“At a fair, children laugh, explore, and discover, and that is learning at its best.”
That was the feeling all around at this year’s Sea Country Festival, where OCASA proudly joined as one of the main sponsors. The festival was filled with rides, games, delicious food, and live music, and in the middle of all that fun was an OCASA booth where rockets were flying, bubbles were floating, and children were smiling. For us, it was more than just a booth; it was a chance to show families what we believe in every single day: that learning can be playful, exciting, and filled with joy.
Simple Activities That Created Lasting Festival Memories
At our booth, families gathered to try an interactive STEM activity. With just a piece of paper, a pipette, and a straw, kids made their own rockets and launched them into the air. Some soared high, others tumbled down quickly, but every single one brought laughter and excitement. Parents cheered, kids tried again, and the joy of learning filled the space.
One of the parents laughed and said, “I didn’t think a paper rocket would keep my son busy and engaged, but here he is, determined to make it fly higher.” Moments like that remind us that exploration is powerful, and when children are given the space to explore, they naturally learn.
Along with rockets, we handed out bubbles and science-themed stickers. These simple things mattered because they carried meaning. A bubble is shiny and magical, much like curiosity itself, and a sticker can be used like a badge of discovery. Through them, we were reminded that learning blossoms when joy is part of the experience.
Our Students Volunteered and Made the Festival Shine
One of the most heartwarming parts of the Sea Country Festival was watching our own students step up as volunteers and help us in activities, games, and everything. They also helped younger children build rockets, passed out stickers, and explained how the activities worked.
As we watched, it was really inspiring to see our students guiding others with patience and excitement. They took ownership of the activity, made sure every child felt included, and showed what it means to be both learners and mentors.
These small moments actually matter the most. When a student shows another child how to fold the rocket’s fins just right, or when they say, “Try again; it will work this time,” they are not just helping, but they are actually learning leadership, patience, and communication. And parents get to see their children shine in new ways, outside the classroom walls.
Community Connections and Lasting Relationships
The festival was also a beautiful reminder of the relationships that last long after students graduate. Throughout the day, families stopped by to say hello, some with children currently at OCASA and others with kids now in college.
Parents of an alumnus came over and said, “When I saw the booth, I was immediately brought back to happy memories of when my daughter was in elementary school at OCASA. She really thrived there!” Hearing words like that inspires our teachers to do what they do even more wholeheartedly. It shows that the impact of joyful, hands-on learning continues for years, shaping not just school success but life success.
Festival Fun That Reflected OCASA’s Learning Beyond the Classroom
Everything at the booth connected back to our teaching philosophy. Just like in our classrooms, where students use mixed-age learning, small group instruction, and hands-on projects, the festival activities gave children a chance to create, to test, and to try again.
When the paper rockets were going sideways, children were not giving up; they tried to adjust them, and they learned that trial and error are part of the process. This is the same mindset we build every day at OCASA. Whether it’s STEAM projects, art, or Inquiry Arc studies, we show students that learning is not only about results; it is about the journey, the fun, and the growth that comes along the way.
As parents connected with us, they would tell us things like, “This is exactly what kids need: a safe place to try, to laugh, and to learn at the same time.” That’s how OCASA gives children a space where learning feels safe, exciting, and full of possibilities.
Conclusion
The Sea Country Festival gave OCASA a chance to connect with families in the most joyful way. Seeing parents, alumni, and children gather around our booth reminded us that community is built through moments of fun and friendship. The event was a reflection of what we value most at OCASA: staying close to the families we serve and celebrating the joy of learning together.
