European Puppet and Creative Arts Festival

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity of attending the European Puppet and Creative Arts Festival - what a long title!

I was a bit dubious/anxious at first but it turned out to be a great event. It was really well organised and had a variety of seminars and sessions for those who were skilled in puppetry to those who weren't. I was more interested in the creative arts part of the festival, seeing how I could learn from the ideas and knowledge of others and use it in my work. There are so many experienced children's workers who are coming up with new things each week and using them in programmes, services and groups. The chance to be able to learn from there is obvious one to be embraced.

I attended this event with my sister, a definite beginner with using puppets - she even bought her first proper one at the event, a snail who she is still to name or give a personality. Even without a name she still felt able to practise techniques and use what she had learnt from the event. She also felt she had benefitted from attending - this was something she had been looking forward to.

Some sessions weren't as good as others but you never know what they are going to be like until you sit through them. There might have still been something to take home from these.

My favourite session, however, was led by a couple called Steve & Kay Morgan-Gurr. They are children's evangelists and General Directors of Children Worldwide Network. The session was on Storytelling. This is something I really enjoy doing with the children in various groups but can sometimes get quite samey. This workshop expanded the things I was able to do, and if I hadn't fallen ill I would have put into practise one of the techniques this week, pretending to be part of the wise men story, seeing the star in the distance.

There is still time though. I would really encourage people to go on training events, even ones you are going to be anxious about because it is great to learn from a range of people who are sharing Jesus with children every day.

Well done, One Way UK.

http://www.onewayuk.com/