Twist & Earn! Helps Teens Raise Money & Awareness

This past spring, Flow Circus sponsored a contest for librarians looking for innovative programming ideas for their teens. The Make Waves/Make Money Library Giveaway awarded Twist & Earn! tote bags to 6 libraries in the regions where we currently offer performances and workshops. These tote bags contain instructional materials and supplies needed to learn how to twist balloons in order raise money toward a goal determined by the teens.

One of the contest winners was East Greenbush Community Library in New York where teens decided to raise money for WaterAid America. WaterAid America works to provide clean, safe water and sanitation to communities in Africa and Asia. The teens twisted balloon animals at the children's Summer Reading Program kick-off event and were able to raise $86 in just one afternoon. The benefits of the program go beyond just raising money. As Tween/Teen Librarian Chrissie Morrison wrote about Twist & Earn!

I think it is a great way to work on building bridges within the community and around the world.  Getting the teens to work with other generations helps them to be seen in a positive light instead of always being looked upon as an annoyance and/or as trouble-makers.  Getting teens involved in charity work also helps them to learn more about the world around them and to DO SOMETHING about the parts they want to change/improve!

The following article highlights the work of the East Greenbush teens.

For more information about the Twist & Earn! program, visit www.twistandearn.org

Flow Circus Returns to Cary Academy Summer Quest

Flow Circus took time off from performing this week to teach two Beginning Juggling, Magic, & Balloon Sculpting camps at the Cary Academy Summer Quest Program. We have been amazed by the skills these 9-14 year olds have developed in such a short time!

Visit our photo gallery to see images of campers sculpting giant palm trees, mastering a variety of skill toys, and performing magic tricks like the cup and ball routine!

We look forward to returning to Summer Quest again next summer.

If  your child was a camper, we would love to hear what you enjoyed most about the camp. Feel free to post your comments here.

New Video - Professional Development Workshops

Flow Circus offers a range of professional development programs for school, library, afterschool, and camp staff. Programs and workshops use juggling, balloons sculpting, and performance to actively engage participants in teambuilding, stress relief, leadership development and creative thinking.

Watch our video & imagine your colleagues having fun together!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ecZ4wqv6s[/youtube]

For more information visit the Flow Circus website.

Twist & Earn! - Tween & Teen Library Workshop

 

 Teens and tweens at Fair Haven branch library in New Haven, CT learned how to Twist & Earn! during National Library Week. After learning basic balloon twisting skills and participating in a high-energy team building exercise, kids had the opportunity to Express Yourself @the Library making balloon hats. Some were big and some small, but all were very colorful!

These teens with the guidance of their wonderful teen librarian will be able to continue to twist balloons in their community to raise money, do community service, and advocate on behalf of the library.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures of their wonderful creations.

Balloon & Juggling Workshops at High Point Library

 

Flow Circus taught 2 workshops to families at High Point Library this weekend. We started the morning with Twisted Fun where everyone learned basic balloon twisting. After mastering the balloon dog, the group showed their creativity & individual style with colorful balloon hats!

The second workshop Juggle Me This provided the participants of all ages with steps for learning how to juggle. It was fun to watch parents and children learning together and to hear the joy in people's voices as they improved! Paul will be back to perform at High Point Library this summer, so keep practicing so you can show us your skills when we return!!

Click here to see photos from the balloon twisting workshop.