Last year, I held an Arduino workshop for local Venturers (see http://fra.scouts.ca/ca/news/stem-workshop-creativity-shows). Am thinking of hold another this year, but the focus for this one would be making Chinese lanterns using FastLED. Here’s some examples I’ve already made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkZTKiHFRQI&list=UU_xLg0JvlqOnil7uj8CL8sQ
Very nice!
Battery powered?
Of course. 4xAA.
Very nice!
My basic “learner kit” for classes has been either:
(1) Nano + 30xWS2811 + 4xAA battery case with 5v USB out + short little blue mini usb cable.
or
(2) Leonardo clone + 30xWS2811 + 9v battery + 9v-to-barrel-connector cable.
My plan for the next class is:
(3) Leonardo clone + 30xWS2811 + 3xAA-battey-holder-with-micro-USB-connector http://www.dfrobot.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1130
I actually like option one for power, as those battery cases often have a power switch.
What’s the kit you do with folks? And how old / experienced are your students?
Last year, I used a full Arduino Starter kit (see link below). Here’s my Slideshare for the 2 workshops I held: Arduino Workshop
Most of the 14-17 year old youth started off with no experience, and by the end of the day, a few were programming a servo, an 8x2 serial LCD and even a stepper motor. It was a huge success.
This year, I hope to make those lanterns, with the switchable battery packs. They’re inexpensive, and I know this great library I can use. 
So, my new kit would be very much like your kit #1, but with fewer LED’s.