Hay River (Jun 05/06) - Genevieve Clarke is always looking for new ideas for fun and educational activities.

It's her job as child activity co-ordinator with The Tree House Drop-In Centre in Hay River.

Some of the activities for the kids - up to age six - have been crafts, stories, ballet classes and scavenger hunts.

There has even been journeys in space, Clarke notes. "We decorated the place as a space station and took imaginary trips."

Another idea was called "Paint the Town," which involved children painting various scenes on sheets hung on a fence in a park. Clarke says she depends a lot on the Internet for ideas.

"You wouldn't want to do the job without the Internet," she says. "It helps a lot."

The Tree House's free programming is designed to encourage children to interact and learn new skills.

Clarke says it's easy to know if the children like the activities. Clarke says the goal of the activities is to improve the motor skills of children and stimulate their imagination.

"It's learning through play," she explains. "Kids learn the most through play."

Clarke loves working with children.

"They keep you young and keep you laughing. It's fun to always be doing something new."

She notes she is a mother of six, with the youngest now 14. "I have a bit of experience with kids."

The Enterprise resident is also taking a child development course through teleconferencing at Aurora College.

Clarke also develops programs for the children's parents and other caregivers, although she notes that is more difficult.

"You can repeat the activities more with children than with adults," she says.

For the adults, she has presented such activities as crocheting and painting lessons, and a literacy program.

"We've had a belly dancing workshop by one of our parents," she notes, adding that many ideas come from parents.

Clarke has worked at The Tree House for almost two years. She is one of two full-time staff members.