At Wacky World Studios, every project is an odyssey of creativity and collaboration, and our voyage 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 we delved deeper into the project, it became evident that their needs and our ambitions soared far beyond mere foliage. With boundless enthusiasm, we set forth to craft not just a tree, but an immersive indoor play space where imaginations could run wild and spirits could soar.
Just as travelers chart their course before setting out, we meticulously planned our route, navigating the twists and turns of the design process. Armed with pencils and pixels, we embarked on the task of bringing dreams to life. With concept sketches and 3D models as our compass, we journeyed through the creative channels, shaping and refining the vision until it mirrored the grandeur of the great outdoors.
The heart of our endeavor lay in the creation of a focal point—a funky fire tower complete with a twisty slide and connected by a wooden bridge to a waterfall racing slide. As children explore this space, they'll embark on a journey of discovery that may even lead them to a concealed hidden treasure—a playful abandoned mine shaft ripe for even more adventures.
In our quest to merge artistry with functionality, we sought to blur the lines between nature and structure. 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 our attention to detail and dedication to the theme.
From sculpted climbers shaped like stone bears to interactive flowing streams and waterfalls, every element of our 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, and we're excited for the impact 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.