Do you wanna build a snowman? Now, Denver kids can say “hi” to one!
Generation Wild, a movement from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) that seeks to reconnect kids with nature, has launched its “Say Hi with a Snowman” initiative, in partnership with Children’s Hospital Colorado , for the fourth year in a row. Due to an overwhelming response from community volunteers in 2023, the campaign will begin earlier this year and run through February 14, with the possibility of continuing beyond this date depending on weather and interest. The project pairs patients with volunteers in the community to bring snowman drawings to life. Families can follow the fun through social media, using the hashtag #SayHiWithASnowman.
The 2024 campaign opens today for families and groups who want to volunteer to build a snowman. The Children’s Colorado team of Child Life Specialists will provide kids the opportunity to draw their “dream snowmen” alongside their favorite colors and outdoor snow activities. Volunteers across the state are then asked to bring these patients’ creations to life. Families interested in building snowmen can sign up and will be paired with a patient and their snowman. As the snowmen are built, the Children’s Colorado team shares pictures and videos received from volunteers directly with the patients.
“Our goal at Generation Wild is to get Colorado kids and families outdoors more often,” said Miller. “This fun campaign not only encourages outdoor play for the whole family but sets the example that an act of kindness can go a long way.”
Snowman Denver
The initiative launched in 2021 with a request for volunteers to build snowmen for patients in the hospital who were unable to get outside and play in the snow. Since then, a total of 421 groups of volunteers have created 235 real-life snowmen for 85 patients in the hospital. Each child received images of real-life snowmen based on a drawing of their perfect snowman, along with anecdotes and letters of encouragement from the volunteers.
“Say Hi with a Snowman’ allows kids in the hospital a chance to engage in creative play and just be a kid during times that can be tough for them and their families,” said Carla Barrentine, director of Integrative and Creative Care at Children’s Colorado. “We are so excited this campaign is returning for another year of fun partnering with Generation Wild to help bring joy and connection from outside the hospital.”
The “Say Hi with a Snowman” program is one more way Generation Wild connects children and families with nature and enables them to experience the proven physical, mental and emotional health benefits that come from spending time outside. It’s also a positivity boost for hospital staff.
Author: Mile High Mamas
