Playtime Isn’t Just for Kids

September 2024 Issue
By Lesley Kyle
Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC


Alicia Powell is in love with The Sandbox Children’s Museum. Before joining The Sandbox as its executive director last October, Alicia was the director of development for the Port Royal Sound Foundation and associate director of development for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation. But of all her prior positions, Alicia has found her calling at The Sandbox. “Kids don’t realize they’re learning while they’re playing, and the parents have a great time with their children, too. I’m always dreaming of what we can do next,” Alicia shared.

The Sandbox has something for everyone: history, culture, and fun! The museum fosters an environment where kids can be themselves in a safe, clean, and secure facility. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they engage in age-specific activities. The exhibits are all interactive, and kids have the opportunity to model mom’s and dad’s behaviors by doing chores like grocery shopping, visiting the post office, and doing laundry. Parents even get to be kids again while they play alongside their children. “It’s a safe place where kids under the age of two can safely crawl without the worry of other kids jumping on them,” said Alicia. However, The Sandbox is for children ages 1 through 12.

Families enjoy wandering through the many different exhibits staged throughout the museum. “Our aerospace exhibit was refurbished so kids can pretend to fly with fighter pilots, including simulated take-offs and landings,” said Alicia. “That’s probably our favorite exhibit, along with the grocery store.” While many children may have similar toys at home, the opportunity to interact with other kids makes The Sandbox special. Alicia and her staff of 12 work hard to keep exhibits and learning experiences fresh and new so people will return every year.

Soon after Alicia took the helm, she noticed a need for more exhibits for the 9 through 12-year-old age group. The staff added an old VW bus that serves as a reading nook where parents and kids can sit and read together. The Discover, Imagine, and Grow (D.I.G.) Empowerment through Play program is designed for 3 and 4 year-olds. This free 10-week session features a curriculum based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) for preschoolers.

All exhibits are bright and colorful and are designed to engage and inspire children’s imaginations. A newly installed mural featuring different types of fish titled, “Just Be You” greets visitors the moment they walk in the door. Every child who enters the museum will be inspired to be themselves during their playtime. The mural is designed to set the tone for their day and remind kids to be who they want to be.

A new Gullah culture exhibit, sponsored by Palmetto Dunes Cares, was installed six months ago. The exhibit teaches families about the Gullah people, and a mural designed by local artist, Amos Hummell, conveys their stories through art. The search for a local artist began when Alicia asked long-time-resident, Amber Kuehn, for suggestions. “Amos and I had an immediate connection at our first meeting,” said Alicia. “We were on the same page when we discussed what we wanted it to look and feel like.” The mural came together in a couple of weeks, and the project installation took place over approximately six weeks.

“I’ve been painting Lowcountry themes for the past 20 years, and it was easy for me to envision the mural in my head,” said Amos. “This project was a lot of fun, and I am so flattered and honored to have worked on it.”

The large mural is the first of its size that Amos has created in the area. Images of water and shrimp boats and bright colors make Amos’s brand of “cartoon impressionism” very kid-friendly.

Residents and visitors can also contribute to a program near and dear to Alicia’s heart. The museum has been raising money for Title One schools to bus kids from nearby underserved communities to the museum. Through this new program, up to 65 children can experience the museum at no charge. The museum will close to the public to allow the staff to give these kids their undivided attention while they play and learn together. Funds are also raised through traditional fundraising vehicles, but public support is encouraged. Donations may be made through the website: www.thesandbox.org.


Volunteers are always welcome, and a variety of activities are available. From reading books to doing crafts, building airplanes, and conducting science experiments, adults can immerse themselves in playtime, too! The Sandbox is open year-round, seven days a week, and is located across from Coligny Plaza near Lowcountry Celebration Park.


Resources:
Visit www.thesandbox.org to learn more,
view a list of upcoming events, or purchase tickets.

Learn more about beloved Lowcountry artist
Amos Hummell on his website www.hummellstudios.com.

If you’re interested in volunteering at The Sandbox,
contact Alicia via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call 843-842-7645 to learn more.