Youth Programming

We’ve compiled a list of panels, activities, and events that are youth friendly. From baby quiet time to stompy dances to teen events, we hope you’ll find that there’s a little something for attendees of all ages! Please be sure to read the descriptions and note age restrictions.

Jump directly to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Thursday

Link to this itemNerf Firing Range
Grand 2
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come test out your aim with a provided assortment of Nerf blasters against a variety of targets! Underage players must have a parent present to check in. Shoes are required. Badges are not necessary for this event.
Link to this itemAll Ages Open Gaming
Cascade 11
2 p.m.–midnight
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight’s lending library or bring your own.
Link to this itemAll Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 1 & 2
2 p.m.–midnight
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventurers League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 & 2 are located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first and second floors.
Link to this itemYouth—Open Craft Time and Button Making
Olympic 1
5–7 p.m.
Come do supplied crafts, make buttons, or work on your own stuff.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemPainting Minis—Kids & Teens Session
Maxi’s Ballroom
5–7 p.m.
Want to learn how to paint minis? Teens and tweens can learn from professional mini painter JD Wiker, Man of 1,000 Minis, with a guided tutorial on how to get started in the hobby. Participants even get to take their mini home! Special thanks to WizKids for sponsoring this workshop. Limited to 24 participants. Signup will be at the info table.
JD Wiker (M)
Link to this itemNerf Free Play
Grand 2
9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Play Nerf, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided.
Link to this itemThursday Dance: Fandom Mash with DJ Wüdi
Grand 3
9 p.m.–1 a.m.
It’s the Thursday night dance! On our first evening venturing Into the Wylde, who knows what manner of fantastical beings we will encounter… or we will be? Mix-and-match from whatever outfits you brought for the weekend to create mashup costumes, or wear something to represent your fandom(s), and come down and dance to a mix of dance tracks across eras, convention favorites, and all manner of mashups and oddities, all brought to you by DJ Wüdi! Send in your song requests now!

Friday

Link to this itemLazer Tag
Grand 2
7–9 a.m.
Join us early in the morning for Lazer Tag with a round robin format. All equipment will be provided. We will be playing with vintage Star Wars Lazer Tag equipment from Tiger Electronics.
Link to this itemYouth—Friday Morning Cartoons and Coloring
Olympic 1
9–10 a.m.
Start your day with coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemAll Ages Open & Scheduled Gaming
Cascade 11
10 a.m.–midnight
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board game, or card game. Check one out from Dragonflight’s lending library or bring your own.
Link to this itemYouth—Playing with Yarn
Olympic 1
10–11 a.m.
There are many things you can do to play with yarn. Come try yarn dolls, god’s-eyes, pompoms, and finger-knitting and bring your creations home. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Danielle Gembala, Marta Murvosh
Link to this itemAll Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 1 & 2
10 a.m.–midnight
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventurers League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 & 2 are located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first and second floors.
Link to this itemYouth—Picture Book Storytime
Olympic 1
11 a.m.–noon
Listen to stories as you color.
Jenny Shafer (M), Birdie
Link to this itemLearn to play an RPG
Olympic 2
11 a.m.–noon
Come learn to play a role-playing game! Our gamemaster (GM) will walk you through how to make a character and a short adventure. Dice will be provided for use. This is for teens and tweens only!
Link to this itemYouth D&D
Olympic 1
1–3 p.m.
Take your first step into role-playing games! Pick a character and play in a story led by our dungeon master.
Oliver (M), Jenny Shafer, Alexander Pereira
Link to this itemBasics of Building a Story (a YA/Teen Workshop)
Olympic 2
2–4 p.m.
What is this witch’s brew of words we call “story?” In this hands-on workshop, young and beginning writers will explore the structure, techniques, and best practices of what goes into crafting a work of fiction: plot, character, setting, problem, and resolution. You’ll be building your own story in class, so be prepared to be creative! Priority seating to teens and tweens.
Dean Wells (M)
Link to this itemTeen/Tween Root Beer Float Social
Convention Lounge (Room 7108)
3–4 p.m.
Come meet other teens and tweens (10–17 years old) attending this year’s convention. We will consume ice cream and soda while reviewing what’s new and exciting this weekend. For those interested, this will be the first step in adventuring with the Norwescon Shire!
Link to this itemYouth Fairy/Gnome Gardens
Olympic 1
3–4 p.m.
Create a tiny garden for a fairy or gnome to live in. Construct some small furniture and decorate your garden. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Birdie
Link to this itemYouth: Make a Fairy/Gnome
Olympic 1
4–5 p.m.
Make a magical friend or two to live in your pocket (or in the garden in the Fairy/Gnome Garden panel!). Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemFabric Collage: The Art of Painting with Fabric
Maxi’s Ballroom
4–5 p.m.
Ever been curious how textile artists, quilters, and costumers add detailed images that look like paintings, and then on closer inspection find the image was created with fabric? If you have ever wanted to learn this technique, this workshop is for you. We will cover materials used for collage techniques. At the end of the workshop you will have a piece of art you can take home to quilt, bead, or embroider! Limited to 20 participants (under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Cost $5, cash only. Sign up will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
Theresa Halbert (M)
Link to this itemYouth: Drop-In Board Gaming
Olympic 1
5–7 p.m.
Hit pause on the tablet and play a good old-fashioned board game! We’ll have classic games and some new ones, too.
Jenny Shafer (M), Marta Murvosh, Alexander Pereira
Link to this itemYouth Dance Party
Olympic 1
7–8 p.m.
Come join the fun and dance, dance, dance! Light-up masks will be provided.
Cindy Fangour (M)
Link to this itemFriday Night Dance with DJ mc300baud
Grand 3
9–11:30 p.m.
Come groove to the music with mc300baud as he spins a choice selection of convention classics and thumpin’ newer tracks. Send in your song requests now!

Saturday

Link to this itemLazer Tag Free Play
Grand 2
7–9 a.m.
Play Lazer Tag, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided. We will be playing with vintage Star Wars Lazer Tag equipment from Tiger Electronics.
Link to this itemYouth—Saturday Morning Cartoons and Coloring
Olympic 1
9–10 a.m.
Start your day with some coloring sheets and cartoons.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemNorwescon Shire Check-In
Olympic 2
9–10 a.m.
Teens and tweens: come show off your achievements and earn coin! Exchange coin for prizes.
Link to this itemAll Ages Open Gaming
Cascade 11
10 a.m.–midnight
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight’s Lending Library or bring your own.
Link to this itemYouth—Costume Prop Making
Olympic 1
10–11 a.m.
Costume craft hour! Let’s make tails, tiaras, belts, hats, and other accessories using techniques like gluing, simple sewing, and stapling. Small children will need assistance.
Jenny Shafer (M), Bryana Cross Bean, Attorney at Law, Belsac
Link to this itemAll Ages Scheduled Games
Rotunda 1 & 2
10 a.m.–midnight
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventure League, RPGs, card games, and much more! After scheduled gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 is located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first floor.
Link to this itemYouth—Picture Book Storytime
Olympic 1
11 a.m.–noon
Listen to stories as you color.
Jenny Shafer (M), Lizzy D. Hill
Link to this itemYoungling Lightsaber Training
Grand 2
noon–1 p.m.
Padawans, do you feel the call of the Force? Join the Jedi and Sith of Kamino Temple and learn how to use a lightsaber! Take your first steps into a larger world.
Torrey Stenmark (M)
Link to this itemSparkle Temporary Tattoos
Olympic 1
1–2 p.m.
Get a sparkle tattoo! Children and adults welcome.
Cindy Fangour (M)
Link to this itemYouth Masquerade
Olympic 1
2–3 p.m.
Come show off your costume! Each contestant will have a chance to show off their look, and there will be a parade through the main con grounds. Participants will vote on their favorites.
Jenny Shafer (M), Zamesta Cosplay
Link to this itemYouth—Make Your Own Fantasy World
Olympic 1
3–4 p.m.
Come make your own fantasy map! We’ll discuss basic geology and fun ways of generating a world.
Jenny Shafer (M), Brenda Carre
Link to this itemYouth—Learn to Draw with an Artist
Olympic 1
4–5 p.m.
This will be a simple how-to-draw lesson. Bring your ideas for what to draw and ask our artist to show you how it’s done!
Jenny Shafer (M), Liz Argall
Link to this itemYouth—Learn About the Solar System
Olympic 1
5–6 p.m.
Earth is our home, but do you know our neighborhood? Learn about the planets in the solar system and make a fun craft.
Jenny Shafer (M), Andy Dykes
Link to this itemSaturday Dance: The Fae Ball
Grand 2
9:30 p.m.–2 a.m.
This is your chance to get dressed to the Fae nines as we dedicate this dance to our theme this year, “Into the Wylde,” in honor of Jim Butcher and Charles Vess. The first 20 minutes or so will be music that you might find in a mystical garden. (It’s the time to sashay about and show off your outfit! Or perhaps the Royal Court will favor us with medieval dancing?) The rest of the evening will be a wide mix of modern dance music. Send in your song requests now!

Sunday

Link to this itemYouth—Easter Fun!
Olympic 1
9–11 a.m.
Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and get some prizes! Divided by age group.
Jenny Shafer (M)
Link to this itemNorwescon Shire Check-In
Olympic 2
9–10 a.m.
Come show off your achievements and earn coin! Exchange coin for prizes.
Link to this itemAll Ages Open Gaming
Cascade 11
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Want to set up your own game? Cascade 11 has space for your RPG, board, or card games. Check one out from Dragonflight’s Lending Library or bring your own.
Link to this itemAll Ages Scheduled Gaming
Rotunda 1 & 2
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come sign up for a game! We have Pathfinder Society, Adventure League, RPGs, card games, and so much more! After gaming closes, this area is available for open games. Need ADA access for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs. Rotunda 1 is located down Concourse 1 or 2 on the first floor.
Link to this itemYouth—Chapter Book Storytime
Olympic 1
11 a.m.–noon
Interested in longer stories? Come hear the first chapters of some chapter books.
Jenny Shafer (M), Sam Stark
Link to this itemYouth—Disney Singalong
Olympic 1
noon–1 p.m.
Sing along as we listen to favorite songs from Disney shows.
Jenny Shafer (M), Scotty McIntosh
Link to this itemTeen Story Workshop
Olympic 2
1–3 p.m.
Have an idea for a story? Not sure where to start? Join other teens in a nuts-and-bolts story-writing workshop. We’ll use supportive, active listening and idea-generating exercises to explore worldbuilding, characters, plot, and theme. Restricted to ages 14-18. Limited to 15 teens. Signups will open at the info table 24 hours before the panel.
L.J. Melvin (M)
Link to this itemNerf Free Play
Grand 2
2–4 p.m.
Play Nerf, either with or against your friends! All equipment is provided.

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