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  Children's Programming

Don’t forgo Philcon just because of the munchkins! The Children’s Program is intended for the age six-to-twelve crowd, who’ve outgrown Babysitting but might be bored by other programming. It features crafting, storytelling and games—origami, drawing dinosaurs, wacky wargaming with LEGO bricks—all designed to infect the rug rats with fannish memes. There’s no extra fee, but policies are similar to Babysitting: we’re a daytime service, don’t serve meals, and reserve the right to return troublemakers to their parents. Parents are strongly encouraged to spend at least an hour helping; sign-up for a shift when you sign-in the kids. (You can play with the toys, if you keep one eye on the crowd.)

kids@philcon.org
Children's Programming Coordinator - Philip Thorne

Fri 4:00PM in Room 502 -- LEGO moon buggy racing (#47)
   Build or customize a LEGO moon buggy and race it, then rebuild it for improved performance. Events include downhill, spring-powered cross-country, and electric maze crawl.

Fri 5:00PM in Room 502 -- Story time #1 (#48)
   Hear excerpts from classic and familiar stories (maybe even some with pictures) read aloud -- just because it's cooler that way.

Fri 6:00PM in Room 502 -- Gaming with LEGO #1 (#49)
   The prime advantage of wargaming with LEGO bricks (generically known as "brik") is that painstakingly customized vehicles can be DEMOLISHED! in an entertaining way that pewter cannot. This first session will introduce players to brik gaming with Mike Rayhawk's "QuikWars," the simplest of many systems. Each game is limited to four players, to keep things moving; multiple GMs may be available.

Fri 7:00PM in Room 502 -- Slide show: LEGO starships (#50)
   Ever seen a twelve-foot-long LEGO starship? Or an accurate four-inch replica of an SF icon? See what the world's most talented amateur LEGO shipbuilders have made, pick up techniques, and get some ideas for the open building event.

Fri 8:00PM in Room 502 -- LEGO stop motion film festival (#297)
   LEGO bricks and minifigs are ideal for small-scale film making. Watch a series of SF-themed shorts, featuring familiar or original characters. See others on BrickFilms.com.

Sat 9:00AM in Room 502 -- Crafts: Make a bookmark (#51)
   Assemble and decorate a bookmark in the shape of a castle, spaceship or alien.

Sat 10:00AM in Room 502 -- Yarnish science fun (#57)
   Marvel at science-tastic "string theory:" knots, braiding, twining, fabric. Learn why fanciful creatures can't be avoided when spinning yarn from thread. (Further episodes available as an alternate Kids Room activity, and in the hallways.)

Sat 10:00AM in Room Franklin B -- LEGO open building event & contest (#277)
   Come play with a big, BIG pile of bricks, and build a model for one of the contest categories. Models will be displayed; awards will be announced during the Masquerade. Come to one of the LEGO slide shows (in 502) for ideas, or examine the SF-themed models exhibited by local AFOLs (adult fans of LEGO).

Sat 11:00AM in Room 502 -- Theme song singalong (#56)
   Get into the groove with TV theme songs: anything from “The Addams Family” to “SpongeBob SquarePants” to “Megas XLR.”

Sat 12:00PM in Room 502 -- Get physical: Theatrical makeup (#53)
   It's not so difficult to become a werewolf or Green Orion Woman. Simple transmutations will be demonstrated (burns, scars), then practice on yourself or get made up by the pros! (Soap-based paints are used, so a parental release form re: allergies will be required.) Provided by Raven Design Group, www.ravenefx.com: SFX, makeup and costuming, and portal to LARPing and the C'Erizan Empire.

Sat 2:00PM in Room 502 -- SF-Think: See a picture, write a tale (#64)
   Given a hand of randomly-chosen images, create a story. Write, draw or perform it.

Sat 3:00PM in Room 502 -- How to draw dinosaurs (#55)
   Local dinosaur artist Bob Walters reprises his ever-popular session, complete with paleontological anecdotes.

Sat 4:00PM in Room 502 -- Get physical: Belly dancing (#52)
   A local belly dancing team (www.devadasibellydance.com) introduces the distinctive moves of the Middle East (don't worry, parents: they're G-rated). Those too shy for gyration can accompany the dancers on drums. Wear loose clothing.

Sat 5:00PM in Room 502 -- SF-Think: Design an alien (#58)
   Think like an SF writer. If the alien planet is like *this*, then what are its inhabitants like? When do they eat, how do they move, and what does their furniture look like?

Sat 6:00PM in Room 502 -- Gaming with LEGO #2 (#59)
   Choose from a selection of more advanced games: Mike Rayhawk's flexible "BrikWars," Vincent Baker's "MechaTon," Peter Guenther's "BrickQuest" dungeon crawl, etc. The number of players in each group will be limited to keep things moving; the number of groups will be determined by the supply of GMs.

Sat 7:00PM in Room 502 -- Slide show: LEGO mecha (#60)
   Marvel at the robotic construction techniques of master builders worldwide, with SF replicas and original designs. Specific techniques will be explored, including the many ways to build a hand. Samples will be exhibited.

Sat 8:00PM in Room 502 -- Story time #2 (#298)
   Excerpts from classic and familiar books, possibly read by multiple cast members.

Sun 9:00AM in Room 502 -- Crafts: Decorate a visor (#61)
   Customize a foam hat into garb fit for a superhero, demigod, monster or alien.

Sun 10:00AM in Room 502 -- Get physical: Warm up with tai chi (#62)
   Get the blood flowing with these dance-like, low-impact exercises. Wear loose clothing.

Sun 11:00AM in Room 502 -- Gaming: "Toon" RPG (#63)
   Mallets and marbles, wild takes and birdie halos. In this Steve Jackson Games RPG (now back in print) cartoon physics rule, and nobody dies.

Sun 1:00PM in Room 502 -- Crafts: Junior origami #1 (#54)
   Basic paper folding: cup, swan, frog, etc. Includes "action" models.

Sun 2:00PM in Room 502 -- How to draw dragons (#65)
   There are so many kinds of dragon, it's a wonder we can recognize them all. Learn the basics, then go wild.

Sun 3:00PM in Room 502 -- Show and tell (#66)
   Have a favorite SFnal toy, game, LEGO construct or book? Show it off, and explain why it's cool.