A Wonder Tour in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
THE QUEST FOR THE MAGIC POTION
On a beautiful afternoon in Fort Greene Park the Wonder Kids wander off into an adventure full of magic, music, clues, and collaboration. In order to make a potion for unpoppable bubbles they must follow the map, search for the ingredients and answer riddles along the way!
Before COVID-19, we were focused on creating Wonder Adventures, immersive treasure hunts for children in natural environments, guided by Wonder Magicians (half animators, half magicians). These were truly unique and magical tours designed for children aged 4 to 12.
Mixing story-telling with creative games, kids were invited to use their imagination to solve challenges, to collaborate and negotiate with other kids, to connect with nature, to explore unfamiliar places and to embrace the freedom and responsibility that comes with it.
The Quest for Magic Potion is on of our favourite examples of a wonder adventure that we played several times last year in Fort Greene Park, open to the public. Time Out Kids featured it as the 3rd best thing to do with kids in NYC during the weekend. The adventure started by the large column at the top of Fort Greene Park and lasted 90 minutes. Here, we share a glimpse of the magic that happened…
We experienced several moments of wonder like this one - Kids crossing the invisible river.
THE STORY
In this adventure children need to find the missing ingredient for a potion that will keep humanity’s Wonder alive: Don Masto’s snot. They meet a magical bubble making creature who invites them to join the adventure and guides them on the quest through the labyrinth of the park.
It is not a simple mission. The children need to explore the park with the aid of a map…crossing the Invisible River to reach the lands of the Tree Family Company. There Mom Tree has sad news for them… Don Masto’s snot is no longer available. There is only one place to get it: going to Don Masto’s castle and asking him to sneeze.
Reaching Don Masto’s Castle is not an easy task, but the Wonder Kids are now prepared for all missions:
Don Masto is not at home but shares the address of an old friend who keeps some of the magical snot: Abuelito, the grandpa tree of Fort Greene Park:
Finally, we find the final ingredient so we can complete the potion for the “wonder” that creates huge bubbles:
LEARNING MOMENTS
Endless moments from the moment that kids from different backgrounds get together on an imaginative mission following a fantastic guide, surrounded by Nature, mystery and music.
INCLUDING:
Learning to use a Wonder Map, to orient themselves in space, using visual references and map coordinates.
Collaboration and teamwork, making decisions and negotiating with old and new friends. Taking on different roles spontaneously.
Moments of order and cooperation
Moments of chaos and spontaneous leadership
Moments of patience and waiting
Moments of envisioning fantasy scenarios together (collaborative pretend play)
THE WONDER MAGICIANS
School of Wonder wouldn’t exist without the talent and hard work of the Wonder Magicians, artists and educators who collaborate with us, making the magic real. Many of them are personal friends, who have walked with me in these past years remembering the wonder. Like these friends, Luke and Dan, whose spontaneous and delightful rhythms make us feel like we are playing a part inside a fantasy movie: