Exciting programs have been developed for each age group of children and teens. These programs have been designed to entertain and enrich all children in the program, including children who use cochlear implants, those being considered for the implant, and their brothers and sisters. There are games, arts and craft activities, entertainment and field trips for the children to look forward to. There will also be free time for the children and their parents to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and amenities of the Sturbridge Host Hotel.
For further information, contact the Children's Program Coordinators:
Ages 0-3 years: Judy Orloff Email
Ages 3-10 years: Carol A. Steele Email
All children and adults are invited to an Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Cochlear Americas. Big Apple Circus clowns, sponsored by Children's Hospital Boston, will entertain the children. The children will have a chance to get to know one another and their chaperones. The 'tweens and teens will also attend this social and then have their own get-acquainted party with creative games. The teens will also have a "hang-out" room that will be open after the party and at other times.
Licensed childcare workers will care for children ages 0 - 3 years. Separate childcare rooms will be provided for infants and toddlers, with appropriate activities throughout the day. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided as well as rest time for the youngsters who need it. If your child requires a crib for napping it is recommended that you supply your own portable crib, as the hotel has a limited number available. Bring everything your child will need, and label it with her or his name.
Mary Bruno with an infant
During the morning, children 3-5 1/2 years will make posters for the Poster Art Festival under the guidance of Mary Bruno, BFA, who has 15 years' experience developing arts & craft activities for young children. The posters will be exhibited in the hotel hallways for all to enjoy. The children will also explore textures and crafts in age-appropriate projects.
In the afternoon, under the direction of Ed Popielarczyk "Magic Moments," the children will enjoy performances of magic for the group, face painting, and strolling pocket magic, as Ed calls it.
This outdoor history museum and re-created New England town of the 1830s is only a short ride and 175 years away from the hotel! Children 5 1/2-10 years will be divided into small groups and pre-assigned to a chaperone for the visit to Old Sturbridge Village. Children 5 1/2-7 years will participate in hands-on activities in the Museum Education building. Each group will rotate among stations where they will practice home activities of the 1830s such as spinning and weaving, fireplace cooking, printing and decorative arts. Children 8-10 years will explore the 200-acre village on tours led by chaperones. Unpaved roads lead to houses, farms, shops, mills and gardens typical of 19th century rural New England.
The children ages 3-10 will enjoy a family style dinner in the hotel indoor courtyard.
Children 3-5 1/2 will return to their activity rooms for an evening of relaxation and watching movies. Children 5 1/2-10 will walk to the Exhibit Hall for an evening of activities that are fun and educational. In the Exhibit Hall the children will rotate through three stations in 45-minute segments. At each station there will be an age-appropriate activity guided by a trio of marvelous children's entertainers. Mike Catalano, a Physical Education Specialist, will provide a movement, education and fitness program in which kids develop their motor skills and sport skills while they learn about cooperative play and character development. These movement activities are fun and creative. Henry the Juggler will involve the children in juggling and other fun activities. The third station will feature Hampshire College's Circus Folk Unite, a group of talented students who will perform a variety of skits with audience participation.
Mike Catalano leading some exercises.
Children 3-5 1/2will engage in movement activities appropriate to their age, guided by Physical Education Specialist Mike Catalano. Children 5 1/2-10 will enjoy participating in music activities with Tony Vacca. Tony is an educator, composer and percussionist. His music reflects the multi-cultural sources of rhythm in America. He plays instruments and rhythms from around the world with American and African musicians. The children will clap in time to Tony's beat, and the children will have a chance to play a broad assortment of percussion instruments. They'll have a ball!
Let the drums begin! The kids had a ball with Tony Vacca at the '05 NECIC.