Denmark Teaching Denmark

On Saturday, the former Early Childhood Center and soon-to-be Denmark Community Center was alive with excitement and activity not seen in its halls for some time. That afternoon, Denmark Connects hosted their first-ever Denmark Teaching Denmark event in the OneDenmark headquarters featuring a wide variety of activities for youngsters to learn from an array of area experts. The Denmark News stopped by during the first session to learn more about this new community initiative.

Denmark Connects is a local affiliate of NeighborWorks in collaboration with ADRC Brown County, the Denmark Activity Center, Viking Academy, Options for Independent Living and Curative Connections among other supporting organizations. Their stated aim is to "improve community programming in Denmark" and recently have undertaken a number of community-centric initiatives including Open Play Dates, Coffee with a Cop, the new Snow Angel program and informational luncheons for seniors. From their inception, Denmark Connects has also focused on finding ways to identify and share the unique talents so many area residents possess. This led to the creation of "Denmark Teaching Denmark" events, the first of which was held this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, 75 area children and their families filled the halls and classrooms of OneDenmark's building with the sights and sounds of learning once again. Since obtaining the building, OneDenmark has sought ways to use their new space before renovations began. Saturday's event was a perfect example with the former classrooms making great venues for the offerings. The event was open to children in grades 4k-8 with each selecting from a variety of classes including Kids’ Yoga, Karate, Fishing Lure Making and Seed Starting. There were also a number of artistic offerings including Clay Art, Rock Painting, Macrame and Crochet.

Attendees were asked to pick their five top choices before being placed in two classes. At 1 p.m., the first session met across the school with activities in a number of classrooms as well as the hallways and gymnasium. In each, students were taught by local volunteers who shared their respective talents and expertise. After the first session, all were invited to the gymnasium for a snack before their second class, and when both were completed, cookies were served.

The first-ever Denmark Connects "Denmark Teaching Denmark" event was a huge success with over six dozen local youngsters enjoying a fun- and education-filled afternoon. Denmark Connects organizers say they are working on organizing a similar event aimed at local adults to be announced in the near future.