JenBrodal/MDN From the left, Avalie Haman, Holly Haman and Emmalyn Haman take part in the Prairie Grit Lego Club on Monday night.

Prairie Grit, located in the Minot Family YMCA, has “a lot of exciting things going on,” said Krystal Butgereit, occupational therapist and program director for Prairie Grit. Expanding its existing space farther into the YMCA’s available classroom areas gives the organization more creative options for activities.

Four-year-old Avalie Haman and 7-year-old Emmalyn Haman regularly attend events put on by Prairie Grit. Monday night was the first of a two-session Lego Club, at which the participants sit at tables and work together in groups to build and design the assigned project.

After Butgereit spins a wheel and instructs the groups to work together, the groups and volunteers scramble when the timer starts to make some type of car with the Legos allotted to them. Each table has a various selection of Legos and the children and volunteers build with intent and creativity.

Holly Haman of Minot, mom to the Haman girls, describes her family’s involvement in Prairie Grit activities as “very cool. Our favorite is the gymnastics event, but we do the swim meet events and their dance off. We are here a lot and there’s so many fun activities. We also do itty bitty sports every Thursday for four Thursdays, where they play basketball, soccer and hockey.”

At the four-minute mark and a hunt for four wheels that were similar, the Haman girls had created a super car with a cart and a driver wearing a cowboy hat.

When the timer goes off, Butgereit goes around the room having the groups “share and tell” about their designs and they spin again, creating something new.

Butgereit said Prairie Grit has therapist volunteers from middle school and high schools in the area.

Aliyah Gilbert, a Jim Hill student, said she volunteers for swim events and the Easter egg hunt and also spends time working out at the YMCA.

For a full schedule of events, classes and information on programs Prairie Grit offers as well as volunteer opportunities, visit www.prairiegrittherapy.com or its Facebook page Prairie Grit Therapy.