Give to the Max 2023: Wonder on Wheels

We're hard at work on WonderTrek's forever home, but we know that kids can't wait to experience our programs. That's why we're bringing the museum to you with our program Wonder on Wheels!

Our region covers five counties, many with mostly rural communities, and the schools we serve are flung far and wide. Wonder on Wheels aims to bring more events to kids out and about in the community, and in partnership with our local schools. As a grant and donation funded organization, we are proud to offer these events at no charge to participants, but we need help making sure we can continue to provide hands-on programs that encourage children to learn through play and exploration.

Molly's Story

Molly walked into the school gym behind the rest of her class, eyes on the floor. It was the beginning of the school year, she hadn’t made very many friends yet, and she felt out of place. The other kids whispered and giggled and pointed at all the exciting things WonderTrek had brought to play with — but not Molly. She had never been to a WonderTrek event before, and a lot of the other kids had. It was yet another way she felt like an outsider. 

As a WonderTrek Playworker explained the day’s activities, Molly listened intently. Her mind was filled with worries — what if no one wanted to play with her? What if she built the wrong thing with the blocks, or the picture she drew turned out ugly? 

Too many of the children we meet at WonderTrek events are like Molly. They are worried about getting things right more than they are excited to play. We’re here to change that. By providing our region’s children opportunities to learn and grow through the simple joy of play, we help them develop the skills they need to be future leaders, listeners, and change-makers.

And Molly? Her classmates took WonderTrek’s Wonder on Wheels rules to heart. Rule number two: Be kind. A group of students invited her to join them in constructing the tallest tower they could with our Big Blue Blocks, and they worked together to accomplish that goal. By the end of the activity period, Molly left with her head held high and a smile on her face, excited to go home and tell her family about her wonderful day with WonderTrek.

We want to reach more kids like Molly. Our biggest obstacle to that goal is transportation. With the addition of the WonderTruck, Wonder on Wheels will be able to do just that. Your gift will help support students like Molly and sustain the mission of WonderTrek Children’s Museum.