Although only fourteen teens signed up ahead of time for the Newport Library Teen Summer Reading Club's French Culture Night on Thursday, July 26, more kept walking through the door. The final count was 25 teens. Three of those were French students, here in Oregon for a 3 week homestay with local families through the American Discovery Program based in Eugene.
We started with a challenge. Using only craft sticks, skewers, pipe cleaners, toothpicks and hot glue, the kids were challenged to create a scale model of the Eiffel Tower. The teams broke up into four groups and got started. One team essentially used the entire night to design and produce their version of the famed tower. Each final product was completely different from the next.
We also had our own mini Tour de France. Teams of kids rode preschool-sized trikes across a maze-like path in our parking lot created by some of the attendees. “Do we have to pedal?” asked one teen. When I said “no,” I expected her to simply keep her feet on the ground and propel herself along. Wrong. She lifted the tricycle and started running down the path. Of course this was met with laughter and applause.
Next, the French Waiter Relay. Teens were challenged to don an apron, pick up a tray, and cross the room without losing any of the very lightweight Styrofoam and paper items on the tray. Basic, yes. Silly, yes. Fun? I sure thought so.
And so it went. Teens made new friends and visited with old ones, snacked, rubbed elbows with French contemporaries, and had a good time.
I hope to see you at our Teen Henna Night this Thursday, August 4th from 7 - 9pm. Remember to sign up at the circulation desk beforehand.
--Linda
Newport Library Youth Services Assistant
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