Kronau Marvelous Museum & Creative Corner

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

August 12th to 16th marked our second and final summer camp of the season. Although I am devastated for another season of joy to complete, I must still relish in the fact that there will be several more weeks of hustle and bustle to come. Although bound to my usual post, I am a willing witness to the vibrant energy in the air that hadn’t been present since the last camp. 

Throughout this week, I had the privilege of observing the campers immerse themselves in a journey centered around the importance of nature and the world surrounding us. Each day brought a new wave of excitement as the children delved into the mysteries of the natural world. Their eyes, wide with wonder, reflected the beauty of their discoveries—whether it was the parts of a plant, the delicate balance of ecosystems, or the connection between humans and the environment.

One particularly heartwarming activity was the creation of a “Gratitude Tree.” The campers ventured into the museum’s surrounding grounds to gather branches and sticks. With these natural elements, they crafted their own trees, each adorned with paper leaves. On these leaves, they wrote down things they were thankful for, which ranged from family members, to sports, to friendships, to themselves. As I watched them work, carefully placing each leaf on their tree, I was struck by the sincerity of their reflections. 

The campers engaged in a mesmerizing activity where they placed the stems of white flowers into water dyed with food coloring, watching as the flowers slowly absorbed the vibrant hues. This enchanting experiment showcased the intricacy of nature’s processes. As I observed, I was struck by the shared fragility between the flowers and myself. Just as the flowers must be handled with care to preserve their gentle petals, so too must I be treated gently to avoid shattering my porcelain form. 

As Friday dawned, I was filled with bittersweet emotions at the fun and enjoyment of the little ones, but also saying goodbye to each and every one of them as the sun sets on another summer at the museum. Campers and instructors celebrated another successful summer camp with a well-deserved day of outdoor water activities – splashing, running and playing under the hot summer sun, then capped off the occasion with ice cream. 

I watched as the once-bustling museum corridors gradually emptied, the echoes of the day’s exuberance fading into a gentle hush. And once again, as the museum closed its doors for the day, the tranquility enveloped me, and I was left alone with my thoughts and the silent artifacts that surrounded me. The echoes of summer’s cheer lingered in the stillness, a reminder of the vibrant life that once filled the museum’s spaces. And so, I resumed my vigil, observing the museum’s quiet reverie, waiting for the next wave of life and laughter to return with the coming season. 

Toodles,