Christophe Laudamiel at Sniffaplooza Fall Ball 2015: The Academy of Perfumery & Aromatics “A Sense of Scents Edu-Kit” + Teaching Olfaction for Generation Next Draw

teencafleurebonTechnology-Addict

 Millenials are addicted to technology photo writeonnewjersey.com

On May 26th, 2011 I wrote a post about a startling McCann Erickson study that revealed  that 53% of millennials age 16-22 would trade their sense of smell for the latest technology.  For this generation, technology is not an add-on. With the Fragrance industry’s focus on millennials, who aren’t buying perfumes at the same pace as Gen X and Boomers.  Today I spoke at Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2015 during the lunch (full weekend report from Hernando coming soon with swag bag draw), but  as interesting as ÇaFleureBon may be, there was a more important presentation that shed new light on the future of olfaction.

christophe laudemiel

Christophe Laudamiel  presenting  A Sense of Scents Edu-kit at Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2015, that is a vintage  bottle of 1921 Coty Chypre in his hand (not included) Photo: MC

 The entire audience was moved by famed perfumer Christophe Laudamiel and The Academy of Perfume  & Aromatics  "Sense of Scents"  initiative  that teaches Elementary School children about fragrance and smell at an early age. Teachers can purchase a kit containing 20 “whispis”, dispensers that last up to 6 months filled with diverse, IFRA compliant aromatics such as Glacier, Apple, Leather, Cocoa, Bergamot, Rose , Feathers and Fur.

a sense of scents educational perfume kit

A Sense of Scents  kit with 20 whispis, scent maps and guides (photo The Academy of Perfume and Aromatics Website)

The aromatics are genuine accords and essences that will stimulate young children’s sense of smell, and each kit is accompanied by a study guide, educational tools, and  a scent map of the world. The kit  and materials cost $129.00, which is a small price to pay for the future of olfaction.  All documents  can be downloaded and are free.

 If you are not an educator, you can purchase the kit and donate it to your alma mater or local middle school anywhere in the world.

I am offering a random draw for a registered reader in the USA or Canada that is a win win for both reader and this important educational program. If you leave a comment with what you think about the state of olfaction or fragrance education, ÇaFleureBon will purchase A Sense of Scents kit and the winner will then tell us where to donate it (to the grade school teacher or school of their choice).  

 If you love fragrance, it’s up to you to ensure that “the kids are alright”. Draw closes October 27, 2015 and there better not be any spilled perfume

for more information log onto www.acadepa.org

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

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17 comments

  • ringthing says:

    This is such a great idea! My neighbor’s daughter is my adopted grandchild and I make her smell everything when we’re together, both outside and inside, especially while we are cooking. Kid’s lives are often so sanitized anymore that I wonder sometimes if they can smell anything beyond hand sanitizer and laundry detergent. Thanks for the awesome draw, I’m in the US.

  • fazalcheema says:

    wow this is quite a project. This is not the first time Christophe has come up with an innovative project. He also did amazing thing with that Mugler Coffret. I can only imagine how many perfumistas this project may create in the future. thanks a lot for the draw. i am in the US

  • madeleine gallay says:

    All that I know is what I’m learning from reading the beautiful, thoughtful posts here, from Mandy Apfel too. It’s all special and almost a secret language. I’ve come late to this and fallen madly in love with perfumery.

    I always walked with kids, touching rosemary or a citrus leaf, garden roses and jasmine, and kids are so good at understanding, and developing memories of fragrance.

    US.

  • Laurie Prior @Amazing_L1fe says:

    I never considered that people may be so engrossed in technology that they’d choose video games over sense of smell. Such an eye opening article. I had a friend who had a disease where he lost his ability to smell. I can’t even imagine going through life without experiencing all the nuances a memories a sense of smell can create. Hopefully this project will catch on and people will realize the importance of scent before it’s too late.

  • Systeme D says:

    If I win this draw, the kit will go to a deserving school in Chicago: The Eugene Field Elementary School (grades 4-8).

  • julesinrose says:

    I’d prefer someone else win who is not in so rural area (where kids are not as plugged into technology and disconnected from nature) so leave me out of the drawing. I just wanted to comment to say “kudos” for this project to all those involved. Cheers.

  • Ann says:

    In December, we’re presenting our 2nd Scent Explorers workshop for kids between 5-10 yrs. old and it is almost full already. Last year’s was so interesting, observing the kids’ reactions and listening to their comments. Have to get to them young!
    Am very interested in the Sense of Scents initiative…

  • Harry says:

    I have two sons 9 and 12 and they are always texting and playing video games. I tried to get them interested in apple picking, finding christmas trees so they could be outside and experience the glories of the natural world. My daughter is 7 and she loves to play dress up and wear her cinderella toilette water. I would like for her school and teacher to win this. This is so great I can’t believe no one else ever developed it before, but Christophe Laudamiel is really an innovative perfumer and even if I don’t win, I will show this at the next parent teacher meetint

  • rodelinda says:

    How could anyone choose technology over one of the five senses? I love the idea behind this kit — immerse kids in diverse scents before they lose interest. My daughter attends a public elementary school, and I know her teacher would be thrilled to receive a kit. Thanks for the drawing.

  • cressit says:

    What an great concept to start opening kids’ minds to the world of scent as a field to study and explore. I was lucky enough to hear Christophe speak about the program. I loved the the different ways he suggested teachers could use the kits, like having the scents inspire the students to draw a picture or write a story, or be more engaged with a geography lesson. A friend of mine teaches 9-year-olds in the LA public school system and most of them have never seen snow. I’d love them to get the chance to experience a glacier at their own desks!

  • sillage8 says:

    I think fragrance education is long overdue, smell is a neglected sense too often. I sure wish I had been more acquainted with my sense of smell as a child, and kids seem to like when I’ve added some interesting piece of trivia to their day from the olfactive world.

    Donating the kit to a school is a lovely idea, thank you.

  • Beckie Sheloske says:

    I was also in attendance to hear Christophe speak about his scent kits and not only do I think it is a good idea, I think it is a necessity! The sense of smell is the most important of all senses and sometimes the most overlooked. The sheer physiological workings of the sense of smell shows how utterly amazing it is. It is the only sense that is registered instantly and directly to the part of the brain that holds memory and emotion. Other senses travel to more than one center in the brain before being registered. All in all this is an important project and one that I absolutely support. I would love to donate a scent kit to a local classroom!

  • MichelleH says:

    This is a very cool idea…I would just love this for my kids school. Education needs to take a multi sensory approach, and olfaction is largely absent. I am in the USA

  • KatyK says:

    This is such an amazing concept and great approach to broadening the narrow approach to the education system. Kudos to Christophe for this proactive project!

  • tiffanie says:

    I teach music at an elementary school and have never encountered fragrance education. Students learn about their senses as part of their science education, but I would be surprised if they are given time to explore their sense of smell.

    I like to take time with my music students to explore, experience, enjoy, and evaluate types and styles of music. Students love having time to think freely and then creatively express their thoughts about what they hear and feel through music. We call this valuing and responding to music. I know the same type of valuing and responding experience using the sense of smell would be a wonderful opportunity for students.

    Hurray for A Sense of Scents!

  • Holly F. says:

    I would love for my daughter and her classmates to learn about this. At the ripe age of 5, she wants to be a scientist.. and this would provide some amazing experience and insights. Technology is important, but without this incredible sense where would we be? I’m in the US.