30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (July 20-26)
Plus some in-person stuff too! Yay!
Have some fun at home with our roundup of this week’s virtual activities! Stay safe (and cool) indoors!
Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND
All Week
IRL
It is surreal that this is even a section, but things are reopening (yay!) so don’t miss out on:
- Philadelphia Zoo (advance tickets required)
- Elmwood Park Zoo
- Outdoor Beer Gardens in Philly that welcome your kids! (including a new Parks on Tap location at Water Works!)
- Franklin Institute (read all about their new Presidents exhibit in our reopening preview)
- Gardens and Arboretums on the Main Line and beyond
- Franklin Square (mini golf, carousel rides, fountain shows, and more await you at the newly reopened park!)
Kith + Kin in the Park
Monday-Friday, 10 am
Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive
Every morning at Smith, Kith +Kin brings a special outdoor activity. From crafts to baby yoga and more, it’s a week of fun! Reservations required to ensure social distancing.
Summer Reading
Stay busy (and beat summer slide) with virtual summer reading programs in Philly and on the Main Line.
Snapology Online Camp: Minifigure Mania
Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon
In this online LEGO-based camp, kids ages 6-14 will create minifigure worlds. Pre-register online.
Snapology Online Camp: Movie Favorites
Monday-Friday, 1 pm
Kids will bring your favorite animated movies to LEGO life, including Toy Story, How to Train Your Dragon, and more. For ages 4-14. Pre-register online.
Snapology Online: Digital Escape Room Challenge
Monday-Friday, 2 pm
Students will participate in a week of Escape Snapology classes with themes including Minecraft, Fortnite, Egypt, Spy Mission, and Harry Potter. For ages 7-14. Pre-register online for the whole week or one day.
Mac’s Book Club Show with Author Mac Barnett
Weekdays at 3 pm
Book reading and discussion every day on the author’s Instagram at 3 pm.
Snapology Online: Movies
Monday-Friday, 5 pm
Unlike the three-hour camp listed above, this is just one hour a day. Movies include Onward, Trolls, Frozen, and more. Pre-register online for the whole week or for one day.
Nightly Met Opera Streams
Daily at 7:30 pm
Stream a different opera on the Metropolitan Opera’s website each night!
Monday
NLM @ Home: National Heroes Day
July 20, 10 am
Create your own comic book hero: YOU! Find out more about how the NLM bring heroes and superheroes to life. Learn about some of the amazing real-life heroes in the museum and see just how much they have in common with the fictional superheroes we all know and love. Then use that knowledge to create your very own superhero alter ego to tackle issues in our world today! Pre-register online, and a Zoom link and password will be sent an hour before the lesson is set to start.
Free Ballet Workshop (Ages 2-6)
July 20, 10 am
This interactive online workshop introduces children ages 2-6, and their families, to the movement and storytelling that makes ballet magical. Taught by Christina Castro-Tauser of International Ballet Exchange. Space is limited and registration is required (log-in details provided at registration). To register, email Ms. Meredith at mcgovernm@freelibrary.org.
Music Play Patrol
July 20, 10:30 am
Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.
PlayMusic Family
July 20, 10:30 am
PlayArts takes it online with Ms. Maria! Join a musical adventure right in your own living room for ages 4 and under. Through fun and familiar songs, sing, move, and play using simple materials you might have lying around your home. Click “Join Class” on their website when it’s time for class.
Stories with Cinderella
July 20, noon
Join Cinderella free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Merge Dance on Facebook
July 20, 1 pm
Ms. Christa joins Gladwyne Library with stories and dance for kids.
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
July 20, 1 pm
The Girls in Politics initiative introduces girls ages 10 to 15 the structure of the United States government, the state and federal electoral systems, and the ways that girls can become civically engaged in their communities. Pre-registration required online.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
July 20, 3–5:30 pm
For ages 8 and up. Up to eight players can play together on Kensington Library’s Minecraft Realm. For login details and Realm access contact the Kensington Neighborhood Library at underhilla@freelibrary.org
Virtual Read Aloud and Write
July 20, 3:30 pm
Listen to a fun read-aloud book along with suggestions and samples of writing activities kids can try at home. Videos are posted on Mondays on the Katharine Drexel Branch Library Facebook page.
PHS Beginner Food Growing Workshop Series
July 20, 4 pm
PHS hosts a free Zoom webinar to teach you how to grow food from home! It’s great if you’re thinking about participating in Harvest 2020 and need to get started.
Kids’ Circus Class
July 20, 4:15 pm
Kids ages 5-8 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Kidville’s Art With a Heart
July 20, 4:15 pm
Grow your compassion and heart through community art projects in Art with a Heart! Explore themes rooted in a weekly Do More Good Challenge that promotes kindness, connection, and community through story and hands-on art projects to spread love in your neighborhood. Free; pre-register online.
Ask a Naturalist
July 20, 5 pm
Tune in via Zoom to hear fun facts based on your questions to Schuylkill Center naturalists.
Snapology Movie Favorites: ‘Onward’
July 20, 5 pm
Kids ages 4-12 will step into the strange Onward world, make their very own magic staff, and create a LEGO scene depicting their own unique spells in action. Pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Songs and Bedtime Stories with Sleeping Beauty
July 20, 6 pm
Join Princess Aurora free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Tuesday
Spanish Storytime
July 21, 9:30 am
Learn some Spanish with your little one in this interactive, immersion-style Spanish storytime. Sing songs, dance, play games, and read a book.
Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)
July 21, 10 am
Join Ms. Amy from Jitterbugs Music and Movement, as she takes you on a yoga storytelling adventure which consists of a warm-up, adventure, and relaxation. During the story, children will work on 20-25 yoga postures. Registration required online. An email with the password and Zoom link will be sent on the day before the program.
Settlement Kids: Live
July 21, 10:30 am
Keep your kids entertained, engaged, and connected with free music and dance shows brought right to your home by Settlement Music School. Their Playshop, Workshop, and Creative Movement teachers will get you dancing, singing, and smiling on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Virtual Storytime with Parkway Central Library
July 21, 10:30 am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, music, movement, and lots of fun for children ages 2-7 and their caregivers. Storytime with a yoga and mindfulness twist! Storytime will be posted on the library’s Instagram (@freelibraryccd).
Virtual Planetarium Show for Kids: The Moon
July 21, 11:30 am
Using a planetarium simulator for the night sky, this free virtual event will introduce your kids to the Moon’s phases, as well as the personality of our planet Earth’s constant companion. Recommended for ages 6–10.
Free Storytime with Ariel
July 21, 11:35 am
Join the Little Mermaid for free virtual storytime and sing-along on Facebook Live.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
July 21, 1 pm
Kith + Kin’s new parent support groups are facilitated by trained doulas who help guide the transition into the new role of parenthood. Share stories, ask hard questions, and more. Pay what you can; join on Zoom via Kith + Kin’s website.
Learn Nature Words in English and Spanish with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
July 21, 1 pm
Join Ranger Sean for a bilingual Facebook live program. Learn five nature words in Spanish and English, and explore neighborhood nature.
Virtual Art with The Clay Studio
July 21, 1 pm
Join The Clay Studio weekly for a hands-on, virtual crafting session. Space is limited for the Zoom sessions, but the event will also be streamed live on the Youth Services and Programs Facebook page as well.
Broadway Dance Teen Tuesdays
July 21, 2–3:15 pm
Music Theatre Philly’s teaching artist Miss Julianna will lead teens ages 13-18 in a dance number from a different musical each week. This week, it’s Moulin Rouge. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Virtual Teen Cafe
July 21, 3:30 pm
Teens are invited to hang out, watch anime and movies, and play some games all while at that safe social distance.
Superhero Pretend Adventure Class
July 21, 4:15 pm
Little Heroes in Training, or “HIT Squad” will unlock a new themed adventure and develop their super skills and strength using only their imaginations and their bodies! Meanwhile, the class will guide big kids through skill-building challenges that would make any hero proud. This class is action-packed fun for all, and perfect for fighting the afternoon sillies in costume! Pre-register online.
Snapology Movie Favorites: Trolls
July 21, 5 pm
Kids ages 4-12 will create a dance floor and scene for the Trolls to dance on! Pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Zoom Magic Show
July 21, 6:30 pm
Enjoy a virtual magic show from the comfort of your own home thanks to Ardmore Library. Pre-register online to hold your spot and get the Zoom link. For ages 3 and up.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
July 21, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
July 22, 11 am
18th St. and the Parkway
Story hour and individual arts and crafts with Free Library of Philadelphia. Masks are required for adults and recommended for children over 2.
PlayMusic Family
July 22, 10:30 am
PlayArts takes it online with Ms. Maria! Join a musical adventure right in your own living room for ages 4 and under. Through fun and familiar songs, sing, move, and play using simple materials you might have lying around your home. Click “Join Class” on their website when it’s time for class.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper
July 22, 11 am
Join EPZ educators every Wednesday on Facebook live as they share with you the ins and outs of taking care of some of the planet’s most unique animals. Topics include enrichment, exhibit design, and training wild animals.
Virtual Storytime: Nature Fairy
July 22, 11 am
Join the fairy for a free online storytime. Join through the library’s Facebook group.
Penn Museum World Wonders
July 22, 11 am
Take a weekly trip around the world from the comfort of your own home! This week, learn how the ancient Egyptians used pictures, sounds, and something called “determinatives” to write monumental inscriptions. Engage with one of the world’s first written languages and end with a fun activity of writing your name in hieroglyphs. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.
Yoga@Play on Zoom
July 22, 11 am
Bond with your toddler through a yoga adventure, doing poses, mindfulness activities, and games. Free; pre-registration required online via Gladwyne Library.
Virtual Visit with the Philly Goat Project
July 22, 11 am
Take a virtual visit to The Philly Goat Project, a unique urban-agricultural program. Meet the goats, see where they live, learn all about their lives, and more. This visit will take place on the library’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/).
Virtual Art Tales: Freedom
July 22, 11 am
Hear Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards, and then make paper versions of freedom quilts, which helped enslaved people travel safely along the Underground Railroad. Free on Facebook live.
Virtual Storytime with Parkway Central Library
July 22, 11:30 am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, music, movement, and lots of fun for children ages 2-7 and their caregivers. Storytime with a yoga and mindfulness twist! Storytime will be posted on the library’s Instagram (@freelibraryccd).
Storytime with the Snow Princess
July 22, noon
Anna will delight you with her stories and songs on Facebook live.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
July 22, 4 pm
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar is an advocacy and fundraising webinar designed for the passionate young activist. For girls ages 13 to 17, this class begins with an introduction to the policy-making process then explores the ways to advocate and issue campaigns. The class concludes with fundraising planning. Pre-registration required online.
Kids’ Circus Class
July 22, 4:15 pm
Kids ages 5-8 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Snapology Online: How to Train Your Dragon
July 22, 5 pm
From Toothless, the famous Night Fury, to Grump the Hotburple, kids age 4-12 can recreate their favorite dragon using LEGOs. Pre-register online.
Princess Party with Queen Elsa
July 22, 6:30 pm
Queen Elsa is making a royal Zoom visit to Ridley Township Public Library. Join the Ice Queen for songs, stories, games, Q & A, and more. Registration is required online. An email with the password and Zoom link will be sent on the day before the program.
Thursday
National Liberty Museum’s Read and Romp
July 23, 10 am
This week, read Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells and do fun activities in this free Facebook Live event.
Settlement Kids: Live
July 23, 10:30 am
Keep your kids entertained, engaged, and connected with free music and dance shows brought right to your home by Settlement Music School. Their Playshop, Workshop, and Creative Movement teachers will get you dancing, singing, and smiling on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
PlayArts Movement Lab (ages 4 and under)
July 23, 10:30 am
Join Ms. Margot on an exploration of basic movement and dance concepts. You’ll need some space to move around, and lots of energy. Join the free class on the PlayArts website.
Stories and Songs with Peter Pan
July 23, 11 am
Join Peter Pan for an exciting storytime journey to Neverland on Facebook Live.
Trolls Dance Party
July 23, 11:30 am
In this one-day class, kids ages 6-10 will learn jazz dances and techniques all to the fun songs from Trolls World Tour! Pre-register online.
Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Animals
July 23, noon
Parents and kids ages 3-5 will learn about animals and build some using LEGO or DUPLO blocks. Pre-register online.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
July 23, 1 pm
Kith + Kin moves their group online so you can continue on your journey while you’re home. Facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant who can help answer your questions and provide tips for success, the group meets on Zoom (call-in info in the link in title); pay what you can over Venmo.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
July 23, 1 pm
The Introduction to Government for Girls webinar teaches girls ages 8-9 about the structure of the United States government at the local, state, and federal levels. Students also learn about the electoral system and the ways citizens can participate in government. Pre-register online.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
July 23, 4 pm
The Free Library will post a video every Thursday on their social media pages for Thursday Crafternoons! Miss Mary will share a story and then talk about a craft that relates.
Business 101 for Girls Webinar
July 23, 4 pm
Business 101 for Girls Webinar introduces girls ages 10 to 15 to basic business principles including the forms and types of businesses, business strategy, marketing, and finance. The student workbook includes a template for students to create a business and a business pitch. Students will participate in a second webinar next week to present their business to fellow participants who will form a panel of mock investors. Pre-registration required online.
Beyond Your Backyard: Explore African Culture
July 23, 4:15 pm
Each week, join Ms. Vasthy to explore different African cultures and learn how African influences have shaped the culture of that week’s city or country. Free; pre-register online.
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
July 23, 4:30 pm
Be Well With Beth’s classes give parents a full-body strength and flexibility workout using body weight, bands (or whatever you have laying around), and even your little one as resistance. Come for a great work out, stay for the play, social time, and conversation with other parents and kids! Plus, stay online at the end for an additional 15 minutes to discuss nutrition and meal planning with Beth, who is also a registered dietitian nutritionist!
Snapology Online: Toy Story
July 23, 5 pm
Kids age 4-12 can explore favorite Toy Story characters and their amazing adventures in this one-hour virtual LEGO class. Pre-register online.
Pajama Storytime
July 23, 6:30 pm
Listen to fun sleepytime stories in your pajamas, and don’t forget your favorite stuffed friend! Join via Lovett Memorial Library’s Facebook page.
Preschool Readiness Discussion
July 23, 7:30 pm
Join Miss Catherine, a child development specialist and former preschool teacher to help guide you through readiness skills to set your child up for success over the summer. Additionally, the class will discuss the transition to school– whether virtual or in-person– and how to get kids excited. Pre-registration required online via Kith + Kin’s website.
Friday
In Person: Parkway Pals Concert at Sister Cities Park
July 24, 11 am
18th St. and the Parkway
Guests of all ages are invited to relax on the lawn (6 feet apart, of course) as a local singer-songwriter performs. Masks are required for adults and recommended for children over 2.
Virtual Music and Movement with Parkway Central Library
July 24, 8:30 am
Join Ms. Naomi on Facebook live (ParkwayCentralChildrens) for Music and Movement! Enjoy songs, dancing, and fun exploring rhythm and movement. Can’t watch live? The program will be available on Facebook as a recorded video after the program. Intended for ages 2-7 years but all are welcome.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 4-7)
July 24, 9:30 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s “Heroes and Villains” as the kids tackle songs from The Little Mermaid. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
PlayMusic Family
July 24, 10:30 am
PlayArts takes it online with Ms. Maria! Join a musical adventure right in your own living room for ages 4 and under. Through fun and familiar songs, sing, move, and play using simple materials you might have lying around your home. Click “Join Class” on their website when it’s time for class.
Dragons and Tacos Party
July 24, 10:30 am
All taco-loving dragons are welcome for a fun Facebook live storytime.
Drag Queen Storytime with Philadelphia Family Pride
July 24, 11 am
Hear stories about self-love, diversity, and acceptance with our favorite Drag Queen Miss Brittany Lynn! Sing-along with the Story Time Puppets, make some healthy and delicious treats during snack time fun, and much more! Join free on Facebook Live.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 8-12)
July 24, 11 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s “Heroes and Villains” as the kids tackle songs from The Lion King. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
July 24, 11 am
WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!
At-Home Anthro with the Penn Museum
July 24, 1 pm
Bring your natural curiosity and craftiness into free live learning sessions by Penn Museum educators, on Facebook. Join these 30-minute sessions—perfect for elementary to middle school kids—to dig deeper into world cultures, archaeology, or anthropology with demonstrations of hands-on projects you can try at home!
Trolls Dance Party
July 24, 1:30 pm
In this one-day class, kids ages 6-10 will learn jazz dances and techniques all to the fun songs from Trolls World Tour! Pre-register online.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
July 24, 3–5:30 pm
For ages 8 and up. Up to eight players can play together on Kensington Library’s Minecraft Realm. For login details and Realm access contact the Kensington Neighborhood Library at underhilla@freelibrary.org
Fantasy Fridays: Superhero Spider Senses
July 24, 3:30 pm
Interact with Spider-Man via Zoom and see DMNH’s live tarantula! Pre-register online.
Snapology Online: Frozen Fjords
July 24, 5 pm
Snapology hosts an online class for ages 5-12 via Zoom. Examine the benefits of building a castle like Arendelle in a location surrounded by water and mountains, also known as a fjord. Then, work to create your own protective fjord valley fit for a kingdom! Pre-register and pay online; space is limited.
Parkway Central Library’s Virtual Bedtime Storytime
July 24, 6:30 pm
Mx. Kate is checking in with their stuffed animal friends, reading bedtime stories and folktales, and then ending storytime singing a lullaby or two. This program is intended for ages 8 and under, but all are welcome to join on Facebook.
Weekend Events
All Weekend
The Parking Lot Social
July 25 and 26
Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad Street
This event combines a socially distanced drive-in setting with innovative entertainment all week. Both Saturday and Sunday from 1—3 pm, it’s Social Kids, with activities like The Big Family Trivia Contest, Boy vs. Girl and Parent vs. Kid Silent Disco, Car-A-Oke, and Bingo. The night of Sunday, July 26, stick around for a classic drive-in movie experience for all ages: Grease. That’s right, you can sing along to “Stranded at the Drive-In” at a drive-in! Tickets available online; read more about the event and its safety measures in our preview.
Saturday
Why Won’t My Child Sleep?
July 25, 10 am
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant Erica Desper leads a 1.5-hour class exploring the most common causes of child sleep issues and their solutions. Pre-register online with Main Line Family Education.
Virtual Christmas in July Sing-Along with Elsa and Anna
July 25, 10 am
Join Elsa and Anna to celebrate Christmas in July in this fun virtual sing-along.
Anna and Spider-Man on Facebook Live
July 25, 10 am
Prefer Spidey to Elsa? No problem! This event is going on at the same time as the above on Facebook Live, too!
Disney Junior Themed Dance and Play
July 25, 10 am
Children ages 3-7 will be lead in fun dance moves and movements set to the theme songs and other music from popular Disney Junior shows. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.
Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class
July 25, 10 am
In this virtual workshop by Portside Arts Center, children will explore a variety of age-appropriate art techniques learning basic 2D and 3D art skills and create a new art project each week. Enroll in one class or a four-class pack.
Virtual Schuylkill Saturday
July 25, 10:30 am
Dive into a new topic each week with one of the Schuylkill Center’s environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home as well!
Kawaii Breakfast Club: Learn to Draw
July 25, 10:30 am
Kids ages 7-11 will learn step-by-step how to draw five different types of cute Kawaii breakfast foods. Pre-register online.
Music Theatre Philly’s Satur-SLAY Family Dance: Hamilton
July 25, 11 am
The whole family will learn choreography from a live, guided class, taught by an amazing MTP Teaching Artist over Zoom. This week, it’s Hamilton! For kids ages 6 and up and their families. Pre-register online.
Preschool Jedi Training
July 25, 11 am
Children ages 3-5 will perform cool and fun fitness moves while practicing their lightsaber skills. Then, they can showcase their awesome moves in a freestyle battle! Pre-register online.
Harry Potter Reads ‘Harry Potter’
July 25, 11 am
Join Harry Potter as he shares one of his adventures with you on Facebook Live. Free for wizards and witches of all ages.
Virtual Teen Artist Workshop
July 25, noon
This virtual workshop by Portside Arts Center is designed to help teens build a portfolio of work for school or personal use. The workshops will allow students to expand their artistic skill sets as well as to investigate their individuality and unique identities. They will create a new work of art each week. Pre-register online for one class or for a four-class pack.
Animal Crossing Club
July 25, 2—4 pm
Join Ms. Emily on Haverford Island and help her recreate HTFL in Animal Crossing on Saturdays from 2—4 pm. Hang out with other library friends, visit the Stop N’ Swap, and more at the virtual library. Bring items to swap with others, and share your item codes to have your art featured in the Art Corner! The day’s Dodo Code will be posted on Instagram and Facebook at 1:50 pm.
Baking Apple Crumble With Snow White
July 25, 3 pm
Join Snow White and learn how to bake some delicious and easy apple crumble. The recipe will be posted in the Facebook event so you can follow along and enjoy this delicious treat!
Bedtime Stories With Snow White
July 25, 7 pm
Check back in with Snow White later in the day for some bedtime stories and songs over Facebook live.
Sunday
Yoga Camping Adventure
July 26, 10 am
This class will teach a variety of yoga poses all centered around the theme of camping and outdoor fun with yoga songs and games. The class will also include explanation and learning about meditation techniques, breathing exercises, and the use of visualization for relaxation. For ages 5-8. Pre-register online.
Spring Crafts Sundays with the Free Library
July 26, 10:30 am
Check out Parkway Central Library’s social media platforms to follow step-by-step instructions on creating a fun and easy springtime craft.
Marvel Yoga
July 26, 11 am
Ages 7-12 will learn some common yoga poses with a Marvel twist! Pre-register online.
Bartram’s Garden Family Art Workshop: Butterflies, Bees, & Spotted Lanternfly
July 26, 1–3 pm
Make beautiful creations inspired by these tiny and most colorful residents of Bartram’s Garden as you learn about these creatures’ different impacts on our ecosystem. Join free over Facebook.
In Person: Elmwood Park Zoo’s Christmas in July
July 26, 2–3 pm
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
If you’re enjoying a socially distant visit to EPZ on Sunday, keep your eyes open for Santa, because he’ll be riding around and will be available for photos at an appropriate distance.
123 Andrés Concert
July 26, 5 pm
123 Andrés are Latin-Grammy winners making silly, sweet, and bilingual music and media for children and families. Watch their free online concert on their Facebook page.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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