2014 THEMES
Every year, we introduce interesting new themes to inspire cultural sustainability. Each theme weaves art and outdoor activities around traditional African stories, specially crafted to keep the children empowered and engaged. This year we feature four fresh themes. Each will draw from Yoruba tradition to allow the children to connect with themselves, with one another and Oakland's ecological treasures.
la conga
rhythms, songs & celebrations of the african diaspora: June 11-15
Hasta Santiago a pie! All the way to Santiago on foot! During this week of Spanish immersion, we will take an epic cultural adventure. Set off to Santiago de Cuba in search of the world famous conga. Play the rhythms of Afro Cuban carnival! Sing the songs of la comparsa habanera! Learn to dance the koko-ye of Santiago! Make and paint masks, wear colorful costumes, build an hoguera and dance in the Iwalewa Conga Fiesta! And do it ALL en español.
artCreate a paper machie carnival procession with fantastic and fun characters, from "el monstro" to "la novia." Use paper, paint and glue to create puppets. Practice repeating patterns as you learn to play "la clave" (the key to Afro Cuban music) and increase your musicality by learning to sing in Spanish and play rhythm at the same time.
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outdoorNavigate an obstacle course with a rumba rhythm! Take on a carnival scavenger hunt, complete team challenges and collect clues to unearth a royal treasure. Enjoy a vigorous game of capture the flag or soccer in the meadow. And wrap it all up with tasty - and healthy - Caribbean snack foods, like totones, papaya con limon and agua de tamarindo.
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the king's market
visual poetry & praise of african royalty: June 9-22
Ago ile! Agolona! Hear ye! Hear ye! The king is calling on every brave heart and creative mind! Join the eternal quest to preserve our sacred groves. Come unlock the secrets of African herbalists, artisans and craftsmen. Create beaded crowns, palace murals and a throne room fit for kings and queens. Build shields and spears worthy of the noblest of African warriors.
artBecome king or queen of the castle or outfit the king's court in regal style. Design a majestic agbada hand-stamped with African glyphs and ancient symbols. Construct elaborate embossed thrones that demonstrate balance and symmetry. Experiment with color mixing, then design and cut a cellophane stained glass board game with adinkra symbols to entertain your royal guests with the wit and wisdom of the ancestors.
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outdoorGet moving with an African-inspired game of tag called Warlords, Priests and Wizards. Go stepping and slithering through the Savannah. Play an animal-themed variation of Follow the Leader and a Nigerian game called Omo Oshu that tasks you with identifying others by tracks and traces in the sand.
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The Secret of Aroni's Grove
magical creatures and mystic plants of the sacred forest: August 13-17
Come and discover the mythical and legendary forest spirits. These spirits, led by Aroni, speak bird language, and can shape shift into any animal form. Let them teach you to make charms, how to break hexes and care of magical creatures. Use roots and leaves to create herbal infusions that cleanse and purify, as well as protect.
artBring the African sacred forest to life with a shadow box that features an animal - or a mythic creature - in its natural environment. Show off your skills for layering tints, textures and shapes. Unmask Africa’s healing arts! Learn about texture, pattern and stamping techniques to create your own medicine mask and pouch.
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outdoorLet's track medicinal herbs of the sacred forest and prepare different purification infusions. Hike up to the hilltop to explore the different plants and animals found at various altitudes. Let's take the African meadow by storm with Iwalewa team challenges and traditional African fun, like the rhythm game Che Che Kole and capture the flag.
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mas mundo africano
rhythms, songs & celebrations of the african diaspora: August 20-24
Vamonos pa'l Africa! Let's go to Africa! During this week of Spanish immersion (which is a repeat of week 1), we will take an epic cultural adventure. Set off across the Caribbean in search of Africa's heartbeat. Play the rhythms of Afro Cuban carnival! Sing the songs of Mexico's Son Jarocho! Perform the chants of Afro Venezuelan calypso! Build REAL musical instruments, make and paint masks and perform in the Iwalewa Festival! And do it ALL en español.
artCreate a paper machie carnival procession with fantastic and fun characters, from "el monstro" to "la novia." Use paper, paint and glue to create puppets. Practice repeating patterns as you learn to play "la clave" (the key to Afro Cuban music) and increase your musicality by learning to sing in Spanish and play rhythm at the same time.
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outdoorNavigate an obstacle course with a rumba rhythm! Take on a carnival scavenger hunt, complete team challenges and collect clues to unearth a royal treasure. Enjoy a vigorous game of capture the flag or soccer in the meadow. And wrap it all up with tasty - and healthy - Caribbean snack foods, like totones, papaya con limon and agua de tamarindo.
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registration
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