explore techniques to turn an old book into a creative expression of yourself. I'll supply you with a book already prepared for modifying and plenty of creative supplies. You bring your imagination and a willingness to experiment and play around. 

Ages 13 - 19.
Deborah Cunefare
A37 - Felt Plushies (Skyler D. Angeles) FULL

Everyone loves plushies! Come and create one of three designs. You will be able to choose from either a zombie, monster or a panda. Basic sewing skills are required.

Ages 10 - 19.
Skyler D. Angeles
A39 - Playground Games (Matt Holmes)

Let's play! Join in the fun of old favorites like Simon Says, Freeze Tag, Telephone, Red Light/Green Light and more! Be ready to move and have fun.

Ages 4 - 7.
Matt Holmes
A40 - High Rise Challenge (Harith Kassar) FULL

Are you up to the Challenge? Working in teams of two or three, you must build a tower that is at least 18 inches high and can support a tennis ball through a hurricane (fan). Master the first challenge and another challenge awaits.

Ages 10 - 19.
Harith Kassar
Donna Kassar
A41 - Speed Meeting (Julie Reder)

Speed meeting is a great way to meet new friends and connect with old friends.  You’ll enjoy the fun, one-minute themed chats then quickly move on to another meeting with a different theme.  Kick-off the conference by inviting your circle of friends to expand your friendships.

Ages 10 - 13.
Julie Reder
A42 - Speed Friending (Blake Boles)

The Situation: You're a teen at InHome. Whether it's your first year or your fourth, you want to meet other teens. But how?? This hotel is so dang big!

The Solution: Speed Friending. At this fast-paced, high-energy workshop you'll enjoy the chance to meet tons of other teens from the conference with one-minute mini-conversations. It's an easy, fun, and non-scary way to check out the crowd here at InHome. Really, you have no excuse for not coming. See you there!

Ages 13 - 19.
Blake Boles
A43 - Dodgeball 101 (Will Suhrbur) FULL

Have you ever had the urge to play dodgeball in a hotel?  Well look no further, this is the workshop for you!  Come to this workshop if you want to spend some energy running, diving, jumping or even cheering (yes, cheering) for your teammates in this classic game of dodgeball.  It's easy to join, just follow these three easy steps: 1) Sign up for this workshop.  2) Come to the assigned room and sign in.  3) Have fun playing dodgeball in a hotel with your friends.

Ages 12 - 15.
Will Suhrbur