Daily Inspiration: Meet Michael Shanklin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Shanklin.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum began with a simple but powerful idea, first shared among a few close friends around a kitchen table, that every child deserves a place to explore, play, and discover.

That idea grew out of a clear need in Ventura County. There was no dedicated children’s museum serving the region for early childhood development, and many families were driving long distances to give their kids access to hands-on learning experiences.

kidSTREAM was formed as a nonprofit with a mission to build a museum where play, creativity, and learning come together. Over the years, that vision grew into a community-wide effort, impacting more than 55,000 children and families through our outreach efforts and STREAM kits. Our shared mission brings together educators, donors, families, and partners to create a space that reflects the needs of local children.

Today, kidSTREAM is under construction to open its permanent home on the site of the former Camarillo Public Library in 2026. The museum will feature immersive indoor and outdoor exhibit space inspired by Ventura County, built around hands-on STREAM learning — Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math. From a Channel Islands and Pacific Ocean exhibit, to a Pygmy Mammoth dig, greenhouse, outdoor amphitheater, and more. Every space is designed to invite exploration and discovery for children of all ages and abilities.

What began as an idea has become a shared community investment — one that will serve generations of children and families for years to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any large community project, the journey has had its obstacles. Building a children’s museum from the ground up takes time, patience, and a lot of persistence, especially as a nonprofit.

Over the years, we’ve raised funds, secured a permanent site, and worked through design and permits, all while serving families before construction began. The pandemic brought unexpected challenges, changing how families were able to engage with us, and recent construction has faced delays and complexities, which is common with projects of this scale.

What kept kidSTREAM moving forward was the belief in why this museum matters. Even without a permanent home, we found ways to reach children through community programs, pop-ups, and partnerships — staying connected to families while we worked toward the bigger goal. Now, through our Home Stretch Campaign, we’re focused on crossing the finish line and bringing this long-held vision to life for families across Ventura County and beyond.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At kidSTREAM, we believe that when children have the freedom to make choices and follow their curiosity, learning truly comes alive. Hands-on experiences allow them to test ideas, make connections, and learn through discovery rather than passive observation.

We are creating a children’s museum built around immersive, play-based STREAM learning across both indoor and outdoor environments. Our exhibits, future field trips, and on-site programs are designed to give children active ways to engage with learning through hands-on investigation and experimentation.

What sets kidSTREAM apart is our outdoor learning environment, inspired by Ventura County and fully integrated into the museum experience. From Channel Islands exploration and ocean science to prehistoric discovery and environmental learning, children will be able to move, climb, dig, build, and investigate as part of how they learn. Through this kind of pretend play, children practice social skills, creativity, and problem-solving as they explore how the world works. Together with our commitment to access and intentional design, kidSTREAM creates space for every child.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to us is making sure every child has the opportunity to explore, learn, and feel a sense of belonging. We believe that when children are given the freedom to be curious, try new things, and learn through play, they build confidence, creativity, and skills they’ll carry with them for life.

So much of early learning happens outside the classroom, and not every family has equal access to spaces that support that growth. That’s why kidSTREAM is focused on creating a museum that is welcoming, inclusive, and designed so children of all abilities can fully participate. When we invest in children and give them places to discover who they are and how the world works, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kidstream.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidstreamchildrensmuseum/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidSTREAMChildrensMuseum/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidstream-children’s-museum/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kidstreamchildrensmuseum
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kidstream