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

Make A Splash - SRP 2010 Video

A very special thank you to the over 80 libraries that we visited this summer.

Paul had so much fun developing a performance around the Make A Splash theme that combined storytelling, juggling, magic, and of course comedy. We also helped teens Make Waves by teaching them new juggling, skill toy, and balloon twisting skills.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the video capturing the fun we had!

September 2010 Newsletter

Greetings from Flow Circus

New Video: Make A Splash - 2010 SRP Highlights

Fundama Feedback Needed - Did You Fundama This Summer?

Tween/Teen Library Programs Growing

Performing Off-Broadway

2010-11 School & Library Tour Schedule

August 2010 Newsletter

Greetings from Flow Circus

Japanese Kendamas are a Hit!

Impacting YMCA, 4H, and Summer Camps

Fall Tours Scheduled

Make a Splash......Without Making a Mess

Paul has been busy this summer entertaining families from Alabama to Connecticut with his antics. His 2010 Summer Reading Program performance encourages kids (and adults too!) to learn new skills so that they can Make a Splash and get recognized in a positive way. Paul starts the show with the story about how he jumped in a huge puddle one summer day because no one was paying attention to him. He gets his whole family wet and they are not very happy!

His grandmother is about to leave on a trip to Asia and makes a deal with him......learn to do something that will make people smile and she will bring him a gift from her travels. Paul spends the summer learning to juggle, perform magic, and discovers other toys that require practice. He and his friends put on circus shows in his front yard and he realizes that he likes the applause! When his grandmother finally comes home, she brings him a new skill toy for him to learn - the Japanese kendama. Paul can't wait to see what new tricks he can learn and perform for more applause!

If you have been at one of the 90+ Flow Circus library shows this summer, feel free to comment here. To see more photos visit our Photo Gallery.

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.

July 2010 Newsletter

Greetings from Flow Circus!

Pepsi Refresh Project Update

Play Fundama Posted to Instructables.com

Fall Programming for Schools