Every project is an odyssey of creativity and collaboration, and the journey with Abundant Life Church in Lee's Summit, MO, was a saga unto itself. What began as a humble request for a giant tree play feature soon blossomed into a sweeping immersive design, ushering in a new era of wonder for their children's ministry—welcome to the enchanting world of Journey Kids.
The genesis of this fantastical journey lay in the simple desire for a towering tree play feature. Yet, as the project delved deeper, it became evident that the needs and ambitions soared far beyond mere foliage. With boundless enthusiasm, not just a tree, but an immersive indoor play space was crafted where imaginations could run wild and spirits could soar.
Just as travelers chart their course before setting out, the route was meticulously planned, navigating the twists and turns of the design process. Armed with pencils and pixels, the task of bringing dreams to life began. With concept sketches and 3D models as a compass, the journey through the creative channels was made, shaping and refining the vision until it mirrored the grandeur of the great outdoors.
The heart of the endeavor lay in the creation of a focal point—a funky fire tower complete with a twisty slide, connected by a wooden bridge to a waterfall racing slide. As children explore this space, they'll discover hidden treasures—a playful abandoned mine shaft ripe for even more adventures.
In the quest to merge artistry with functionality, the lines between nature and structure were blurred. Giant crawl-through trees, painstakingly sculpted to camouflage architectural supports, stand as towering sentinels of play. Meanwhile, tree door surrounds beckon children to step into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine in delightful harmony.
No journey is complete without a warm welcome, and this one begins at the custom check-in desk—a whimsical homage to the vintage pull-behind camper featured in the Journey Kids logo. Next to the camper, a sculpted vintage woody car play feature, a nod to bygone road trips, stands as a testament to attention to detail and dedication to the theme.
From sculpted climbers shaped like stone bears to interactive flowing streams and waterfalls, every element of the design was crafted with one purpose in mind—to inspire curiosity and exploration. Beanbag rafts bob gently on imaginary waters, while character cutouts beckon children to join them on their journey. Adorning the walls, giant coordinating murals transport children to the great outdoors, and a glowing fire pit casts its warm light upon sculpted log benches, inviting weary travelers to rest and recharge before setting off once more.
Outside of the play space, a themed stage and hallways beckon children to embark on a journey of discovery, each mural and vignette a gateway to new adventures. With every step, they are inspired to explore, imagine, and dream.
The theming project at Abundant Life Church is a testament to the power of imagination and the joy of discovery. It's exciting to imagine the impact that the Journey Kids themed areas will have on their ministries. Beyond play, it's a hub for families to deepen their faith and a place to worship together, laugh together, and grow together.