Give Kids The World Village opens new STEAM Wonderlab
Unlocking the Wonders of STEAM: Give Kids The World Village's Innovative WonderLab
In a heartwarming celebration, the non-profit Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, recently unveiled its latest addition – the Mayor Clayton's WonderLab, an immersive Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activity center. This groundbreaking facility aims to ignite the curiosity and creativity of children with critical illnesses and their families, providing them with unforgettable experiences during their week-long vacations at the Village.Empowering Families Through Innovative Experiences
Transforming the Village into a STEAM Wonderland
The WonderLab is a testament to the Village's commitment to creating magical experiences for every member of the family. Designed by a team of experts, including Give Kids The World's Chief Innovative Officer Ian Cole, Manager of Experiential Education Christie Miga, and Evan Miga, the founder of MigaMe, the WonderLab is a true marvel of innovation.The facility features six unique spaces, each offering a different STEAM-based activity. From the futuristic Lab Access, where visitors are greeted by an animatronic robot dressed as the Village's beloved Mayor Clayton, to the Puzzle Portal, where collaborative games and vertical puzzle building take center stage, the WonderLab is a hub of exploration and discovery.Hands-on Learning and Immersive Experiences
The WonderLab's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Visitors can engage in 3D printing, stop motion video creation, navigate a spherical robot obstacle course, build hydraulic machines, and even explore the inner workings of animatronics in the Volts & Bolts Studio. These hands-on activities not only spark curiosity but also provide a deeper understanding of the principles behind these technologies."The WonderLab is designed to spark new interests, excitement, and hope for teen and tweens who visit Give Kids The World Village," said Ian Cole, the Chief Innovative Officer. "Inside, you're going to find an amazing blend of art and science and math and technology – all the pieces that come together to create magical experiences and unforgettable memories for every member of the family."Fostering Connections and Inspiring Hope
The WonderLab's impact extends beyond just the children and their families. It serves as a hub for collaboration, where visitors can work together on puzzles, games, and other interactive experiences. This collaborative environment not only fosters connections but also inspires hope, as families facing critical illnesses find solace and joy in these shared moments of discovery and wonder."It's all about creating that happiness that inspires hope," said Pamela Landwirth, the President and CEO of Give Kids the World. "Each one of those 200,000 visiting families represents a family with a child with a critical illness, and we're dedicated to providing them with the magical experiences they deserve."A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
The WonderLab's opening is a testament to the enduring legacy of Give Kids the World Village, which was founded in 1986 by Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor who recognized the need for a dedicated place for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. From humble beginnings, the Village has grown to 89 acres, with 166 private wish family villas and an array of accessible rides, attractions, and venues.As the Village reaches its 200,000th visiting family, the WonderLab stands as a shining example of the organization's commitment to innovation and its unwavering dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for those facing the most challenging circumstances.
