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Creativity Thrives at Young Writers & Artists Conference
The forecast called for a monster storm but monster fun was had instead at the South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) Young Writers & Artists Conference on March 8-9. Nearly 1,000 students, chaperones and teachers from south central Minnesota visited the Bethany Lutheran College campus for a keynote presentation by entertainer Bob Kann and three break-out sessions of their choice ranging from character development to creative dance.
Kann encouraged the students to think about the “power of words,” telling the story of a nine year old girl’s letter to the president in 1989 asking him to clean up the environment. After her letter appeared on 250 billboards around the country, the first Kids For A Clean Environment (Kids F.A.C.E.) was started; it is now the world’s largest youth environmental organization. Leading the students through a number of activities to tap into their creative expression, Kann set the tone for the day’s variety of hands-on learning sessions.
Students in grades 3-9 were able to meet in small group sessions with authors and fine arts specialists to learn more about their craft. With the large number of attendees, not all students got their first choice of sessions but that may have worked to their advantage.
“My daughter didn’t think she liked poetry. After her first session, she has been writing poems all afternoon!” a parent commented.
More than one educator shared with us that the bus rides home were far from the quiet they experienced on the way into Mankato.
“The students talked non-stop about their experiences,” said Terri Panning, a teacher from Central Public Schools, “I wish you could have sat with us and listened to the children share.”
Students also had an opportunity to purchase works, including some amazing origami items, by conference presenters at a book fair. Authors were on hand during lunch to autograph these items as well.
This activity is made possible by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Artis Council from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
For photos from the conference or more information about South Central Service Cooperative, please visit www.mnscsc.org.