This Halloween, learn how the professionals design, build, and test their creations, with a spooky twist! Your mission is to construct the most amazing lair you can! You’ll be given a short briefing and then start brainstorming ideas, discussing building principles, materials, and concepts for structures. You decide what spine-chilling theme your lair will have: will it be an old abandoned shelter haunted by gruesome ghouls , a nocturnal nest for a dangerous vampire, the secret hideout for a brain-eating zombie or something even more sinister?!
Learn all about ephemeral architecture and use examples of dwellings from different cultures for inspiration. You’ll discover how to make the most of the materials and space around you by creating site-specific buildings made using foraged natural materials.
First, you’ll design and build a scaled model of your lair using your drawing skills, and selected design apps on your team iPad. Once your prototype is complete, you’ll get busy with power tools to build the basic structure of your lair. In the process, you’ll also learn detailed knot tying and camouflaging for the scariest of undercover hideouts! Once your den is finished, you’ll have the chance to create accessories to complete your lair’s eerie aesthetic.
Working in small teams, together you’ll create a lair community (a witches coven or a Frankenstein family?!), and on the final day, you’ll exhibit your drawings, models and your finished den masterpiece for your friends and family to explore…if they dare!
TYPE OF MISSION
Makers Lab
RECOMMENDED AGE RANGE
8 - 11 (Years 4 - 6). Because of the nature of this mission and the specific skills and activities involved, it is only suitable for children 8 or older. If you have any question about this or if you are unsure and would like to talk through with us, please free to call or email the team. We'll be very happy to advise.
FACILITATION
This mission is delivered by facilitators experienced in design and making with children, with a professional and educational background. We operate a ratio of 1:8. All facilitators are DBS checked and all our sites include several fully qualified First Aiders.
MISSION DURATION
Five day mission, with a minimum booking of 3 days. Unfortunately because of the skill development involved, we are unable to accept children for just one or two days on this mission.
DAILY TIMES
9.30am - 4pm.
END OF MISSION SHOWCASE
All Hive missions finish with an exhibition, showcase or performance for parents.The format depends on each particular mission. We usually ask parents to arrive between 15 and 30 minutes early to get the most out of the showcases.
PRICES
The price for this five-day mission starts at £238 per child for 3 days. The mission can booked for 3 days or more. The price decreases as more days are booked. We also offer sibling, multi-week and group discounts. Please click here to see our price list.
HIVE T-SHIRT
One free Hive T-Shirt is given to each child on this mission. Replacements will be charged for at a rate of £8 per T-shirt.