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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Children were the centre of attention for an afternoon in Fort Simpson recently.

Keirah Simon, 5, squeezes glue onto her artwork so she can stick on coloured pasta during the Open Doors Society's National Child Day celebration in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Approximately 30 children and their families attended The Open Doors Society's annual National Child Day celebration at the recreation centre, Nov. 20.

The theme of this year's event was celebrating children's talents and abilities.

"The kids blow my mind with some of the things they can do at an early age," said Leah Keats, the society's former programming co-ordinator.

Keats said many of the children in the society's programs show artistic talent. There are three- and four-year-olds who add incredible details to their drawings, including princesses complete with painted fingernails, earrings and lipstick, she said.

The door prizes at the event reflected the theme – a telescope, recorders, a child-sized guitar and art supplies. Keats said she hopes the arts and crafts materials will encourage the children to continue creating.

Around the gym, children were actively displaying their talents. The Wii game Just Dance Kids was the most popular activity.

McKayla Thwaites, 7, said she likes the game, which requires participants to follow the dance moves of children on screen, because she just likes dancing. Her favourite song is Do the Monkey.

The dancing game was also a hit with eight-year-old Grace Day, who said she likes following the actions shown on the screen.

Day was the winner of a guitar in the door prize draw.

"I always wanted an instrument," she said.

Watching the children at the other activity areas, including a craft table, beanbag toss and puppet theatre, Gloria Kjeldsli said National Child Day is a worthwhile event.

"I think it's just awesome," she said. "The kids are being kids."

Kjeldsli, who'd just completed her first week as the new programming co-ordinator for the society, said she's already making plans for next year's event and wants to get more organizations and parents involved.

"I think it's going to be a good year because I love working with children," she said.

Canada's National Child Day is held annually on Nov. 20.

The date marks the occasion when Canada adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the basic human rights for children and youths.

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