The children will design a three-dimensional model of an urban environment. The city is created by the children using their imagination and a variety of craft items, including the base structures, pre-folded cardboard boxes. Children will begin by filling out a “Building Permit” for one of the following categories:

1. Places to Live (houses, condo's, apartments low rise/high rise, etc. )
2. Places to Work (factories, office buildings, bus station, water plant etc)
3. Places to Buy Things (dept. stores, grocery stores, shopping center etc.)
4. Places to Help People (hospital, fire/police dept, schools, churches etc)

As the “buildings” are completed, they are placed on a "City Grid", which includes streets (residential and commercial), parks, and color-coded squares where certain buildings may be constructed. The entire process will take two days to complete, and will involve many volunteers, parents, and, of course, our “architects” – the children.

End Result

In 2009, 302 children from ages 1 to 22 years old participated in the event and came from five states, thirty-seven cities, and seventy-nine schools/daycares. The time and effort dedicated by each individual student to each individual building is proof that this is a quality learning activity. Separately, these masterpieces are wonderful; but it is the combined total that makes “Box City” such an overwhelming artistic exhibit. It is amazing to see the level of imagination, creativity, and artistic expression that is displayed in the final product.