Keeping kids safe online focus of school holiday session
Minecraft, movies, art, sport and plenty more are on the school holiday programme in Waimate, with so much happening that Explore Waimate has launched a dedicated calendar to bring the activities together in one place.
Library Assistant Kate Toomey-Smith who helps locals with technology is looking forward to helping young people have fun with games and stay safe.
Among the new activities at Waimate District Library these holidays is Gaming with Kate - a gaming session for children with a serious message behind the fun.
Suited to ages 9 to 13 and held at the library, games played include Minecraft and Roblox, and for this session, bookings are required.
Library Assistant Kate Toomey-Smith, whose role includes helping locals with technology, came up with Gaming with Kate as a way to talk to children about online safety in an environment where they feel comfortable.
“There are some weird things and people online. I wanted to talk about safety in a fun, happy and relaxed environment.”
A Minecraft fan since 2011, Kate has watched the game develop considerably over the years, with new features continually being added, including archaeology and new animals.
She is a strong advocate for the game and the skills children can develop while playing it.
“Minecraft teaches some really cool skills and it’s fun. Kids don’t have to play online with strangers - they can play by themselves or with their friends.”
Rather than delivering a lesson on internet safety, Kate plans to find out what games the children enjoy and talk through five practical ways they can deal with issues they encounter online.
And there was a good reason for calling the session Gaming with Kate.
“Online Safety with Kate sounded boring.”
Gaming with Kate is one of several free activities being offered by Waimate District Library during the holidays, alongside Movies at the Library, Halloween Origami and Super Gran & Fred the Dog.
And that’s just the library. There are 30 different events in Explore Waimate’s new school holiday event calendar.
The line-up includes the Scarecrow Hunt, indoor sports sessions, a Family Fun Day, movies, the Waimate Shears and opportunities to try everything from crochet to pickleball. The Bushtown Miniature Railway will also be running on the final Sunday of the holidays.
The calendar will continue to be updated as new activities are confirmed.