Be 100% Pawsome enters Environmentally Savvy phase

Build-A-Bear's latest great idea, Be 100% Pawsome, was created to encourage kids into great lives. The first month, March 2008, was "Be Pawsome in your Community" month. (Build-A-Bear Buzz post "Build-A-Bear's newest way of helping kids.") This month, Build-A-Bear focuses on the classic theme of "staying green" with their newest phase, "Be Pawsome to the Environment."

Build-A-Bear's April program came with a brand-new recycling center for Build-A-Bearville, as well as a new booklet for participants to fill out and return to Build-A-Bear by May 31st. By the time participants have finished this month's challenge, the'll have talked over such issues as energy-conserving lightbulbs and paper-plasic-aluminum recycling, as well as creating bird feeders. Most will probably have recycled some Build-A-Bearville "trash" by the end of the month as well.

The positive impact of this program is amazing, and Build-A-Bear does a great job of handling the idea. Family time, money-saving, animal-helping....I'm all for those great ideas. Build-A-Bear doesn't drag in any issues about Global Warming, acid rain, and the like - those issues are just too complicated for kids, and they're much too controversial. All in all, I'm really excited about this month's program. I think it's way better than last month's program.

I would love to hear stories from people going through this program. If you're doing it yourself, or if you're going through it with your kids, or whatnot, send me an e-mail at buildabearbuzz@gmail.com

I'll see all of you on Thursday for the debut of "Bears of the Past."

See you then,

~Lilli

Build-a-Bear's newest way of helping kids

One of the qualities of Build-a-Bear Workshop is its devotion to help kids. In the past, Build-a-Bear has raised funds for cancer, autism, and numerous other causes. Once a year, during Build-A-Bear's "Stuffed with Hugs" program, guests can come and make a bear for free to donate to a needy child. Build-a-Bear's summer reading program and Beremy's Book Club inspire kids to read books and write reviews. The yearly "Huggable Heroes" are kids who have been helping their community whom Build-a-Bear rewards.

This year, Build-A-Bear is more ambitious than ever!

Build-A-Bear started their "Be 100% Pawsome" program on March 1st, a four-part program in which kids earn pins by completing activities. In March, kids have to help their communities with volunteering, donating money to charity, and helping out someone they know. April is "environment month," May is "fitness and nutrition month," and June is "reading month."

I'll be happy to watch this program progress, and I hope it is educational for the children participating.

On Thursday, I'll be blogging on the latest Build-A-Bearville fashions. Until Thursday!

~Lilli