KIDS and KITS - North Devon Model Society

Welcome to KIDS and KITS...

The growth in social media and technology is now becoming acknowledged as a contributing factor in the rise in anxiety and mental health issues among children today. The goal of KIDS and KITS is to provide a positive, healthy alternative to screen time.

The numerous benefits of model making are now being recognised, and KIDS and KITS has been established to help schools set up their own model clubs, bringing skills and imagination to all pupils.

About 'KIDS and KITS'...

KIDS and KITS began as an initiative by members of the ‘North Devon Model Society’ (NDMS) in early 2024. Members had long known of the mental health benefits of model making and were concerned that children were growing up dealing with issues of anxiety and limited practical skills.
Limited teaching time and resources in schools doesn’t give children the opportunity to concentrate on creative endeavours in the way that model making does.
We see the results of exposure to high levels of social media in ‘Generation Z’ who can show limited interpersonal skills and lack practical skills and confidence to tackle basic tasks.
Seeing model making as a potential antidote, a core element in the NDMS set up KIDS and KITS as an outreach program to help schools set up their own model clubs.
We provide varying levels of support ranging from initial starter models, on demand specialist tutorials, basic guidance for pupils and teachers through to full support for schools setting up their own model clubs.
KIDS and KITS is a non profit organisation staffed by experienced volunteers from the NDMS to assist schools in running their own model clubs.
If you would like to discuss how we may help your school please email sera@kidsandkits.co.uk

The Benefits of 'KIDS & KITS'...

The benefits of model making are now widely accepted in all ages but as a hobby taken up early in life can have long lasting benefits on personal growth and mental health.

Practical Skills...

Engaging with modelling creatively builds confidence using tools while developing and exploring a wide range of practical techniques.

History and Imagination...

Modelling subjects from the past helps give use a better understanding of history while fantasy models allow help us develop our imagination.

Self Expression...

There are NO rules in model making you can make whatever you want with whatever you want. Yes, you can paint a tank pink.

Concentration...

In a world of instant gratification model making teaches us to focus on a task at hand.

Physical Reward...

At the end of a session a modeller can take away a physical object that they have created and can be proud of.

Relaxation...

It is now acknowledged that model making can reduce stress and calm an individual also reducing the effects of PTSD. See study by Ceri Lawrence and Diane Ellison in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.

A Lifelong Hobby...

For many modelmaking has been a lifelong place of solace in their lives improving the quality of their lives.

Kids and Kits is actively working with a number of model manufacturers to help establish after school model clubs in schools. We will provide initial models and tuition to allow teachers to set up their own school’s model club. KIDS and KITS can provide initial models but basic tools and materials will also be required at times, and these we can recommend.
Once established Kids and Kits will provide assistance to encourage the development of skills of young members. From these beginners kits pupils will then have the confidence to bring their own models to their school model club and explore their own genre of model making.
The Kids and Kits can also assist schools setting up and running their own competitions and exhibitions of pupils models.
‘KIDS and KITS’ member schools will be able to display their models at the annual ‘North Devon Model Show’, a charity event held every August attended by the public at ‘Park Community School’, Barnstaple. Pupils and schools can then get wider recognition for their models and club.
For teachers and pupils wishing to learn further model making skills the ‘North Devon Model Society’ meets every Thursday from 6 – 9PM at the Roundswell Community Centre. The NDMS has a vast knowledge based resource and can recommend models for all ages and abilities as well as assist in obtaining tools and materials.

KIDS...

Ability, and aptitude for model making can develop at any age, but modelmaking has to be something the pupil chooses to take part in. Then they will get the greatest reward from their efforts. We would recommend ‘KIDS and KITS’ for pupils from YEAR 3 onwards. You may find pupils are already model making at home. For them ‘KIDS and KITS’ helps provide an environment where they can share their interest with their peers and even assist younger members. There are no rules in model making. While some pupils may follow the box art all are at liberty to finish their model however they wish. The process is where they will get the pleasure and the reward is the completed model. If your school would like to join our ‘KIDS and KITS’ program please email sera@staplesandvine.com

KITS...

Like children kits come in all shapes and sizes. A common mistake the over enthusiastic make is starting with the biggest, shiniest model in the shop. In a world where we are surrounded by instant gratification patience has to be learned and the rewards can last a lifetime.
We always recommend simple kits to start to learn the basics first. We can help recommend models and manufacturers that won’t discourage children from this creative hobby. As skills and resources grow then the children are able to take on more complex models. Learning to drive in a Ferrari is never a good idea…

Historically model making has been a male preserve, but today that is not the case. There is no gender barrier in modelmaking with girls finding the huge range of fantasy figures particularly popular. Boys tend to still prefer cars, tanks, and aircraft but there is something out there for everyone to build.

KIDS and KITS uses the following model ranges to introduce children to model making. These starter ranges allow children, in a single session, to experience and complete a simple build. Then take their model home with them.

Model making is not a race but a journey, simple figures can become an army, multiple aircraft – an airforce. With encouragement their imagination will help them choose which model they want to build next and KIDS and KITS can help with that.

We can then recommend ranges and models to buy, and avoid, to help the pupils take the next step and enjoy the model making hobby.

Warhammer Alliance

We are delighted to welcome our first kit manufacturer to join our 'KIDS and KITS' program is Warhammer. These famous creators of fantasy wargaming figures will be supplying us with initial starter sets to build and paint. These will allow pupils to build and paint a figure in a session and introduce them into modelmaking. The bonus with these sets is the ability to use the gaming resources also provided to allow pupils to have their own gaming experience. There is a tremendous crossover between model making and wargaming but many models are just built for display. We find beginners take one session to build and paint one figure.

Other manufacturers are also joining the ‘KIDS and KITS’ program. Check in soon for more updates.

If you are a manufacturer or supplier who would like to join our ‘KIDS and KITS’ program please email sera@staplesandvine.com

Schools...

KIDS and KITS mission is to work with schools to help establish in school model clubs run by the school for the benefit of the pupils. Not all children are competitive or sport orientated. Model making provides a quiet alternative.
We can provide help, advice, and initial models and paints to establish your own in-school model club. The goal is for the school to run their club independently of KIDS and KITS with pupils bringing in their own models to build. We can follow up, coming into schools to give tutorials or advice in sessions as required. See our resources section of this site for guidance on sessions, kits, glues, paints and how to set up your own competitions.
It should be noted that conventional PVA glues and school paints are not suitable for plastic models and will discourage the pupils. KIDS and KITS can recommend appropriate safe materials for model kits.
We are fully aware of current requirements for DBS checks and these are carried out as needed. However we require teaching staff are present at all times during a KIDS and KITS session.
Schools taking part in the KIDS and KITS program are welcome to exhibit pupils models to a wider audience at the North Devon Model Show held annually in August.

Lampard Community School

Our first ‘KIDS and KITS’ school is Lampard Community School, based in Barnstaple. Lampard Community School is a special school catering for children aged 5-16 with complex needs, all of whom have speech, language, communication and interaction needs and are working significantly below age related expectations.
During our sessions at Lampard Community School it was noted by teaching staff the change in behaviour of the pupils in the sessions. Previously disruptive children became quiet and focussed. Pupils co-operated to help one another with their models. Many regarded the session as the highlight of their week discussing it with their teachers.

We hope ‘KIDS and KITS’ can help pupils learn new life skills and develop a pastime that they can enjoy and express themselves with.

If your school would like to join our ‘KIDS and KITS’ program please email sera@staplesandvine.com

Parents...

KIDS and KITS began as part of the highly respected North Devon Model Society. In 2024 we ran our first free ‘Make and Take’ session at the North Devon Model Show. The ‘Make and Take’ was an incredible success with children thoroughly engrossed in building their models. On the day we had 108 happy young modellers.
There is a remedy for excessive screen time for your child and model making could be it. Contact us and your school about ‘KIDS and KITS’ or come along to the North Devon Model Society to start your child’s model making journey.