EDUCATION

Fairy Tales and Fun: A Night of Learning and Play

Penn Cambria, USATue Oct 28 2025

A Lively Event for Young Minds

A vibrant event unfolded where young students delved into the worlds of science, technology, art, and engineering through the lens of fairy tales. The event was hosted in a high school gym and cafeteria, open to kids from pre-K to sixth grade.

21 Enchanting Stations

  • 21 interactive stations were set up, each meticulously designed by college students from Saint Francis University.
  • Each station was themed around a fairy tale, offering a unique blend of learning and fun.
  • Kids could win a $5 voucher for a book fair by completing at least 10 stations.

A Gathering of Young Explorers

  • Over 215 kids attended with their families, eager to explore as many stations as possible before the event concluded at 8 p.m.
  • Highlights included:
  • Building a pulley system to save Rapunzel.
  • Programming an electronic mouse to aid Cinderella on her way to the ball.

The Journey of an Event

  • The idea for this event was conceived several years ago and has been growing ever since.
  • Initially held at a different school, it moved to the high school due to its increasing popularity.

Community Support and Volunteers

  • The event was made possible by the Penn Cambria Parent-Teacher Organization, which funds the event through fundraising.
  • Community members donated supplies, and high school students volunteered to assist.
  • College students also volunteered, some even dressing up as characters from "Sleeping Beauty" to enhance the experience.

Dressing Up and Winning Prizes

  • Kids were encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes, with some choosing Jedi Masters from "Star Wars."
  • Gabriel, one of the attendees, enjoys the event for its fun atmosphere and the opportunity to share fairy tales.
  • His brother, Sebastian, was excited about the $5 voucher, hoping to use it to buy a book from the "I Survived" series.

Young Enthusiasts

  • Lincoln, a 5-year-old, has been talking about the event for over a week, eager for the upcoming book fair.
  • Nevaeh, a 6-year-old, is starting to learn how to read and loves the book "Time for a Nap."
  • Odin, another 5-year-old, enjoyed playing with marbles.
  • Bristol, an 8-year-old, has been attending the event every year, loving the crafts and interactive games. Her mom noted her excitement to attend right after school.

questions

    Are the fairy tale themes used to subtly influence children's perceptions of technology and science?
    What are the educational benefits of incorporating storytelling into science and technology-based activities?
    How does the event's growth over the years reflect its impact on the community and its educational value?

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