About 'KIDS and KITS'...
KIDS and KITS began as an initiative by members of the ‘North Devon Model Society’ (NDMS) in early 2024. Members had long known of the mental health benefits of model making and were concerned that children were growing up dealing with issues of anxiety and limited practical skills.
Limited teaching time and resources in schools doesn’t give children the opportunity to concentrate on creative endeavours in the way that model making does.
We see the results of exposure to high levels of social media in ‘Generation Z’ who can show limited interpersonal skills and lack practical skills and confidence to tackle basic tasks.
Seeing model making as a potential antidote, a core element in the NDMS set up KIDS and KITS as an outreach program to help schools set up their own model clubs.
We provide varying levels of support ranging from initial starter models, on demand specialist tutorials, basic guidance for pupils and teachers through to full support for schools setting up their own model clubs.
KIDS and KITS is a non profit organisation staffed by experienced volunteers from the NDMS to assist schools in running their own model clubs.
If you would like to discuss how we may help your school please email sera@kidsandkits.co.uk
The Benefits of 'KIDS and KITS'...
The benefits of model making are now widely accepted in all ages but as a hobby taken up early in life can have long lasting benefits on personal growth and mental health.
Practical Skills...
Engaging with modelling creatively builds confidence using tools while developing and exploring a wide range of practical techniques.
Histrory and Imagination...
Modelling subjects from the past helps give use a better understanding of history while fantasy models allow help us develop our imagination.
Self Expression...
There are NO rules in model making you can make whatever you want with whatever you want. Yes, you can paint a tank pink.
Concentration...
In a world of instant gratification model making teaches us to focus on a task at hand.
Physical Reward...
At the end of a session a modeller can take away a physical object that they have created and can be proud of.
Relaxation...
It is now acknowledged that model making can reduce stress and calm an individual also reducing the effects of PTSD. See study by Ceri Lawrence and Diane Ellison in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
A Lifelong Hobby...
For many modelmaking has been a lifelong place of solace in their lives improving the quality of their lives.
Kids and Kits is actively working with a number of model manufacturers to help establish after school model clubs in schools. We will provide initial models and tuition to allow teachers to set up their own school’s model club. KIDS and KITS can provide initial models but basic tools and materials will also be required at times, and these we can recommend.
Once established Kids and Kits will provide assistance to encourage the development of skills of young members. From these beginners kits pupils will then have the confidence to bring their own models to their school model club and explore their own genre of model making.
The Kids and Kits can also assist schools setting up and running their own competitions and exhibitions of pupils models.
‘KIDS and KITS’ member schools will be able to display their models at the annual ‘North Devon Model Show’, a charity event held every August attended by the public at ‘Park Community School’, Barnstaple. Pupils and schools can then get wider recognition for their models and club.
For teachers and pupils wishing to learn further model making skills the ‘North Devon Model Society’ meets every Tuesday from 6.30 – 9PM at the Fremington Parish Hall. The NDMS has a vast knowledge based resource and can recommend models for all ages and abilities as well as assist in obtaining tools and materials.