PROGRAM IDEAS . . .
KIDDIE KORRAL
— an Immediate Success —

by Tony Malcak, Director Westchester Park District

Kiddie Korral Director Debbie Witt poses with some Korralers during Hobo Day.

A theme — enthusiastic leaders—and a well planned catalog of activities spell fun for preschoolers.

Kiddie Korral was a brand new idea and program set up at the Westchester Park District this past summer for children entering kindergarten in the fall.

The program was conducted for six weeks, two afternoons a week and for two hours: 1:15 P.M. to 3:15 P.M. It was an entirely new recreational program and featured games, singing, storytelling, tumbling, and a few surprises. A specially designed T-shirt to identify the program was given with a cowboy and cowgirl theme. The T-shirt has Kiddie Korral and a bucking broncho on the front.

Pony Rides right at the Park proves the top highlight of the summer.

The fee was a moderate $6 including the T-shirt.

Twenty-five children per class was the maximum number allowed. The staff included a director, two leaders and two junior leaders—equaling a ratio of one leader to every five children. The director of the program had a degree in pre-school education.

The meeting point was an air conditioned room, 47 feet by 27 feet. Some of the special events, crafts ideas, songs, etc. which proved so successful in making the first year Kiddie Korral a success are the following:

A Magic Show was popular too.

Weekly special events were Kitchen Band Day, Tour of Westchester Fire Department, Olympic Day, Cartoon Festival, Everybody's Birthday, Movie-Dumbo, Christmas in July, Cowboy and Cowgirl Dress Up, Swimming. Super Special Events were Lincoln Park Zoo Trip, Pony Ride, Clown and Hobo Day.

The favorite craft projects were Soap Sud Art, Chocolate Pudding Finger Painting, Foot Tracing, Paper Plate Hats or Masks, Indian Head Bands, Clay Play, Popcorn Balls.

Little cowboy learning how to rope.

Favorite Games included Duck, Duck, Goose; Automobiles; Charlie over the water; Popcorn; Magic Gall; Pilo Polo; tumbling. Some of the favorite songs were Three Little Ducks; Bear Song; I'm a Little Tea Pot; Do Your Ears Hang Low; Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes; and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star.

For anyone interested in a breakdown or an explanation of some of the costs, special events, super special events, crafts, etc. a brochure has been prepared by the Director of Kiddie Korral, Debbie Witt, and you are welcome to a copy by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope, legal size, to Tony Malcak, Director, 10201 Bond Street, Westchester, Illinois 60153.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 24 November/December, 1975