Kite Workshop
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 28, 2013 (SKNIS)
Youth from the Lodge and Ottleys communities are spending some of their free time on Tuesdays and Thursdays learning how to make kites and have begun building their own, in preparation for a competition on Good Friday (March 29).
The inaugural workshop is organized by the Lodge Ottleys Lodge (LOL) Scout Group. Scout leader and community activist Dr. Vance Gilbert explained that the learning element was a key component during the sessions.
“One of the things that happens, over the years, is that persons have just basically bought kite and the kids growing up don’t know how to make kites, how to do it for [themselves],” he said. “So we got a kite master to come in and assist by showing the kids basically what are the basics of kite making, what are the parts of the kite and as you can see it has basically generated quite a lot of interest.”
Kite Specialist George “Biggs” Dickenson of St. Pauls is using his 16 years of kite making experience to facilitate the sessions. Other volunteers from the community have also assisted in making the kites.
The young participants noted that the activity has been beneficial and shared their excitement.
“We’re having fun,” said one young man. “They teach you how to make different kind of kites and they tell you the names of the different types.” A young female declared “˜I think it’s good and we should have it more often.”
Dr. Gilbert disclosed that prizes will be awarded for the most colourful kite as well as the kite that flies the highest.