Hands-On and High Impact: Virtual Programs with Monthly Youth Activity Boxes

Join two Cuyahoga County Public Library librarians who developed a virtual youth program that was not only hands-on, fun and interactive but also produced a quantifiably high-impact experience for all involved. Inspired by themed subscription boxes containing crafts, toys, and experiments for families, staff wanted to create an opportunity for families to receive their own boxes based on science topics, minus the cost barrier. Instead of offering a passive take-and-make, the boxes are unboxed during the virtual program, creating a welcoming environment for children and caregivers to experience guided and open play, and the opportunity to share their discoveries with other attendees. This presentation will teach you how to incorporate library resources, technology, and your scrappy crafting skills to create a free, all-inclusive activity box based on a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) theme available to age-appropriate registrants. Presenters will walk you through brainstorming topics, technology needs, and organizational tips. Discover new ways to utilize your makerspace equipment such as a Cricut, Laser cutter, 3D printer and other technology to create quality supplies for your activities. Attendees will experience a hands-on demo of a Crate of Wonder activity, and there will be a Q&A period at the end of the session.