Kidz Jam

Thank You for a Great 2010 Bonnaroo!

2010-06-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Kidz Jam would like to thank all of the parents, volunteers and staff at Bonnaroo for another successful Kidz Jam. We shot marshmallows at each other, tie dyed a few masterpieces and left lots of kids with a nightly supply of earplugs, plenty of fresh fruit and cold water.

Here are some of our favorite photos from Kidz Jam at Bonnaroo 2010:

King of the road.

DIY face painting session.

It's your friendly neighborhood Spider Man!

Sponge Bob does his thing.

Rockin out with Hello Kitty

Kidz Jam at Bonnaroo 2010

The Kidz Jam donation table, which paid for our gas, supplies, earplugs, etc. Thank you!

Kidz Jam crew preparing to set up.

A rare moment when the little car is empty.

Little hooper

Did you attend Kidz Jam at Bonnaroo? We would love to hear from you! Please post at the Family Camp board on Inforoo.com and let us know all your great stories, as well as planning tips for other parents.

You can also post your own Kidz Jam photos at the Inforoo board. See you there!

Little Roo Video

2010-04-30T06:13:00.001-07:00

Check out this video of a little toddler having a grand time at Bonnaroo in 2009!

2010 Events

2010-04-30T05:41:00.001-07:00

This is all we have on our calendar right now:

Spring Hookahville

Bonnaroo

Fall Hookahville

Send us a note with the form on the right if you are interested in having Kidz Jam at your event.

Follow Kidz Jam on Facebook

Kidz Jam wish list for donations and recyclables

2010-04-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Kidz Jam wish list for donations and recyclables to help us save, this is all for our craft projects for Bonnaroo this year!
Share
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 9:21am
Things we need donated or purchased

-Mega phone
-EZ-up
-Bubbles
-ear plugs
-glue
-paint in many colors
-masking tape
-fabric tape measure(one or two)
-12 inch small zippers(100 or so)
-googly eyes for animal crafts
-sandpaper
-plastic army men or animals
-colored sand
-8-3/4 inch sturdy paper plates
-construction paper
-colored tape
-wood dowels for bird feeders
-coffee filters
-paper towels
-cloths pins
-large mixing bowls
-Tye-dye- colors
-kite string/cord
-pillow cases(light color for Tye-dyeing)

Things we would like u to save for craft projects

-newspapers
-paper grocery bags
-kid OK magazines
-light colored clean pillow cases for Tye-dyeing
-clean plastic trash bags
-rubber bands
-2 liter plastic bottles (we need lots!)
-gallon milk jugs many colors(we need lots!)

That's all I can think of for now.... if you could help, we are a non-profit so anything u could do to help make this years craft projects happen would be a great help!!!! Thanks everyone!!

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2009 Bonnaroo Raffle Winners

2009-06-20T17:36:00.001-07:00

First of all, thanks so much to everyone who participated in our raffle. 400 raffle tickets were purchased over the course of the weekend. The money drummed up by any Kidz Jam fund raising effort goes right back into buying crayons, face paint, gas money to get to the fest, fruit, etc. None of us are on salary at Kidz Jam, so you can bet all the money is turned right back into fun stuff for the kids!

Here are our lucky winners!

bham66
David R.
Sarah Waite
Andrew Gordon
Fred Demeglio
Charlie Williams
Wende Johnson
Corie Martin

We will start calling winners on Monday to get mailing addresses.
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support!

Triumph Roasts Kidz Jam on The Tonight Show

2009-06-20T17:12:00.001-07:00

Back from Bonnaroo!

2009-06-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Kidz Jam had a great time at Bonnaroo! We saw so many of our old friends and met lots of new families. Sponge Bob was a hit, as well as the sand art and face painting.

The raffle winners will be posted later this week, as well as some fantastic photos of the event.

Thank you for helping to make Kidz Jam a great success at Bonnaroo 2009!

Raffle Donation from Pink Clouds & Angels

2009-05-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

When I used to work in an office, how you wore your badge was a topic of style conversation. Peggi Hacker at Pink Clouds & Angels design has come up with some very fashionable lanyards.

Wish I had these when I was an office gal. Thanks Peggi! What a great addition to our raffle goodies.

See more of Peggi's work at Pink Clouds & Angels

Thank you!

Courage in Patience Books Donated to Kidz Jam Raffle

2009-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Beth Fehlbaum has donated two of her books, Courage in Patience, which tells a story of hope for those who have dealt with abuse in their lives.

Read an excerpt from the book at Courage in Patience

Thank you!

Jewelry by Jeannie Donated to Raffle

2009-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Jeannie K. Dukic has generously donated these necklaces and earrings to help raise funds at our Bonnaroo raffle:

I really love the cascading rainbow beads on the second necklace. Thanks Jeannie!

Check out her other work at Jewelry by Jeannie

Thank you!

Baby Banz Donation for Bonnaroo Raffle 2009

2009-05-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sun protection is one thing that we take seriously at Kidz Jam. We always have plenty of sunblock for kids in need of another layer. Sherri and the good people at Baby Banz are thinking along the same lines. Their collection of sun protection for kids and babies is designed to make sure they are all set for safe fun in the sun.

Baby Banz has donated five adorable sets of Baby Banz hats, sunglasses and sunscreen wipes for our raffle. Thanks Baby Banz!

Baby Banz

Thank you!

Zunker Donation to Raffle at Bonnaroo 2009

2009-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another donation has come in for our raffle at Bonnaroo, and this one is from Zunker games. They donated two of their Birthday Gift Exchange games. These are fun party games where you play to exchange gifts.

Zunker Games

Thanks Zunker!

Thank you!

Hammock Donation from Eagles Nest Outfitters

2009-05-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Mandy and the gang at Eagles Nest Outfitters have donated two of their super comfy Double Nest hammocks for our raffle at Bonnaroo 2009.

They included a blue/orange/khaki hammock and one in Rasta colors. They also threw in a couple of the Pro strap sets to hook them up with. This is a prize that all of us at Kidz Jam are coveting. We love to visit the Eagles Nest hammock booth at Bonnaroo and sit around in their sample hammocks.

Eagles Nest Outfitters

Thank you!

The Noiseguy Raffle Donations Bonnaroo 2009

2009-05-05T06:07:00.001-07:00

Charlie Williams, better known as The Noiseguy, tells stories using funny sounds and noises. For the Raffle at Bonnaroo in 2009, he has generously donated a hardback copy of his book 'Flush: An ode to Toilets' as well as copies of his CD's Sugar Frosted Noisy Tales and Noisy Tales!.

In addition, we have been given a Noisy Tales! CD to play around Kidz Jam and bookmarks to hand out to the kids and parents.

Thanks Noiseguy!

Thank you!

Swiggies Raffle Donation

2009-05-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

Julie Austin and the good people at Hydrosport have kindly donated a box of Swiggies to add to our raffle prizes and distribute among the kids at Bonnaroo.

Swiggies are portable water bottles that strap onto kid's wrists so that they can stay hydrated in the Tennessee heat. Each wristband holds 4 oz of water, so the kids can refill when they need to and can get a drink whenever they like. They are reusable bottles and made of recyclable materials.

Thanks Swiggies!

Stride Rite Raffle Donation

2009-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Suddenly I wish my feet were about ten sizes smaller. Malinda and the great folks over at Stride Rite have put up these brand new shoes for the Kidz Jam Raffle at Bonnaroo in 2009 fromthier Playground collection. They are made for stomping in mud because they dry quick and you can chuck them in the washer.

Both shoes are a size 13. These kicks are not only stylish, but antibacterial and antimicrobial to boot. Okay, no more shoe puns. Thank you Stride Rite!!

Would you like your goods advertised at our raffle? Supporting Kidz Jam means associating yourself with an organization that encourages kids and parents to enjoy the arts together. Just fill out this simple form to let us know you want to donate. We can provide a tax-deductible receipt.
Thank you!

Donate an Item to Kidz Jam Raffle, Promote your Business at Bonnaroo

2009-04-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lend one of your goods to the Kidz Jam Raffle at Bonnaroo.

Kidz Jam provides the official children's area at Bonnaroo, a music festival that draws an average of 80,000 people to Manchester, Tennessee each year. Parents, children, and young festival goers spend hours a day in our tent and pass by in the tens of thousands on their way to the many stages that surround our central location.

In 2009, Kidz Jam needs to raise funds to cover our expenses for Bonnaroo. We would like to hold a raffle, which we have found to be successful in the past. Our sponsors have found it successful too, with their goods on display and business cards given to the parents and available to passerby. We are currently relying on public donation and fundraisers like this one to keep us running. Bonnaroo is our one good shot at a raffle fund raising effort in 2009.

Associating your business with Kidz Jam means becoming a part of teaching children about music and culture, educating parents on the importance of hearing and stranger safety at outdoor concerts.

A little more about Kidz Jam:

Kidz Jam works to make outdoor festivals aware of just how many children are in attendance. Children often don't have to buy a ticket or are lumped in with adult ticketing. This means that families are often not accounted for as a purchasing power for the festival. We tally the children and parents in attendance to help the festival make decisions like setting aside special camping areas for families. These areas have their own port-o-pots and are close to the stages. The walking distance at festivals can be as much as 45 minutes from the farthest camping sites to the stages. Let's prevent that for a 9 year old and make the festival a great family experience.

For every family, we give away sunblock, shade, fresh fruit and cold water to help combat the heat. Parents are offered complimentary earplugs and information on how to use them and why hearing and stranger safety is so essential for children at concerts.

Kidz Jam helps to fooster a love of music and the arts. Our live performers engage kids in magic tricks, face painting and music. There are instruments available for the children to try, and our crafts center the kids in art that promotes recycling and conservation efforts. Kids often make their own instruments to play during the concert so that they feel like they are part of the show.

When families are able to relax in a child-centered environment, they are refreshed and more ready to enjoy the music and art that the rest of the festival has to offer.

Thank you for your support. Each raffle entry we receive will be provided with a tax-deductable receipt with our EIN.Kidz Jam is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Email to kidz_jam(AT)yahoo.com if you have an item to contribute, or use the form at the top right.

Kidz Jam at Bonnaroo 2009

2009-04-13T06:50:00.001-07:00

Last week, Kidz Jam was featured in the Bonnaroo e-newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter at Bonnaroo.com to get updates on everything going on at the Roo this year.

Kidz Jam 2009

2009-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey kids! Soon we'll be ready to announce the 2009 events that we will be attending this year.

Festival Safety

2009-01-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

What Should We Bring?
Where Should We Camp?
How do We Prepare the Kids?
What About Safety?

At a music festival, children have to be especially aware of other people. Talking to them about stranger safety is very important, because people are likely to be more friendly in a relaxed environment like a music festival. Drugs and alcohol are certainly a factor at some music festivals. Younger kids should be advised not to eat or drink anything unless it is given to them by a trusted adult. Just because you are at a music festival, it doesn't mean everyone there is all rainbows and sunshine.

When it comes to keeping track of your child at a festival, there is no excuse for letting them wander off on their own. Talk to your children before the festival. Talk about strangers and what to do if you get separated. As soon as you get to the festival, locate the first aid station and make sure that your child knows how to get there.
Wear shoes. Get some shoes and keep them on your children's feet. I've seen way too many kids at outdoor festivals with no shoes on. It is not okay to walk around barefoot when people could be throwing glass bottles and sharp cans on the ground, among other things.

Hearing safety is very important for children at all concerts, even outdoor venues. You can sacrifice your own hearing, and your kids just might when they grow older, but kids are too young to make that choice. As a responsible parent, you should protect their hearing.

Bring foam earplugs and cut them in half for smaller ears. Try the waxy earplugs for a better fit. See what works best before the festival. If you lose your earplugs at the festival, come visit Kidz Jam and we will be happy to supply you with a new pair!

Sun Safety is another important point. Even on a cloudy day, you can get a sunburn. A child's skin is naturally more sensitive. When you are outside, sunblock is a must. Kidz Jam provides sunblock if you run out, and the First Aid tent at most fests will have it as well.

Do you have any safety tips for parents?

Prepare the Kids for the Event

2009-01-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

What Should We Bring?
Where Should We Camp?
How do We Prepare the Kids?
What About Safety?

Talking to your children about what to expect is a great way to avoid conflict later in the trip. Let your kids know what is going to happen at the festival. If they've never been camping before, tell them that you'll be sleeping in a tent, cooking your own food, staying outside, how to use port-o-pots and all about campfire safety.

At music festivals there are some special considerations. Jazz you kids up for the fest by listening to the bands that you're going to see and looking at photos online. If your kids aren't into the music, then you'll most likely be dealing with a bored little person during the entirety of the show. Let them know that bands play at different times, and that you'll be heading to the stage at different points during the day. tell them not to let you forget that Keller starts at 2:00. This makes them feel like they are part of the action, too.

Vendors are everywhere at a fest, and it's important for kids to understand that, sadly, we aren't made of money. Just like at the store back home, talk to them about begging you for everything in sight. The key is to talk to them about it before you arrive at the festival. This way, you've already laid the ground rules. Consider letting your kids sell a pack of glow sticks to your friends so that they have a little bit of spending money, and learn something about earning money in the process.

Food vendors are especially difficult to dodge at times, and even the best of us grown-ups give in to temptation.

Letting your children know that's back at camp and getting them helping with making the food may help to curb that 'deep fried Oreo' craving. Again, talk to your kids before you get to the festival about how many treats they are going to have from the food vendors. Also, keep snacks in your backpack and feed them before you get near the vendors.

Do you have any tips on talking to the kids?

Where Should We Camp?

2009-01-01T10:58:00.001-08:00

What Should We Bring?
Where Should We Camp?
How do We Prepare the Kids?
What About Safety?

Many festivals have a designated 'quiet camping' or 'family camping' area that is away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the festival goes. Visit the festival website to see if they offer quiet camping.

One drawback of this is that it is extra walking distance from the vendors and stage area. Keep this in consideration when choosing your camp site.

Bringing a wagon will help with little ones walking the grounds, but older kids will need to make the walk.

What is your experience with camp spots? Post below to share with us.

Festival Tips for Parents

2009-01-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

What Should We Bring?
Where Should We Camp?
How do We Prepare the Kids?
What About Safety?

What to Bring

2009-01-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

What Should We Bring?
Where Should We Camp?
How do We Prepare the Kids?
What About Safety?

When it comes to camping with the kids, being prepared is everything! Kidz Jam provides a few essentials for emergencies, but as a mom, I know it's a parents responsibility to try and remember what not to forget. Here's a good rundown. Try the printable version so you don't forget what not to forget!

Fun Stuff
Mini Backpack
Kids Flashlight
Books, Coloring Books, Notepad
Hoola hoop
Crayons
Kazoo
Magnifying glass
Frisbee
Binoculars
Bubbles
Light-up wands/toys
Kite
Bug jar (recyle a peanut butter jar for this..put holes in top!)
Action figures, small toys, cars for dirt play
Deck of playing cards/uno/whatever
Map of the fest (if available, check fest website)
A few dollars to spend on thier own
Glowsticks
Wagon
Large ball
Marshmallow stick or poker-let them find their own stick to make it more interesting.

General Supplies
At least 1 long sleeve shirt & pants, despite warm weather
Wagon
Toilet Paper
towels...not your best
hair ties/head scarves
chapstick
squirt bottles/pistols for hot days! (recycle a ketchup bottle for this!)
shampoo/soap...some fests have shower facilities, or you can buy the portable kind
2 pairs of shoes, sandals
Favorite Pillow/blanket
bug spray
toothbrushes/paste
Favorite Blanket
umbrella
Sunblock (also avilable at Kidz Jam
poison ivy/oak cream for those itchy possibilities
rain boots!!
anti-bacterial lotion
Small snacks/drink boxes
sport bottle that can be refilled with water. Water refills available at Kidz Jam
extra socks -at least 6 pair
Sunglasses
Whistle-to get their attention when needed
sleeping bag
at least 4 changes of clothes
wet wipes
Earplugs (also available at Kidz Jam)
hat for sun protection
any medication they need (check to see if it needs refrigerated or not!)
current picture of child
4 pairs of underpants
band-aids
trashbag or poncho
hoodie/jacket
sleeping pad (optional, but cheap and much more comfortable)

Just for Babies
Diapers/pull ups
Travel Playpen/play yard
baby wipes
bottles/sippy cups
pacifiers, a few
anti-bacterial wipes (for parents too after diaper changes)
extra clothes
warm and cool clothing
brimmed hat for sun protection
baby carrier/sling. A baby backpack can save your festival. Worth the money.
large blanket/tapestry/sheet for them to play and sit on
boppee for babies who cant' sit on their own yet
diaper bag
Potty seat! It's a smaller sized seat that will fit on the port-o seat.
Formula (powdered works best when camping, if they'll eat it)
Tips
Tip: Put clean clothes sets in different plastic bags inside their backpack.When they get dressed, they can just grab a bag and put on the outfit inside. Worn clothes get put back in the bag they came from. This way, clean clothes don't get mixed up with dirty clothes, and everything isn't a mess.

Tip: See all those parents with wagons? Well, there's a reason for it!! Pull them in it up to the show, have everything they'll need in it while there, including a few small blankets & jacket for when the night cools off. After set-break it'll be getting late, and most likely they'll fall asleep in the wagon while you dance next to it. Needless to say, I love wagons.

Tip: I'm going to stress the rain boots. Packing them just in case will avoid a lot of problems in case it rains. When they DO have them, it actually makes puddle stomping okay and they have more fun.

Do you have any more packing tips? Comment below!

2009 Events

2009-01-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

May 23-24th
Spring Hookahville

ekoostik hookah (2 nights, 4 sets), Les Claypool, The Wailers, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Toubab Krewe, The Ark Band, Oakhurst, Freekbass, Mifune, Sweet Water Meltdown, Higgins & Madwell Band, My Dear Disco, The Ragbirds

Another Hookahville first, following the end of music on the late-night stage, there will be an all-night Disco Tent in the Concert Bowl for all night revelry.
See Hookahville.com for more information.

June 11-14th

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Phish (2 shows), Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, Wilco, Al Green, Snoop Dogg, Elvis Costello Solo, Erykah Badu, Paul Oakenfold, Ben Harper and Relentless7, The Mars Volta and more! Visit Bonnaroo.com for more information
Bonnaroo Family Camp Forum:

Bonnaroo Family Camp
at Inforoo

July 18th-10th
Tabfest
TBA
Visit Tabfest.com for more information

Fall Hookahville
TBA

Contact Us

2009-01-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Contact us to book Kidz Jam for your event, or to get more information on our program.

Follow Kidz Jam on Facebook

Or leave a comment below. Thank you!

Musical Instruments

2009-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Experimenting with music...

Kidz Jam attends many events that are centered around music entertainment.

By having an array of musical instruments for the kids, they can really feel like they are part of the show! Kids love trying out new instruments and playing them together.

Physical Activities

2009-01-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Keep on truckin...

As if walking around the festival weren't enough, Kidz Jam offers a plethora of activities for the kids to burn some energy on!

Children have a need these days to rekindle their love of playing outdoors. We hope that children will like our activities so much that they try them at home!

Live Entertainment

2009-01-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

You can tell when you arrive at an event that Kidz Jam is there.

Kidz Jam is all over the place! When Kidz Jam is at an event, you will see costumed characters, giant bubbles, clowns and tricks!

We bring the festivities to the festival. Our volunteers just love to show off, and they do in all kinds of talented ways.

We've got a troop of clowns ready to goof off.

Professional face painting and tough tattoos for the kids.

Among our volunteers, we've got a few show-off musicians.

We can provide helium balloons if requested, however, many festivals choose not to have balloons in order to be environmentally conscious.

Even if helium balloons are not requested at an event, we will always be making animal balloons!

Miss Jody is fantastic at giving hair wraps.

R.I.P. R2B2! Now we have a frog that barfs bubbles for all the kiddies.

Recycling Crafts

2009-01-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Fun is only a recycle bin away.

At Kidz Jam, we try to teach the kids about environmental awareness. What better way to get the message across than with some fun projects?

Our crafts are designed to be used while the kids are enjoying the rest of the festival.

Children at Kidz Jam are given the opportunity to express themselves. They always walk away with a fun creation!

Two girls make headbands at Hookahville

Making necklaces & headbands at Ripplefest

Activities for every season:

We bring everything needed to make a grinning Jack O’Lantern. Great for campsites at night

Those too young to carve can also enjoy painting mini gourds!
We even make scarecrows!

What We Do

2009-01-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

Choose an activity for more information.

Physical Activities

Live Entertainment

Musical Instruments

Recycling Crafts

About Kidz Jam

2009-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

At Kidz Jam, we believe that there should be a safe, happy place for children at music festivals. At our events, parents are encouraged to get involved with their children as they explore the toys and activities together.

Kidz Jam is not a babysitting service. We are there to provide a good time for the kids that fully incorporates the parents.

-Surviving the festival-

When Kidz Jam arrives at an event, we are ready to provide fun entertainment and education to parents and children alike. To help ensure a good time for all, we give out 'survival packs' that include earplugs, band-aids, safety information, glowsticks, and coupons from our sponsors. Cold water, sunblock, bug spray and fresh fruit are also included for all of the children attending.

Kidz Jam offers an area that has toys, games and activities that are familiar to children. When camping out at a festival, it can often bring children out of their element. Seeing things that they are familiar with such as a sandbox, coloring books, riding toys, and balloons help kids to feel more at ease. After the stress level has been brought down for the kids, the whole family can fully enjoy the rest of the festival.

The area that is designated for Kidz Jam also functions as a place where parents can enjoy the relaxed environment. At Kidz Jam, there are plenty of places to sit in the shade and enjoy a cold water while the kids have fun.

-Themed Environment-

In 2005, our 'Jammin with Kidz Jam' theme brought musical instruments of all kinds to each festival. Spontaneous bands sprung up all over and the kids came away with a new sense of music. We also had projects for the kids to put together their own instruments out of recycled materials.

Our theme for 2006: Nutrition and Exercise! In light of the current epidemic of child obesity in America, we thought it was time to start moving around and eating smart! Kidz Jam has a new assortment of equipment to help kids get excited about getting up and moving. We also offer a new 'fruit of the day' each day of the festival and an assortment of giant fruit mark the Kidz Jam perimeter.

A festival can be a great place to socialize, take in some art and music, and enjoy the community. At Kidz Jam, we try to provide a great experience for children attending.

Kidz wanna jam, too!

-Awareness-

At Kidz Jam, not only do we want to provide a fun spot where families can come together, but we also want them to leave with something more. Our crafts involve recycled materials to help foster an environmental awareness in children. We have put together projects in the past that encourage a sense of community among the families involved. Each year, we incorporate a new theme to get the families excited about.

-Safety-

Parents are also offered information on hearing and crowd safety. The importance of earplugs is heavily impressed upon with the use of large banners, displays and flyers. Decibel levels at any amplified music show can pose a serious danger to the hearing of children. Earplugs are offered for each child and given directly to the parents along with a slip bearing hearing safety information. Extra earplugs are also available anytime during operating hours for children. Click here for more info on how loud music affects our ears.

The Kidz Jam area is roped off at many events to provide a safe area for the children away from the bustling crowd. Children have special needs that should be attended to at festivals where there are large crowds of people and outdoor conditions. Shade, cold water, sunblock and a child specific area is just what the kids need to unwind after dealing with camping conditions and crowded areas.