Getting Recreational Students’ Program Big Hit With Little Kids

Sun., Feb. 23, 1997

By Ward Sanderson wards@spokesman.com

It was like Wayne Gretzky playing opposite Tweety Bird.

“He’s gettin’ open, sees a pass,” said a big-gloved Doug Teders, clacking his hockey stick against the floor. The EWU student slapped the puck and sent it sliding toward Joshua Reed.

Joshua is 3 years old. Almost.

“He sees it comin’ out, the puck’s on its way!” went Teders’ stick schtick. Joshua would swing at it more like a golfer than a hockey pro. They did that three times and finally Josh deflected the puck and sent it through the hole in the goal.

“He scores!” Teders yelled. Joshua was now a knee-high hero.

And so it went at Rogers High School Saturday, as EWU students gave Hillyard-area children the chance to play games and win prizes - all for a dime a ticket. The 41 students were enrolled in Eastern’s recreational management program. Their “Fantastic Fun for All” carnival gave them a chance to design fun and gave 300 kids a chance to have it.

The fun-fest was sponsored by EWU and the Northeast Youth Center. The carnival was held for years at the center and moved to Rogers two years ago, said professor Barb Brock.

Each group of students had to design a fun activity and get three company sponsors to furnish prizes - such as candy, comics, posters and stickers. The Spokane Police Department even donated bicycles.

“Whether they lose or win, we still give them a gift so they feel good,” student David Fowler said.

They had a football game where kids sent footballs spiralling through a suspended tire. It was staffed by Eagle football players.

And then there was the “Backwards Bowling Bonanza.” Kids had to do an upside-down, throughthe-legs, granny-style lob down the alley. Another game, “Jungle Putt,” had kids teeing off with a mini Whiffle ball on strips of fake turf.

The students were studying for future jobs at youth centers, resorts, parks departments or schools.

“I wanna do summer camp,” junior Mike Fletcher said, sucking on a lollipop.

“It’s just fun to watch the kids’ faces, you know.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

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