Summer is almost here, and I’ve done something bold. Brave, even.
I’ve decided to spend 10 Wednesdays of this summer surrounded by children armed with markers, paint, scissors, and an endless supply of opinions.
That’s right—this is the first-ever Kids Summer Creativity Series at The Jam, and I’m equal parts excited and wondering if I’ve fully thought this through. (I have. Probably.)
Starting the last week of June, every Wednesday becomes its own mini masterpiece-in-the-making. I’ll be welcoming two age groups: 5–8-year-olds in the morning, and 8–12-year-olds in the afternoon. Each week, I’m rolling out a brand-new art project—some cute, some a little wild, and all designed to give kids a creative space that’s not a classroom and definitely not a screen.
This isn’t a drop-off situation. Grownups stay—and honestly, they usually end up enjoying themselves just as much as the kids. Sometimes more. There’s something grounding about watching a child gleefully paint a purple octopus wearing sunglasses while you sip your coffee and think, “This is so much better than doomscrolling.”
I’ll admit, part of me is preparing for the mess. For snack crumbs and rogue pipe cleaners. For spontaneous dancing and someone inevitably asking, “Can I make mine a dragon?”
(Yes, child. You can always make it a dragon.)
But mostly, I’m preparing for magic. For that moment when a kid holds up something they made with their own hands and says, “I love this.”
For giggles. For weird art. For creative chaos. For watching them become little artists before my very eyes.
Ten weeks. You know, Diary, I’m thinking I want to reward kids that come all 10 weeks. I mean besides all the awesome pieces they will have to show for it. And, of course, bragging rights for being at the Creative Jam- EVERY WEEK! Maybe a discount- but that’s more of a reward for parents, which is a good thing, right?
How about if they come all 10 weeks, I give them one week free? Yeah, I like that. Done deal. Let’s do this.
Here’s to summer. To sticky fingers and wide eyes. To 10 weeks of color and chaos and connection.
Here’s to trying something new—and maybe never wanting to stop.
—Darcy
Currently hoarding googly eyes like it’s my job. Which, this summer, it sort of is.
