Kids' Health Blog

This is a guest post by Daniela, a member of  Children’s Youth Advisory Council. 

As part of the Youth Advisory Council at Children’s, we get to let the staff know what kids really think about things. Recently, I got the chance to check out the A Hero’s Journey workshop to see what it was like. It was really fun!

It’s a project the Guthrie Theater is doing at Children’s to explore that whole idea of being a hero. Most people think of heroes being someone like Iron Man, but all of us have our own hero moments! When you stand up for someone or learn something new, your words and actions make you your own kind of superhero.

We got to play theater games and act out stories. Each person had a role and a line. That was a ton of fun! I really liked meeting new friends. The Guthrie teaching artists were so nice, caring and comfortable to be around.

If you like storytelling or acting, this would definitely be the thing for you!

A Hero’s Journey workshops are open to children and teens ages 8 to 14. The workshops are held one Saturday each month, with a morning and afternoon workshop that lasts two-and-a-half hours. Patients with chronic conditions, repeated hospitalizations or appointments, and those who have been hospitalized for at least three days are prime candidates. Children may be patients at any of Children’s locations, including outpatient clinics and our main hospitals.

Call the Child Life Department at 612-813-6259 for more information and to register. Children’s and the Guthrie are excited to help patients discover their inner hero!

MPR photo / Eamon Coyne

Last Sunday, Children’s partnered with 89.3 The Current to present Rock the Cradle 2012. This day of family fun saw over 15,000 people, young and old, pack the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Children’s Theatre Company for a day of live music, dancing, storytelling and a community art project.

What a great day it was! Research has shown that the arts, both making and enjoying, can positively impact cognitive, motor, language and social-emotional development. We were so happy to be part of such a great event that promotes the importance of creativity and the arts for our community’s children.

If you weren’t able to attend, there are plenty of places to see photos and videos from the event:

• We’ve shared some photos on our Facebook page.
• Event photos and video via The Current.
• Photos of families with Children’s mascot Twinkle via the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
• Event photos via MinnPost.

Thanks to everyone who attended.

Barbara Benson Keith resides is one of the many Minnesota artists contributing to our Arts & Healing and Urban Renewal Project. Here, you can see what goes into Barbara’s stained-glass pieces, many of which you can also see at Children’s – Minneapolis.

Barbara is a self-taught mosaic artist who has been creating glasswork since 2004. Her public works can be found in California, Texas, Iowa, and throughout Minnesota. In addition to her mosaic work, Keith also works as a freelance graphic designer, writes and illustrates children’s books and is a professional actress and director. She has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Hamline University. See all of the pieces Barbara is creating for Children’s.

Outside of the entryway of the Children’s Specialty Center on the corner of Chicago Avenue and 26th Street is a healing garden open to the public. Dan and Lee Ross have designed a family of animals created out of Minnesota granite as part of our Arts & Healing and Urban Renewal Project. There is the snowshoe hare “Listen,” the owl “NightWatch,” the otter “Play,” the black bear and cub “Comfort” and the lynx “Wild side.” The forms are smooth and rounded like large beach stones with textured areas inviting children and adults to touch, hug, play and interact. The animals are there day and night, in good and bad weather like trusted friends.

About the Artists
Dan and Lee Ross reside in Hovland, Minnesota. According to the Ross’, some of their most uplifting and rewarding sculpting experiences have centered on helping people through the healing process. They specialize in using ancient materials to create modern stone and ceramic sculptures, and frequently find inspiration for their work in the northern forests of Minnesota and the calming waters of Lake Superior. The Ross’ studied at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and St. Cloud State University. See photos of each of the sculptures.

A new tribute recognition display, “Dedicated to Our Stars,” has been installed at Children’s – Minneapolis. Located outside of the Great Clips Sibling Play Area, the tribute display recognizes the generosity of individuals, families and organizations who have elected to support Children’s mission by making a philanthropic gift of $1,000 or more in honor of a loved one, in celebration of a meaningful milestone, or in remembrance of those who have touched our lives.