My 4-and-a-half-year-old daughter talks incessantly. She chatters about what she sees, she reminisces about what she’s done, she sings songs, commentates during activities and scolds her baby brother. But for three glorious days after attending camp at the Moonpaper Tent, she spoke her imagination. Story after story came swirling from her lips, and it was … magical.
Tucked in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood, the Moonpaper Tent offers something for just about every child, ages 2 to12. There are classes or camps for pretending to be a ballerina, a fairy, a wizard, a dragon, or a king. Your child can write and produce a play, build a fort, join a circus, travel the world, or perform in a talent show. Every dream is encouraged. The talented staff validates each child’s vision, and it is amazing to watch their imaginations take flight.
I heard about the Moonpaper Tent through friends who had attended birthday parties there. They raved about it. Like many of my friends with young children, I have “attended” all of my daughter’s social events, so to hear another parent wax eloquently on a child’s party piqued my curiosity.
I signed my daughter up for a three-day fort-building camp over winter break. I expected her to be tired from lifting sheets and pillows, boxes and crates every afternoon. I expected her to come home a little dusty and to try out her newfound skills in our living room with couches and cushions. I didn’t expect her to regale me with self-made puppet shows and myths of magical kingdoms, without pausing for breath in between stories.
Like most parents, I want to nurture my child’s imagination. I believe that children who learn how to dream and imagine become creative adults. And creativity in any school, any industry, any job is a desirable skill. How wonderful that Seattle has a place “Where Magic is Alive and Dream Worlds Exist” such as the Moonpaper Tent.
ABOUT THE MOONPAPER TENT
Where: 918 N.E. 64th St., Seattle
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Magic Egg Hunt – This interactive, spring-themed wonderland meeting will feature sweet animal characters who will summon kids’ help to solve a silly mystery. There will also be music, face painting, crafts and more. April 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Little Mermaid – In addition to an intimate performance inside the Moonpaper Tent theater, attendees will meet the characters and create crafts. April 30 to May 16, check Web site for show times. Admission: $10 per person (kids 2 and under free).
• Moonpaper Tent hosts a Parents’ Night Out every fourth Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring crafts, dress-up, stories and fun. Admission: $10 per child per hour (or two siblings for $8 each), limited to six children, so call ahead to register.
