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In This Issue
Family Corner
Wanted: Reward Offered
SHOP-ing @ MCM
Spring Break Day Camp: Few day spots left!
Spring Break Drop-In for Fun
Tigers and Dragons Now at the Museum!
"What Am I?" Contest
Special Earth Day School Program Offer
Moms Free Day
13th Annual Build For Kids Golf Tournament
Annual General Meeting
Summer Break Day Camp: Register Today!
Events at a Glance 
 
Mark your calendars -
the following MCM
events are taking place
in April and May!
 
  
Tigers and Dragons Open
Now until September 7

Spring Break Day Camp
March 30 - April 3

Spring Break Activities
March 30 - April 4

What Am I? Contest
Entry Deadline
April 21

Rogers Movie Nights
Saturdays in April

Mini Mondays
Mondays in April
  
Project du Jour
Weekends in April
 
Moms Free Day
May 10 
 
Annual General Meeting
May 25
 
Build For Kids Golf Tournament
May 27
 
Family Corner
In this issue, we have a great craft idea to share with you that will engage the whole family and promote family time!

Family Craft 'n Fun: 
Chinese Paper Lantern
Paper lantern craft


Craft Supplies

Items Needed:
  • Red, orange or yellow paper   
  • Tissue paper
  • Scissors 
  • Glue stick
  • Thread 
  • Stapler
Instructions:

  1. Fold your paper in half lengthwise, making a long, thin rectangle. Cut lines through the fold to about 1.5" from the top of the paper at about 1" intervals. 
  2. Unfold the paper. Roll it into a cylinder shape and glue or staple the short edges of the paper together.
  3. Glue strips of tissue paper along the inside-bottom of the lantern.
  4. With the tissue paper hanging at the bottom, make two small holes in the top. Tie some thread through the holes to hang the lantern and decorate for Chinese New Year!
Our
Volunteer Team is Planning For Summer at MCM! 
facepainter
 
Summer at MCM offers many exciting roles for volunteers! These opportunities include day camp, activities in our foyer, and support for our galleries and our newest exhibit, Tigers and Dragons.
New volunteers are welcome - contact MCM now so you can complete the application process before summer arrives. Volunteers need to be at least 13 years old and
begin the application process by attending an information session. (Note: If you are under 18 years old, your guardian must attend as well.) 
 
The next volunteer information sessions are scheduled for:
Saturday, April 18 at 1:00PM
Saturday, May 23 at 1:00PM
 
Be a Summer Day Camp Counsellor!
 
Are you interested in being a volunteer counselor at MCM Summer Day Camp?  If you are, please contact the Volunteer Resources Manager so that we can arrange for you to attend an orientation.

Each year, the Manitoba Children's Museum offers Summer Day Camp.  Volunteer counsellors provide active and effective support for the MCM staff counselors and the camp program. The volunteer counselor role includes an excellent opportunity for volunteers to develop communication, leadership, and other employment-related skills in a safe and encouraging environment.
 
Day camp volunteers should be 15 years of age or older. Each volunteer counsellor needs to attend an MCM volunteer information session and an orientation session, and is asked to contribute at least one full week to Summer Day Camp.

The volunteer counsellor orientations for Summer Day Camp will be on: Saturday, April 18 at 10:00AM
Saturday, May 23 at 10:00AM 

For more information or if you plan to attend one of the upcoming information sessions, please contact: Lynn Silver, Volunteer Resources Manager, by phone at 924-4002 or by e-mail at lsilver@childrensmuseum.com.
SHOP @ MCM
Tigers and Dragons are roaming SHOP! After you're done having fun in MCM's new exhibit Tigers and Dragons, you can find all things India and China in SHOP. We're stopping by China for SHOP's Top 10 List this month: 
  1. Hit Pay Dirt: Excavate your own archeological
    site with a Chinese Copper Coins Excavation Kit
  2. Better Than Cookies: Tell fortunes with Chinese Fortune Sticks, one of the most ancient methods of fortune telling in the world!
  3. Wok Your Socks Off: Race to pick up the food as the wok shakes and rolls with the Wok 'n Roll game! 
  4. Fan Club: The Design Your Own Paper Fan Craft Kit lets you choose your own colours and designs to make yourself a cool accessory!
  5. Draconian Designs: Show off your style with temporary Magical Dragon Tattoos!
  6. Dinner on the Orient Express: Hold your own Chinese dinner party with a 14-piece Oriental Service Set!
  7. Grab a Dragon Tale: Bring these mythical beasts to life with books like The Pet Dragon, George and the Dragon, and Chin Chiang & the Dragons Dance!
  8. Chop To It: Learn a new, fun way to eat with easy-to-use Zoo Chopsticks!
  9. The Luckiest Pet in the World: Take to the skies with your very own legendary Stretchable Dragon!
  10. Build a Great Wall of Artwork: Create your own Asian art with our Dragon Drawing Book and Chinese Dragon Stained Glass Colouring Book!
Visit SHOP for all of the items in this month's Top 10, and for great gifts including toys, clothing, confectionery, novelty items, and more that will spark kids' imaginations, develop cognitive and fine motor skills and keep them entertained!
 
Air Miles Logo

Air Miles Bonus Cards
Now Available at SHOP!
 
For every $50 you spend at SHOP, you'll receive a bonus card for 20 Air Miles Reward Miles. Please see in-store for further details.

Feature Items for April

April Feature Item #1

SIGG Bottles 

We're freshly stocked with SIGG bottles ranging in size from 0.3L to 1L with cute, wild and beautiful designs! These bottles are considered the safer, greener and cooler way to hydrate, and they contain none of the chemicals used in polycarbonate plastics that have come under scrutiny and are under review by the Canadian government (Maclean's October, 2007).

Our Price: $21.99 & Up 

April Feature Item #2

b.b. begonia Bags

In honour of Earth Day, help the planet and look chic while doing it with b.b. begonia reusable bags! They're available in a variety of cute, colourful patterns and can take the weight of two supermarket grocery bags. And when you're not using them, they fold back into their own portable pouch. 

Our Price: $8.99

April Feature Item #3

Mimi the Sardine Lunchbugs
 
Friendly, fun, and practical, these eco-friendly lunch bags are perfect for snacks on the go! They're easy to clean and are equipped with a sturdy zipper and soft handles.  

Our Price: $24.99

Your Purchase Counts!
Every purchase made at SHOP goes directly back into the museum! By supporting SHOP, you are supporting the Manitoba Children's Museum.

Shop Logo

Telephone: 943-1449
Email: shop@childrensmuseum.com

Dream Gallery 

Dream Gallery Feb 09
MCM's Dream Gallery displaying children's artwork on the Mezzazine is open for viewing Monday to Friday.
 
The students from St. Charles School's Before and After Program have worked hard to finish their winter scenes. From fluffy hills to falling snowflakes, these pictures are a chilly treat. This is the easiest way to enjoy the coldest season while staying warm! A special thanks to each and every artist.
Admission Rates
Under 2: Free
Kids 2-12: $7.00
Adults: $6.75
Seniors: $6.25
 
Museum &
SHOP Hours


Sunday through Thursday:
9:30AM - 4:30PM

Friday & Saturday:
9:30AM - 6:00PM
 
SPECIAL SPRING BREAK HOURS IN EFFECT
 Monday, March 30 -
Saturday, April 4
9:30AM - 6:00PM
 
Good Friday Hours
 (April 10)
9:30AM - 4:30PM

Easter Sunday Hours
(April 12)
Museum and SHOP Closed

Closed Sign
 
Friday, May 1
Museum opening at 1:00PM due to private rental.
 
 We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!
Find Us On Facebook!
Facebook Badge
The Manitoba Children's Museum can now be found on Facebook! Join us here and post photos or videos of your family's most recent visit, share your favourite MCM story or memory, and stay up-to-date on our special programs and upcoming events!
Join Our Mailing List
eNews - April 2009
Your source for what's happening at the Manitoba Children's Museum
Spring Break Day Camp:
Register Today! 
spring_break
 
We still have a few day spots available for our Spring Break Day Camp.

Dates: March 30 to April 3

Time: 9:00AM to 4:00PM (Early drop-off and late pick-up available)

Price: $35 ($30 for members)

Themes:

Monday, March 30: Artist for a Day

Come spark your creative energy in a camp devoted to the visual arts! Craft a tile mosaic, try your hand at splatter painting and sculpt a masterpiece of clay. Every artist needs inspiration and the MCM galleries are the perfect place to find it!

Tuesday, March 31: Storyteller for a Day

Release your imagination in this camp designed to bring out your inner storyteller. Use any medium, from publishing your own bound book to visual art to drama, to bring your ideas to life! Explore your creative talents and tell us a story!

Wednesday, April 1: Scientist for a Day

Whip out your goggles and join the scientists in the MCM lab for a day jam-packed with awesome experiments, creepy crawly cockroaches, space exploration, and much more! Get your lab coat ready - this day is going to be messy!

Thursday, April 2: Photographer for a Day

Come be a shutterbug at the Manitoba Children's Museum! Use the MCM-provided digital camera to capture how you see the world! Catalogue your adventures in the jungles of the Tree and Me Gallery, your cross country train trip on the 9161 Express, and your day as an astronaut in the Space Station. At the end of the day, print your photos and take them home!

Friday, April 3: Archeologist for a Day

Dig archeology? Come discover the ancient treasures of the Manitoba Children's Museum! Handle real artifacts, learn about ancient cultures, and dig your very own test pit in this hands-on exploration of all things archeology.


Spaces are limited. Contact Erin by email at emcintyre@childrensmuseum.com or call 924-4000 Ext. 017 to register today!
Get Ready For Spring Break! 
 
Spring has sprung, and we're bursting with excitement over this year's great Spring Break line-up! 
 
From March 30 to April 4, drop-in for fun with special guests, crafts, and activities including:
 
Monday, March 30:
Special Guest: Buzz and Boomer (12:00PM - 2:00PM)
Project du Jour: Foam Fingers
 
Tuesday, March 31:
Special Guest: Art City (12:00PM - 3:00PM)
No Project du Jour because of Art City's big project
 
Wednesday, April 1: 
Special Guest: Let's Talk Science (12:00PM - 2:00PM)
Project du Jour: Rock Splatter Painting
 
Thursday, April 2:
Special Guest: Rick the Firefighter (12:00PM - 2:00PM)
Project du Jour: Egg Carton Fire Truck
 
Friday, April 3:
Special Guest: Avian Welfare (12:00PM - 4:00PM)
Project du Jour: Pet Pirate Parrots
 
Satruday, April 4:
Special Guest: Chris Madden (12:00PM - 2:00PM)
Project du Jour: Easter Egg Baskets
 
Check our website frequently for updates on event schedules and special programming!
Tigers and Dragons:
Now at the Museum!

Tigers and DragonsCome and discover the fascinating cultures of China and India for kids as the temporary traveling exhibit Tigers and Dragons ROARS proudly at the Manitoba Children's Museum!

Open now until September 7, personally experience the bustle and excitement of a Chinese market, try on beautiful, traditional clothing, bangles, and scarves, and explore the world with a giant globe. 
 
Entrance to the exhibit is free with regular museum admission.

Accompanying School Programs:

To celebrate the arrival of Tigers and Dragons, we are offering brand new school programs for Kindergarten to Grade 4 classes!
 
How We Learn and Play:
Kindergarten & Grade 1
Come fly around the world at the Manitoba Children's Museum! Kids will have the chance to play with giant globes and maps, practice Chinese lettering, and create their own "kolam" as they realize that every child in the world shares the same basic needs, but that they meet them differently.
 
Storytelling Around the World:
Grade 2 & Grade 4
Calling all storytellers! This program invites kids to discover different ways of sharing stories, from dance to art to writing. Come explore your creative talents and tell us your story!
 
Culture and Classroom:
Grade 3
Come spend a day in the life of a student in China or India! Experience firsthand what it's like to go to school in a different country. Students will get instruction in yoga, play international recess games, and practice their Chinese lettering in this fun, action-packed program!

Teachers: Please call 924-4004 or email schools@childrensmuseum.com for program details today!

"What Am I?" Contest

What Am I 09

Visit us for your family's chance to participate in April's contest!

To the lucky winner of this month's contest, we're giving away a free, one-year Adventurer Family Membership Pass which includes the following great benefits:

  • Unlimited admission for up to two adults and all children in the household for one year
  • Discounts on MCM day camps
  • Discounts on MCM birthday parties
  • Free admission to participating Science Centres in Canada
  • A 10% discount on memberships at the Manitoba Museum, Oak Hammock Marsh, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery

TO ENTER:

Carefully study the picture shown above. It features a close-up of something that can be found in our new traveling exhibit, Tigers and Dragons.

Explore the Manitoba Children's Museum to find the item in the picture!

When you think you know the item, simply reply to this email (before April 21, 2009) providing your name, address and phone number and correctly answer the following TWO questions:
  • What Am I?
  • Which Section of the Exhibit Will You Find Me In?
(Please note that all contact information must be provided and you must correctly answer the two questions in order to be eligible for this draw. As a participant in April's "What Am I?" Contest, the Manitoba Children's Museum reserves the right to contact you to discuss your submission. The Manitoba Children's Museum respects your privacy and holds your personal information in strict confidence. For more information about our Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer at 924.4010 or e-mail jmcleod@childrensmuseum.com. MCM staff and volunteers are not eligible to participate in this contest. Contest closes Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 12:00AM.)

LAST MONTH'S CORRECT ANSWER:


The image featured in March's eNews was that of "AirWorks" located in the "Live Wire" Gallery. Thank you for all of your entries, and good luck with this month's contest!
Join Us For Mini Mondays!
 
Mondays at the Manitoba Children's Museum are very special days! Every Monday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM, we tailor crafts and activities to suit the needs of our youngest visitors. We will be offering special guided crafts at the Project du Jour table and storytimes at 11:30AM and 1:30PM in the TV Studio. 
 
Join us this April and help us celebrate the world around us!

April's themes include: 
April 6 - The Weather Outside
April 13 - Animals in Nature
April 20 - Plants in Nature
April 27 - Different Cultures 
 
Caution: Adults at Play!
 
We live in a world where children play with computer games and electronic books or toys that use little to no imagination. The Manitoba Children's Museum is one of the last havens that encourage children to actively investigate their world and use their imagination as they play, laugh, learn, and grow.
 
That is why we are dedicating the first Monday of every month to explore how each gallery at the Manitoba Children's Museum can open up the world of your child's play through interactive environments that nurture the power of imagination and spirit of self-discovery.

Join us on April 13 at 11:00AM and 1:00PM as we explore the Tree and Me gallery, and see how it sparks creative learning in children. Children are invited to play in the gallery as adults enjoy the presentation.
Weekends Project du Jour:
Come create with us!

Project du JourJoin us in the foyer on Saturdays and Sundays for our "Project du Jour" craft!

T
his month's Project du Jour crafts include:
 
Apr. 4 & 5 - Easter Egg Baskets 
Apr. 11 - Spring Windsock (Note: We are closed Easter Sunday, April 12)
Apr. 18 & 19 - Lollipop Flowers
Apr. 25 & 26 - Hand Print Tulips
 
Free with museum admission.
Rogers Movie Nights

Grab a snack and settle in for the show!

Saturdays at 4:00PM

April's movies include: 

April 4 - Bolt 
Running Time: 96 minutes, G
 
April 11 - Bedtime Stories
Running Time: 99 minutes, G

April 18 - The Emperor's New Groove 
Running Time: 79 minutes, G
 
April 25 - The Lion King
Running Time: 87 minutes, G
 
Movie titles are subject to availability.
Free with museum admission.

For further details, visit our website or call 924-4000.
St. Vital Kids Club Discount Day 
Kids Club Logo
 
As part of our Little Hands, Big Ideas partnership with St. Vital Centre, Kids Club members can enjoy $2.00 off children's admission at the Manitoba Children's Museum all day long during St. Vital Kids Club Days on the first Saturday of every month. Simply show your Kids Club Card at our Admissions Desk to receive your discount.
 
Next Kids Club Day: Saturday, April 4
  
Join the St. Vital Kids Club now and you can enter to win your own private birthday party at the Manitoba Children's Museum! It's free! It's fun! It's fantastic!
 
For more information and to sign up today, visit Customer Service at St. Vital Centre or visit their website at www.stvitalcentre.com.
Calling All Teachers: Special Earth Day School Program Offer

High-five for Planet Earth!

Earth DayEarth Day is April 22, and to celebrate, we're offering discounted rates on our most popular curriculum-linked school programs dedicated to teaching kids about nature and the environment and the importance of recycling and conservation efforts. 

Paper, Trees and Me (Kindergarten)
Trees are our best friends as we explore the paper-making process from start to finish. This program includes creative dramatics, a game, and hands-on fun as we explore trees, paper, and the role of recycling. Students will create their own environmentally-friendly piece of paper! Supports Science learning outcomes

Ocean Adventure (Grades 1 & 2)
In this exciting program, students will study the characteristics and needs of aquatic living things as well as the role of air and water in the environment. Students will participate in cleaning up an "ocean" as they learn about the effects of pollution on water and what they can do to conserve and preserve this natural resource.
Supports Science learning outcomes

Special Creation Station Craft Running All Day Long!
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: High-five Planet Earth and make something new at the Creation Station! Kids can dig through more than twelve bins of recycled arts and crafts supplies and bring their inspirations to life.
 
Special Earth Day Program Discount
$4.00 per student (save $0.75 per student!) per program
 
To book your school visit today, please contact our Bookings Coordinator at 924-4004 or email schools@childrensmuseum.com
Attention All Moms: Free Museum Admission on Mother's Day! 
 
Date: Sunday, May 10
 
To celebrate mothers on their special day, the Manitoba Children's Museum is offering all mothers free admission - all day long! Moms and children can enjoy exploring the galleries together and make memories that will last a lifetime.
WestJet Flies Into 13th Annual Build For Kids!  
Build For Kids Golf Logo Small
 
Date: Wednesday, May 27
Place: Bridges Golf Course
Time: 11:00AM - Lunch, 12:30PM - Shotgun Start, 6:30PM - Dinner 
 
Don't miss this chance to spend a day on the links at Bridges! Now you can have fun golfing and support the Manitoba Children's Museum at the same time. Become a sponsor, register a team, or join as an individual. The tournament will be Texas Scramble format and have a shotgun start. Your registration fee includes lunch, dinner, registration gift, green fees, power cart, participation in all hole contests, team prizes, and a chance to win a brand new Pontiac vehicle courtesy of Pontiac Buick GMC!  
 
NEW THIS YEAR!
Closest to the Pin hole contest prize is 2 return flights anywhere WestJet logoflies! You don't want to miss this opportunity. Click here to register!
 
Gold Sponsors:
Sobeys logoBoeing logo
 
Silver Sponsor:
Eastside Logo

All funds raised from this charity tournament go directly to the Manitoba Children's Museum. While a portion will be used to maintain the museum galleries and exhibits, the remainder will support the museum's Free Access Program which brings inner-city children to the museum for visits and extra-curricular programs free of charge!
 
Early Bird Offer:
Register by April 15 and you will be entered to win a round of golf for 4 at Bridges Golf Course valid for the 2009 season! (Value $180)
 
Please print off the registration form and mail or fax back to Erin Kangas, 45 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4T6. For further inquiries, phone 924-4005 or email ekangas@childrensmuseum.com
Annual General Meeting: Mark Your Calendars 
 
The Manitoba Children's Museum's 2009 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, May 25 at 4:30PM in the Great Hall.

Agenda items include elections of the Board of Directors and amendments to the bylaws.

Anyone wishing to nominate a Director should contact the Administrative Office at 924-4008 for more information.

All museum members are welcome to attend!
Summer Day Camp:
Register Today

Registration is now open for our Summer Break Day Camp.

Every week is a brand new adventure with workshops, free time in the galleries, and non-stop fun and activities!
 
Take the Olympic Challenge, have an Art Attack, whiz Around the World in Five Days, and experiment with Super Science at the MCM Laboratory!

Dates: July 6 - August 28

Time: 9:00AM to 4:00PM (Early drop-off and late pick-up available)

Price: $140 ($125 for members)
 
Our Kids Explore Summer Day Camp is a great, safe place for kids to spend their summer days.

Spaces are limited. Contact Erin by email at emcintyre@childrensmuseum.com or call 924-4000 Ext. 017 to register today!
Want a Chance to Visit the Children's Museum for FREE? 
 
We want our eNews Family Corner and Facebook page to be all about you and the other families who visit our museum each day.

We'll be on the lookout all this month for any
of the following:
  • Family-themed crafts and activities;
  • Healthy recipes you can prepare as a family;
  • Stories or quotes about your family's experience at the Children's Museum;
  • Photos or videos of your time at the Children's Museum
We want to hear from you!

Simply e-mail any of the above to us at
general@childrensmuseum.com and if we choose to feature them, we'll contact you for more information and consent for your name to appear in next month's issue!

We'll even throw in a pass for you and your family to visit us and spend some quality time together - for FREE!!!
Support the Manitoba Children's Museum
  Donation button
The Manitoba Children's Museum is a registered charitable not-for-profit organization. This means that we rely on the support of individuals, foundations and corporations in our community to help us provide quality programming, introduce exciting new exhibits, maintain existing galleries, expand our Free Access Program, grow our endowment fund and move forward with our plans for a Capital Campaign. Please consider making the Manitoba Children's Museum your charity of choice.
 
To make an online donation, click here.
 
If you prefer to send us a donation by mail or fax, please click here to print a donation form.

Thank you!

Tax receipts are automatically issued for donations of $15 or more.

As a non-profit charity, everything we do at the Manitoba Children's Museum
helps children in our community. Our goal is to provide an environment where
children and their families, caregivers and classmates have the opportunity to
let their imaginations soar and engage in self-discovery.

We look forward to seeing you and your family soon at the Manitoba Children's Museum!

email: general@childrensmuseum.com
web: http://www.childrensmuseum.com

phone:204.924.4000