Working With DREAAM House

A few weeks ago I participated in the collaboration of our Social Justice class and DREAAM House. The event was to hold an outdoor scavenger hunt for the children at DREAAM House. There were about 20 or so children that were participating in the activity, ranging in age from about 4 to 11. Children that were younger and may not be able to read were given sheets with pictures of the objects that they were to find. The older kids were given sheets with the names of the objects that they were supposed to find, leaving a space for them to draw an image of it. The objects varied from a stick as long as your arm to an animal in the clouds. Regardless of age or ability, the kids were intrigued in the activity.

Shortly into our walk to the Boneyard Creek, it started to drizzle, but the kids were unphased. They were excited to start looking and even starting before we got there. We separated into groups, each one consisting of a member from DREAAM and a member from our class. Despite the rain, the kids enjoyed being outside and were very engaged in the activity. Almost every item on every kid’s list was crossed off, and it seemed like a success. 

I thought this was a very fun activity and would be interested in doing it again in the future. With every new activity or event, there comes challenges, so I noted things that could be improved upon in the future. First, the older kids did not seem very interested in drawing the objects that they found but were more interested in crossing it off the list and proceeding to the next item. The pictures of the objects were very helpful to the younger kids, so I think that the older kids would enjoy it as well to help them visualize the objects that they needed to find. At times, it became a little bit hectic and was not the most COVID safe situation. A way that this can be improved (regardless of COVID) is to establish the groups and keep them in place. While I know that it’s hard to rangle kids, I think that it would give the younger kids the opportunity to find objects on their own rather than following the older kids. I think that a day with better weather would be more beneficial to lead an activity like this. I know that weather is uncontrollable and events like this need to be planned in advance, but it would make it easier for the kids to participate and focus. Lastly, I think that talking with the kids after the activity would be beneficial to help them remember to take care of the planet and their city. 

I really enjoyed working with DREAAM House and its kids. The kids seemed to be excited to do almost anything and just get outside. This activity is very easy to adjust and change depending on the season and the weather. I hope to do this again!

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