Laurapalooza… for kids?
Well, after all, the “Little House” books are kids’ books, right? But little ones at an “academic conference?”
When we were planning Laurapalooza 2010, we had some inquiries from the parents of younger Laura fans about its appropriateness for their children. We knew a separate event for children would be ideal, but we didn’t want to bite off more than we could chew at our very first conference. So we shelved the idea.
We did have a few children attend, and they reported that they loved it. But most of Laurapalooza really wasn’t geared toward young ones at all.
There are many great reasons to have a children’s event at Laurapalooza. Not only are children among Laura’s greatest fans, but the conference is held in Mankato, Minnesota — right in the heart of “Little House” country. With many conference attendees coming from long distances, it only makes sense to visit the “Little House” sites while out here — but those with children were faced with a quandary — go without the children, and then the children miss out on visiting the “Little House” sites, or take the children… but what do you do with them during the three days of the conference?
Camp Laura solves that problem!
We’ve gotten some questions since the Call for Proposals went out about Camp Laura, and who it’s intended for, and since some of you may be making preliminary plans for next year’s summer vacation, or trying to decide whether or not you want to attend Laurapalooza, I thought a bit of information might be of help.
Camp Laura is designed for school-aged children (those who will be entering kindergarten through sixth grade) whose parent (or other adult relative or friend) is attending Laurapalooza. The children’s activities will take place during the academic portions of the conference in a nearby room so the adult can enjoy the conference, knowing their child is happily engaged in learning more about Laura and pioneer life through hands-on activities.
So if you have a child in that age group, keep Camp Laura in mind when you make next summer’s plans. More specific information will become available in February when registration begins and schedules are released.
If you have a skill or area of expertise regarding Laura or any area of pioneer life (fashion, food preparation or preservation, music, handcrafts, etc.) you would be willing to share with the children, and you are planning to attend Laurapalooza, please contact us as we are still working out details of the programming and would be thrilled to add your expert help!
Kids, see you at Camp Laura!