Kids Exercise Their Right To Fun

By CATHERINE ELLERTON

Moapa Valley Progress

The Nevada Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights is displayed within the walls of the Lost City Museum (LCM). “Nevada’s children have the right to discover and experience the outdoors; create adventures; explore trails; camp under the stars; go fishing; discover nature; explore Nevada’s Heritage; go on picnics; play in parks, in the water, snow and on the rocks.”

The LCM adheres to this philosophy for children of all ages. Within its walls is contained the story of the Valley and its people. Several times a year they host special workshops and presentations to bring these stories to the curious. The professional staff is augmented by the volunteers who willingly give of their time and expertise to keep these stories alive.

The Lost City Museum Kid’s Day was held once again on Saturday, Mar. 25. Approximately 25 youngsters attended the event.

There were several workshops being held. One was the identification of wild animal footprints (from black bear to rabbit to coyote); another was grinding corn which Lanae, Emma, Wyatt and Zaden found was a bit of a challenge.

A popular workshop was painting face masks that held the alter ego of the young artist, or told a story, or maybe was just in their favorite color.

Another table gave the young artist the opportunity to write in the ancient language as found in petroglyphs. By using glue and colored sand, they chose a symbol and copied it on a paper bag. Riley liked a star and balloon while Hunter chose the War Symbol (bow and arrow) and Pueblo Sun Symbols. Shayden liked the turtle and the bow and arrow. They could then explore basket making or using pipe cleaners to make objects or building a cart and adding it to a stuffed dog.

Following the workshops, these young explorers were taken on a tour of the museum before they headed back outside to end the day with some healthy snacks and juice.