By Joe Proulx
Through the years, Square One has sought to speak directly to children and youth through our various projects. We have always strived to meet children where they are at, with media that is highly engaging, using stories and humour to ingrain biblical teachings into their lives.
Since October 2022, our English children's podcast, Tales from Cottonwood Trails, has been doing just that through the adventures of Rob the Forest Ranger and his wacky woodland animal friends.
After producing 16 episodes over the last year and a half, the Tales from Cottonwood Trails team has embarked on its biggest challenge yet: a 5-part episode series! The story follows Rob and the gang as they inadvertently create a problem that in turn causes them to go on an adventure to save the animal citizens of Cottonwood!
The first two episodes of the series, entitled “The Purple Plant”, have been released and have already been met by a surge in support and positive feedback. Here’s some recent comments:
“My kids love these and want more episodes! Specifically, the next part to The Purple Plant! Thanks for all you do!” – a note accompanying a donation
“Love it! My 5 year old loooooooves this podcast! So funny, positive and uplifting. I love that it incorporates bible verses too.” – a 5-star review by an Apple Podcasts user
“Such a great podcast. This is a really well produced podcast with fun characters and great storytelling! I’m so impressed and glad that I found this podcast! My 5-year-old daughter loves it!” – another 5-star review by an Apple Podcasts user
Cottonwood Trails is written by creator Jordan Evans who also voices several characters for the program. However, the show regularly uses the voices of various Square One employees and a large team of volunteer voice artists to bring Cottonwood Trails to life.
“The creativity involved in bringing these characters to life is mind-blowing,” says Karen Reimer, who voices the character Mathilda. “The writers, producers, technicians, voice actors and coaches are amazing people and I am honored to be able to contribute. It’s so fun!”
The Cottonwood Trails team hope that The Purple Plant series will continue to help grow the show’s reach, as it surpasses 25,000 lifetime plays and closes in on reaching 500 subscribers.
In an effort to further engage with their audience, a new e-newsletter for the program has been started. The Cottonwood Trails Quarterly email will be packed with fun updates and extras on everything Cottonwood for both kids and parents to enjoy.
"It's great to be involved with this Cottonwood Trails project, taking it from an idea to a full-on audio play," says Eric Boorman, one of Cottonwood Trails' producers. "Being the show's sound designer has allowed me to create a fun and exciting environment that draws the listener into the story. It's a challenging role but very rewarding. I hope that the kids who listen really get pulled into this imaginary world and hear what God wants to teach them."
We pray that God will continue to bless the show in both its reach and statistical success, but also for the impact upon young Christians around the world and the blessing of every team member and volunteer that make the show a reality.
To find out more about Tales from Cottonwood Trails, listen to the show, or sign up for the Cottonwood Trails Quarterly e-newsletter, click here.
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