Macaroni Kid brings fun to social distancing

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

As social distancing becomes the new norm, the Macaroni Kid group in Strathmore-Wheatland is trying to get children and families involved in safe and fun activities by organizing several events that can be done while following social distancing protocols.
Macaroni Kids’ Strathmore Walk/Drive Scavenger Hunts can be done every couple of days when a new theme is scheduled. The initiative involves children putting a colourful poster in their window or on an outside front door. Then participants walk or drive around town searching for the posters – which should be visible from the sidewalk or road – taking photos of them and posting them on Macaroni Kids’ Facebook page.
“The hope is to spread a little kindness and spark a little bit of joy through this and the other events I am hosting,” said Abbie McCullough, Macaroni Kid Publisher for Strathmore-Wheatland. She said all information and a schedule for the scavenger hunts can be found on the group’s Facebook page or at strathmore.macaronikid.com.
Typically, McCullough and her two kids have found between 20 and 40 signs a day and they always make sure to drive past local senior’s care facilities to show them their signs.
Some upcoming scavenger hunts include Haiku Poem Day on April 18, Earth Day on April 22, Star Wars Day on May 4 and more.
There will also be a special Easter egg scavenger hunt on April 11 which will also include a colouring contest with several sponsored prize baskets for the winners.
“Even though we are physically social distancing does not mean we should emotionally distance ourselves. Together apart while staying virtually connected,” said McCullough.
Other events hosted by Macaroni Kid include Chalk the Walk for Awareness where people are encouraged to decorate the sidewalks to remind people who are living with health conditions or are working in essential services that they are being thought about. There is a daily Lego Challenge to educationally challenge children and encourage them to keep their brains and hands busy. Specific dates for all events are on the Macaroni Kid Facebook page.
As most normal birthday party options for kids are no longer available, Macaroni Kid is also hosting Strathmore birthday party parades on the second Wednesday of each month. Parades will occur between 11 and 11:30 a.m. and the parade route will be adjusted monthly to reflect the birthdays. People simply drive down the route and wave at the birthday houses or show happy birthday signs for all to enjoy.
“With the current conditions and all the stress, it is important to put our mental health and the mental health of our kids in the forefront of our minds. Do activities that bring a sense of normalcy and spread kindness and joy; help our kids feel connected,” said McCullough. “My kids are loving having something to look forward to and are enjoying virtually planning these themes with their friends.”