What makes our town Special?

c.1917 photo of people enjoying the lake at City Beach

This is the time of year we begin to see more tourists making their way to town and to the shores of lake Pend Oreille.  Even your little ones may notice how things begin to get busier and there are more people at some of their favorite local places.  Tourism has played and continues to play a big part in Bonner County history and economy.  The many guests to town create the opportunity for you to introduce your child to new and different people from places near and far.  It also provides opportunity to explore concepts of empathy, helpfulness, and service.  Visitors help to keep our economy alive, and we can help children to understand how to welcome new people and share with them what makes their home special.   

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People come from all around to see our beautiful town. They have been doing this for many many years. Why do you think people visit here?  What might they want to see and do?  How could you you help them feel welcome?

When you meet someone new, you can introduce yourself and welcome them to town.  You could ask them where they are from and learn a little about their  home.  You can even give them ideas of things that they might like to see and do.

Talk with your child about what they like best about the place they live.  If they are very young and spending lots of time at home (like my kids are) you could talk about places around your yard, house, or neighborhood that they like to spend time.  

Kids who have had lots of opportunity to explore the region might be able to name places they like to visit around town.  

Tell your child about how special it feels to get to share your favorite places with other people.  You can show them a tourist brochure and see if they are interested in making a poster, a brochure, a commercial, or picture to invite friends, family, and tourists to view  their favorite local attractions.  ​

Really young kids:
Have your child pick a favorite stuffed animal or family member and let your child show them around the house or yard.  You can pretend to be the tour guide first and give the tour of your favorite places first. Give your child a chance to learn by watching you play pretend tour guide.

If you have blocks or building materials, build a model of a city, a house, or a place that they would like to show off to visitors.   If they have memories of City Beach or another local tourist attraction, have them make their own version of it.

Older kids:
Tell your child that they can be a tour guide for people visiting.  They can take on the role in many different ways:

• Make a map or brochure of their favorite places to play or explore
• Make a video commercial advertising a local attraction to send to friends and family
• Visit local attractions and take pictures at each one to make a slide show 
• Write a book or newspaper to invite visitors to Sandpoint
• Set up a lemonade stand and offer free travel advice, hand out homemade brochures, and welcome visitors to town (be sure to use Covid-19 safe practices).
• Visit the library or Museum to research some history of their favorite places!

By modeling a welcoming attitude towards visitors and guests your child can begin to understand the significance that tourists play in the economic history and present of Sandpoint.  Share your child's creations with us in the comments or #athomewithBCHS.

Sallie Boehm, daughter of Mary Moon Boehm and Art Boehm in Garfield Bay. Donor unknown.