Hands‑On Paper‑Making Classes Bring Crafting and Connection to Trinidad Families
A two‑session family craft class at the Champion Center in Trinidad will teach participants to make handmade paper and turn it into greeting cards, meeting on Saturday mornings Nov. 8 and Nov. 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. The free‑form, hands‑on program aims to offer a creative outlet for families in Las Animas County while strengthening social connections and supporting community well‑being; registration is required and space is limited.
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Families across Las Animas County have a chance to learn a tactile craft and build community ties this month when the Champion Center hosts a two‑day paper‑making workshop at 127 N. Commercial St., Trinidad. Sessions run from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 15, and will guide participants through making handmade paper and converting it into greeting cards. Organizers ask interested participants to register by calling 719‑856‑4838 because space is limited.
The hands‑on format is intended for family participation and offers an accessible way for residents to gather in a community setting. Beyond the immediate creative outcome — personalized cards and handmade paper — such gatherings serve broader public health and social purposes. Group arts activities are associated with improved mental well‑being, reduced feelings of isolation, and strengthened intergenerational bonds, all of which are particularly meaningful in smaller, rural communities like those across Las Animas County.
Local community centers such as the Champion Center often act as hubs for both cultural and supportive programming. Opportunities for low‑barrier, in‑person activities can help fill gaps in social infrastructure by providing residents with safe, supervised spaces to interact and learn new skills. For families with limited access to recreational programming, sessions like this can provide respite, affordable enrichment for children, and an informal setting for parents and caregivers to connect.
From a public health perspective, fostering social cohesion and creative expression aligns with prevention strategies that address mental health and social determinants of health. Community-based programming contributes to protective factors that reduce stress and enhance coping, particularly when services are designed to be inclusive and reachable for diverse populations. Ensuring such offerings are widely publicized, affordable, and scheduled at convenient times helps increase equitable access across age, income, and transportation barriers.
Residents interested in attending should call 719‑856‑4838 to register; organizers note registration is required and capacity is limited. Anyone with questions about accessibility, age recommendations, or materials should contact the Champion Center by phone to confirm details before attending.
As Las Animas County continues to rebuild and strengthen community programming, small events like the paper‑making workshops play a meaningful role in supporting mental health, encouraging family engagement, and reinforcing the local fabric of support. For families seeking a hands‑on weekend activity and an opportunity to connect with neighbors, the Champion Center’s November classes offer a practical, creative option.
