It was not a figment of their imagination: Some students really did see a 9-year-old in their 11 a.m. class on Friday.
Northwestern’s Campus Activities planned and hosted the Kids-N-Sibs Weekend, an event to introduce children ages 7 to 13 to the collegiate atmosphere. Forty-four little brothers and sisters of NU students to campus for the weekend.
“One of our goals is to provide programs that are a little different and then try and build a tradition,” said Jeremy Wingerter, assistant director of campus activities.
The weekend was open to the children and younger siblings of students, faculty and staff members. Many of the children were able to enjoy the true college experience by staying with their siblings in a dorm or Greek housing unit.
“The people are nice and the dorms seem to be a good size compared to other schools,” said Johnny Strukl, 10, who visited his older sister Terri Strukl, a Weinberg freshman.
A variety of age-appropriate programs were scheduled, including basketball, swimming, a show by the Graffiti Dancers, lunch at Chipotle and the Shana Banana Show, a performance by a child puppeteer.
Other highlights of the weekend were trips to Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Hancock Buliding, the Chicago Children’s Museum, ESPN Zone and the American Girl Cafe.
“My favorite part of the weekend was going to the arcade and playing basketball,” said 10-year old Jimmy Mikolasek, the cousin of a NU student.
Since these activities were optional, some NU students made their own plans with their siblings.
“We didn’t go on any of the Chicagoland trips because we went to the Cubs game,” Terri Strukl said.
Some of the events attracted people from the local community.
“I read about the children’s entertainer in Chicago Parents magazine and I was looking for something to do with my two kids tonight,” said Wilmette resident Jenny Kaufman.
“I saw a lot of kids at registration,” said Weinberg freshman Tiffanie Martin, student coordinator of the event. “All I know is that my 13-year-old brother is happy playing basketball at SPAC.”
Many kids enjoyed their time on campus, and a fewwere upset to return home.
“I don’t know if I want to come (home),” Johnny Strukl said. “I wish I could stay longer.”
