Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Kids World


We have a wonderful "indoor park" here in Newburgh for kids called Kid's World. It's a tumbling, arcade and party zone with food for kids of all ages. It's beautifully equipped and the people who work there are great. They are helpful, cheerful and seem to like the children.

We went there today for a field trip, compliments of one of our favorite families. We boarded our bus in our school uniforms - red hooded sweatshirts - and sat more or less quietly for the fifteen minutes it takes to get from our house to their house. We lined up properly and entered quietly. Then the kids were given about three pounds of tokens, and carte blanch. They took off running and enjoyed themselves immensely dashing about playing games, tumbling, climbing, working at arcade skill and just enjoying the freedom from class.

The staff thought our kids were super behaved. They were outstanding. We had not one single complaint, issue, or poor behavior from the kids. They were in heaven and so were we.

Lunch was fabulous. it was pizza, and there was enough to feed an army. Then the kids went out to play again. When our time was short, they all lined up at the ticket redemption counter for the multiple penny toys children love so much. Trinkets and treasures to take home.

Ordinarily, we take children on an educational trip because we feel they should be learning. This one was pure fun, and I have to admit that it was a splendid day. What we learned today was that pure fun is an exhilarating thing and well worth our time! We all came back to school relaxed and smiling.

I think what makes it really fun is the closeness of our group. Every child has a friend the want to share with. You could see children looking for that special friend to share this or that discovery. They really enjoyed being together and with us. I think I had more fun and more hugs today than on many many other occasions. I was delighted when so many of the children came up to me quite on their own and said, "Thank you, Miss Judy, for bringing us here." That really makes a day sweet.

I bent down at one point and tried to be three plus feet. I thought the place looked like an immense maze of just plain fun, and the illusion that the fun just keeps going on and on and on is one children should have, and they did.

All in all it was a splendid day.

Next trip is St. Meinrad Archabbey for Ash Wednesday. If it's a nice day, we'll do a picnic at Monte Casino. Then it's on to the Middle Ages.

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