On June 15th, the Slieve Aughty Centre in Kylebrack, Loughrea, buzzed with excitement and laughter as families gathered for the Celt Open Day for Children. This family-friendly event, part of the Cruinniú na nÓg initiative, offered an afternoon brimming with fun, free, nature-based creative activities. It was a day to remember, where children and their families immersed themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring traditional crafts.
A Day Full of Activities
From 1 to 4 pm, the event featured a variety of engaging workshops and activities designed for young people aged 8 to teens. Each activity was led by skilled forest school educators and traditional craft makers, who shared their knowledge and passion with the eager participants.
Printing with Hayley: Children had the chance to create beautiful tree disc prints using nature-inspired resist cutouts. This hands-on activity was a hit, sparking creativity and allowing kids to take home a unique piece of art.
Foraging with Olwyn: Suitable for ages 10 and up, this workshop taught children how to identify and gather edible plants. It was an educational and adventurous experience, connecting kids to the natural world around them.
Forest School Nature Crafts: A variety of dynamic activities, including nature crafts with inks and dyes, clay, and willow crafts, kept children of all ages engaged and entertained. These crafts encouraged creativity and an appreciation for natural materials.
Meet the Bees with Jenny of Oakwood Farm: This fascinating session allowed children to learn about bees and their vital role in our ecosystem. Jenny's interactive presentation captivated audiences of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for these essential pollinators.
Enchanted Forest Walk: This enchanting self-guided walk was perfect for all ages. Families explored the magical forest at their own pace, discovering charming fairy houses while exploring the flora and fauna around them.
A Heartfelt Thanks
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the tutors and workshop leaders who made this day so special. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident in every activity, inspiring the children and making the event a resounding success. Their efforts have left a lasting impact, encouraging young people to explore their creative sides and develop a closer connection to nature.
A special thank you goes to Cruinniú na nÓg for their generous funding and support. Your commitment to fostering creativity and cultural engagement in young people is invaluable, and this event would not have been possible without your backing.
Reflections and Looking Forward
The Celt Open Day for Children was more than just a day of activities; it was a celebration of creativity, nature, and community. The joy and inspiration seen on the faces of the children and their families are a testament to the power of such events.
After an afternoon of exploration and learning, families enjoyed delicious snacks and meals at the Slieve Aughty Centre organic café, a perfect end to a wonderful day.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this day so memorable. 72 tickets sold for this event, and around 90 of you attended! We look forward to seeing you at future events, ready to create, learn, and discover even more.
Stay creative and connected with nature!
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