Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Besides an Easter egg hunt or the power wheels derby or school events, there are few events held for “kids only,” especially a craft show.
However, the Kindling School of Craig County wishes to “nurture creativity and entrepreneurship in our youngest makers,” shared Melissa Beaudoin.
“This event is reserved for kids only,” she shared. “At this event, kids will be encouraged to come up with a product idea, budget for their initial expenses and $10 booth fee, determine the retail cost of their product, and market their product in an appealing way.”
She added, “Our Kid Makers keep all of the proceeds from their products! We would love to see the community support our budding entrepreneurs and kids from ages one to 18 are welcome to reserve a booth.”
Beaudoin shared, “Our Kindling School fundraising team aims to choose fundraisers that both enrich the community and support the school. We will also be selling craft burgers and scratch-made sides out of the Burger Bin at Lasterday Market.”
To reserve a booth, contact Melissa Beaudoin at (540) 314-6846 or message “The Kindling School” on Facebook.
The Kindling School began as a cluster of homeschooling families that agreed to school simultaneously, encouraging one another with shared homeschooling ideas.
“It quickly grew to include over 20 local families and 65+ students,” Beaudoin said. “We utilize a hybrid format, schooling two days together and three days from home. At The Kindling School, we recognize that children learn in so many ways! We believe that the schooling options available to children should be as diverse as the kids themselves. We’re happy to offer one more choice for Craig County learners.”
Their school serves children aged 1 through 12th grade.
Beaudoin added that while they aim to accommodate all families who have reached out to them, they are growing quite quickly.
“For our 2023-2024 school year, all of our elementary and middle school classes are operating off of a waitlist,” she said. “We do have openings in our high school classes, grades 9th through 12th.”
The Kindling School operates from the beginning of September until the end of May.
“The Kindling School ascribes to a Christian worldview and hopes to kindle in our students both a love for Jesus and a love for exploring the World that the Lord ordered,” Beaudoin explained. “Our shared curriculum covers Language, Math, Science, History, and Biblical History. Our students are also able to participate in many chosen electives including sign language, ballet, forest survival, embroidery, Lego engineering, and baking!”
“Our Kindling School advisory board aims to keep tuition costs affordable for any family who reaches out to us,” she added. “If our families ever meet financial challenges or are unable to pay the full tuition amount, fundraisers such as our Kid-Made Market give us the financial capacity to ease the burden for families who may need an extra leg-up. No family will be turned away based on an inability to pay.”
All proceeds from the booth fees and from the sale of food will help to nurture the growth of the school
