Fairy Golf: The Mini-est Mini Golf

Sep 8, 2021

$1-50

Byline

Jeannine Scott, Branch Manager, North Columbus (Ga.) Public Library

It's DIY table-top putt putt!

We provided patrons with everything they need to create a mini miniature golf hole complete with obstacles. Each participant had the choice to take their project home or to make it during our in-person program and add it to the Fairy Golf Course around the library.

The course will stay up as a passive activity in the weeks to come.

Advanced Planning

Before your program, you will need to prepare some materials.

For the golf greens: Cut pieces of cardboard into rectangles of various dimensions. We re-used boxes that were destined for the recycling bin. Punch out a 1- to 1.5-inch hole in pieces of green construction paper and cover the cardboard with the construction paper.

For putters: Cut out a putter head shape from craft foam and attach to a popsicle stick. You can also have participants putt with their fingers. Print out "This hole was made by _____" labels.

Staff made two holes to offer as an example before the program started.

Marketing

We used our library's social media and website.

Budgeting

We re-used pipe cleaners, pompoms and other craft material that had been leftover from other projects, so our budget was $0. We used tape, but you can could offer this program with just scrap paper.

Day-of-event Activity

We set out the prepared greens and various craft materials on tables. Materials we provided were pompoms as golf balls, scrap paper in various colors, glue sticks, tape, markers, pipe cleaners, scissors, foam scraps and cardboard scraps.

This was our first in-person children's program while maintaining COVID-safe policies, and it could not have gone better. Families participated together during both the building and playing portions. Everyone was able to spread out safely without compromising any of the fun.

The program was supposed to have an end time, but nobody was ready to leave! We have decided to leave the supplies out as a passive program for a few more days. We had prepared some greens as a take-home kit for anyone who did not feel safe in the library. Many kids requested a take-home kit just because they enjoyed the activity so much. Even some of the adults who happened to be in the library at the same time have asked staff to schedule another of these programs for adults!

Program Execution

Children chose a green, designed it, and tested it out. After making modifications, they could make their hole available for other children to try. To keep everyone socially distanced, we set out the supplies on two main tables in the center of the children's area. Other tables were available in the children's area so everyone could space out around the room to work. Most worked on the floor even though tables were available.

Two staff members walked around to encourage and assist as needed.