To market they go

Published 4:33 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

Animal puppets, tissue-papered jars, beaded magnets and many other types of arts and crafts were on display and for sale at Encompass’ (a local social services agency) child-run marketplace last week.

As a children’s camp program at Encompass in North Bend, the marketplace provided an opportunity for those ages 3 and one-half to 10 to develop business skills and have some fun making crafts that were then sold via play money to awaiting parents and community members.

It also marked the last day of Encompass’ summer programs.

“The children decide what they want to have for their business, they fill out a business plan, they meet with [the Encompass] marketing guy … They’re learning about how to run a business and having fun,” said Julie Forslin, summer camp manager and preschool teacher for Encompass.

The 10th annual “market” activity was the culmination of a weeklong camp program, just one of many themed camp options that were available this summer.

“We have a whole blend of programs for everybody,” Forslin said. “The kids can’t wait for their parents … [and] they’re excited to come, too. It’s fun, too.”

Local police and fire representatives took time out of their schedules to visit the market, as did many of the children’s parents. Encompass also collected donations at the event.

“I think this is great,” said Danette Ovall, whose daughter Riley, 7, was part of the camp program and was on hand to sell “golf ball dudes” – golf balls decorated with felt – at her market table.

She added that she thinks it gives the children a sense of pride in their work.

The children taking part in the market spent the first day of their week at camp developing what they wanted to do, Forslin explained. They worked all week making the crafts they intended to sell, as well as buying supplies with fake money provided to them by Encompass.

Then they built their stores out of cardboard boxes and began to set up shop in the backyard playground area of Encompass. Some children sold crafts, some sold food and others had lemonade stands. The market opened at 3 p.m. on Friday and most of the tables were cleared by 4 p.m.

Encompass is located at 1407 Boalch Ave. N.W. in North Bend.

For more information, call (425) 888-2777 or visit www.encompassnw.org.