Building perfection
Fathers, sons bond over Lego challenge
With the holiday rush fast approaching, families may find it difficult to spend quality time with their children.
One recent program, the “Go, Go, Lego” event at Highland’s Lincoln Center, addressed that concern. Geared toward fathers and sons, the program welcomed 18 area participants for an evening of creativity and camaraderie.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do tonight, but I know it will be fun,” said Dominic Degen, 6, of Highland. “I love Legos; I have a lot of them.”
His dad, Gregg, also was open to the mystery of what was in store for the participants.
“What a great opportunity this (event) is for the dads and sons,” he said. “Quality time and a chance for bonding.”
That sentiment continued throughout the room during pizza time, socializing and the challenge of building three Lego items.
When Highland Parks and Recreation supervisor Alyce Van Drunen first decided to offer the unique father and son get-together, the focus of a like-minded challenge for the men was obvious.
“Who doesn’t like Legos?” she said, with a laugh. “And, this friendly competition gives them a chance to hang out.”
The Bender family of Munster is planning a Florida vacation this month, and Jackson, 5, was hoping to make an airplane or vacation home with Legos.
“I can’t wait to go with my family, and these things are exciting to me,” he said of his choices. “But I will do my best whatever we build.”
After pizza time and socializing, Van Drunen addressed the contents of large colorful bags that had been lined up on a long table in front of the room. After unveiling what was inside, the boys and their dads were given instructions regarding what was to transpire in the next hour.
“There are three small kits in each large box, and your challenge is to put together all three,” she told the audience. “The first father and son to finish all three will be our winner.”
There was a small catch — only so many Legos were included in the box to design a dinosaur, dragon and robot. So, as soon as one was created, Van Drunen took a picture of it, and then it was disassembled and on to the next.
Although no one finished all three of the items in the allotted time, many completed two.
The first to finish their two creations were Nico Tompkins and his dad, Rocio Tompkins.
Their prize was a box of colorful Legos.
All attendees went home from the event with quite a few rewards — some tangible, some not.
In addition to the Lego items they created for their family to see, the father and son duos also met new friends, gained creative skills and made priceless memories to treasure well into the future.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter.